What Actions is NHRC Taking Regarding the Deaths Caused by Hoarding Collapse in Gujarat?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NHRC demands report from Gujarat officials on hoarding collapse.
- Two workers tragically died due to the incident.
- Incident highlights serious human rights violations.
- Importance of workplace safety regulations emphasized.
- NHRC's proactive measures signal accountability in labor rights.
New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a report from the Gujarat government and the Ahmedabad Police Chief within a two-week timeframe regarding the tragic deaths of two workers who were killed when a rooftop advertising hoarding collapsed last month, as confirmed by an official statement released on Monday.
The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report detailing how two workers lost their lives and another sustained serious injuries due to the fall of an advertising hoarding from a seven-storey building in the Bopal locality of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on September 27, according to the official announcement.
The Commission noted that the details from the media report, if accurate, indicate a severe violation of human rights.
“As a result, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Gujarat and the Commissioner of Police in Ahmedabad, requesting an in-depth report on the incident within two weeks,” the statement added.
According to the report published on September 29, approximately 15 workers were engaged in installing a hoarding about 80 feet above ground on a residential structure when it unexpectedly collapsed.
Out of the ten workers who fell, two tragically passed away, while one suffered serious injuries. Seven others experienced minor injuries and were hospitalized for treatment, as per the report.
In a different case, the NHRC also took suo motu cognizance of two incidents in Madhya Pradesh involving child branding and electrocution fatalities.
The Commission issued notices to senior district officials on October 7, demanding comprehensive reports within the same two-week period.
The first incident, reported from Jhabua district, involved three children suffering from pneumonia who were allegedly branded with a hot iron rod by a local faith healer. Disturbingly, the parents had taken the children to the healer, preferring traditional practices over medical intervention.
In another unfortunate event, two children aged 8 and 10 lost their lives due to electrocution while playing inside a Durga Puja pandal in Jabalpur district. This tragic incident occurred on September 24 when the children encountered an iron pipe that had been carelessly electrified by the pandal organizers.