NHRC takes suo motu cognizance on poisonous manholes; Issues notices to Delhi Chief Secretary and the Commissioner, MCD, Delhi
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New Delhi, June 11th, 2010
The National Human Rights has taken suo motu cognizance of media report alleging that three persons died while cleaning a manhole in Delhi. The incident happened in Adarsh Nagar area of North West Delhi on the 18th May, 2010 and reported in media on the 19th May, 2010. The report alleged that Babu Lal, aged 17 years and Ravinder Kumar, aged 27 years died after inhaling toxic gases, the manhole while Harish Maini, aged 17 years went inside the manhole after he was allegedly forced by his employer to help and also lost his life. It was also reported while entering in the manhole the victims had covered their nose and mouth with only a handkerchief instead of a preventive gear which is mandatory.
Considering the contents of the media report as distressing, the Commission observed on the 28th May, 2010 that if these are true then it is a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims, and issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Delhi and the Commission, MCD, Delhi, calling for their report within four weeks from the date of receipt.
The Commission has also asked them to inform it about the number of deaths caused in manhole cleaning in the last five years.
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The National Human Rights has taken suo motu cognizance of media report alleging that three persons died while cleaning a manhole in Delhi. The incident happened in Adarsh Nagar area of North West Delhi on the 18th May, 2010 and reported in media on the 19th May, 2010. The report alleged that Babu Lal, aged 17 years and Ravinder Kumar, aged 27 years died after inhaling toxic gases, the manhole while Harish Maini, aged 17 years went inside the manhole after he was allegedly forced by his employer to help and also lost his life. It was also reported while entering in the manhole the victims had covered their nose and mouth with only a handkerchief instead of a preventive gear which is mandatory.
Considering the contents of the media report as distressing, the Commission observed on the 28th May, 2010 that if these are true then it is a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims, and issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Delhi and the Commission, MCD, Delhi, calling for their report within four weeks from the date of receipt.
The Commission has also asked them to inform it about the number of deaths caused in manhole cleaning in the last five years.
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