NHRC seeks report on Chhattisgarh children crossing river via unfinished bridge
NHRC has sought a detailed report from Chhattisgarh government within two weeks on children crossing a river via an unfinished bridge.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that school children in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district are forced to use an unfinished bridge to cross a river, risking their lives daily.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, asking for a detailed report within two weeks. The move follows media reports that children from Khambhatha and nearby villages in Mainpur Block have to climb a narrow, slippery iron ladder attached to the incomplete structure to cross the Pairi river and reach their schools.
The bridge, about 300 metres long, connects Deharguda and Khambhatha. It has been under construction for nearly six years, even though authorities had assured villagers about a year ago that it would be completed within six months.
During the monsoon, the river, which is otherwise shallow, turns into a strong current, making the crossing even more dangerous. The NHRC observed that if the reports are true, the situation amounts to a serious violation of human rights, particularly the right to safety and education of children.