Date: 2026-05-07Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of two sanitation workers while cleaning a sewer without protective gear in Greater Faridabad, Haryana
**Summary of NHRC Action Regarding the Death of Sanitation Workers in Faridabad**
On May 7, 2026, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, took *suo motu* cognizance of a media report detailing the deaths of two sanitation workers in Greater Faridabad, Haryana.
**Incident Details**
The fatalities occurred on May 2, 2026, at the Puri Pranam Society. The workers reportedly entered a manhole to clean a sewer on the instructions of the building’s Estate Manager. Allegations indicate that the workers were not provided with essential safety equipment, such as protective gear or gas masks.
**Official Action and Notices**
The NHRC has identified the incident as a serious violation of human rights. Consequently, the Commission has issued formal notices to the following authorities in Faridabad, Haryana:
* The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation
* The Commissioner of Police
**Requirements and Deadlines**
The recipients are required to submit a detailed report within two weeks. This report must include:
* The current status of the investigation.
* Details regarding the compensation paid to the next of kin of the deceased workers.
**Commission Observations**
The NHRC expressed grave concern over the recurrence of such incidents across the country. It emphasized that these deaths persist despite established Supreme Court guidelines and NHRC advisories that mandate the use of mechanized sewer cleaning and the provision of adequate safety gear for sanitation workers.
**Reference Information**
* **Posted Date:** May 7, 2026, 5:09 PM
* **Source:** PIB Delhi
* **Release ID:** 2258757
* **Visitor Counter:** 103
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The primary regulatory body that took suo motu cognizance of the human rights violation involving the death of sanitation workers.
Municipal Corporation, Faridabad: The local administrative authority issued a notice to provide a status report on the investigation and compensation for the deceased.
Commissioner of Police, Faridabad: The law enforcement head directed by the NHRC to submit a detailed report on the sewer cleaning incident and its investigation.
Greater Faridabad, Haryana: The central location where the incident occurred, defining the geographic scope of the NHRC's intervention.
NHRC advisory on mechanised cleaning of sewers: A referenced policy document emphasizing the use of safety gear and mechanised methods to prevent sanitation worker fatalities.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the
reported death of two sanitation workers while
cleaning a sewer without protective gear in
Greater Faridabad, Haryana
Issues notices to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation
and Commissioner of Police, Faridabad, calling for a detailed
report on the matter within two weeks
The report is expected to include the status of the
investigation and compensation to the next of kin of the
deceased
Posted On: 07 MAY 2026 5:09PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report
that two sanitation workers died while cleaning a sewer at the Puri Pranam Society in Greater Faridabad,
Haryana on 2nd May 2026. Reportedly, the workers had entered a manhole on the directions of the Estate
Manager of the building without being provided any protective gear or gas masks.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of
violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation
and the Commissioner of Police, Faridabad, Haryana, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two
weeks. It is expected to include the status of the investigation and compensation paid to the next of kin of
the deceased persons.
Issuing the notices, the Commission has noted with concern that despite guidelines issued by the Supreme
Court and the NHRC advisory emphasising the use of mechanised cleaning of sewers with adequate safety
gear to the sanitation workers, such incidents continue to occur frequently in the country.
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NSK
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