NGT directs a joint committee to probe pollution and illegal land use allegations against a poultry farm in Haryana’s Karnal district

February 05, 2026 : The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal has ordered the constitution of a joint committee to examine allegations of pollution, illegal land use, and environmental violations by a poultry farm operating in a village in Haryana’s Karnal district.

The direction came while disposing of an original application registered suo motu by the Tribunal on the basis of a complaint filed by a local resident, Mahender Singh of Manpura village. The complaint was submitted through the Public Grievances Portal and later taken up by the Tribunal in exercise of its suo motu powers, in line with Supreme Court jurisprudence.

According to the complaint, the poultry farm is situated roughly 124 metres from the residential area of Manpura and is allegedly causing serious environmental and public health concerns. The complainant claimed that waste and filth from the farm were polluting the surrounding area and that dirty water was being discharged in violation of environmental norms. It was also alleged that the farm was being operated on agricultural land, which is not permissible under applicable land-use regulations.

The complaint further alleged that illegal activities were being carried out at the site and that the farm owners and their associates had engaged in physical assaults against members of the public. The applicant stated that despite approaching the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the Pollution Control Department, and the Environment Department, no effective action had been taken.

Although no one appeared for the applicant during the hearing and no supporting documents were placed on record, the Tribunal observed that the averments raised prima facie substantial questions relating to the environment. These issues arise from the implementation of statutes listed in Schedule I of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

In view of the circumstances, the Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr Afroz Ahmad directed the formation of a joint committee to verify the factual position on the ground. The committee will include representatives from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, the District Magistrate of Karnal, and the Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Karnal.

The Tribunal directed the committee to meet within two weeks, conduct a site inspection, associate both the complainant and the project proponents, and examine the allegations in detail. The committee has been asked to suggest appropriate remedial measures in accordance with environmental laws and submit its report to the Tribunal within one month.

Copies of the report are to be sent to the concerned authorities, who will be required to take action in accordance with law and the principles of natural justice after giving the affected parties an opportunity to be heard. The authorities must also file an action-taken report within one month thereafter.

The District Magistrate, Karnal, has been designated as the nodal officer responsible for coordination and compliance. The Tribunal cautioned that failure to submit the reports within the stipulated timelines could invite the imposition of exemplary costs on the District Magistrate and other concerned officials.

While disposing of the application, the Tribunal clarified that if either the complainant or the poultry farm operators are aggrieved by the findings of the joint committee or the subsequent action taken by authorities, they would be at liberty to approach the Tribunal again for appropriate relief.

Case Reference : Original Application No. 37/2026: Mahender Singh v. State of Haryana & Others.