National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today sought reports from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Uttar Pradesh government over pollution in the river Ganga.
The rights panel issued notices in this regard to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and to the Chief Secretary, government of Uttar Pradesh, calling for reports in the matter within four weeks, according to an NHRC statement.
The notices were issued after the Commission took suo motu cognisance of a media report raising the issue of continued pollution in the Ganges.
The report states about unabated pollution in the river in Varanasi. The cognisance of the issue has been taken while the Commission is holding an Open Hearing in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on the complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Castes.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. Right to Safe and Clean Environment is one of the most important human rights.
Preserving the environment is not only important for the present generation but also for the generations to come.
