Jaigaon, a town at India’s border with Bhutan, is confronting severe waste disposal issues, particularly related to plastic, construction, and medical waste, which are often dumped along the Torsa River. This pollution threatens both the local ecosystem and Jaigaon’s reputation as a key tourist and trade hub. Local leaders, like Jayant Mundra from the Joint Forum of Business Association Jaigaon, emphasize the need for municipal waste management facilities to address the growing waste problem, exacerbated during rainy seasons when litter is washed into homes and public spaces.
Environmental activists highlight the dangers of open burning of waste, releasing toxic pollutants that endanger riverine wildlife, including rhinos and migratory birds. Dipankar Saha, a former official with the Central Pollution Control Board, stresses the interdependence between river health and surrounding ecosystems and agriculture. Residents are also suffering health issues related to pollution, with complaints about foul odors and frequent illnesses among children.
Legal expert Sabyasachi Chatterjee points out that dumping waste along riverbanks violates Indian laws, which apply uniformly regardless of location, yet the real hurdle lies in enforcing existing policies, as noted by circular economy expert Swati Singh Sambyal. The situation gained public attention thanks to local content creator Rock Lama, leading to community cleanup initiatives every Sunday. The Jaigaon Development Authority has refrained from commenting on the issue.
