The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the ADG (Prison) for an action-taken report (ATR) over water scarcity at the Brahampur Circle Jail in Ganjam district.
The commission directed the top cop to submit ATR by April 25 and posted the matter for next hearing on that day.
Angul-based Human Rights Watch secretary Sangita Swain had moved the NHRC seeking action in this regard which transferred the case to the OHRC directing it to dispose of the same in accordance with the law.
The petitioner had alleged that though nearly 750 prisoners are staying at the Brahmapur Circle Jail but they are facing severe drinking water crisis due to the frequent breakdown of water supply from the Rushikulya river.
“There is no water storage sump at the jail. Non availability of drinking water facility amounts violation of human rights of the prisoners,” the petitioner had contended.
She demanded action against the concerned officials and also urged the commission to take immediate measures to put an end to the water scarcity problem.