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.