Illegal mining in Panchkula villages: HHRC takes suo motu cognizance, asks for action taken report

Indian Express

27-04-2025

Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on alleged illegal mining, unauthorised stone crushers and brick kilns operating in several Panchkula villages — Khedawali, Baadh, Lehi and Thane ki Ser — the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has sought a status report.
The HHRC has sought a 'status report on action taken to control these activities; assessment of environmental damage including deforestation, groundwater depletion and pollution; details of actions taken against violators including penalties and criminal cases lodged; and proposals for stricter monitoring, enforcement mechanisms, technological interventions and enhanced patrolling'.
In it's order dated April 25, HHRC condemned failure of the state authorities to control illegal mining and unregulated industrial operations terming it a case of 'grave administrative negligence' warranting 'immediate intervention'.
'These unregulated activities have led to severe environmental degradation, causing air, water, and soil pollution. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are reportedly suffering from respiratory and eye-related ailments, while the destruction of agricultural land is threatening villagers' right to livelihood,' the commission said.
'According to the commission, the situation reflects serious human rights violations and environmental harm, specifically — Air, water, and soil pollution — caused by illegal mining and unregulated industrial units; Damage to public roads due to overloaded dumpers, posing serious risks to commuters; Severe dust pollution resulting in health hazards, particularly affecting vulnerable groups; Destruction of fertile agricultural land, negatively impacting livelihoods; and Persistent inaction and negligence by concerned authorities despite public complaints and protests', HHRC found.
The commission bench, comprising chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia noted that 'these conditions amount to violations of fundamental rights enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, health, livelihood, and dignity'.
The commission also stated that 'these actions breach international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights'.
The commission also found the alleged irregular activities in violation of several statutory provisions of The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957; The Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2012; The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; The Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; and notification dated May 11, 2016, issued by the Environment Department, Government of Haryana' that mandates 'a minimum distance of 1.0 km for the siting of stone crushers from the nearest village boundary (Phirni or Lal Dora)'.
Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations officer of the commission, said, 'The Commission will monitor the entire case to ensure that all concerned departments fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding public health, environment, and human rights. The Commission has sought compliance reports from the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests & Wildlife, Government of Haryana; Director General, Department of Mines and Geology; Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF); Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula; Commissioner of Police, Panchkula; and Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Panchkula. All the aforementioned departments have been directed to ensure the personal appearance of authorized representatives along with their respective reports on the next date of hearing – May 28, 2025.'