NHRC notice to Noida admin, cops over death of sewage workers

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the Noida Development Authority and the civil and police administrations of Gautam Budh Nagar district over the reported death of two labourers while working in a sewage treatment plant.

As per media reports, the incident took place on April 14 and the workers were "not wearing" basic safety gears, the NHRC said today.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the reports, the Commission has sent notice to the chairman of the Noida Development Authority, the district magistrate and the senior superintendent of police of Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, and sought a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.
 

"The victims, aged 21 and 23, died while they were working at the oxidation tank of a sewage treatment plant in Sector 54 of Noida," the NHRC said.

"According to the reports, one of the labourers was stepping down in the sewer water through a ladder when he fell down. Another worker also fell down when he tried to help him out," it said.

"One of them was pulled out and rushed to the district hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The body of the other deceased worker was located later, with great difficulty," the NHRC said.

The authorities are expected to submit their response specifically mentioning the steps taken for relief and rehabilitation to the next of kin of the deceased and the action taken against the officials found guilty of negligence causing death of two poor labourers, it added.

The Commission has been laying emphasis on strict compliance with relevant guidelines and proper arrangements of the safety and security of the workers by their employers, the NHRC said.

The Commission said it had finalised guidelines for maintenance and cleaning of sewage systems, while disposing of the case of death of two municipal safai karamcharis in Delhi.

"Reportedly, the deputy CEO of the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) has ordered an inquiry into the matter, along with announcement of Rs 10 lakh as relief to the next of kin of the decease, to be paid by the contractor. But there is no mention of a case having been registered by police in the matter," the NHRC said.