The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised strong concerns over illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills at Village Pichopa Kalan in Charkhi Dadri district. The Court said the issue affects the environment, ecology, and public interest, not just private parties.

A Bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor examined a drone survey report and found large-scale violations. The judges said the visuals clearly showed unlawful mining and destruction of natural resources.

Court Calls Mining Activities Alarming

Environmental Rules Ignored

The Court said the situation on the ground was disturbing and shocking. It noted clear violations of the Environmental Clearance Certificate and the approved mining plan.

The judges observed that the scale of mining showed unchecked extraction, which caused serious environmental damage to the Aravalli hill range.

Possible Role of Officials Under Scrutiny

Court Flags Administrative Failure

The High Court criticised the failure of State authorities to stop illegal mining. It said such activity could not continue without serious negligence or possible connivance.

The Court stated that officers responsible for enforcement failed in their duty to protect the area.

Case Background Explained

Petition Filed by Local Residents

Residents of Village Pichopa Kalan filed the petition. They claimed rights over land recorded as gair mumkin pahar (hill land) under Khasra Nos. 109 and 110. The land forms part of the Aravalli range. One petitioner also operates a stone crusher.

The State granted mining rights over Plot No. 3 (11 hectares) to a private firm through an e-auction in March 2016. Authorities issued a Letter of Intent on April 11, 2016, valid for ten years.

Allegations of Mining Beyond Approved Area

Hillocks Destroyed, Deep Pits Created

The petitioners alleged that mining extended far beyond the approved lease area. They said hillocks disappeared completely. Deep pits, sharp cliffs, and unsafe trenches appeared at the site.

They also claimed violations of the Haryana Mines and Minerals Concession Rules. According to them, the State suffered a loss exceeding ₹9 crore in royalty and compensation.

Advocate Commissioner Confirms Violations

Drone Survey Supports Allegations

The Court appointed Advocate Kanwal Goyal as Advocate Commissioner to inspect the site. His report and drone images confirmed most allegations.

Key findings included:

• Only 6 of 9 boundary pillars were present

• Missing pillars made boundary checks impossible

• A 47-metre-deep water-filled pit spread across 1.07 hectares

• Unstable slopes and lack of safety measures

• Ongoing stone crushing and truck movement

• No proper plantation, despite rules requiring 600 trees every year

The Court said the violations were visible even to the naked eye.

Delayed Action by Mining Authorities

Court Expresses Serious Concern

The Court noted a October 1, 2025 letter from the District Mining Officer recommending lease cancellation. Authorities issued it only after the case reached court.

The Bench found it troubling that officials cited economic reasons, not environmental violations. It also noted that higher authorities took no action, despite accidents reported in January and July 2025.

Public Road Vanishes, Court Seeks Answers

Use of Public Money Questioned

The Court also flagged the disappearance of a public road built by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board.

RTI replies and police records confirmed the road existed. However, the Mining Department denied it. The Court said either public funds were misused or officials were making false statements.

High Court Issues Strict Orders

Mining Site to Be Sealed

Due to the seriousness of the matter, the Court ordered:

• Chief Secretary, Haryana to file a personal affidavit

• Full mining records to be submitted in sealed cover

• Mining area to be sealed within 48 hours under DC supervision

• Union Environment Ministry to submit its response

• Satellite images from 2016 onwards to be provided

• Status quo maintained at the site

The Court also questioned a late claim that mining had stopped. It called the move a possible cover-up.