Intervention of Haryana Human Rights Commission Sought Over Air Pollution and Fly Ash Emissions from Sugar Mill in Rohtak
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana-Pawan Kumar Bansal.
Serious concerns have been raised regarding air pollution and fly ash emissions from the Cooperative Sugar Mill Bhali located near the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, Police Training Centre Sunaria, and surrounding villages in Rohtak district. Residents have demanded urgent intervention from the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) as the issue continues to affect public health and the environment.
According to reports, fly ash—fine particulate residue generated during fuel combustion—is spreading into nearby residential and agricultural areas. The dispersal of these particles in the air poses serious health risks to students, trainees, local residents, and livestock.
Medical experts warn that exposure to fly ash and fine particulate matter can lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, and reduced lung capacity. People in the affected areas have also reported problems such as eye irritation, skin allergies, and throat infections. Long-term exposure to such pollution may further contribute to cardiovascular complications and other serious health conditions.
Apart from human health risks, livestock and domestic animals are also vulnerable. They may suffer respiratory distress and may consume contaminated fodder. Additionally, the deposition of fly ash on crops and soil could negatively impact agricultural productivity, soil fertility, and the overall environmental balance of the region.
The issue was reportedly highlighted by Gustakhi Maaf Haryana nearly three years ago. At that time, the then Deputy Commissioner of Rohtak, Yashpal—who currently holds a key position in the Chief Minister’s Office—had assured that corrective measures would be taken to address the pollution and fly ash management problem. However, despite those assurances, residents claim that no effective action has been taken and the situation has worsened.
Local residents have urged the Pollution Control Board and the Haryana government to take immediate and strict action. They have demanded the installation of effective dust suppression systems, continuous air quality monitoring, scientific fly ash disposal and management, and strict compliance with environmental safety standards. Regular inspections and transparent reporting by the concerned authorities have also been sought.
Residents say the matter requires urgent attention to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students, trainees, villagers, agricultural workers, and livestock living in the affected areas.