Jammu, Jan 24: RTI Activist Raman Sharma has urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene in the ongoing health crisis in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, where 17 people, including children, have tragically lost their lives since December 2024. The deaths are believed to be linked to water contamination caused by harmful pesticides or insecticides, leaving the affected families in deep distress.
Sharma has filed formal petition to the NHRC on 23/Jan/2025 which has been allotted diary number 1614/IN/2025 , in the petition, besides other demands, he has requested the commission to issue directions to the Union Health Ministry to assist the Jammu and Kashmir government in addressing the health crisis.
The petition also demands immediate financial compensation for the grieving families, who are struggling emotionally and financially after these devastating losses. Sharma has stressed the need for medical and psychological support for the survivors, especially vulnerable children and the elderly.
The plea highlights the urgency of NHRC’s involvement to expedite the investigation into the cause of these deaths, ensuring transparency and accountability. Sharma has also urged the NHRC to recommend preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future, including regular testing of water sources, awareness campaigns on chemical safety, and improved healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
He has further requested that the NHRC depute a team to Rajouri to interact directly with the affected families and gather firsthand information. This will ensure that the Commission takes informed and decisive action to address the urgent needs of the community.
Sharma’s petition underscores the need for prompt intervention to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable citizens in Jammu & Kashmir.
