Noida: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the death of a sanitation worker who allegedly inhaled toxic gases while cleaning a sewer line in Sector 93 and has sought detailed reports from the Noida Authority and police commissioner within two weeks.On July 14, Shiva, a 28-year-old sanitation worker, lost his life during a sewer cleaning operation carried out by the Noida Authority. The victim’s family later alleged that sanitation workers were sent into the sewer without adequate safety equipment, exposing them to hazardous toxic gases.In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission said it had taken note of media reports regarding the incident and observed that if the allegations reported in the media are found to be true, they raise serious concerns about the violation of the worker’s human rights and the failure to ensure occupational safety.The commission has issued notices to the Noida Authority and the GB Nagar police commissioner, directing them to submit a detailed report on the incident within two weeks.The reports will examine whether mandatory safety measures were followed during the operation and whether negligence on the part of the authorities or contractors contributed to the worker’s death. The findings will determine whether further action or recommendations will be issued.According to media reports cited by the commission, Shiva was rescued by firefighters and police officers after he collapsed inside the manhole. He was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to the effects of toxic gas inhalation during treatment.The same day, the Noida Authority released a statement claiming that Shiva was equipped with a safety belt, oxygen mask and other gear.The incident has brought attention to the hazardous nature of manual sewer cleaning, despite legal prohibitions and safety guidelines requiring the use of protective equipment and mechanised cleaning methods. Labour rights activists and civic groups have repeatedly demanded stricter enforcement of safety protocols and accountability in cases involving sewer and septic tank deaths.
