National Human Rights Commission Intervenes in Cuttack Civic Neglect Case
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally taken cognisance of a serious complaint alleging the denial of fundamental civic amenities to approximately 50,000 residents residing in Ward No. 56 under the jurisdiction of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). This area has been officially part of the civic body since 1997, yet residents continue to suffer from severe infrastructural deficiencies.
Commission Directs Authorities for Swift Action
Following a preliminary examination of the complaint, the NHRC has issued directives to multiple high-ranking officials. The commission's registry has been instructed to forward the complaint to the Chief Secretary of Odisha, the Director General of Police (DGP), the Principal Secretary of the Transport Department, the Collector and District Magistrate of Cuttack, and the Municipal Commissioner of CMC.
All concerned authorities have been mandated to submit detailed action taken reports within a strict timeframe of four weeks. This move underscores the urgency and gravity with which the commission views the allegations.
Detailed Allegations of Infrastructural Failure
The complaint, which was received by the NHRC on February 24 from petitioner Akshaya Kumar Pandey and several local residents, paints a stark picture of neglect. The petitioners have highlighted a complete absence of essential urban infrastructure, including:
- Proper drainage facilities
- Pucca (permanent) roads
- Functional street lighting
- Public bus connectivity
In addition to these daily hardships, the complaint raises a critical safety issue concerning the deteriorating bridge over the Kuakhai river near the ward. Residents allege that heavy vehicles are being permitted to use this ageing structure even during restricted hours, posing a significant risk to commuters and local inhabitants. The petitioners have accused the authorities of gross negligence in both maintaining the bridge and regulating vehicular traffic.
NHRC's Stern Observation on Human Rights Violation
The commission, in its official order, made a powerful observation regarding the allegations. "If the allegations are true, then it is a serious human rights violation," the NHRC stated. It further emphasized that the issues raised in the complaint are not merely administrative lapses but directly impinge upon the fundamental right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Scope of the Affected Area
Ward No. 56 encompasses a wide cluster of villages, indicating the scale of the problem. The affected localities include Uttamapur, Subhadrapur, Tentulinali, Gopalpur (P), Amaniapatana, Mukameswar, Behera Sahi, Kazipatna, Balikuda (Nuabazar), Paika Sahi (P), Bhanpur (P), Rajnagar Patana, Sampur, and Gopalpur Badhei Sahi. The commission's intervention now brings hope to thousands of residents across these villages who have endured substandard living conditions for over two decades.
