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Haryana Human Rights Commission issues strong directive to remove high-tension wires over schools, citing human right violations
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 10, 2025 — In a landmark move prioritizing the safety and rights of children, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has issued a strong directive in the Suo Motu Case declaring the presence of high-tension electricity wires over school premises a serious violation of human rights.
The Full Bench of the Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, stated that overhead high-voltage power lines pose a direct threat to the life, health, and safety of schoolchildren, infringing upon Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and violating provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
A Decade-Old Mandate Ignored
The Commission noted that a clear directive was issued on 18 March 2013, during the tenure of the then Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, mandating the removal of all high-tension power lines over government schools, polytechnics, civil and veterinary hospitals by 15 June 2013.
The Power Department was instructed to bear the costs. However, more than ten years later, compliance remains incomplete, exposing thousands of students to life-threatening risks on a daily basis.
Orders for Immediate Action and Accountability
To ensure swift resolution, the Commission has directed the following authorities to submit a detailed status report within two months:
- Additional Chief Secretary (Power)
- Managing Directors of DHBVN, UHBVN, and HVPNL
- Director of Secondary Education
- Director General of Elementary Education
The authorities must present clear information on the actions taken, current status, and timeline for removal of high-tension wires. The next hearing is scheduled for 6 August 2025, and will be held via video conferencing.
Strict Compliance With 2013 Decision
The Commission also clarified that any decisions made in 2022 that contradict the 2013 directive will not override the earlier mandate.It stressed that children’s safety is non-negotiable, and that bureaucratic delays cannot be justified when lives are at risk.
According to Dr. Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer of the Commission, copies of the signed order have been sent to all relevant departments for immediate implementation.
Key Takeaways:
- High-tension wires over schools declared a human rights violation.
- Full compliance with 2013 government order demanded by the Commission.
- Detailed report due by August 6, 2025.
- Authorities warned against further delays or contradictory decisions.