Sealing of leather tanning units in Meerut threatens livelihood of 150 Dalit families; NHRC seeks details from Collector

It is alleged that on April 13th, the district administration sealed the tanneries without prior notice. This action has affected the livelihoods of approximately 150 Dalit families, who are facing financial hardship and starvation.

Published on: June 19, 2026, 1:52 am

Meerut: Taking cognizance of the Dungar tannery case in the district, National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanoongo has issued a notice to the Meerut District Magistrate. The Commission has directed the submission of an action taken report within two weeks. It is noteworthy that on May 21st, a delegation of the Shoshit Kranti Dal, led by National President Ravikant, submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission against the increasing atrocities against Dalits in Meerut.

The complaint raised the issue of the sealing of tanneries in Dungar village without prior notice. Ravikant, National President of the Shoshit Kranti Dal, stated that Dalits in Dungar village have been engaged in tanneries for generations. According to him, these tanneries were constructed by the District Rural Development Agency, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and their contracts are valid until June 17, 2034.

The complaint alleges that on April 13th, the district administration sealed these tanneries without prior notice. It alleges that the tanners were not given sufficient time to remove or use their raw materials, resulting in the loss of goods worth lakhs of rupees. The Shoshit Kranti Dal claims that this action has affected the livelihoods of approximately 150 Dalit families, leaving them facing financial hardship and starvation.

The complaint requested the National Human Rights Commission to direct the Meerut administration to lift the seals on the tanneries and allow the affected families to resume their business operations and earn a living. Taking the matter seriously, the National Human Rights Commission has summoned a report from the District Magistrate, Meerut, within two weeks.

The villagers had complained and the NGT ordered its closure.

This tannery, which has been in operation for a long time in the village, has been the subject of pollution complaints for years. According to local villagers, the contaminated water and foul smell emanating from the factory are affecting life in the surrounding areas. Villagers have also expressed concern about health problems in the surrounding villages.

In this case, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously ordered the factory’s closure in 2013. Despite this, during a recent hearing, the NGT expressed dissatisfaction with the district administration’s actions and ordered a high-level investigation. Following the inspection, the administrative team met with the villagers working at the factory and apprised them of the situation. The administration granted them time in April to vacate the factory and then proceeded with the sealing process.