HHRC orders crackdown on illegal mining in Panchkula, directs surprise inspections every 30 days

The Commission ordered “unannounced inspections of every unit at least once every 30 days” and made it clear that “no Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) shall be granted or renewed unless all mandatory conditions are fully complied with.”

These conditions include “the plantation of fast-growing trees of 8-10 feet height on all sides – certified by the Range Forest Officer concerned – along with proper barricading, recirculation tanks, water sprinklers, wind-breaking walls, smog guns, green belt development and other pollution control measures.”

An Action Taken Report dated November 12, 2025, submitted by the Regional Officer, HSPCB, Panchkula, in compliance with the Commission’s earlier order of August 19, 2025, was examined by the full bench. The HHRC noted that “despite repeated instructions, the Regional Officer had failed to conduct regular random visits, surprise inspections and continuous monitoring of polluting units.”

The Commission highlighted “the absence of mandatory double-row green belts in several units, a critical measure to curb dust and air pollution.” Shortcomings were also identified in pollution-control infrastructure, including water sprinklers, smog guns, wind-breaking walls, recirculation tanks, paved internal roads and ambient air quality monitoring systems.

Additionally, the Commission observed “poor maintenance of re-circulation tanks, absence of wastewater disposal logbooks, inadequate barricading and vehicular ramps, and the discharge of untreated wastewater outside unit premises”. Inspections were found to be “largely reactive, conducted mostly after issuance of show-cause notices.”

In view of these findings, the HHRC directed the Regional Officer, HSPCB, Panchkula, “to ensure strict and uniform enforcement of environmental safeguards.”

The Commission also directed “submission of a fresh Action Taken Report at least one week prior to the next hearing.”

Dr Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar of the Commission, stated that “considering the seriousness of the violations, the HHRC has also directed the Forest and Wildlife Department, the Department of Mines and Geology, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau and the Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, to submit detailed compliance reports. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for February 26, 2026.”