NHRC to act on students falling ill due to toxic fumes in Chhattisgarh

delhi: the national human rights commission (nhrc), india, has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that 38 students from a government-run school in baloda bazar district, chhattisgarh, fell ill after inhaling toxic fumes from a nearby cement factory on january 22, 2025.according to media reports, the students experienced nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, with some losing consciousness. the nhrc noted that if the reports are accurate, the incident represents a serious violation of human rights. consequently, it has issued a notice to the chief secretary of chhattisgarh, seeking a detailed report within four weeks. the report is expected to include the students' health status and measures taken to address the health hazard affecting the local population.a media report dated january 23, 2025, indicated that the cement plant uses phosphorus pentasulfide to break down waste and produce alternative fuel. it was further alleged that, in an attempt to accelerate the process, the plant sometimes increased the chemical quantity beyond safe limits.