States » EastPosted at: Oct 12 2026 9:32PM


OHRC seeks report on flood threat to over one lakh people in Kendrapada

Kendrapada, Oct 12 (UNI) The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the state government over alleged infrastructural neglect and recurring floods threatening the lives and livelihoods of more than one lakh people in Aali block of Kendrapada district.
Taking cognizance of a petition filed by Pramod Kumar Dhal, the Commission observed that the allegations of administrative apathy and failure to discharge statutory obligations raised concerns over the violation of the right to life, health, a clean environment and livelihood guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Dhal alleged that over one lakh people across 10 Gram Panchayats in Aali block—Gobindapur, Argal, Desahi, Eradanga, Juania, Petapada, Ketuapala, Palimi, Sansidha and Dimiripal, including Manpur village—were living in an unprotected inter-riverine area between the Kharasrota and Kani rivers, leaving them vulnerable to recurring inundation.
The petitioner highlighted the submergence of the Manpur-Gobindapur arterial road under three to five feet of floodwater, disrupting access to healthcare facilities. He also alleged that contamination of drinking water had triggered gastrointestinal illnesses, while the absence of flood-protection dykes and ring embankments had caused crop losses affecting more than 10,000 farming families.
Dhal further alleged discriminatory treatment, pointing out that the left bank of the Kharasrota river had permanent protective dykes while the right bank remained unprotected.
Finding a prima facie case of human rights violation, OHRC Chairperson Justice S. Pujahari directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department and the Kendrapada Collector to submit their reports by the next hearing scheduled for December 18, 2026.
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Tags: #OHRC seeks report on flood threat to over one lakh people in Kendrapada
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