India's National Green Tribunal (NGT) circuit bench of Jodhpur has ordered the closure of 739 textile factories in Balotra, Jasol and Birthuia until July 9. If they wish to reopen, they have to obtain a hazardous waste disposal authorisation from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB).

These orders followed a joint common effluent treatment plant (CETP) inspection report completed by the Central Pollution Control Board and RSPCB that was submitted in court, stating that the CEPT had not been adhering to the rules laid by pollution control boards regarding the consent to operate and the disposal of hazardous waste.

The joint report recommended installation of adequate capacity reverse osmosis plants immediately to reuse treated water in the member units and acquire land for the evaporation of reverse osmosis rejects. NGT has directed the Prabodhan Samiti advocacy organisation chaired by the district collector to regularly monitor the CETP and address any shortcomings of its operation or compliance with the rules.

The tribunal has also requested that a report outlining the textile units’ sources of water in Jodhpur and Pali be submitted by July 9. Nearly 900 textile units were ordered to close by the RSPCB for failing to install CETPs, resulting in 18 million liters of untreated chemical water being discharged into the Drayvawati river every day.