New Delhi [India], October 24 (HBTV): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), keeping in view the cold wave in the country, has urged 19 state governments and four Union Territory administrations to take pre-emptive steps and implement relief measures to protect vulnerable groups, especially newborns, children, infants, the poor, elderly, homeless, destitute, and people involved in beggary, who are at risk due to lack of shelter and resources.
According to a release, the Commission acknowledged that changing weather patterns due to climate change affect human rights and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations impacted by extreme weather events, ensuring their dignity is respected and upheld.
Highlighting the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report titled Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, the Commission noted that between 2019 and 2023, a total of 3,639 people reportedly died from exposure to cold waves in the country.
In its communication to the states and Union Territory administrations, the Commission reiterated the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines to mitigate the impacts of cold waves, which include establishing treatment protocols, setting up day and night shelters, providing medical care and implementing standard treatment procedures for cold-related illnesses, and ensuring consistent monitoring of relief efforts through a proactive approach.
The Commission has also urged the sensitisation of concerned officials and sought action-taken reports from authorities on the measures adopted to prevent any untoward incidents and protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of cold waves.
(ANI)