NGT Directs Immediate Closure of Illegal Brick Kiln in Haryana's Rewari District
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern directive to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), ordering the shutdown of a brick kiln operating in Rewari district within one week. This decisive action follows verification of whether the industrial unit possesses a valid Consent to Operate (CTO) license, a mandatory requirement under environmental regulations.
Persistent Violations Despite Previous Closure Orders
The tribunal's principal bench delivered this order after learning that Raria Brick Udyog, located in Kanmajra village, had been flagrantly violating environmental standards. The facility continued operations despite a district-level closure directive, demonstrating significant gaps in enforcement mechanisms.
Local resident Vikram Singh brought this matter to the NGT's attention through a formal application. He alleged that the brick kiln was functioning illegally without proper authorization. His complaint specifically highlighted the unit's failure to comply with criteria established under the Union Environment Ministry's notification dated February 22, 2022.
Regulatory Failures and Enforcement Challenges
This case reveals troubling patterns of regulatory oversight. Records indicate that HSPCB had actually cancelled the kiln's CTO back in April 2023. Despite this revocation occurring nearly three years prior, the industrial operation continued unabated, raising serious questions about monitoring and compliance mechanisms.
During proceedings, the applicant's legal counsel presented compelling evidence including a suspension order issued by the Rewari District Magistrate on April 8, 2026. This administrative directive explicitly called for immediate closure of the kiln due to its operation without proper consent. Shockingly, inspections conducted on April 10 and 11, 2026 confirmed the unit remained fully operational, blatantly disregarding the magistrate's order.
NGT's Comprehensive Directions and Environmental Implications
The tribunal carefully examined a show-cause notice issued by HSPCB on March 16, 2026. This document confirmed that the brick kiln was operating despite consent cancellation and was utilizing coal as its primary fuel source. The pollution control board assured the court that proceedings under this notice would conclude within six weeks, adhering to principles of natural justice.
Beyond the immediate closure directive, the NGT provided additional instructions with far-reaching consequences. The bench explicitly stated that if investigations confirm the kiln operated without valid consent in the past, HSPCB must initiate proceedings for imposing environmental compensation through proper legal channels.
This ruling underscores the persistent challenge of ensuring environmental compliance among brick kilns, which represent significant sources of air pollution throughout the region. These facilities contribute substantially to deteriorating air quality through coal combustion and emissions, particularly during peak operating seasons when production intensifies.
The tribunal's firm stance sends a clear message about the importance of regulatory accountability and the necessity for robust enforcement mechanisms. By demanding verification of CTO status and potential compensation for past violations, the NGT emphasizes that environmental regulations must be treated with seriousness and that non-compliance will incur substantial consequences.
