NHRC Probes Fatalities in Delhi-NCR: A Crisis of Infrastructure and Negligence
NHRC Issues Notices Over Tragic Losses in Delhi-NCR
On August 3, 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a series of notices to key authorities following a distressing media report highlighting the deaths of at least 13 individuals in Delhi-NCR. The fatalities, attributed to electrocution and drowning, underscore a severe failure of civic infrastructure and regulatory oversight. This intervention by the NHRC underscores growing concerns about the state of urban infrastructure and the negligence of responsible authorities.
Electrocution and Drowning: The Grim Statistics
The recent report indicates that among the 13 fatalities, six individuals lost their lives due to electrocution and four due to drowning in overflowing drains exacerbated by heavy rainfall. This grim situation has intensified scrutiny on the creaky infrastructure and evident civic negligence in the region. The NHRC’s suo motu cognizance of these incidents reflects an urgent need for accountability and remedial action.
Authorities Called to Account
The NHRC has directed notices to multiple officials, including the Delhi Chief Secretary, Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and police chiefs in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. These notices demand detailed reports within four weeks, addressing the status of FIRs, actions against culpable officials, and compensation provided to the victims’ families. The NHRC’s call for comprehensive reports highlights the severity of the situation and the necessity for immediate corrective measures.
Recent Incidents Highlight Infrastructure Failures
The tragic incidents reported on August 2, 2024, reveal severe lapses in infrastructure management and emergency response. A 23-year-old woman, holding her three-year-old son, fell into an overflowing drain in Ghazipur, East Delhi, on July 31. The rescue operation faced delays due to a jurisdictional dispute between Delhi and Ghaziabad police. In Dwarka, Delhi, a 12-year-old boy was electrocuted while playing in a waterlogged area.
Further, two separate tragedies occurred in Gurugram, Haryana: a 44-year-old man drowned in a stormwater drain in Bhondsi, and three pedestrians were electrocuted on a waterlogged road near IIFCO Chowk. In Dadri, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, an elderly couple perished when a wall collapsed on their makeshift home due to the heavy rains.
Summary
The NHRC’s intervention into the recent deaths in Delhi-NCR highlights a dire need for addressing systemic infrastructure issues and regulatory failures. The Commission’s scrutiny aims to ensure accountability and prompt action from the responsible authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| NHRC Action | Issued notices to Delhi, Haryana, and UP authorities regarding deaths |
| Fatalities | 13 deaths due to electrocution and drowning; highlights infrastructure issues |
| Report Requirements | Detailed reports on FIRs, official actions, and compensations sought within four weeks |
| Recent Incidents | Highlight systemic failures and delays in emergency response |
| Urgency of Reform | NHRC intervention underscores need for improved infrastructure and regulatory oversight |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
