Chandigarh, August 7, 2026: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report concerning the death of a 12-year-old girl in Ambala, Haryana, who reportedly died of jaundice after allegedly consuming contaminated drinking water.
The development has raised concerns over access to safe drinking water and the possible impact of contaminated water on public health in Shahzadpur locality, where several other children have reportedly been diagnosed with jaundice.
The NHRC has now issued a notice to the Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, an IAS officer of 1990 batch, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
NHRC Flags Possible Human Rights Violation
The rights body said the contents of the media report, if true, raise serious issues concerning a possible violation of human rights.
The reported death and the presence of jaundice cases among other children have prompted the Commission to seek information from the state government regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and the measures being taken to prevent further illness.
The NHRC’s intervention follows reports that residents of the affected locality had alleged that the drinking water supplied through a public tap was contaminated.
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Report Sought From Haryana Chief Secretary
Through its notice, the NHRC has asked the Haryana Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report on the situation.
The report is expected to cover the health status of children who are currently ill and undergoing treatment, along with details of the measures being taken by the district and state administration to address the suspected water contamination and prevent further cases.
The Commission’s notice seeks a response within two weeks.
The NHRC’s action comes as local authorities continue efforts to assess the health situation in the affected area.
Several Children Reportedly Diagnosed With Jaundice
According to the reported information, the 12-year-old girl was a resident of Ambala and was believed to have contracted jaundice after consuming contaminated drinking water.
Several other children in the Shahzadpur area have also reportedly been diagnosed with jaundice.
Residents have raised concerns over the quality of drinking water being supplied through a public tap, alleging that contamination of the water may be linked to the illnesses reported in the locality.
The allegations are now part of the broader health and administrative response being examined by the authorities.
Health Department Conducts Door-to-Door Screening
Following the reported cases, local authorities have deployed health teams to conduct health surveys and door-to-door screening in the affected locality.
The exercise is aimed at identifying people with symptoms at an early stage and preventing the further spread of the disease.
During a survey conducted on Monday, the Health Department identified 11 patients with fever. Of these, two showed symptoms of jaundice.
A follow-up survey conducted on Tuesday identified seven additional fever patients.
The health teams are continuing to monitor residents and assess people who may require medical attention.
Focus on Health Status and Preventive Measures
The NHRC’s notice is expected to bring particular focus on the condition of children who have fallen ill and are currently receiving treatment.
It is also seeking information on the steps being taken by the administration to tackle the situation.
These measures are expected to include continued health surveillance, identification of symptomatic residents and action to address the reported concerns regarding the drinking water supply.
The door-to-door screening exercise is also intended to help authorities identify additional cases and ensure that affected residents receive timely medical care.
Water Quality Concerns Under Scrutiny
The allegations of contaminated drinking water have emerged as a key concern in the incident.
Residents have reportedly attributed the illnesses to water supplied through a public tap, although the exact cause of the reported jaundice cases remains subject to official investigation.
The NHRC’s intervention seeks to establish the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and understand whether deficiencies in the provision of safe drinking water or other administrative lapses contributed to the situation.
The state government’s response to the Commission’s notice is expected to provide further details about the water supply, health situation and corrective measures being implemented in Shahzadpur.
Key Developments
- NHRC action: Suo motu cognisance of the reported death of a 12-year-old girl due to jaundice.
- Location: Shahzadpur locality, Ambala, Haryana.
- Notice issued to: Haryana Chief Secretary.
- Response sought: A detailed report within two weeks.
- Reported concern: Residents have alleged contamination of drinking water supplied through a public tap.
- Health survey: Eleven fever patients were identified on Monday, including two with jaundice symptoms.
- Follow-up survey: Seven more fever patients were identified on Tuesday.
- Ground response: Health teams are conducting door-to-door screening and health surveys.
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