Israna farmer alleges paddy damage from chemical water released by bleaching unit

A farmer has accused a private bleaching unit in the Israna area of Panipat of discharging untreated chemical effluent into his agricultural fields, damaging his standing crop. He has filed a complaint on the CM Window, seeking strict action against the factory owner along with compensation.

Jaideep Singh, a resident of Sector 18, stated in his complaint that his fields are located in Israna village. He alleged that a privately run bleaching house, situated adjacent to his land, released untreated chemical water into his fields while his paddy crop was still standing.

He claimed the incident came to his notice two days ago. “When I visited the fields, I found them logged with around two feet of chemical water. A foul smell of chemicals was also emerging,” he said. The farmer added that in such conditions, sowing the wheat crop had become impossible.

He further alleged that the bleaching unit “uses heavy chemicals” and has been discharging chemical-laden water into the nearby drain and farmers’ fields for the past one year. According to him, this has also damaged the soil fertility.

The complainant demanded a spot inspection by officials concerned and urged the authorities to take strict action against the factory owner for “violating environmental laws” and to impose environmental compensation.

Vipin, the factory owner, refuted the allegations. He said he had met the farmer and “would discuss the matter with him”.

Shivender Singh, Assistant Environment Engineer (AEE), Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), said no complaint had been received so far. “As the complaint is received, appropriate action would be initiated as per environmental laws after carrying out the spot inspection,” he added.