NHRC asks Odisha CS to ensure right to life for Sundargarh displaced families

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended to the Odisha Chief Secretary and the Sundargarh District Magistrate to ensure justice for the families displaced in development projects like the Rourkela Steel Plant, Mandira Dam, and Rukuda Dam.

The NHRC passed the order recently after it noted the failure on the part of the State Government to carry out proper rehabilitation and resettlement in the projects based on the petition and rejoinder filed by Rights Activist Radhakanta Tripathy.

Tripathy alleged that at the time of the acquisition of land, some of the land owners were paid compensation while others did not receive the same. The legal heirs of such landowners are claiming compensation at the present market rate and the right to alienate their land for betterment.

The families displaced due to acquisition have been granted lease pattas in lieu of the land acquired but some of the beneficiaries have not yet been handed over the possession.
He further said the Resettlement colonies have been encroached upon by people other than that of the displaced families.

The decision of the High Power Committee of State on the issue concerned has not been fully implemented, the petition contended.

Under the NHRC intervention, the DM, Sundargarh submitted a report stating that the steps were taken in the matter and the displaced people of Rourkela Steel Plant Project have been paid compensation for land acquired.

He further stated that the subsidy has been provided to reclaim their allotted land in the reclamation camps and they have been provided agricultural land instead of acquired agricultural land.

The District Magistrate further stated that an amount of Rs.1,30,53,776.45 has already been paid to the displaced families in RSP.

Out of a total 2901 displaced persons, 2644 persons have received their compensation and 257 persons have refused to receive their compensation so an amount of Rs.1,94,440.55 has been kept in the Civil Deposit due to non-disbursement.

Challenging the prolonged injustice caused by the State, Tripathy filed a detailed rejoinder. The NHRC after scrutiny directed the Odisha Chief Secretary to act on the points raised by the petitioner and disposed of the case.

The NHRC recommended to the Chief Secretary, and the District Magistrate, Sundargarh to ensure proper implementation of the government policy and schemes qua rehabilitation and settlement of displaced persons in such projects and to evolve grievance redressal mechanisms for such projects.

The Apex Rights further stated that appropriate guidelines be issued for redressal of grievances in a time-bound manner.