Dausa,Nov.08,2025:Morel Dam pollution is not just a local issue—it’s a rapidly escalating ecological crisis in Rajasthan that threatens one of India’s most important migratory bird habitats. Located in the Lalsot subdivision of Dausa district, the earthen dam (described as Asia’s largest “kaccha” or unlined/mud embankment dam) has historically functioned as a sanctuary for around 20,000 migratory birds annually–
Now, due to unchecked industrial effluent from the dyeing-printing sector in nearby Sanganer (Jaipur region), its waters have become toxic, posing a serious risk to wildlife, human health and Rajasthan’s natural heritage. The time for attention and action is very short.
The dam, the river and the region
The Morel Dam sits on the Morel River in the Lalsot sub-division of Dausa district. It is described as Asia’s largest “kaccha” (earth-fill or unlined) dam.
Geographical context
- The dam lies downstream of the Sanganer region of Jaipur, where industrial wastewater and dyeing unit effluents enter the Morel River and eventually reach the dam.
- The region’s wetlands and the dam serve as an annual wintering ground for migratory birds, with arrivals beginning around October and continuing through February.
Ecological significance
The dam has been more than just a water reserve—it has been a sanctuary for rare and migratory bird species: from the Greater Flamingo to the Rosy Starling, the Indian Skimmer and many others.
What exactly is happening at Morel Dam
Water colour and smell
Local residents report the water of Morel Dam turning black and green with a foul odour over several months. Fish are dying, aquatic vegetation is rotting.
Chemicals detected or suspected
According to statements by experts-
- Dyeing industry effluents containing ammonia, arsenic, lead and heavy metals are reaching the dam via the Morel River.
- These pollutants threaten aquatic life, birds and ultimately human health via the food chain.
Impact on the birds
Whereas historically about 20,000 birds would descend annually in the winter, this season the count is “very low or negligible” according to experts.
Industrial discharge pathway
The dye-printing units of Sanganer discharge untreated or partially treated wastewater into the Morel River, which flows into the dam. Despite many warnings, no decisive action has been taken till now.
The threat to migratory birds and biodiversity
Who comes here and why
Between October and February, the Morel Dam hosts species such as-
- Greater Flamingo
- Rosy Starling
- Common Teal
- Painted Stork
- Lapwing
- Openbill Stork
- Sanderling
- Black-tailed Godwit
- Osprey
- Indian Skimmer
These birds rely on the dam’s water and its surrounding wetlands for feeding, roosting and as a safe stopover on long migratory routes.
Loss of habitat, loss of numbers
This year the usual large flocks have failed to appear in expected numbers. The contaminated water has deterred the birds from settling, threatening the dam’s reputation as a bird-tourism and biodiversity hotspot.
Wider ecological cascading effects
When birds skip the dam, entire ecological linkages (nutrient flows, predation of insects, aquatic plant-animal interactions) falter. Fish die, plants rot, the entire wetland health deteriorates. The experts warn: “If Morel Dam loses its ecological identity, we will have lost much more than just a bird sanctuary.”
Causes of the contamination
Source of effluents
Around the Sanganer area of Jaipur, dye-printing and textile finishing units discharge wastewater containing dyes, chemicals, heavy metals like arsenic and lead, and high ammonia. These flow untreated or inadequately treated into the Morel River, then into the dam.
Treatment capacity and enforcement gap
Local communities say though warnings have been issued repeatedly, responsible authorities have failed to-
- Ensure high-quality effluent treatment plants (ETPs) are installed and maintained.
- Monitor discharge standards strictly.
- Stop illegal dumping of industrial wastewater into the river.
Time-lag of effect
Experts note that the contamination has built up over years rather than overnight. What we are seeing now (the drastic drop in bird numbers, fish deaths and foul water) is the tipping-point of years of neglect.
Human, ecological and health risks
To human health
The presence of heavy metals such as arsenic and lead in water bodies imposes serious risks-
- Consumption of contaminated fish or plants may lead to bio-accumulation.
- Residents using local water or eating local produce face long-term health impacts.
- Aquatic toxicity also affects farming and local livelihoods.
To aquatic life and wetland functions
- Fish kills and decaying aquatic plants have been observed at Morel Dam.
- The wetland’s capacity to act as a biodiversity hub and natural filter is compromised.
- Loss of birds reduces insect predation, affects ecological balance.
To tourism and local economy
Morel Dam once attracted bird-watchers and eco-tourists. With the decline in bird numbers and water quality, that tourism potential is at severe risk, reducing local income and community incentive to protect the site.
What is being done — and what still needs to be done
Steps taken so far
The Rajasthan Water Resources Department (RW RD) through its Assistant Engineer, Mr Chet Ram Meena, has acknowledged the contamination and said that the government is taking necessary steps. Several treatment plants are planned in Jaipur region.
Demands from experts and local residents
- Take immediate samples of water at Morel Dam and analyse for heavy metals (arsenic, lead, ammonia, dyes).
- The Rajasthan Pollution Control Board (RPCB) and the Forest Department must step in with enforcement.
- Stop the discharge of industrial wastewater into the Morel River → install/upgrade ETPs in Sanganer industrial area.
- Monitor bird numbers actively; bring in bird-conservation organisations.
- Engage local communities, eco-tourism stakeholders, and NGOs to revive the dam’s habitat value.
What still remains undone
- No publicly accessible data yet on the exact concentrations of heavy metals in Morel Dam water.
- Enforcement against polluting units remains weak. Many units may still operate below standards or evade compliance.
- The community lacks a unified platform and strong voice to pressure for implementation.
- Funding and clarity on timeline for the treatment infrastructure is vague.
Morel Dam pollution is a wake-up call for Rajasthan—and India at large. The contamination of waters that once welcomed tens of thousands of migratory birds symbolises our broader ecological fragility. What is at stake is not just the dam, not just the birds, but an entire ecosystem and the human communities that depend on it.
If immediate, decisive action is not taken, the dam may lose its natural identity forever. A ground-level, multi-stakeholder effort is required: government, industry, civil society and academia must cooperate. From this moment onward, the dam must be seen not just as water storage, but as a precious ecological asset in need of protection and restoration.
