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Haryana Panel's Stern Warning: Illegal Mining Violates Human Rights

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken a strong stance against rampant illegal mining in the Panchkula district. It declared that such activity is not just environmentally destructive but a direct violation of citizens' fundamental rights. The commission slammed the state pollution board for its ineffective monitoring and failure to enforce basic norms. It has now ordered multiple government departments to submit detailed compliance reports by early 2026.

Key Points: Haryana Rights Commission Slams Illegal Mining as Rights Violation

  • Commission found widespread violations at stone crushers and mining units across Panchkula district
  • Haryana Pollution Control Board failed to conduct regular surprise inspections and monitoring
  • Many units lacked mandatory green belts and proper air pollution control systems
  • Inspections were largely reactive, only after show-cause notices were issued
2 min read

Illegal mining 'not only destructive to nature but also violation of human rights', says Haryana panel

Haryana Human Rights Commission declares illegal mining a violation of citizens' right to health and life, citing major environmental failures in Panchkula.

"Illegal mining is not only destructive to the environment but also amounts to a direct violation of the citizens' right to health, life and human dignity. - Haryana Human Rights Commission"

Chandigarh, Dec 18

Taking a stern view of rampant illegal mining and serious environmental violations in Panchkula district, the Haryana Human Rights Commission, on Thursday, has issued strict directions.

The commission said that illegal mining "is not only destructive to the environment but also amounts to a direct violation of the citizens' right to health, life and human dignity".

After a detailed review of reports regarding illegal mining along the Pinjore-Nalagarh Road, Mallah Road, Raipur Rani, Morni, Barwala and Chandimandir areas, the commission's full bench -- Chairperson Justice (retd) Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia -- expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB).

The commission observed widespread violations of mandatory environmental norms at stone crushers, screening plants, brick-kilns and mining units.

In compliance with the commission's order, a detailed action taken report of November 12 was submitted by the HSPCB Regional Officer of Panchkula region.

After examining the report, the full commission noted in its order that despite repeated directions, the Regional Officer had failed to conduct regular random visits, surprise inspections and continuous monitoring.

The commission particularly highlighted that many units had not developed the mandatory double-row green belt, which serves as the primary buffer against dust and air pollution.

Deficiencies were also found in essential arrangements such as water sprinklers, smog guns, wind-breaking walls, re-circulation tanks, paved internal roads and ambient air quality monitoring systems.

The commission also observed that several units lacked proper maintenance of re-circulation tanks, logbooks for wastewater disposal and recycling, adequate barricading, vehicular ramps, wind-breaking walls, sufficient water sprinklers, smog guns, 'pucca' roads and ambient air quality monitoring stations, and that untreated wastewater was being discharged outside the premises.

It was also noted that inspections were largely reactive, carried out mostly after issuance of show-cause notices.

The commission has also directed the Forest and Wildlife Department, the Department of Mines and Geology, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau and the Commissioner of Police of Panchkula to submit detailed compliance reports before the next hearing on February 26, 2026.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to see the hills being destroyed. I've seen the condition of the roads near the mining sites – completely damaged by overloaded trucks. The commission is right to link this to human rights. The health impact on local communities, especially children and the elderly, is severe. 🌿
K
Kuldip Jain
As someone with the same name as the commission member, I fully support this stance. The report mentions a lack of "pucca" roads and green belts. These are basic requirements! It shows total negligence by the Pollution Control Board. Inspections should be proactive, not just after complaints.
A
Aman W
While the commission's order is good, I have a respectful criticism. Why is the next hearing in February 2026? That's over a year away! By then, more illegal mining will happen. There should be immediate task forces and monthly reviews. Justice delayed is justice denied.
S
Sarah B
This is a critical issue that affects everyone. The discharge of untreated wastewater is alarming. It contaminates groundwater, which many villages depend on. The involvement of multiple departments (Forest, Mines, Police) is necessary, but they must coordinate effectively, not pass the buck.
V
Vikram M
The real problem is the corruption at the local level. Everyone knows it happens, but no one is held accountable. The commission must ensure that the compliance reports in 2026 are not just paperwork. Names of negligent officers should be made public. Jai Hind!

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