In Rajasthan, textile mills represent an important economic sector. Pali district particularly in Rajasthan has got largest number of textile industries mostly engaged in cotton and synthetic textile printing and dyeing i.e.989 units. These industries release different kinds of chemicals, dyes, acids and alkalis besides other toxic compounds which are known for their hazardous properties. National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered suspension of work in textile dying and printing units in Pali district that are operating without approval from the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board.

The order will affect nearly 80 per cent of about 600 dying and printing units in the district. The Jodhpur bench of the NGT has also sought a compliance report of its order on May 2, the next date for the hearing.

NGT Chairman Justice Swantanter Kumar pronounced the order while hearing a petition by Shri Kissan Paryavaran Sangharsh Samiti who drew the attention of the tribunal towards this crucial pollution issue creating by industrial units operation dyeing and printing of fabric in Pali district.

Order for suspension has come up to safeguard river Bandi and Nehra Dam from pollution caused by the effluent. An excessive and indiscriminate use of dyestuffs has become increasingly a subject of environmental concern. These dyes can enter the environment through the industrial effluents of dye manufacturing plants and from textile dyeing and printing operations, as wastewater effluents. A total of 7 dyes were tested for their mutagenicity, by Ames assay, using strain TA 100 of Salmonella typhimurium.