JAIPUR: A temporary unit set up to cast an 84,000kg swinging bell on the banks of Chambal river as part of the riverfront project in Kota has drawn flak from environmentalists, residents and politicians.
Once it's made, the bell, which will be hung on the riverfront, is expected to set a record as being one of the largest bells in the world.
Environmentalists allege that the casting unit, which falls under the red category of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), has been set up without taking the board's consent.
Moreover, the unit has been established in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS). It has also not taken the mandatory permission from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
Rashtriya Jal Biradari state vice-president Brijesh Vijayvargiya said the drains from the unit were already dumping untreated toxic waste into the river.
The newly planned unit for pouring metal into the mould would lead to further pollution, he added. "A foundry and boilers will be set up, violating the norms. Moreover, heavy metal waste will be discharged into the river which will not only pollute Chambal but also disturb the ecosystem. Instead of treating the polluted river, the government is squandering money in the name of beautification," he said.
As per estimates, 225 trucks of green sand, five trucks of sodium silicate, 12 trucks of carbon dioxide, three trucks of LPG and 20,000 litres of diesel are likely to be used to cast the bell.
Despite several attempts, RSPCB regional officer Rakesh Gupta remained unavailable for comments. However, a reliable source confirmed that no permission, including consents to establish and operate the unit, has been taken from the board. "The agency has set up a unit falling under the red category near a residential area, which could prove to be dangerous," the source said.
The estimated cost of the bell is Rs 15–18 crore. It will weigh a total of 8.4 tonnes, have a width of 35 feet and height of 34 feet. The engineers claimed it would hang at a height of 70 feet from the ground on a platform. Around 400 people will be able to stand beneath it.
It is claimed that the bell will be heard at a distance of 8km. This will create noise pollution and disturb residents living in nearby areas. Kota south MLA Sandeep Sharma said, "The project is not only damaging the environment, but will also waste hard-earned public money to beautify the riverfront which is not required. Also, no consent has been taken from the locals who are living nearby. People want basic facilities and not these fancy projects," he said.
