NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of allegations that unsafe AC sleeper buses with possible safety violations are being used to transport pilgrims under the Punjab government’s Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, a scheme that facilitates pilgrimage for senior citizens and economically disadvantaged people.The commission has issued notices to the Punjab chief secretary and the Union road transport ministry over concerns including blocked emergency exits, unauthorised structural modifications and inadequate fire safety arrangements.NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the commission received a complaint alleging that the buses did not meet prescribed safety standards.The complaint flagged partitions between the driver’s cabin and passenger compartment, obstruction of emergency exits and windows, and deficiencies in fire detection, fire suppression and emergency evacuation arrangements.“The buses being used don’t meet the required safety standards. The complainant told us that there are partitions between the driver’s cabin and the passenger area. Basically, they’ve set up partitions right in the middle of the passenger section. We were also told that the buses have been extended past the chassis, which is creating dangerous conditions,” Kanoongo said.
NHRC flags safety risks in Punjab pilgrimage buses
Kanoongo said the commission had previously taken action in cases involving fires in moving sleeper buses and coaches that resulted in passenger deaths. He added that the NHRC had issued instructions to state governments against using such buses.“The serious thing here, though, is that the state government itself has allegedly hired buses that don’t meet safety standards. This is especially risky when they’re transporting elderly passengers. If there’s an emergency or something goes wrong, these passengers often aren’t even able to get themselves out,” he said.He added that the complaint had raised concerns about partitions in passenger areas and other modifications that could create dangerous conditions.“If passengers are to get through these dangerous conditions safely, the government’s responsibility doubles. It’s highly irresponsible to transport people in buses without meeting the required standards,” Kanoongo said.
Seeks inspection of all buses, report within 7 days
The NHRC has issued a notice to the Punjab chief secretary, asking the state government to monitor the situation and inspect all buses being used under the scheme.“Highly irresponsible to transport people in buses without meeting the required standards. We’ve issued a notice to the Punjab Chief Secretary, asking them to personally monitor the situation, inspect all the buses, and submit a report to us within 7 days,” Kanoongo said.The complaint also highlighted alleged obstructions to emergency exits and windows, along with deficiencies in fire detection, fire suppression and emergency evacuation arrangements.According to a press release, the NHRC Bench presided over by Kanoongo issued notices to the chief secretary, Government of Punjab, and the secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The allegations are yet to be established.(With ANI inputs)
