Nuh, June 26 -- A fresh fire broke out in the Aravalli forests near Khori Kala village in Haryana's Nuh district early Wednesday, allegedly caused by the illegal dumping and burning of industrial waste transported from neighbouring Rajasthan. This marks the third major forest fire in the ecologically sensitive region this season, highlighting escalating environmental violations in the fragile Aravalli belt. According to officials, unidentified individuals set fire to mounds of industrial waste dumped in the forest area late Tuesday night. When a team led by the Tauru sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) reached the spot on Wednesday morning, the blaze was still active and had to be extinguished by the fire department. "This is a sensitive, ecologically important zone, and we have zero tolerance for such violations," said Nuh deputy commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena, who convened an emergency meeting with the SDM and forest officials shortly after the incident was reported. "The forest department has been directed to register fresh FIRs and intensify joint enforcement drives involving the police, forest, and pollution control departments," he added. Meena said he has instructed officers to pursue arrests, step up night patrols, and coordinate with Rajasthan authorities, given that much of the waste allegedly originates across the state border. "We have alerted all departments and directed the SDM Tauru to ensure strict enforcement. Stern action will be taken against those found responsible," he said, adding that a review meeting has been called for Friday to assess steps taken and finalise the future course of the crackdown. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Pradeep Gulia said the fire was not initially reported to the department. "We have now sent a team to assess the damage and instructed field staff to submit a detailed report for further legal action," he said. Officials confirmed that on May 2-3, a similar fire scorched nearly half an acre of forest land. FIRs were then registered under Sections 223(b) and 326(f) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In earlier incidents, two tractors were seized, and a notice was served to the village sarpanch for alleged negligence. Residents and environmentalists raised alarm over the recurring violations. Advocate Haseen Khan, who flagged the latest fire on social media, called it "an ecological crime being committed in broad daylight". He demanded suspension of negligent officials. Environmental activist Vaishali Rana said, "We are witnessing the slow death of Haryana's Aravallis due to illegal mining, waste dumping, and now these fires. Until violators face heavy penalties, vehicle confiscation, and property sealing, these crimes will continue." She urged immediate deployment of joint enforcement teams and sustained surveillance of forested areas. Officials said investigations are underway, and more legal action is expected....