NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Sewer Deaths in Haryana’s Nuh District

April 24, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the death of two sanitation workers and injury to another after exposure to toxic gases while cleaning a sewer line at Ambedkar Chowk in Firozpur Jhirka, Nuh district, Haryana, on 15 April 2026.

As per reports, the contractor engaged by the state Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) deployed three workers for sewer cleaning without providing any protective safety gear. One worker reportedly entered the sewer first and lost consciousness. The other two workers, attempting to rescue him, also collapsed after inhaling poisonous gases. All three were taken to a hospital, where two were declared dead.

The Commission observed that, if the contents of the report are accurate, the incident raises grave concerns of human rights violations. Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Municipal Commissioner of Nuh and the Superintendent of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The report is expected to cover the progress of the investigation, the condition of the injured worker, and details of compensation provided to him and the next of kin of the deceased.

The NHRC further noted that despite clear guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India and its own advisories mandating mechanised sewer cleaning and proper safety measures, such fatal incidents continue to occur across the country.