Kendrapara: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has deputed its special rapporteur to investigate the large scale displacement of more than 26,000 families – and subsequent failure of the government in rehabilitating and resettling them – due to construction of the Hirakud Dam.
Acting on a petition, the report filed by the state authorities and subsequent submissions by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC passed the order recently. The NHRC called for a report from the Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha.
In response, the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Northern Range, Odisha, vide his communication dated 05.01.2018 has submitted that the land was acquired for Hirakud Dam Project during 1952-53. During disbursement of compensation to the oustees by the then Hirakud Land Organisation (HLO) office, some of them had been paid half of the compensation while others had not been paid the total amount.
The RDC report further states that regarding non-payment of compensation, the Government of Odisha had set up a high-power committee under the chairmanship of the Development Commissioner to study the problems and make recommendations about the payment of additional compensation to the displaced persons.
As per the decision taken by the high-power committee, ex-gratia of Rs 10,000 per acre was to be given. Accordingly, the state government had released Rs 2 crore in two instalments for the said purpose in 1993 and 2007.
The report also stated that steps were taken from time to time to mitigate the problems of the displaced families who belonged to four districts – Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh and Subarnapur. The issues with regard to payment of ex-gratia, homestead land, settlement of agriculture land and basic amenities stand settled. As on date, no case of rehabilitation is pending, the report stated.
It has, however, been admitted that certain service groups of people including Jhankar/Chowkidar/Nariha/Dhoba/Bhandari were not awarded full compensation and are yet to be rehabilitated. The issue with regard to treating the DC Land Patta as revenue land is also yet to be sorted out.
Tripathy, meanwhile, has alleged that the displaced families are yet to be compensated and rehabilitated and has given specific instances and details in support of his allegations.
Considering all the aspects, the NHRC directed the special rapporteur, Eastern Zone of the commission, to verify the version of the state authorities on ground and submit the inquiry report within eight weeks, latest by July 26.
