NHRC notice to the DGP, Uttar Pradesh and DM, Aligarh over reported negligence in the ammonia gas leak at a meat factory causing illness to about 100 workers

New Delhi, 30th September, 2022

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that about 100 workers, mostly women, fell ill after inhaling ammonia gas that leaked in a meat factory in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh on 29th September, 2022. Reportedly, the pipeline through which the gas leaked, required replacement but it was instead repaired recently and the matter was also not reported to the authorities.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, amount to a violation of human rights due to the apparent negligence of the owners as well as the local authorities, who were not vigilant towards their lawful duty. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Director General of Police and the District Magistrate, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh calling for a report in the matter within four weeks. The report is excepted to include action taken against the officers responsible as well as the status of the medical treatment being provided to the victims.

The Commission would also like to know whether any compensation has been given by the State Government to the victims or not. The report should also mention whether the meat factory management has obtained lawful approval/licenses from the authorities concerned including the NOC by the Fire Services and also whether the labour laws were being properly followed by the factory.

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