The Haryana Human Rights Commission, Chandigarh has taken major action on a complaint received regarding mining activities, air pollution, and the continued operation of units ordered to be closed in Khanak village (Bhiwani). The Commission has stated clearly that the decline in air quality in Khanak and its adjoining areas is a serious concern, requiring strict monitoring by all departments and immediate action.
In compliance with the order dated 19.08.2025, detailed reports dated 17.11.2025 were submitted by the Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and the Mining Officer, Bhiwani.
According to the report, based on joint inspections, legal approvals and continuous monitoring, mining operations in Khanak are being carried out within legal provisions and prescribed environmental safety measures, and no illegal mining has been found.
Air quality data from 5 to 12 November 2025 shows that while dust pollution remains in the Khanak area, Bhiwani city recorded a higher AQI on most days, even entering the ‘very poor’ category. This demonstrates that pollution is widespread at the district level and not limited only to the mining zone.
Taking into consideration the facts mentioned in the reports and concerns regarding falling air quality and possible irregularities in Khanak and surrounding areas, the Full Commission comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members KuldIp Jain and Deep Bhatia has 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, as well as the surrounding villages and mining-affected areas.
Tyre pyrolysis units involve heating waste or old tyres at temperatures of 350–600°C in the absence of oxygen, causing rubber and other materials to break down into various useful products.
The Commission has ordered that the Sarpanch of Khanak village and local villagers must also be included in these inspections.
As per the report presented before the Full Commission chaired by Justice LalitBatra, stringent enforcement measures under CAQM’s GRAP Stage-III have been implemented, including temporary closure of units and disconnection of their 3-phase electricity supply.
Additionally, two major environmental improvements projects—plantation of 2080 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 to higher authorities for sanction. These projects are to be implemented through the EC Fund.
Most stone crushers and all tyre pyrolysis units are either closed or complying with regulations, and continuous control measures are being implemented.
Based on the facts presented, the Full Commission chaired by Justice LalitBatra has stated in its order that the objective of these inspections shall be to examine compliance with environmental safety standards, functioning of air pollution control devices, adherence to blasting protocols and the exact status of units ordered to be closed.
A report on these aspects must be submitted on the next date of hearing.
Despite closure orders, complaints have been received that tyre pyrolysis plants, stone crushers and hot mix plants continue to operate. Therefore, the Deputy Commissioner Bhiwani, Superintendent of Police Bhiwani, Regional Officer HSPCB Bhiwani, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) Tosham, and DSP Tosham are directed to ensure strict enforcement of closure orders.
Sufficient police force must be deployed wherever required. Joint enforcement teams shall be constituted to carry out surprise checks of closed/non-operational units and seize any vehicle, machinery or material found violating the closure orders.
Assistant Registrar of the Commission, Dr.PuneetArora, informed that considering the available facts and serious allegations, the Commission has directed the Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Panchkula; Director General, Mines and Geology Department, Haryana, Panchkula; Deputy Commissioner Bhiwani; SDM Tosham; Regional Officer HSPCB Bhiwani; Mining Officer Bhiwani; and all officers of the concerned departments to submit a detailed compliance report before the next date of hearing, i.e., 17.02.2026.
