NHRC Issues Notice to Odisha Govt Over Villagers’ Plight in Keonjhar’s Mining Areas

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Odisha’s Chief Secretary, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the challenges faced by villagers, particularly tribals and Scheduled Castes, living in the mining-heavy areas of Keonjhar district.

The notice follows a petition filed by human rights lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, highlighting the adverse living conditions and health issues, such as respiratory and kidney ailments, caused by mining-related environmental pollution. The petition also criticised the state’s insufficient response to assist affected communities.

According to the NHRC’s statement, mining workers in Keonjhar are subjected to poor living conditions, with no access to essential infrastructure like roads, drinking water, education, or employment opportunities.

The Commission emphasised that the local administration is responsible for the lack of implementation of social welfare schemes, leading to gross violations of the rights of the tribal population.

The NHRC warned that failure to submit the ATR within the stipulated timeframe could lead to coercive action under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, including summoning the concerned authority for a personal appearance.

Odisha, rich in mineral resources, holds about one-third of India’s total mineral reserves, with Keonjhar leading in iron ore, coal, bauxite and chromite deposits.