Complaints related to issues of environmental pollution have started coming to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Commissioner Sudeep Pathak shared that complaints concerning problems related to environment pollution including air pollution, pollution of rivers and streams and pollution of drinking water sources have started coming to NHRC.
He said one such complaint related to an industry in the midst of a human settlement causing environment pollution making life of the people living in the area difficult. “Complaints of industries and factories not fulfilling the required pollution control standard have been received,” he said.
Pathak said although the number of complaints lodged with the NHRC has decreased at present compared to the past, the nature of complaints has changed.
According to him, during the conflict period the Commission was overwhelmed with complaints related to heinous crimes and violation of human rights whereas now complaints regarding environmental pollution, food adulteration and problems faced during foreign employment are lodged as the people have become more aware about their labor, employment, consumer and health rights.
Commissioner Pathak said that NHRC has issued various recommendations to the government in response to complaints related to environmental pollution.
