NHRC Issues Notice to Maharashtra Over Chemical Contamination of Borewell Water in Nashik

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that borewell water in Dattanagar locality near Ambad Industrial Area in Nashik district became contaminated due to chemical-laden effluents allegedly discharged from neighbouring factories. Residents have reportedly been receiving contaminated water for the past two months.

The NHRC observed that the contents of the media report, if verified, raise serious human rights violations. The Commission has issued a notice to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report within two weeks, and has also called for comments from the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board.

According to reports, the contamination has prompted local doctors to advise women against pregnancy and schools to discourage attendance. Residents are reportedly spending around Rs. 5,000 monthly on purchasing clean drinking water, besides bearing substantial medical expenses due to health effects of contaminated water.