In a historic intervention, the Central Government has successfully brokered a ₹450-crore structural solution to resolve the long-standing pollution and industrial wastewater dispute between Haryana and Rajasthan. The agreement, reached during a high-level meeting chaired by the Union Environment Minister, aims to permanently address the seasonal flooding and toxic water discharge that has plagued the Dharuhera (Haryana) and Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) border regions.
The Core Conflict For over a decade, the industrial hub of Bhiwadi in Rajasthan has been accused of discharging untreated chemical waste and rainwater into the low-lying residential areas of Dharuhera in Haryana. This has led to severe waterlogging on National Highway 48, groundwater contamination, and a persistent legal battle between the two state governments.
The ₹450-Crore Blueprints The Centre has approved a joint infrastructure project to manage the drainage and treatment of industrial effluents:
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Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP): A significant portion of the funds will be used to upgrade and expand the CETP in Bhiwadi to ensure that 100% of industrial waste is treated before release.
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Dedicated Drainage Pipeline: A new, high-capacity underground drainage system will be constructed to bypass residential colonies. This pipeline will safely channel treated water and storm runoff to designated disposal points.
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Funding Split: The project will be funded through a collaborative model involving the Central Government, the Rajasthan Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO), and the Haryana government.
The Implementation Plan The meeting, attended by senior officials from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Chief Secretaries of both states, established a strict timeline:
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SPV Formation: A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be created to execute and maintain the project.
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Monitoring: Real-time water quality monitoring sensors will be installed at the border to track discharge levels and toxicity.
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Completion Target: The structural work is expected to be completed within 18 months, with interim measures like heavy-duty pumping stations to be deployed before the 2026 monsoon.
Official Statements “This is a win-win for both states. We have moved from litigation to collaboration. Our priority is the health of the citizens and the protection of the environment in this crucial industrial belt,” the Union Minister stated.
The residents of Dharuhera, who have staged numerous protests over the years, have welcomed the move but emphasized that “strict enforcement” will be key to the success of this multi-crore plan.
