Bandi River

The Bandi is a tributary of the river Luni in the state of Rajasthan, India. Its main drainage is in the district of Pali, which is a historical place in India. It is a seasonal river which dries up in the summer seasons, like the many other seasonal rain-fed rivers of the Rajasthan region. To help in irrigation, the Nehada Dam was built to store monsoon rain-water. However, the dam, which could only store polluted water, led to a disaster in the scenario of agriculture. Textile units situated near this river were found to dispose of the textile wastes like dyes into the water of this river. Out of the four Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) which are maintained by the Pali Water Pollution Control Research Foundation (PWCRF) to take care of the treatment of the polluted water of the river, three lost the consent for their operations. The CEPTs attempted to save the cost of treating the waste the water of 800 units. Water was either untreated, or just partially treated. This water was discharged into the dried up river. The Nehna Dam stored this water and as a result, the groundwater was contaminated. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) took samples of the river water and tested them. The samples were from various parts of the river, starting from the CETPs, to drains of the industries that went into the river. They also gathered samples from the wells and hand pumps from the villages downstream. They found that the river water was contaminated with metals and toxic dyes. As a result, a large number of people gathered around the CETPs’ foundation office and forced the officials to stay inside for more than 8 hours. The CETPs are now allowed to operate under standards and capacity as permitted by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. The livelihood of the people inhabiting the villages in the downstream catchment areas is dependent on this river. They get drinking water from this river, as well as water for irrigation, even though the river is seasonal. The river supplies water to Luni, which is a very important river running through the dry, drought-prone areas of Rajasthan. It supports a rich aquatic life. Hence, the livelihood of these people is largely hampered due to the pollution of the river water. So, the textile industries have agreed to take quick actions for the prevention of the contamination of the river water. The government of the state of Rajasthan is quite strict in making sure that the river is not exploited and that the water of the river system is pure enough to be used by the people.

Course

The River rises at 25°15’N latitude and 72°56'e Longitude. It joins the Mithai and Khari rivers near the pickup weir of Bombadra, and after this confluence, it is known as the Bandi River. It then flows for about 45 km after which it joins the Luni River near the Lakhar village.

The Hemawas dam (near Hemawas) is on this river. This is the third largest dam in the Pali district. The headquarter of Pali, the district through which the river flows, is also located on the bank of this river.  The drainage area of this river is about 1,685 sq. km. The river flows up to 25°55’N Latitude and 73°57'E Longitude.

Tributaries

The Rivers Khari and Mithai meet at pickup weir of Bombadra. This confluence gives rise to the Bandi River.

Mithai

The River rises in the Aravalli Hills in the district of Pali, and disappears in the Jellore District. It has a catchment area of about 1,644 sq. km. and has Temple Nimbeshwar located on its bank. Bali in India and Falna are part of its drainage.

Khari

This River originates near Matana Madh village in Gujarat. This 50 km. long river covers a basin of 113 sq. km.

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