- NHRC took suo motu cognizance of borewell water contamination caused by chemical-laden factory effluents near Ambad Industrial Area in Nashik, Maharashtra. - The contamination poses a severe threat to public health and the right to clean drinking water, which is a facet of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. - Notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and the Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board calling for a detailed report within four weeks. - Highlights systemic gaps in industrial effluent management, enforcement of environmental laws, and protection of vulnerable populations from environmental hazards. - **National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):** A statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act to protect and promote human rights in India, with powers to inquire into rights violations. - **Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB):** A state-level statutory body responsible for implementing environmental laws, preventing and controlling water and air pollution, and regulating industrial effluents in Maharashtra. **Introduction** The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding borewell water contamination due to the seepage of chemical-laden factory effluents near the Ambad Industrial Area in Nashik district, Maharashtra. Highlighting concerns over public health and environmental degradation, the NHRC issued notices to top state and pollution control authorities seeking a comprehensive report. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - NHRC took suo motu cognizance of borewell water contamination caused by chemical-laden factory effluents near Ambad Industrial Area in Nashik, Maharashtra. - The contamination poses a severe threat to public health and the right to clean drinking water, which is a facet of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. - Notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and the Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board calling for a detailed report within four weeks. - Highlights systemic gaps in industrial effluent management, enforcement of environmental laws, and protection of vulnerable populations from environmental hazards. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):** A statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act to protect and promote human rights in India, with powers to inquire into rights violations. - **Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB):** A state-level statutory body responsible for implementing environmental laws, preventing and controlling water and air pollution, and regulating industrial effluents in Maharashtra.