NHRC issues notices to Centre & Chhattisgarh Govt

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that despite the joint efforts of the Centre and Government of Chhattisgarh, the number of patients suffering from fluorosis and kidney diseases is increasing due to high level of arsenic and fluoride in drinking water in the state.

The number of patients, which was 1,148 patients till August, 2016, has now increased to 1,170. The villages adjacent to the industrial areas are reported to be worst affected.  They include areas in Bastar, Raigarh, Bemetara districts, according to an NHRC release. According to the data released by the government, 55 people have reportedly died in Supebeda in Gariaband district. However, villagers put the death toll to 103 due to the diseases caused by drinking contaminated water. About 225 people are suffering from kidney diseases.

The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, calling for detailed reports in the matter within four weeks including the steps taken, proposed to be taken to deal with the menace.

The Commission has also observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights as the drinking water is essential to realisation of all basic human rights including the right to life with dignity. This is the prime duty of the state to ensure safe drinking water to its citizens. Earlier too, the Commission had expressed its concern over similar reports of high level of fluoride and arsenic in drinking water in various parts of country.