CUTTACK: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of non-compliance of its order by the chief secretary and other key authorities on a petition alleging denial of basic civic amenities to nearly 50,000 residents of ward no 56 under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) area. The petition also raised concerns about the safety of an ageing bridge over the Kuakhai river.
The commission on Wednesday warned that failure to comply within two weeks would compel it to initiate coercive action under section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Akshaya Kumar Pandey along with several local residents filed the petition.
Earlier, taking cognisance of the matter, the commission, in its proceedings dated March 11, 2026, directed its registry to forward the complaint to multiple authorities, including the chief secretary, DGP, principal secretary of Transport department, collector Cuttack and the municipal commissioner of the civic body. They were asked to submit action taken reports within four weeks.
Subsequently, the SP, Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC), Odisha, in a report dated April 17, 2026, informed that the matter primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation.
The report noted that the commissioner of the civic body had been alerted to address the grievances. It also stated that the ACP, NH Traffic, Cuttack, had been instructed to monitor and regulate the movement of heavy vehicles on the bridge. Additionally, the inspector-in-charge of Sadar police station has been directed to deploy personnel to prevent violations during restricted hours.
However, the commission on Wednesday observed that key authorities, including the chief secretary and other senior officials, had failed to submit their reports within the stipulated time-frame. Expressing concern over this lack of response, the NHRC has now granted a final two-week extension for submission of the required reports. The commission has also directed the SP, HRPC, to submit a further status report within the same period.
According to the complaint, despite being part of the municipal corporation since 1997, the area continues to suffer from inadequate civic infrastructure. Residents have alleged negligence on the part of authorities in providing essential services.
The petition further highlighted that heavy vehicles are reportedly allowed to ply over the deteriorating Kuakhai river bridge even during restricted hours, posing significant risks to commuters and nearby inhabitants.