HC Directs Chief Secretary to Submit Report Within 48 Hours
Punjab and Haryana High Court flags blatant environmental violations in Charkhi Dadri, hints at official connivance
CHANDIGARH, Feb 3: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday directed the Haryana Chief Secretary to submit a report within 48 hours after finding evidence of large scale illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills in Charkhi Dadri district.
The directive followed a report submitted by a court appointed commissioner, supported by drone survey findings, which revealed extensive violations of environmental and mining norms in Village Pichopa Kalan.
A Bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor, while examining the material on record, expressed grave concern over the scale of the damage. The judges observed that what was visible even to the naked eye indicated blatant breaches of conditions laid down in the Environmental Clearance and the approved mining plan.
“The situation is disturbing and bewildering. It prima facie reflects large-scale violations of environmental safeguards, resulting in the plunder of natural resources,” the Bench noted.
The court also came down heavily on the role of state authorities, pointing to serious lapses in oversight. It said the failure of officials to enforce the law had led to the present situation and that the possibility of collusion by responsible officers could not be ruled out at this stage.
The case was initiated on petitions alleging indiscriminate mining beyond the sanctioned lease area, leading to the disappearance of hillocks, creation of deep pits and steep cliffs, and severe ecological and safety risks. The petitioners also claimed revenue losses exceeding ₹9 crore due to unpaid royalty, rent and compensation.
Following repeated adjournments and allegations of official inaction, the High Court had appointed advocate Kanwal Goyal as Advocate Commissioner to inspect the site. His report, corroborated by drone mapping, largely confirmed the allegations.
The Bench pointed out that only six of the nine boundary pillars were traceable, with mining activity extending well beyond permitted limits, making boundary demarcation virtually impossible.
The court further noted continued stone crushing operations, heavy truck movement and dumping at the site, along with the absence of plantation, despite environmental clearance conditions mandating the planting of 600 trees annually.
Observing that the violations were evident on the ground, the High Court underscored the need for immediate accountability and compliance, while seeking a detailed response from the state government within the stipulated timeframe.
