Human Rights Commission takes suo motu cognizance of mining violations in Panchkula
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has initiated proceedings after taking suo motu cognizance of a newspaper report highlighting rampant illegal mining, unauthorised stone crushers and brick kilns operating in several villages of Panchkula district, including Khedawali, Baadh, Lehi, and Thane Ki Ser.
These unregulated activities have caused severe environmental degradation, resulting in 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.
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 by overloaded dumpers poses serious risks to commuters. The Commission also noted severe dust pollution creating health hazards, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. The rampant destruction of fertile agricultural land is negatively impacting livelihoods. Additionally, it highlighted persistent inaction and negligence by authorities despite public complaints and protests.
The Bench, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, observed that these conditions amount to violations of fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, health, livelihood and dignity. It further stated that these activities breach international human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The HHRC strongly condemned the failure of state authorities to control illegal mining and unregulated industrial operations, terming it a case of grave administrative negligence warranting immediate intervention.
Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, said the Commission will monitor the entire case to ensure that all departments concerned fulfil their responsibilities in safeguarding public health, the environment and human rights.
In this regard, 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 authorised representatives along with their respective reports on the next date of hearing – May 28.
Chandigarh