Taking a serious view over the noncompliance of its several directions over unavailability of a bridge over a river in Bindhiapur in Kandhamal district, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned the Chief Secretary to invoke Section 13 of the protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 against the concerned authorities.
Section 13 of the protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 may drag the Chief Secretary for personal appearance before the commission if the authorities will not submit report within four weeks.The commission was forced to issue the order as the concerned authorities failed to comply with its direction.
Petitioner Sangita Swain has moved the commission highlighting the plights of Binidhiapur and other villages under Gunjibai panchayat under Nugaon block in Kandhamal district while crossing rivers.
“The villages are connected by hanging bridge made by stringing together wooden or cut bamboo sticks or reapers to ropes. It still serves as the only means to cross the river. The handmade or country-made bridge is fastened to the trees on both ends. Two persons have already lost their lives by slipping from the handmade bridge,” alleged Swain.She demanded Rs20 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased and erection of a bridge over the river.