NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of Noida sewage plant deaths, seeks report from UP authorities
The National Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report from Gautam Budh Nagar authorities after two men died from toxic gas exposure inside a sewage treatment plant at a
Deaths during manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks continue to remain a major concern despite the prohibition of hazardous manual scavenging and the availability of mechanised alternatives.
NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported deaths of two persons after they inhaled toxic gases inside a sewage treatment plant at a residential society in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and has sought a detailed report from the district administration and police within two weeks.
The Commission has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Police Commissioner of Gautam Budh Nagar, directing them to submit a comprehensive report on the incident. The report has been sought within two weeks and is expected to include the status of the investigation as well as details of compensation, if any, paid to the next of kin of the victims.
According to the NHRC, the Commission acted on the basis of media reports relating to the incident that occurred on July 26, 2026. The reports stated that a sanitation worker entered a sewage treatment plant to clean a tank but lost consciousness after inhaling toxic gases. When the worker failed to return, a security guard at the residential society entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him. He too reportedly became unconscious after being exposed to the toxic gases.
Police and fire brigade personnel later rescued both men from the tank and shifted them to a hospital, where they were declared dead during treatment.
Taking note of the incident, the Commission observed that if the contents of the media reports are found to be true, they raise serious issues concerning the violation of human rights. It has therefore decided to intervene and seek accountability from the concerned authorities.
The NHRC has asked the district administration and police to furnish details of the ongoing investigation, including the circumstances leading to the deaths, whether safety protocols were followed at the sewage treatment facility, and the relief extended to the victims’ families.
Deaths during manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks continue to remain a major concern despite the prohibition of hazardous manual scavenging and the availability of mechanised alternatives. The latest action by the NHRC underscores the continuing need for strict enforcement of safety standards and accountability in sanitation-related operations.
The Commission will examine the report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh authorities before deciding on any further course of action.
