NHRC Steps In: Urgent Action Needed for Bagapatia Resettlement Colony

Concerns Raised Over Living Conditions in Bagapatia

Kendrapara: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested an Action Taken Report (ATR) from local authorities regarding the severe lack of essential facilities at the Bagapatia resettlement colony located in the Rajnagar block.

This action comes in response to a complaint lodged by human rights advocate Radhakanta Tripathy, who highlighted the 'deplorable' living conditions endured by families displaced from the coastal village of Satabhaya, which has been gradually eroded by the sea over the years.

During a hearing held on May 5, the NHRC recognized the seriousness of the issue and instructed district officials to provide an ATR within a four-week timeframe.

Tripathy noted that the relocation of Satabhaya residents began in 2008, with 571 families moved to Bagapatia by 2020.

Despite the time elapsed, the relocated individuals are still grappling with a critical shortage of basic infrastructure and services.

He pointed out that roads in the area become nearly impassable during even light rain, there is no dependable source of drinking water, educational institutions are either lacking or insufficient, and healthcare services are largely unavailable.

Additionally, the surrounding environment has reportedly been neglected, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by the resettled families.

Tripathy's petition urged the NHRC to take immediate action to rectify what he termed 'prolonged administrative neglect' and to ensure that the displaced individuals receive the essential standards necessary for a dignified existence.

The NHRC's involvement is anticipated to help resolve the long-standing issues in Bagapatia and offer some relief to families who have been waiting for years for stable and humane living conditions.