Rajasthan’s ‘Mini Switzerland’ Hides a Serious Environmental Crisis

The Kishangarh Marble Dumping Yard in Rajasthan has become a popular destination for tourists, filmmakers and couples looking for pre-wedding photoshoots. Its striking white hills and blue water bodies resemble the snow-covered mountains and lakes of Kashmir or Switzerland, earning it names such as ‘Mini Switzerland’ and the ‘Moonland of Rajasthan’. However, the picturesque landscape is actually the result of years of indiscriminate dumping of marble waste from processing units. Kishangarh is one of India’s major marble and granite processing centres, where thousands of industries generate large quantities of waste. Around 1,000 tanker loads of marble waste are reportedly dumped in open areas every day. Over time, the accumulated white marble powder, which mainly contains calcium carbonate, has formed hill-like mounds, while rainwater collected in the pits has created artificial blue lakes. The unusual scenery has gone viral on social media, attracting hundreds of visitors for film and pre-wedding shoots.

Behind this visual appeal lies a serious threat to public health and the environment. Marble dust in the air is reportedly contributing to respiratory problems, including asthma, persistent cough, chest infections and allergies, among people living in nearby villages. Industrial waste has also raised concerns about groundwater contamination, increased Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and damage to agricultural land, reducing soil quality and crop yields. Studies by the Central University of Rajasthan and other research institutions have reportedly highlighted high levels of fine particulate matter, including PM2.5, as well as concerns about hazardous fibres such as tremolite asbestos and heavy metals like fluoride, copper, zinc and nickel in soil samples. Environmentalists approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over the alleged illegal dumping. The tribunal criticised the local authorities for failing to enforce pollution-control rules and pointed out the absence of essential safeguards, including an engineered liner system, dust suppression measures and a green belt across the 82-acre dumping site. It also directed authorities to take action against non-compliant marble units and strengthen monitoring. Pollution-control measures are now reportedly being initiated in the area.