NHRC Requests Investigation into Fatalities of Three Workers in Kolkata Manhole
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Synopsis
The NHRC has taken notice of three construction workers' deaths in a Kolkata manhole, seeking a report from West Bengal authorities. The incident raises human rights concerns and highlights the need for modern safety measures in hazardous work environments.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC investigates deaths of three workers in Kolkata.
- Report requested from West Bengal government.
- Incident raises serious human rights concerns.
- Modern technology advocated for sewer cleaning.
- Push for banning hazardous cleaning practices.
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated suo motu cognizance following a media report concerning the fatalities of three construction workers in a manhole at the Kolkata Leather Complex earlier this month. The Commission has requested a report from the West Bengal government, as confirmed by an official on Friday.
Notices have been sent to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police of West Bengal, demanding a comprehensive report on the incident within two weeks, which is anticipated to outline the investigation's progress.
The tragic deaths resulted from the workers inhaling toxic gases while conducting repairs in a 10-foot-deep manhole on February 2.
As reported in the media on February 3, the victims were assigned by a contractor to restore a section of the drainage system overseen by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA).
The Commission has noted that if the media claims are accurate, they point to a significant violation of human rights concerning the victims, as per a statement released.
The statement referenced a ruling from the Apex Court in the case of Balram Singh vs Union of India, dated October 20, 2023, which emphasized the responsibility of local authorities and agencies to employ modern technology for sewer cleaning.
Moreover, the Commission has consistently pushed for a complete prohibition on dangerous cleaning practices that lack adequate protective gear and equipment, advocating for the implementation of technology-driven robotic systems.
On September 24, 2021, it issued an advisory aimed at protecting the human rights of individuals engaged in hazardous cleaning tasks, directed at both the Union and State Governments, as well as local authorities, to eliminate such practices entirely.
In a related case, the NHRC also took suo motu notice of a media report indicating that approximately 38 students from a government school fell ill due to toxic gas exposure from a nearby cement factory in Baloda Bazar district, Chhattisgarh, on January 22, 2025.
The media reported that the students exhibited symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and fainting.
In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Chhattisgarh, demanding a detailed report on this incident within four weeks.
