Human rights panel orders action against polluting units in Khanak as air quality worsens

Acting on complaints about mining activities, air pollution, and the continued operation of tyre pyrolysis plants, stone crushers, and hot mix plants despite closure orders, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC), Chandigarh, has ordered the closure of polluting units.

The Commission stated that the declining air quality in Khanak and nearby areas is a serious concern requiring strict monitoring and immediate action by all departments.

The Commission has directed the Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Panchkula; Director General, Mines and Geology Department, Haryana; Deputy Commissioner, Bhiwani; SDM, Tosham; Regional Officer, HSPCB Bhiwani; Mining Officer, Bhiwani; and all concerned officers to submit a detailed compliance report before the next hearing on February 17.

A joint report submitted on November 17 by the Regional Officer, HSPCB, and the Mining Officer, Bhiwani, stated that mining operations were being conducted with legal approvals and continuous monitoring, and that no illegal mining had been found.

It noted that air quality data from November 5 to 12 showed persistent dust pollution in the Khanak area, while Bhiwani city recorded even higher AQI levels on most days, entering the “very poor” category, indicating district-wide pollution.

Taking note of the reports and concerns about falling air quality and possible irregularities, the Full Commission—comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia—directed the Regional Officer, HSPCB Bhiwani, and the Mining Officer, Bhiwani, to conduct regular random inspections and surprise checks.

These inspections will cover mining units, stone crushers, hot mix plants, and tyre pyrolysis units in Khanak village and neighbouring mining-affected areas. Tyre pyrolysis units heat waste tyres at 350–600°C in the absence of oxygen, breaking down rubber and other materials into usable products.

The Commission has ordered that the Sarpanch of Khanak village and local villagers be included in these inspections.

The report presented before the Commission stated that stringent enforcement measures under CAQM’s GRAP Stage-III had been implemented, including temporary closure of units and disconnection of their three-phase electricity supply. Two environmental improvement projects—plantation of 2,080 saplings along the Tosham–Hisar Road and deployment of three truck-mounted anti-smog guns—have been approved by the District Level Administrative Committee and forwarded for sanction. These will be executed through the EC Fund.

Most stone crushers and all tyre pyrolysis units are either closed or complying with regulations, and control measures are being implemented, the report added.

The Commission directed that inspections must check compliance with environmental safety norms, functioning of pollution control devices, adherence to blasting protocols, and the status of units facing closure orders. A report on these points must be submitted on the next hearing date.

It also noted complaints that some tyre pyrolysis plants, stone crushers, and hot mix plants continue to operate despite closure notices. The Deputy Commissioner, Bhiwani; Superintendent of Police, Bhiwani; Regional Officer, HSPCB Bhiwani; SDM, Tosham; and DSP, Tosham, have been instructed to strictly enforce closure orders.

Adequate police force must be deployed, and joint enforcement teams will conduct surprise checks and seize any vehicle, machinery, or material found violating the orders.

Assistant Registrar of the Commission, Dr Puneet Arora, said the Commission has taken a stringent decision and sought compliance reports from the concerned authorities.