The National Human Rights Commission, in an order on October 12, has asked the Chief Secretary, Odisha to take appropriate action within six weeks on severe pollution of water of 16 rivers of the State.
Taking cognizance of a petition by Human Rights Watch secretary Sangita Swain, the apex rights body issued the order.
Swain had complained that hundreds of residents of the riverside areas are affected by poisonous water in 16 rivers including Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Kharasrota, Gongua, Daya and Kuakhai. They are affected by various diseases as revealed from the report of the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Odisha, Swain said, adding that this was a violation of rights as due to inaction and unlawful action and abetment by the public authority, the water of the rivers has gone unfit for use.
Swain prayed to take criminal action against the responsible public authorities, ask them to take urgent steps to reduce the rate of pollution in water resources and compensate the kin of each of those who died by consuming the poisonous water with Rs 20 lakh and those affected with diseases with Rs 5.