Submit report on death of 5 people at sewage plant: NHRC to Delhi govt

The National Human Rights Commission Monday asked the Delhi chief secretary and the police commissioner to submit a detailed report on the death of five people due to asphyxiation at a sewage treatment plant in west Delhi's Moti Nagar area.

The five people had fallen ill after they entered the sewage plant at DLF Green Apartments on Sunday. They were later declared brought dead by doctors at a city hospital.

Police said a case has been registered and they were probing whose negligence was it that led to the incident.

The NHRC said the right to life of five innocent persons has been violated "due to negligence by the authorities and the contractor concerned".

"The commission has issued notices to Delhi's chief secretary and police commissioner calling for a detailed report in the matter," it said in a statement.

"We would also like to know about the action taken against the authorities responsible in the matter along with measures taken for relief and rehabilitation of the kin of the deceased persons," it statement.

The Delhi government has ordered a probe in the incident to ascertain the further course of action.

The NHRC said it had taken suo-motu cognizance of a similar incident in 2000 and after discussions with various departments finalised guidelines and safety code for operation and maintenance of sewerage systems for compliance by authorities.

The commission said it has been emphasising to the authorities that they should provide safety gear to workers to avoid such fatal accidents.