The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken a serious note of an open, stagnant pond in Sumra Kheda village of Bhiwani district, describing it as a 'direct assault on human dignity' after three minor children drowned there.
The panel observed that the deaths of the three children were not accidental, but the result of long-standing administrative negligence and insensitivity, as no safety measures had been put in place.
According to the complaint filed before the Judicial Member of the Commission, Kuldip Jain, the open pond filled with stagnant water has existed for several years in a densely populated part of the village.
Despite repeated complaints, no fencing, warning signs, or boundary walls were built to prevent accidents, the Commission noted. The panel further said foul smell from the stagnant water and the risk of infectious diseases violated the villagers’ right to health.
In his order dated February 4, Kuldip Jain stated that such conditions amounted to a serious violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which ensured every citizen the right to live in a safe, clean and dignified environment.
He stressed that failure to ensure children’s safety, one of the most vulnerable groups, violated the State’s constitutional duty under Articles 39(e) and 39(f) of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
He also expressed strong displeasure over the lack of concrete action despite repeated warnings and complaints.
Considering the seriousness of the issue, Jain directed the Deputy Commissioner of Bhiwani to act as the nodal officer and ensure immediate safety measures, carry out a fair and detailed investigation, fix responsibility, and take action against officials and employees responsible for the negligence.
The Gram Panchayat has been ordered to immediately fence, fill or otherwise secure the pond and restore proper sanitation in the village. Assistant Registrar of the Commission Dr Puneet Arora said the panel had issued a strict warning that any negligence or delay in matters involving human life and child safety will not be tolerated.
All authorities concerned have been directed to submit detailed action-taken reports one week before the next hearing, which has been scheduled for April 2.
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