The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was informed by the RD Department of the Odisha Government that two bridges will be built to redress the difficulties of the river-locked villagers of Chaudia panchayat under Chandbali block in Bhadrak district.
There will be a bridge over river Mantei on PWD Road to Balimed Road and another over river Mantei on Kerasahi-Baliapalghat Road. Steps have already been taken to prepare the project report etc.
Acting on a petition filed by activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the State Government filed the reply.
The petitioner stated that the helpless villagers including children, women and senior citizens are subjected to threat, torture and humiliation due to Government apathy for decades.
The villagers of Kanakpali, Harishpur and Rajarajeswarpalli are disconnected by river Mantei in in Bhadrak.
Thousands suffer immensely due to the failure of the State Government in ensuring a bridge and safety to them. Since the area has been surrounded by Mantei and Baitarani rivers, the lives of the people are endangered due to lack of safety measures to be ensured by the Government.
Due to lack of communication facilities, pregnant women are forced to deliver without proper medical assistance and children and senior citizens also face serious threat to their lives. Failure of the Government in ensuring communication facilities, care to the women and children, safety and security to the villagers in the instant case amounts to severe human rights violation, Tripathy alleged.
He requested the NHRC to kindly investigate the serious case of human rights violation of the villagers.
In response to the Commission's directions, a report has been received from the Joint Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Government of Odisha, stating that adequate step has been taken to address the grievance of the locals.
To this Tripathy said the reply filed by the State is only an eye-wash. locals have been suffering for decades and the Government has not yet constructed the bridges as promised before the Commission even after two years of receiving notice from the NHRC.