Cuttack: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report from the Odisha govt over allegations that thousands of Adivasi families displaced by the Machkund hydro power project more than seven decades ago are still awaiting proper rehabilitation, compensation and basic civic amenities.Acting on a complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist and advocate Anup Kumar Patro, the commission on July 24 directed the Odisha chief secretary to submit the report after finding that the allegations warranted examination.“The complainant alleged that the displaced Adivasi villagers of Nandapur and Lamtaput blocks, Koraput, were evicted during the construction of the Machkund hydro power project in 1955 without proper resettlement or rehabilitation,” the NHRC order said.
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Taking note of the allegations, the NHRC observed, “Let a copy of complaint be transmitted to the chief secretary, govt of Odisha, calling for an action taken report within four weeks.” According to the complaint, nearly 18,200 hectares of agricultural land were acquired for the Machkund hydro power project, a joint venture between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh that was inaugurated in 1955. It alleged that the displaced tribal families received compensation of only Rs 215 per hectare, describing it as grossly inadequate and a denial of their right to propertyand livelihood. Patro has sought a fresh assessment of compensation for the acquired land based on current market value and inflation, immediate provision of essential civic amenities in the displaced settlements, fair rehabilitation of the affected families and an independent inquiry into the long-pending grievances. The commission has listed the matter for further consideration after receipt of the state govt’s report.The petition claimed that residents of 10 panchayats in Nandapur block and two panchayats in Lamtaput block were uprooted but the rehabilitation promised under the original agreement was never implemented. As a result, the affected communities have allegedly lived without all-weather roads, safe drinking water, schools and healthcare facilities for nearly 70 years despite repeated representations to the authorities.Patro also informed the commission that a 21-member committee had submitted recommendations to the Koraput district administration in Dec 2018 identifying sites for resettlement, but no meaningful progress had followed.
