The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report (ATR) for the third time from the State Environment and Forest Secretary over persistent man-animal conflicts in the State.
This time the apex human rights body acted over a petition alleging the failure of the forest department that resulted in death of one poor mason Hemanta Nayak due to elephant attack. The incident caused panic among the local residents of Choudwar and Cuttack.
In its second ATR, the NHRC sought to know from the same authority of the State and Dhenkanal district administration for prevention of man-animal conflict that resulted in loss of lives and properties. The Government and the administration have failed in handling the situation effectively resulting in death of people as well as loss of their livelihood. The first action of the apex human rights watchdog was regarded as highly sensitive since the petitioner highlighted the plight of hundreds of villagers in Nilgiri area of Baleswar area, who left all their belongings and took shelter at the top of trees to save their lives from the elephant herds.
The NHRC passed the three orders while acting on separate petitions filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy. In his latest petition, Tripathy said the victim, identified as Hemant Nayak (33), was on his way to work when the herd attacked him near the BIlT Paper Mill at Choudwar. The elephant herd devastated human habitation in Khuntuni and Choudwar area and continues to wreak havoc in the area.
Radhakanta requested the NHRC to send a team of officials to send its Special Rapporteur to visit the spot, assess the situation and submit a detailed report and immediately ensure appropriate medical care to the injured villagers free of cost and Indira Awas to all those who have lost their houses due to the attack of elephants.Besides, he demanded that solar lights be distributed to the villagers, adequat compensation to the family members of the deceased and the injured ones and adequate compensation for crop and house damages.