The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has recovered only 12.58 per cent of the total environmental compensation (EC) imposed on commercial units in Panipat over the past seven years, according to a Right to Information (RTI) reply obtained by Delhi-based environmentalist Varun Gulati.
RTI Reveals Dismal Recovery Rate
Gulati filed an RTI application seeking details of EC imposed, deposited, and pending on all units across HSPCB regions up to May 2026. The Panipat Regional Office provided data on 89 industrial units, including textile industries, builders, a liquor factory, IOCL Refinery, brick-kilns, dyeing units, National Fertiliser Ltd (NFL), Panipat thermal power station, ready-mix concrete plants, banquet halls, JBM Environment Company (a private garbage collection firm), unnamed bleach houses, and an official of the Public Health Department.
The HSPCB imposed a total EC of Rs 55.28 crore for air and water pollution and environmental damage. Of this, only Rs 6.95 crore has been recovered. While 63 units deposited some amount, 26 units have paid nothing.
Biggest Defaulters
The highest EC of Rs 35.84 crore was imposed on National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) in October 2024 for violating the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, but the amount remains unpaid. Ansal Builders owes Rs 1.79 crore but has deposited only Rs 5 lakh. TDI Infra has not paid its Rs 5.47 crore EC. Panipat thermal power station has not deposited Rs 1.15 crore, and the Public Health Department owes Rs 6.2 lakh. A ready-mix concrete plant has not paid Rs 1.96 crore.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had earlier pulled up HSPCB officials for non-recovery from Ansal and TDI, yet the amounts remain outstanding.
Reasons for Slow Recovery
Officials cite non-seriousness of HSPCB staff, illegal units absconding after closure notices, and government institutions ignoring reminders. However, HSPCB Member Secretary Yogesh Kumar has directed all regional officers to expedite recovery.
Environmentalist Varun Gulati said, “Imposing EC upon the violators is good, but its recovery is more important. HSPCB officials are not serious about it. The board must collect compensation on priority and spend it on environmental restoration to provide clean water, land, and air to residents.”
