The National Human Rights Commission on Thursday sent notices to the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, criticising authorities for not taking proper steps to tackle air pollution in the national Capital. The human rights body called this a violation of the individual’s Right to Life.
The NHRC asked for reports from the Environment Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the Transport Ministry as well as the state governments within two weeks on the measures taken and sought to be taken to reduce pollution in New Delhi.
“The state cannot leave its citizens to die due to the toxic haze,” the NHRC said in a statement. “There is a need for an effective study by experts and proper implementation of their recommendations. There is also a need for preventive medical check-ups for people.”
The Aam Aadmi Party-ruled Delhi government had earlier on Thursday said it will implement its odd-even policy for vehicles from November 13 to November 17 to reduce the dense smog that has enveloped the city.
The scheme helps cut traffic on the roads by prohibiting cars and bikes from plying based on the last digit of their registration numbers – vehicles with odd digits ply on odd dates, the others are allowed on even dates.
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