‘Halt op if clearance missing’: NGT orders HSPCB checks on Rewari brick kiln

Gurgaon: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday directed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to shut down a brick kiln in Rewari within a week after verifying whether it has a valid Consent to Operate (CTO). The order comes after the tribunal was told the unit was flouting environmental norms and functioning despite a district-level closure order.Vikram Singh, a local resident, had alleged that Raria Brick Udyog in Kanmajra village was operating illegally. His application also flagged that the unit was not complying with criteria laid down under the Union environment ministry’s February 22, 2022 notification.While hearing the matter, the tribunal’s principal bench stated that if the unit does not have a valid CTO, it cannot be permitted to operate.The case assumes significance as it highlights gaps in enforcement even after regulatory and administrative action. The applicant pointed out that the kiln’s CTO had been cancelled by HSPCB in April 2023 but the unit continued operations months later.During the hearing, the applicant’s counsel placed on record a suspension order issued by the Rewari district magistrate on April 8, 2026, directing immediate closure of the kiln for operating without consent. Despite this, the unit was found to be operational on April 10 and 11, raising questions over enforcement.The tribunal also took note of a show-cause notice issued by HSPCB on March 16, 2026, which stated that the unit was operating despite cancellation of consent and was using coal as fuel. The board submitted that proceedings under the notice would be completed within six weeks, following principles of natural justice.The tribunal further directed that if the kiln had operated without consent in the past, the pollution control board should initiate proceedings for imposition of environmental compensation after due process.NGT’s order underscores the continuing challenge of ensuring compliance among brick kilns, which are a significant source of air pollution in the region, particularly due to coal use and emissions during peak operating seasons.