NHRC notice to Himachal Pradesh Government on drowning of 26 students in the Beas river (11.6.2014)
PRESS RELEASE
New Delhi, 11th June, 2014
Taking suo motu cognizance of the drowning of more than 24 students in the Beas river due to unannounced release of water from a dam, the National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh and to the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi calling for a report in the matter within two weeks.
According to the media report that 26 B. Tech students of Vigyan Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bachuapalli, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, on a trip to Himachal Pradesh, were drowned in a flash flood in the river Beas at Mandi on the 8th June, 2014.
The cause of the flash flood was stated to be the opening of the flood gate of the Larji Hydel Project's dam without warning. The students also included six girls. Reportedly, the toll could rise as rescue operations were hampered by non-availability of search lights and divers.
The State Government admitted that the authorities did not follow the right protocol on use of hooters and other warning signals on the release of the water from the Hydel Project.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raises a serious issue of violation of right to life and safety of the victims.
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New Delhi, 11th June, 2014
Taking suo motu cognizance of the drowning of more than 24 students in the Beas river due to unannounced release of water from a dam, the National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh and to the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi calling for a report in the matter within two weeks.
According to the media report that 26 B. Tech students of Vigyan Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bachuapalli, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, on a trip to Himachal Pradesh, were drowned in a flash flood in the river Beas at Mandi on the 8th June, 2014.
The cause of the flash flood was stated to be the opening of the flood gate of the Larji Hydel Project's dam without warning. The students also included six girls. Reportedly, the toll could rise as rescue operations were hampered by non-availability of search lights and divers.
The State Government admitted that the authorities did not follow the right protocol on use of hooters and other warning signals on the release of the water from the Hydel Project.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raises a serious issue of violation of right to life and safety of the victims.
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