Seeks Proactive Relief Reports from Authorities
NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued an urgent directive to 19 States and 4 Union Territories, calling for preemptive measures and immediate implementation of relief protocols to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of cold waves during the upcoming winter season.
The Commission underscored the critical need for action by citing alarming data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which recorded the deaths of 3,639 people across the country between 2019 and 2023 due to exposure to cold waves.
In its communication, the NHRC strongly reiterated the essential guidelines published by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for mitigating the effects of extreme cold. The Commission stressed the importance of sensitizing concerned authorities to the risks faced by the homeless, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
To ensure compliance and accountability, the NHRC has requested “Action Taken Reports” from the concerned state and union territory administrations, detailing the specific measures put in place to prevent fatalities and adverse health effects associated with cold wave conditions. This proactive intervention aims to safeguard human rights and prevent avoidable winter-related deaths.