The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, took Suo Motu cognizance upon a media report alleging slow pace of cleaning garbage heaps at Ghazipur and Bhalaswa landfill sites in Delhi. 

It was reported that these garbage heaps have a tendency of catching fire every summer causing excessive pollution in the entire city and its immediately surrounding vicinities. 

Expressing serious concern over this, notices have been issued by the Delhi Commission, to the Delhi Chief Secretary and Chairperson, Delhi Pollution Control Committee.  The concerned authorities have been asked to file a detailed report in the present matter. 

The Commission has highlighted that every human being has the basic right to breathe clean air and live in a pollution free environment. Inhalation of toxic air and living in the polluted environment is a serious threat to people’s Right to Life and Right to Health. 

The Commission has also observed that it is the duty of the State to take all appropriate steps to bring down the sufferings of the common man by controlling and minimizing the pollution levels in Delhi, which has not been given due thought till now, nor has there been substantial efforts towards the same cause.

Reportedly, going by the present speed at which these heaps of garbage are dealt with, the local population will be exposed to serious health concerns.