CUTTACK: Failure of key Odisha authorities to comply with its earlier directions has drawn sharp attention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has now warned of “coercive” action if pending reports are not submitted within two weeks.Taking a stern view of the non-compliance, the Commission on Wednesday noted that the Chief Secretary of Odisha, the Principal Secretary of the Transport Department, the Collector and District Magistrate of Cuttack, and the Commissioner of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation have failed to file action taken reports as directed earlier. The NHRC cautioned that it may invoke powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, if the delay persists.The case relates to a complaint filed by Akshaya Kumar Pandey and other residents of Ward No. 56, alleging denial of basic civic amenities to nearly 50,000 people. The locality, though part of the municipal corporation since 1997, reportedly continues to face acute infrastructure deficiencies.The petition also flagged safety concerns over a dilapidated bridge on the Kuakhai River, alleging that heavy vehicles are allowed to ply on the structure during restricted hours, endangering commuters and residents. The complainants accused authorities of negligence both in maintaining the bridge and enforcing traffic regulations.Earlier, on March 11, 2026, the Commission had taken cognizance of the issue and sought detailed reports from multiple state authorities within four weeks.In a partial response, the Superintendent of Police, Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC), Odisha, informed the NHRC on April 17 that the matter largely falls within the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation. The report added that the civic body had been asked to address the grievances, while traffic authorities have been directed to verify and regulate the movement of heavy vehicles on the bridge. Police deployment has also been initiated at the site to prevent violations during restricted hours.Unsatisfied with the limited response and continued silence from other departments, the Commission on April 22 issued fresh directions “to submit the requisite report within two weeks,” The Commission also directed the Superintendent of Police, HRPC, Odisha, Cuttack “to submit further status report within two weeks.”In the March 11, 2026 order the Commission had observed: “It is surprising that the Ward No. 56 has been a part of Cuttack Municipality Corporation since 1997 and the residents of the said Ward are far away from the basic amenities. Instead of maintaining the River Bridge near the Ward by the authorities, they are keeping it endangered by allowing heavy vehicles on the bridge during restricted time period. If the allegations are true, then it is a serious human rights violation.“The Commission further noted that the issues raised in the complaint directly relate to the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.Ward no. 56 comprises several villages, including Uttamapur, Subhadrapur, Tentulinali, Gopalpur (P), Amaniapatana, Mukameswar, Behera Sahi, Kazipatna, Balikuda (Nuabazar), Paika Sahi (P), Bhanpur (P), Rajnagar Patana, Sampur and Gopalpur Badhei Sahi.
