NHRC Invokes Article 21: Urges 19 States and 4 UTs to Prevent Winter Deaths, Warns Against Silent Inaction

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

Delhi,23, October,2025- In view of the prevailing cold wave conditions across the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has issued an advisory to 19 State Governments and 4 Union Territory Administrations, urging them to take pre-emptive and remedial measures to safeguard the rights and lives of vulnerable sections of society.

Citing NCRB data indicating 3,639 deaths between 2019 and 2023 due to cold-related causes, the Commission expressed grave concern over the plight of the poor, elderly, homeless, destitute, and those engaged in beggary, along with newborns, children, and infants who face heightened risks from exposure and lack of adequate shelter.

The NHRC has called upon the concerned authorities to submit action taken reports outlining steps adopted to mitigate the effects of cold waves and to ensure adequate sensitisation of administrative machinery at all levels.

Affirming that climate change and shifting weather patterns have a direct bearing on the enjoyment of basic human rights, the Commission reiterated its constitutional and statutory mandate to uphold the right to life and dignity of every individual, especially those most adversely affected by extreme weather events.

Citing the National Crime Records Bureau’s report titled Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, the Commission has drawn attention to the alarming statistic that 3,639 individuals reportedly succumbed to cold wave exposure between 2019 and 2023. In its advisory to 19 States and 4 Union Territory Administrations, the Commission has underscored the urgency of implementing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of cold waves. These measures include:

• Formulating and enforcing treatment protocols for cold-related ailments;
• Establishing functional day and night shelters to provide refuge to the homeless;
• Delivering timely medical care and adhering to standardised treatment procedures;
• Conducting regular monitoring of relief operations and adopting a proactive stance to ensure their efficacy.

The Commission has further called for the sensitisation of relevant officials and has requested detailed action-taken reports from authorities regarding the steps initiated to safeguard vulnerable populations and avert preventable tragedies during the winter season.