Rights panel takes suo motu cognisance of illegal mining in Panchkula

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report on illegal mining, unauthorised stone crushers, and brick kilns operating in several villages of Panchkula, including Khedawali, Baadh, Lehi, and Thane Ki Ser. These unregulated activities have led to severe environmental degradation, causing air, water, and soil pollution.

According to the commission, the situation reflects serious rights violations and environmental harm, specifically pollution caused by illegal mining and unregulated industrial units. Also, damage to public roads due to overloaded dumpers poses a serious risk to commuters. Severe dust pollution results in health hazards, affecting vulnerable groups.

The commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, noted that these conditions amounted to violations of fundamental rights enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, health, livelihood, and dignity.

It condemned the failure of the state authorities to control illegal mining and unregulated industrial operations, terming it a case of grave administrative negligence warranting immediate intervention.

It has sought a status report on illegal mining, stone crushers, and brick kilns in the villages and actions taken to control these activities. It has also directed the assessment of environmental damage, including deforestation, groundwater depletion, and pollution. Also, details of actions taken against violators, including penalties and criminal cases filed, have also been sought.

The commission has sought compliance reports from the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests & Wildlife; Director General, Department of Mines and Geology; Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula; Commissioner of Police, Panchkula; and Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Panchkula.

Haryana Tribune