Snowy Allure and Environmental Stress: Kishangarh's Marble Slurry Dilemma

Abstract

Amidst India's significant marble production, particularly in Rajasthan, the Kishangarh dumping yard has undergone a notable transformation from a marble slurry accumulation site to a popular tourist spot. Despite this shift, concerns persist regarding environmental and public health impacts, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable waste management strategies. This study utilizes historical satellite data, focusing on Landsat imagery from 1998 to 2023, to establish a reliable Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) centred around the marble slurry location. The comprehensive NDVI mapping reveals the expanding influence of marble slurry on vegetation dynamics, drawing attention from niche tourist demographics and younger generations. The case of Kishangarh illustrates the complex interplay between economic, ecological, and aesthetic factors in the modern era, showcasing a narrative of transforming disorder into viral online content.