Subscribe
Marble slurry waste in Rajasthan is a growing environmental issue due to the state's extensive marble mining and processing industries. Rajasthan is one of the largest producers of marble in the world, and regions like Makrana, Rajsamand and Udaipur are known for their marble deposits.
The marble from Makrana has had a historical reputation and was used in the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
However, during the cutting and polishing of marble, a by-product known as marble slurry is produced. This slurry is a mixture of fine dust particles of marble and water, often combined with chemicals used in the processing.
The sheer volume of slurry generated each year—estimated to be around 30 million tons—poses significant challenges in terms of waste disposal and environmental sustainability.
The improper disposal of marble slurry leads to widespread land and water pollution. When dumped in open fields or along rivers and lakes, the slurry disrupts natural water flow and clogs water bodies, leading to contamination of local water resources. This not only affects the water quality but also harms the ecosystems that depend on these water sources.
Additionally, the slurry's fine dust particles can become airborne, degrading air quality and contributing to respiratory issues for people living in the vicinity. On land, the alkaline nature of the slurry changes the soil's pH, making it difficult for plants to grow and causing soil degradation. This has contributed to the desertification of some areas, further exacerbating the region's environmental problems.
The health risks associated with marble slurry are also concerning. Workers in the marble industry are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases, especially silicosis, a condition caused by inhaling fine dust particles containing silica. This chronic lung disease can have devastating effects on workers' health, particularly in areas where proper safety measures are not enforced. Additionally, communities living near slurry disposal sites face the risk of similar health issues.
In response to this problem, there have been efforts to recycle and reuse marble slurry. Some innovative solutions have been developed, such as using the slurry in the production of bricks, tiles, and even as a substitute for cement in construction.