NHRC writes to states, Union Territories on ending handbook scavenging

The fee has famous that the follow constitutes a “grave violation of human rights”, particularly the proper to life with dignity and equality earlier than the legislation.

The NHRC has noticed that regardless of the constitutional and authorized safeguards, in addition to a whole ban introduced by the Supreme Courtroom in January 2025 in six main cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad — handbook cleansing of hazardous waste “continues to be reported in sure elements of the nation”.

Subsequently, the NHRC has beneficial the fast implementation of measures together with huge dissemination of the prohibition of handbook scavenging and related judicial directives amongst stakeholders, together with native authorities, contractors, and most people, it mentioned.

Different measures embody sensitisation programmes for presidency officers, sanitation staff, and communities on the authorized, social, and human rights dimensions of handbook scavenging; and common follow-ups and overview mechanisms to trace progress, establish implementation gaps, and guarantee accountability in any respect ranges.