The Hindu 28.02.2013
Remove asbestos roofs in schools, local bodies told
Right panel team begins visit in Wayanad.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the three-tier local administrative bodies to remove asbestos sheets used as a roofing material in schools and anganwadis in the district.
Commission member Satyabrata Pal, who is leading the team, said after visiting selected schools and anganwadis in Sulthan Bathery taluk on Wednesday that the asbestos roof was cause for many health-related issues such as cancer among children. Hence, the three-tier local administrative bodies should take responsibility for replacing such hazardous materials with human-friendly materials, he said.
The team comprises M.K. Sreevastava, Joint Secretary, and Savita Bakri, Deputy Secretary, of the commission.
The team also visited selected police stations, government hospitals, tribal colonies and sub-jail in the district.
It will hold a meeting of representatives of the three-tier local administrative bodies and non-governmental organisations in the district at the Collectorate conference hall here at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday to assess the progress in the human rights awareness programme being implemented by the commission in the district.
