Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the state government to explain the alleged failure to prevent recurring fatal crocodile attacks along the Kharasrota River in Jajpur district, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the District Magistrate.
The direction followed a complaint by rights activist Manoj Jena, who alleged that administrative apathy and inadequate safety measures had left communities dependent on the river vulnerable to crocodile attacks.
The complaint cited the case of Gajendra Majhi, who was allegedly attacked and dragged into the river by a crocodile while fetching water for irrigation. It also referred to the death of 57-year-old Santilal Mandal in a crocodile attack September 16, 2026.
Flagging recurring attacks, inadequate warning signs and the absence of safety infrastructure, the complainant alleged that the authorities had failed to take effective preventive measures despite the threat to human lives.
He sought an inquiry into the incidents and demanded adequate warning systems, community alert mechanisms, better coordination among departments, verification of fatalities, assessment of losses and compensation for affected families.
He also called for periodic monitoring to prevent further attacks. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Commission observed that the allegations, if substantiated, could constitute serious violations of human rights. It has forwarded the complaint to the PCCF and the Jajpur District Magistrate for appropriate action and submission of their ATRs within four weeks of receiving the communication.
The authorities have been directed to submit their responses through the HRC Net portal. The complaint was received by the Commission October 28, 2026. The issue assumes significance in view of the continuing human-crocodile conflict in the region.
Bhitarkanika National Park, one of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems, recorded around 1,858 saltwater crocodiles in this year’s census. Crocodile attacks in and around the park have reportedly claimed nine lives in the past 20 months, 18 in the last three years and 34 over the past 54 months.