NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three construction workers due to drowning after inhaling toxic gases in Kolkata Leather Complex

Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 14th February, 2025

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three construction workers due to drowning after inhaling toxic gases in Kolkata Leather Complex

Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner, West Bengal calling for a detailed report within two weeks

The report expected to include the status of the investigation

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three construction workers died due to drowning reportedly after inhaling toxic gases while entering a 10-foot deep manhole to repair a sewer joint at Kolkata Leather Complex on 2nd February, 2025. According to the media report, carried on 3rd February, 2025, they were deployed by a contractor to renovate a portion of a drainage network under the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA).

The Commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victims. The Apex Court, in its judgement passed in the case, Dr Balram Singh vs Union of India (WP(C) No. 324 of 2020) dated 20.10.2023, has held that it is the duty of the local authorities and other agencies to use modern technology for cleaning of sewers etc.

The Commission has also been consistently advocating a total ban on activities of hazardous cleaning without adequate and proper protective/ safety gears or equipment and also has advocated suitable use of work-friendly and technology-based robotic machines. It issued an Advisory on 24th September, 2021 for the Protection of Human Rights of the Persons Engaged in Hazardous Cleaning to the Union, State Governments and local authorities with an object to ensure complete eradication of such practice.

Therefore, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police, West Bengal calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. It is expected to include the status of the investigation.

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