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Key Points

The National Human Rights Commission has stepped in after a tragic incident in Delhi. A worker died and three others were critically injured while cleaning a sewer in Ashok Vihar. Preliminary accounts suggest they were sent into the sewer without any safety gear. The NHRC has demanded a detailed report from Delhi authorities within two weeks.

Key Points: NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Delhi Ashok Vihar Sewer Death

  • NHRC issues notices to Delhi Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner for a report
  • Four workers fell unconscious inside a sewer near Harihar Apartments
  • The men were allegedly sent without any protective safety equipment
  • One worker Arvind declared dead, three others in critical ICU condition
2 min read

NHRC takes suo motu cognisance of sewer death in Delhi's Ashok Vihar, seeks report

NHRC seeks report from Delhi authorities after a worker dies and three are critically injured while cleaning a sewer in Ashok Vihar without safety gear.

"serious concerns of human rights violations - National Human Rights Commission"

New Delhi, September 22

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports regarding the death of one worker and serious injuries to three others while cleaning a sewer in Northwest Delhi's Ashok Vihar on the night of September 16.

According to officials, the incident took place around 11:30 pm near Harihar Apartments in Ashok Vihar Phase-II. Four men engaged in sewer cleaning fell unconscious inside.

They were rushed to Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital, where one of them, Arvind (40), a resident of Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, was declared brought dead.

The others, Sonu and Narayana, also from Kasganj, and Naresh from Bihar, remain in the ICU in critical condition.

Police said the men were working for a private construction company that has been carrying out sewer operations in the area for several days. Preliminary accounts from co-workers allege that the victims were sent inside without any safety gear. The company manager is being questioned.

Taking note of the incident, the Commission observed that, despite repeated directions of the Supreme Court and NHRC advisories to ensure the safety of sanitation workers, such tragic cases continue to occur. It described the report as raising "serious concerns of human rights violations."

The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Delhi, the Municipal Commissioner, and the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The report is expected to cover the status of the investigation, the medical condition of the injured workers, and details of compensation provided to the deceased's family and the injured.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that NHRC is taking action. But why wait for deaths to happen? Regular inspections and strict enforcement of safety norms are needed. These workers come from poor backgrounds and have no choice but to take such risky jobs.
A
Arjun K
Without safety gear at 11:30 PM? This is criminal negligence. The company manager should be charged with murder. Hope the family gets proper compensation - no amount of money can bring back their loved one though.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, I'm shocked by how common these incidents are. In developed countries, sewer cleaning has strict protocols and protective equipment. India needs to prioritize worker safety much more seriously.
V
Vikram M
While NHRC action is welcome, I hope this doesn't become another case of "notice issued, report submitted, and then forgotten." We need sustained pressure and actual implementation of safety guidelines.
K
Karthik V
These workers migrate from UP and Bihar for work and end up losing their lives. The government should create better employment opportunities in their home states so people don't have to risk their lives in cities.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the NHRC action is important, the real solution lies in mechanizing sewer cleaning completely. No human should have to enter these toxic environments. The technology exists - it's about political will

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