Toxic kilns polluting Aravallis; wildlife and locals suffer
While illegal mining in the Aravallis is a significant concern, the region has now become a hub for illegal scrap kilns. Along the Rajasthan-Haryana border, over a dozen portable kilns operate in the open, burning vehicle scrap, especially rubber tyres, to create flattened sheets for brick kiln owners. The brick kilns use these sheets as a fuel. These kilns emit toxic fumes, leading to severe health issues among locals and displacing wildlife from the area.
Won’t let Aravallis violated
We will not let the Aravallis be violated this way. Raids will be conducted and not only will the culprits be punished, but officials found negligent will face penalties. — Rao Narbir, forest minister
The problem is most pronounced in Tauru block, near villages like Nurpur. While talking to The Tribune, villagers expressed frustration at the inaction of authorities despite repeated complaints. “These men operate atop the hills where vegetation is thickest. They bring vehicle scrap from across the NCR and burn it here illegally. When we approach Haryana authorities, they claim it’s Rajasthan’s responsibility and vice-versa. Neither the pollution department nor forest authorities have taken any action. This mafia is dangerous, and we are now too scared to confront them,” said a panchayat member from Nurpur.
The waste mafia too is exploiting jurisdictional confusion in the Aravallis to evade action, similar to the mining mafia. Villagers claim that the lack of patrolling and coordination between Haryana and Rajasthan has allowed these activities to flourish. Whenever action is planned, the culprits simply cross the border to avoid arrest.
While Deputy Commissioner Vishram Meena could not be contacted for his comments, a senior forest department official acknowledged the challenge, citing a staff shortage and jurisdictional limitations. “These miscreants come from Rajasthan and operate in areas falling under the jurisdiction of the other state. We struggle to monitor areas that fall outside Haryana,” the official stated.
Villagers have reported the kilns polluting the soil and water resources, leading to the loss of cattle and a deterioration in public health. “Our natural resources are being destroyed, and the smoke is making people ill. We have complained repeatedly, but no action has been taken,” a resident of Nurpur said.
Forest Minister Rao Narbir while speaking to The Tribune has promised immediate action, including inspections and raids. “We will not let the Aravallis be violated this way. Raids will be conducted and not only will the culprits be punished, but officials found negligent will face penalties,” Narbir asserted.
It is worth noting that after The Tribune highlighted rampant illegal mining in the region, Haryana initiated a geospatial survey to identify hill boundaries.
