NHRC notice to Centre, states on smog: ‘The state cannot leave its citizens to die due to toxic haze’

Women try to protect themselves from heavy smog and air pollution that reached hazardous levels in New Delhi on Wednesday. Yesterday the air quality hit severe levels in New Delhi. PTI Photo by Manvender Vashist

In view of ‘life-threatening’ pollution levels in the Delhi NCR region, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday sent notices to the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. The NHRC also pulled up authorities for not taking proper steps to tackle the “hazard”, amounting to a violation of the right to life and health.

The rights panel sought reports within two weeks from different Union ministries and the three governments on “effective steps” being taken and proposed to tackle the situation. In a statement, the NHRC said: “The state cannot leave its citizens to die due to the toxic haze.” The NHRC also said it has taken a serious view of the “life-threatening” pollution in Delhi-NCR. In its statement, the Commission observed: “It is apparent that the authorities concerned have not taken proper steps throughout the year to tackle this hazard, which is amounting to violation of the right to life and health of the residents in the region.” Also Read: Smog rises to emergency levels: How the haze can harm Delhi

Delhi air pollution:  The smog, which descended on the city Monday, is expected to last until at least Saturday. (Express Photo: Praveen Khanna)

The rights panel also said it expected the health secretary to give details about the preparedness of government hospitals and other agencies to attend to those affected by pollution and steps taken to create awareness among the public.

In the meantime, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) pulled up the Delhi government, the city’s municipal corporations and governments in neighbouring states for “playing” with the lives of people. “It is shameful for all the parties in this matter on what they’re passing on to the next generation,” the NGT observed.

Delhi air pollution: Vehicles move through dense smog near Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. Photo by Manoj Kumar

A bench headed by the NGT Chairperson Justice Swantanter Kumar said: “No construction activity will be carried out on structures until further orders… all industrial activities in Delhi-NCR which are causing emissions will also not be allowed to carry on their functioning” till November 14.”

Delhi air pollution: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) pulled up the Delhi government, he city’s municipal corporations and governments in neighbouring states for “playing” with the lives of people.