The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of two tragic incidents of child drowning reported from Delhi and Greater NOIDA on 7th July 2025. Both cases, involving the deaths of young boys aged 4 and 6, have raised serious concerns over public safety and the alleged negligence of civic authorities.
In the first incident, a 4-year-old boy reportedly died after falling into an open drain in the Mahendra Park area of Delhi’s North-West District. The death has sparked outrage as it adds to a growing list of similar accidents in the national capital, where open drains and uncovered manholes continue to pose a grave risk to public safety, especially for children.
The second incident occurred in Greater NOIDA, Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, where a 6-year-old boy drowned in a water body inside a park. According to reports, the residents had previously alerted the Greater NOIDA Development Authority (GNDA) about persistent waterlogging in the park’s fountain area. Despite the warnings, no preventive measures were reportedly taken by the authorities.
Terming the media reports as alarming, the NHRC has noted that if the details are accurate, they point to a serious violation of human rights and gross negligence by the concerned civic bodies.
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the two reported incidents of the drowning of two male kids in public places in Delhi and Greater NOIDA. Both incidents reportedly indicate the negligence of the public authorities. Link at: https://t.co/PmtBPtK3HT pic.twitter.com/iJBLVXB4oQ
— NHRC India (@India_NHRC) July 16, 2025
In response, the Commission has issued notices in both cases. In the Delhi incident, it has sought a detailed report from the Chief Secretary, Police Commissioner, and Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi within two weeks. In the Greater NOIDA case, notices have been sent to the Chairman of GNDA and the Police Commissioner of Gautam Budh Nagar, also seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The Commission emphasized the need for immediate accountability and preventive action to ensure the safety of children and all citizens in public spaces.
