The Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has stepped in on its own accord, alarmed by the dangerously deteriorating air quality in the union territory of Chandigarh. This decisive move comes after leading newspapers highlighted the severe spike in pollution levels this winter.
Air Quality Plummets to Dangerous Levels
For the first time this winter, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Chandigarh entered the 'severe' category. The Commission noted with grave concern that specific areas, particularly around Sector-22, recorded AQI levels exceeding 400. Several other zones in the city suffered under 'very poor' air quality for extended periods.
The PSHRC emphasized that such hazardous pollution poses a serious threat to public health, especially endangering children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac conditions.
A Fundamental Rights Issue
Taking a strong stance, the Commission invoked the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. It firmly stated that this fundamental right inherently includes the right to live in a clean and pollution-free environment. The bench observed that any prolonged exposure to toxic air amounts to a violation of basic human rights.
Commission Questions Lack of Action, Demands Report
The human rights body drew a sharp comparison with the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, where extensive measures like vehicular restrictions and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are enforced under Supreme Court directives. It expressed serious concern over the absence of comparable visible action in Chandigarh, raising questions about administrative readiness and response.
Consequently, the PSHRC has demanded a detailed Action Taken Report from the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC). The report must clarify:
- Steps already taken to control air pollution.
- The existence and enforcement of any structured emergency response mechanism.
- Specific measures adopted to protect the vulnerable sections of society.
The Chairman of the CPCC has been directed to personally oversee the effective monitoring and implementation of pollution control measures. A comprehensive status and compliance report must be submitted to the Commission. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 23, 2025.
