New Delhi, July 12th, 2012
The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Chairman, State Pollution Control Board and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment and Forests asking them to submit reports on allegations, as reported in the media, that 52 villages along the Aami river near Gorakhpur in the State have been adversely affected by the contaminated water. The Commission took suo motu cognizance of the media report forwarded by an NGO, Emergency Helpline Association.

Allegedly, a lot of effluents and chemicals regularly flow into the river by nearby factories and industrial units and, in particular, IGL factory. The release of industrial effluents has been causing massive pollution of the water in the river which has also affected the ground water which is the main source of drinking water for the villagers.

It has been further alleged that the ground water along the Aami river is completely polluted and is no longer potable and that the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Lucknow have not been taking any corrective measures to improve the situation.

Giving six weeks time to respond, the Commission has observed that the allegations, if true, constitute a serious violation of human rights of the villagers.

The Chairman, U.P. Pollution Control Board, Lucknow has been further directed to inform as to whether any survey had been under taken of the industrial units polluting Aami river in Gorakhpur and what action was taken against the erring units.

*****