NHRC Seeks ATR From Odisha Govt. Over Displacement Issues In Various Projects In Sundargarh
Kendrapara, July 29: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought Action Taken Reports (ATR) from Odisha government over the unresolved issues related to the displacement in Rourkela Steel Plant, Mandira Dam, Rukuda Dam, Railway works in Sundargarh district of Odisha.
Acting on a petition filed by Rights Activist Radhakanta Tripathy ,the NHRC on Wednesday sought the report from the Chief Secretary of Odisha and the District Collector of Sundargarh
The petition contended that during establishment of Rourkela Steel Plant, land was acquired from 32 villages in and around Rourkela.
At the time of acquisition of land, some land owners were paid compensation, while others did not receive the same and their compensation was deposited in the Government Treasury.
Now the legal heirs of the land owners, who are yet to receive compensation, should be paid at the present market rate, which will be beneficial for their families and will go a long way in securing justice for them, the petitioner said.
He alleged that no proper rehabilitation and resettlement were done till date for the displaced people.
The land owners, who have not received compensation after acquisition of their land, should be paid due compensation for their land at present market rate and provision should be made to enable the tribals to sell, mortgage and alienate their land so that, the tribals will be able to see a better tomorrow and develop like other sections of the society.
According to Tripathy, thousands of acres of land were acquired by the State Government under a State Act for Rourkela Steel Plant ( RSP), Civil township and Mandira Dam during 1955-1959.
The displaced people were given homestead land and agricultural land (land for land) along with compensation in 16 locations of Sundargarh and Deogarh districts, which were supposed to be distributed, but have not been properly identified.
The families displaced due to the acquisition for Rourkela Steel Plant/ Mandira dam/ Railway projects have been granted lease pattas in lieu of their land acquired by the authority.
Tripathy alleged that the beneficiaries concerned have not yet been handed over the possession in many cases.
Resettlement colonies are being encroached by people other than the displaced people for 70-80 years.Railways acquired land under Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and Railways Act, 1989 wherein only compensation have been paid and no land for land or homestead land have been given.
The petitioner said the Government of Odisha must take action on top priority for returning acquired land to the persons who have originally owned it. The RSP must provide jobs/employment as per the list of 163 displaced people sent by Government of Odisha besides the earlier list of 1098 persons which were left out despite being bona-fide Project Affected Families (PAF).
He alleged that due to inaction, negligence and failure of the State administration the tribals live in lurch without bare necessities like potable drinking water, communication benefits of social welfare schemes, education and health care.
He requested the NHRC for a recommendation for establishment of a “Commission for the Displaced People” to address the plight of the large scale displaced people.
The Commission has directed its Registry to transmit the copy of complaint to the concerned authority calling for an action taken report within four weeks.
