Haryana Human Rights Commission slams Bhiwani civic body for filthy streets, summons officials
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 17, 2025: The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has pulled up the Municipal Council, Bhiwani, over severe sanitation lapses and unchecked dairy-related encroachments that have turned residential lanes into unsafe and unhygienic zones.
The Commission, acting on Complaint No. 176/7/2/2025, expressed deep concern after residents reported cattle being tied on public streets in Dwarakan Gali near Dinod Gate Police Chowki, leading to filth accumulation, sewer blockages and serious obstruction to public movement.
Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, stated that such conditions infringe upon the residents’ fundamental rights to health, dignity and a clean environment.
He noted that despite multiple complaints, the Municipal Council failed to take preventive or corrective action, reflecting “administrative negligence” and a violation of basic human rights.
The Commission highlighted that the civic failures not only breach Article 21 of the Constitution—guaranteeing the right to life with dignity—but also violate key international human rights commitments, including Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both of which ensure the right to an adequate standard of living and the highest attainable standard of health.
Justice Batra also noted that illegal dairy operations inside municipal limits have become a widespread issue in Haryana, causing recurring sanitation and public health concerns.
While the state government has prepared a blueprint to shift dairies outside municipal boundaries, the policy remains unimplemented, worsening civic challenges. The Commission stressed the need for immediate and coordinated action to maintain clean and safe urban environments.
Terming the situation a prima facie case of human rights violation and civic apathy, Justice Batra observed that the administration's inaction has resulted in environmental degradation and compromised public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and senior citizens.
Dr. Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Commission, said that the District Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Council, Bhiwani, has been ordered to submit a factual report within eight weeks. The report must detail:
a) Measures taken to clear obstructions and improve hygiene;
b) Disciplinary or administrative action against negligent officials;
c) Preventive steps planned to avoid recurrence of such violations.
The Commission has also directed the Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana, and the Director, Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Panchkula, to submit a comprehensive report before the next hearing on January 27, 2026. The departments must outline actions taken or proposed to ensure accessibility, sanitation and public health compliance, particularly in relation to dairy operations within urban areas.
With the civic mess posing an ongoing threat to residents’ rights and urban safety, the Commission has made it clear that accountability and timely action from the government and local bodies are now unavoidable.