The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting rampant illegal mining activities in Panchkula district and has sought a comprehensive report from the authorities detailing measures taken to detect, prevent, and curb such operations.
In its order dated May 7, the Commission expressed grave concern over alleged unlawful mining along the Pinjore-Nalagarh road, Mallah Road, Raipur Rani, and Barwala. The Commission also referred to a disturbing incident where a police sub-inspector was reportedly chased and threatened by illegal miners while on duty at one of the sites.
The Commission, led by chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, stated that such incidents not only endanger law enforcement personnel but also point to systemic administrative failures and possible nexus between offenders and officials. The Commission said urgent intervention is necessary to uphold the rule of law and ensure public safety.
The Commission directed that in the report, an assessment of the environmental impact, covering areas such as deforestation, depletion of groundwater levels, contamination of air and water sources and other forms of ecological degradation, must be mentioned.
Further, a record of enforcement actions initiated against violators should be indicated, detailing the number of criminal cases registered, penalties imposed, equipment seized, and any other legal or administrative proceedings undertaken.
The report should also contain a clear action plan, outlining steps for strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, such as the use of advanced technological tools.
HHRC spokesperson Puneet Arora said the Commission has stated that the full bench has emphasised that 'zero tolerance' policy will be adopted for environmental crimes. He added that strict legal action will be taken against any violations of public interest. Officials from the relevant departments have been summoned to appear before the Commission on August 19, along with their action-taken reports.
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