The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued notices to Andhra Pradesh Government and the Centre over deaths and suffering of several people due to styrene gas leakage from a chemical plant in Visakhapatnam district.
The NHRC said in a statement that it has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports about the death of eight persons and over five thousand others falling sick due to leakage of styrene gas in the district early morning today.
The Commission has asked State Chief Secretary for a detailed report in the matter including status of the rescue operation, medical treatment provided to the people who have fallen sick and relief and rehabilitation.
The leakage of the gas has reportedly affected people within a radius of about 3 kilometers. Many people could be seen lying on roads while some complained of difficulty in breathing and rashes on their bodies, it said.
"The Commission also considered it appropriate to bring the matter to the notice of the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs and has asked through its Secretary to examine whether the norms laid down under relevant provisions of the law are being implemented at the particular industrial unit and to submit a report to the Commission. Responses from all these authorities are expected within four weeks," the NHRC said.
