Did NHRC Address the Drowning Incidents of Kids in Delhi and Greater Noida?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NHRC has recognized serious incidents involving child drownings.
- Public authorities failed to address prior warnings regarding waterlogging.
- The cases highlight ongoing issues of safety in urban environments.
- The NHRC can take action based on media reports without formal complaints.
- Immediate reforms are necessary to safeguard vulnerable citizens.
New Delhi, July 16 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has proactively recognized two tragic incidents involving the drowning of two young boys in public locations in Delhi and Greater Noida.
The first incident occurred in Delhi, where a 4-year-old boy tragically fell into an open drain in the Mahendra Park area of the North-West District and lost his life.
In a separate case, a 6-year-old boy drowned in a water body situated within a park in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NHRC noted that residents had previously alerted the Greater Noida Development Authority (GNDA) about persistent waterlogging in the fountain area of the park where the drowning occurred, yet no remedial measures were taken by the authority. The NHRC stated that if the media reports are accurate, it indicates a significant infringement of human rights.
The NHRC has issued notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary, Police Commissioner, and the MCD Commissioner regarding the incident in Delhi, demanding a comprehensive report on the situation within two weeks.
Moreover, referencing media reports, the NHRC pointed out that there have been numerous cases of individuals succumbing after falling into open drains or manholes across various locations in the national capital recently.
In the context of the Greater Noida incident, the Commission has similarly issued notices to the GNDA Chairman and the Gautam Budh Nagar Police Commissioner, requesting a detailed report within two weeks.
Founded under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC serves as an autonomous statutory body dedicated to the promotion and safeguarding of human rights. Its core mission is to defend and advance human rights, which are defined as the entitlements concerning life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals as guaranteed by the Constitution and encapsulated in International Covenants enforceable by courts in India.
This premier human rights institution possesses the authority to initiate suo motu (on its own initiative) actions based on media reports, public awareness, or other channels, without the necessity of receiving an official complaint regarding human rights abuses.