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  Bichhri, Rajasthan, India

 Site Description
 Human Exposure & Health Impact
 Site Progress

Site Description 

Location & Description of Site
This site, which was a small industrial estate (320 hectares or 791 acres) manufacturing dyes and dye intermediaries in the state of Rajasthan, was ordered closed by the government in 1990 (though manufacturing appears to have continued in some plants till 1995). It remains a significantly polluted place due to inadequate remediation post-closure. Indiscriminate surface dumping of sludge, along with irrigation with contaminated groundwater since 1989-90, has contributed to devastating soil contamination.

According to the Centre for Science and Environment, the groundwater of Bichhri is stark red. And as the groundwater moves naturally to other aquifers, it pollutes that water as well. Seventy wells used by some 10,000 residents have been rendered completely useless, and the 22 villages are without any drinking water now.

Contaminant Type, Source & Quantity
Soil
• Thousands of tonnes of contaminated sludge have been improperly disposed of, in pits and scattered in the open. Sludge contains zinc, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, copper, and toxic organica such as benzidine.

Water:
• Some 80 wells have been polluted due to discharge of dangerous chemicals into irrigation canals.
• According to a report by the Indian Environmental Department, wastewater from dye plants flowed through Udaisagar canal across the entire region while rainwater washed the sludge across the soil into the groundwater. An official survey indicated that groundwater up to 70 feet below the ground level had been contaminated over an area of 7 sq km, affecting 8,000 people in seven villages. The NEERI report to study the extent of contamination in this area said that an amount of Rs 40 million ($888,000) will be needed to reverse the process of soil and groundwater contamination.
• High COD of the waste water (90 g/L) could be attributed to organics formed during various stages of manufacture. These include nephthalene trisulphonic acid, nitro nephthalene sulphonic acid, Koch acid and H-acid, besides several other intermediates.


Human Exposure & Health Impact 

Number of Potentially Affected People
8,000 directly in Bichhri. The affected population would probably be larger, due to groundwater contamination.

Health Impact of Pollutant
Despite closure, local inhabitants are still able to be contaminated by skin contact with water & sludge, inhalation of dust, and ingestion of contaminated fish, ground water & sediments.
•  failing eyesight
•  skin diseases
•  respiratory problems

Generic types of health problems found in these kinds of polluted sites include:
•  bladder & kidney cancer

Site Progress

November 2004: Site reviewed by the Technical Advisory Board. Blacksmtih Institute will visit this site.