NGT Initiates Suo Motu Proceedings Against 32 Illegal Bleaching Units in Panipat for Causing Water and Land Pollution
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench in New Delhi has initiated suo motu proceedings in response to a news report exposing widespread environmental violations by illegal bleaching units in Haryana’s Panipat district. The original application, registered under O.A. No. 258/2025, follows a report published in The Tribune on 14 May 2025 titled “Panipat’s illegal bleaching units pollute land, waterways.”
The Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member), and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member), took judicial notice of the serious environmental concerns highlighted in the news article. The Tribunal observed that the report revealed the existence of multiple bleaching units operating without the mandatory permissions or environmental safeguards. These units were found to be discharging wastewater, containing hazardous substances such as acids and chlorine, directly into the soil and nearby drains. The drains, in turn, flow into the Yamuna River, contributing to large-scale water pollution in the region.
The report referred to findings of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), which identified 32 illegal bleaching units functioning in several villages across Panipat. These include Naultha, Dahar, Binjhol, Balana, Paldi, Kurar, Didwadi, Mandi, Israna, and Naara. The Tribunal noted that none of these units had obtained Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) as required under applicable environmental laws. Furthermore, these units did not have effluent treatment systems in place, thereby violating basic environmental compliance requirements.
The Tribunal recorded that, according to the HSPCB, these unauthorized bleaching operations have been categorized as major contributors to water pollution. The release of untreated industrial effluents containing hazardous chemicals into the environment, without any mitigation or treatment, was found to be in clear contravention of established norms and statutory provisions.
In its order dated 23 May 2025, the Tribunal held that the situation presented in the news report clearly attracts the applicability of two central environmental statutes: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Tribunal also invoked its power to take up matters suo motu, affirming that such authority has been explicitly recognized by the Supreme Court in the case of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors [2021 SCC Online SC 897].
The Bench accordingly proceeded to implead four authorities as respondents in the matter:
Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) -Through its Member Secretary, Panchkula, Haryana.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) - Through its Member Secretary, New Delhi.
Haryana Water Resources Conservation, Regulation and Management Authority - Through its Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Panchkula.
District Commissioner, Panipat - Through the Office of the DC, Mini Secretariat, Panipat, Haryana.
The NGT directed that notice be issued to all four respondents. They have been asked to file their responses by way of affidavit at least one week prior to the next date of hearing, which has been scheduled for 29 August 2025. The Tribunal also clarified that if any respondent chooses to file their reply directly without routing it through legal counsel, such respondent must remain virtually present before the Tribunal on the next date to assist with the proceedings.
Cause Title: News Item titled "Panipat’s illegal bleaching units pollute land waterways appearing in The Tribune dated 14.05.2025"
Case No: Original Application No. 258/2025
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava [Chairperson], Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi [Judicial Member], Hon’ble Dr. Afroz Ahmad [Expert Member]
[Read/Download order]
