Cuttack: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has given eight weeks to the Nabarangpur district magistrate (DM) and collector to take “appropriate action” on a complaint over alleged lack of road connectivity and basic infrastructure in 258 villages of the district.The commission issued the direction on Friday, while disposing of the complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist advocate Anup Kumar Patro on Feb 26, 2026.In the order, NHRC stated that the complaint had been conveyed to the Nabarangpur district magistrate and collector to take action with a direction to associate the complainant and affected villagers during the process and inform them about the action taken.In his complaint, Patro had alleged large-scale human rights violations arising out of the absence of all-weather roads, electricity and other essential facilities in villages spread across Jharigaon, Raighar, Tentulikhunti, Umerkote, Papadahandi, Nandahandi, Dabugaon and Kosagumuda blocks of Nabarangpur district.According to the complaint, nearly 13 lakh residents, most of them belonging to Scheduled Tribe and economically weaker communities, reportedly continue to face severe hardships even after almost 79 years of independence. The complaint on the basis of media reports claimed that many villages become virtually inaccessible during monsoon due to muddy tracks, forest routes and overflowing riverbanks.In Jharigaon block alone, at least 18 villages reportedly lack motorable roads, forcing residents to walk long distances to access hospitals, schools and markets. The petition highlighted difficulties faced by pregnant women, students and elderly, while also alleging failure of solar lighting systems and inadequate healthcare access.Patro alleged that the prolonged neglect by present and former district authorities violated fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, health and dignified living.The activist sought immediate intervention by way of construction of roads, emergency medical transport facilities, restoration of solar infrastructure and preparation of a time-bound action plan by the Odisha govt.
