NHRC Summons Officials From Delhi, 3 States Over Air Pollution

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the chief secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to remain present on November 10 for a detailed discussion on the issue of pollution. The officials have also been asked to inform the commission about the steps taken by their respective governments to stop the burning of stubble in their regions.

“The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, not satisfied with the various actions taken so far to address the issue of air pollution in Delhi NCR, has asked the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to be present before it either personally or on hybrid mode on 10th November, 2022 for a detailed discussion in this regard,” NHRC said in a release.

“The Chief Secretaries of these states are expected to inform the Commission within a week positively before this discussion about the steps taken by their respective governments to stop the burning of stubble in their regions,” he added.

The commission has asked the officials to include in their reports the effect of anti-smog guns and the effect of the scheme of in-situ management of crop residue. The commission was of the view that much more needed to be done to control the air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

“It has been further observed that with the winter approaching, the NHRC, being the premier human rights body of the country, cannot remain a mute spectator of the situation affecting the human rights of the common citizens. It is of the considered view that notwithstanding several directions of the Supreme Court, National Green Tribunal and other authorities, the air quality in Delhi- NCR has not seen required improvement for a human-friendly environment, which cannot be allowed to remain so perpetually,” the release said.