Indian marble waste dump becomes unlikely tourist attraction

An expansive white marble waste dump in Kishangarh, India, has transformed into an unexpected tourist hotspot, drawing visitors with its resemblance to a snow-covered valley. Located in Rajasthan, a major marble-processing hub, the site is covered in slurry and discarded stone from over 1,200 processing units, receiving more than 5,500 tons of waste daily. The industrial wasteland's unique appearance has made it a popular backdrop for pre-wedding photoshoots, films, and music videos. Visitors are captivated by the undulating, chalk-white mounds and the vivid blue pools that form after rainfall, enhancing the illusion of an alpine vista. Social media has significantly boosted the site's popularity, with users comparing its gleaming surface to snowy landscapes. Despite repeated warnings from authorities about environmental risks, including dust pollution and groundwater contamination, and a directive from India's top environmental court for corrective measures, the dangers have not deterred the crowds from experiencing the striking, otherworldly scenery.