Illegal mining in Panchkula: Haryana rights panel seeks action-taken report from govt

It noted the irregularities caused damage to public roads due to overloaded dumpers, posing serious risks to commuters; severe dust pollution, destruction of agricultural land, negatively impacting livelihoods.

It has sought a status report on the irregularities in the villages and action taken to control these activities. The report should include the “assessment of environmental damage, including deforestation, groundwater depletion and pollution; details of action taken against violators including penalties and criminal cases lodged; and proposals for stricter monitoring, enforcement mechanisms, technological interventions and enhanced patrolling”.

HHRC stated that 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 opined.

The Full Bench of the Commission, 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”.

It took strong exception to persistent inaction and negligence by authorities concerned despite public complaints and protests.

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”.

Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer of the Commission, stated, “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; 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.

The commission has directed the representatives of the departments to ensure the personal appearance of authorised representatives along with their respective reports on the next date of hearing, May 28.