NHRC Warns Telangana Govt Over Failure In Reporting On Steps To Tackle Fluoride Contamination In Groundwater, Grants Last Chance

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned the office of the Chief Secretary over failure in filing an action taken report on tackling fluoride contamination in groundwater.The Commission said that the complainant submitted that Groundwater in Telangana is found to contain excess fluoride levels, posing serious health risks, particularly skeletal and dental fluorosis among residents. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report, 2024, also documented the issue, indicating that several districts in Telangana show fluoride levels beyond permissible limits prescribed by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and WHO. It was further submitted that the Govt. of Telangana's acknowledged the problem; however, no efforts has been taken to address the issue. "Adequate mitigation measures such as installation of de-fluoridation plants, provision of alternative safe drinking water sources, and health interventions remain insufficient. It is further observed by the Commission that the present complaint raises the issues of protection of the affected population's right to health and safe drinking water, which are integral components of the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The fluoride contamination in groundwater is a serious risk to people's health and the environmental safety. The urgent and effective intervention by the concerned authorities is necessitated to ensure the availability of safe drinking water and the prevention of further contamination," the Commission said. On June 20 the NHRC had issued notice on the complaint, and directed that the copy of the complaint be transmitted to the Chief Secretary through online mode, to ensure the needful action and submit the action taken report duly translated in English to the Commission within four weeks. There was a reminder sent on August 1. "However, there has been no response from the office of the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Telangana, despite direction dated 20.06.2025 followed by a reminder dated 01.08.2025.The Commission warns that this continued inaction and failure to submit the required action taken report within the stipulated time may be viewed seriously, and the Chief Secretary shall be held responsible for non-compliance. A final opportunity is therefore granted to submit the Action Taken Report within four weeks, failing which the Commission may proceed to take appropriate action under the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993," it added.The Commission noted, that a complaint was filed on January 1 this year raising concerns about the environmental pollution in Telangana, more specifically, the alarming levels of fluoride in groundwater. Out of the many implications of consuming fluoride-contaminated water, highlighted by the complainant, some of them are: Neurological impairment, thyroid issues, kidney damage, cancer risk, etc. The complainant cited his source of information as the Annual Ground Water Quality Report — 2024, released by Ministry of Jal Shakti.The complainant prayed that a Special Rapporteur by the Commission visit the affected site and prepare a comprehensive status report, to direct the State machinery to take appropriate measures and set up a (i) Fluoride Task Force (ii) Fluoride-free centres (iii) issue a physically handicapped/disabled certificate to the fluorosis victims and (iv) To file a time-bound Action taken report.The matter was adjourned to November 16.Complainant: Yennam Balachander ReddyClick Here To Read/Download Order

NHRC Warns Telangana Govt Over Failure In Reporting On Steps To Tackle Fluoride Contamination In Groundwater, Grants Last Chance

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