The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a comprehensive report from the Chief Secretary of Odisha on the issue of large scale displacement and subsequent failure of the Government in rehabilitation and resettlement of more than 26,000 families due to construction of the Hirakud Dam, a world class project.
Adjudicating the case filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC passed the order seeking a reply by December 7.
Explaining plight of the displaced victims, Tripathy stated that without proper rehabilitation and compensation more than 26,000 families have been displaced for construction of Hirakud Dam project. The execution of Hirakud Dam Project had submerged more than 360 villages covering more than 1,23,000 acres of land and displaced more than one lakh people.
About 70 years have gone, even the third generation of the victims could not get justice due to corrupt and lethargic bureaucracy, Tripathy alleged.
Pursuant to the direction of the NHRC, the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Northern Division, Odisha, in his report had submitted that the land was acquired for Hiradud Dam Project during the year 1952-53. Steps were taken from time to time to mitigate grievances of the displaced families who belong to Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh and Subarnapur. The issues with regard to DC Patta, payment of ex-gratia, homestead land, settlement of agriculture land, basic Aamenities etc. stand settled.
It has, however, been admitted that certain service groups of people including Jhankar, Chowkidar, Nariha,Dhoba and Bhandari were not awarded full compensation and yet to be rehabilitated.
Tripathy in his rejoinder alleged that the displaced families are yet to be compensated and rehabilitated and has given specific instances and details in support of his allegations and requested the NHRC to depute its Special Rapporteur for fair probe.
The NHRC had deputed its Special Rapporteur for detailed investigation. In his investigation report of the Rapporteur stated that a large number of people have not got compensation and yet to be settled.
