The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has sealed 132 bleaching units operating illegally in Panipat, accused of polluting groundwater and water bodies, including the Yamuna River. However, environmental compensation (EC) has been imposed on only three units so far, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
RTI Reveals Lax Enforcement
Delhi-based environmentalist Varun Gulati filed an RTI application seeking details of illegal bleaching units in the district from January 1, 2016 onwards. The HSPCB's Regional Office in Panipat responded that orders for imposing EC on 26 illegal bleaching units were still pending. The reply did not specify the amount of compensation recovered.
Gulati had requested closure orders, names and addresses of units, proprietor details, closure dates, environmental compensation imposed, dates of imposition, and the basis for calculating compensation.
Compensation Details
The HSPCB stated that action had been initiated against 132 illegal bleaching units. Environmental compensation has been imposed on only three units: Rs 35.20 lakh on a unit in Karhans village (closed in 2023), Rs 2.12 lakh on a unit in Jattal (2018), and Rs 1.75 lakh on another unit in Jattal (2018).
NGT Intervention
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognisance of a news report in The Tribune highlighting environmental concerns from illegal bleaching units in Panipat. These units were allegedly discharging chemical-laden wastewater directly into drains and open land, violating environmental norms.
The HSPCB identified 32 such illegal bleaching units, many releasing untreated effluents into water channels that eventually flow into the Yamuna River.
In an order dated August 29, 2025, the NGT directed the HSPCB to complete the process of levying and recovering environmental compensation from these 32 units within three months. However, according to the RTI reply, compensation has not yet been imposed on these units.
Allegations of Inaction
Gulati alleged that the HSPCB had not taken adequate action against illegal bleaching units in Panipat. He claimed that while closure proceedings were initiated against 132 units, environmental compensation had not been imposed on 103 of them over the past decade.
He further said that despite the NGT's directions, compensation has not been levied on the 32 units identified last year.
Gulati also claimed that complaints regarding 62 additional illegal bleaching units had recently been submitted to the HSPCB. According to him, many of these units are operating on agricultural land in villages including Naultha, Dahar, Binjhol, Balana, Paldi, Kurar, Didwadi, Mandi, Israna, Gwalda, Pardhana, Chamrara, and Nara, among others in the district.
