Kendrapada: 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 1 lakh people in Aali block of Kendrapada district.
Taking cognisance 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 1 lakh people across 10 panchayats in Aali block were living in an unprotected inter-riverine area between the Kharasrota and Kani rivers, leaving them vulnerable to recurring inundation. 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.