The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken a stern stance against rampant illegal mining and environmental degradation in Panchkula district. In a significant order, the Commission has directed a comprehensive crackdown, holding the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) responsible for regulatory failures that threaten citizens' fundamental rights.
Commission Expresses Displeasure, Issues Strict Directives
A full bench of the HHRC, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, reviewed the situation after examining reports of illicit mining activities in several key areas. These included regions along Pinjore-Nalagarh Road, Mallah Road, Raipur Rani, Morni, Barwala, and Chandimandir.
The bench was unequivocal in its dissatisfaction with the HSPCB's performance. To ensure rigorous oversight, the Commission has mandated unannounced inspections of every mining and polluting unit at least once every 30 days. Furthermore, it has put a strict condition on the grant or renewal of operational consents.
No Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) shall be issued or renewed unless all mandatory environmental safeguards are fully in place, the order stated.
Stringent Conditions for Compliance
The HHRC outlined a detailed list of non-negotiable conditions that units must meet. These are designed to mitigate dust, air, and water pollution emanating from mining and industrial activities. The mandated measures include:
- Plantation of fast-growing trees, 8-10 feet in height, on all sides, with certification from the concerned Range Forest Officer.
- Installation and proper maintenance of wind-breaking walls, smog guns, water sprinklers, and recirculation tanks.
- Development of a double-row green belt, which the Commission noted was critically absent in several units.
- Proper barricading, paved internal roads, and functional ambient air quality monitoring systems.
Inspections Found Reactive, Infrastructure Lacking
The Commission's directives came after scrutinizing an Action Taken Report submitted by the Regional Officer of HSPCB, Panchkula, on November 12, 2025. This report was in response to the HHRC's earlier order dated August 19, 2025.
The findings were alarming. The HHRC noted that the Regional Officer had failed to conduct regular random visits, surprise inspections, and continuous monitoring despite repeated instructions. Inspections were largely reactive, often initiated only after show-cause notices were issued.
Significant shortcomings were identified in the pollution control infrastructure. The Commission observed poor maintenance of recirculation tanks, absence of wastewater disposal logbooks, inadequate barricading and ramps, and even the discharge of untreated wastewater outside unit premises.
Multiple Agencies Called to Account
Given the seriousness of the violations, the HHRC has cast a wider net to ensure holistic enforcement. Dr. Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar of the Commission, confirmed that several other departments have been roped in.
The Commission has directed the Forest and Wildlife Department, the Department of Mines and Geology, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau, and the Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, to submit detailed compliance reports. The HHRC has made it clear that illegal mining is not just an environmental issue but a direct threat to public health, life, and human dignity, constituting a violation of fundamental rights.
The Regional Officer of HSPCB, Panchkula, has been instructed to ensure strict and uniform enforcement of all environmental safeguards. Additionally, the Commission has demanded the submission of a fresh Action Taken Report at least one week before the next hearing, which is scheduled for February 26, 2026.
