Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 16th July 2026

NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three children due to drowning in the ‘Ash Dyke Lagoon’ constructed by the NTPC in the Muzaffarpur district, Bihar

Issues notices to the Chairman and Managing Director, NTPC, Delhi and Muzaffarpur SSP, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three children died due to drowning in the ‘Ash Dyke Lagoon’ constructed by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in the Kanti area of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar. A huge amount of coal ash is stored by the NTPC in these ponds. Reportedly, no warning boards were installed in the area.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chairman and Managing Director, NTPC, Delhi and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 12th July 2026, no security personnel have been deployed to restrict the entry of villagers to these ponds to collect coal residue to sell in the market.

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