NHRC issues notice to Odisha government over relief material not reaching those affected in the cyclone-hit state

Taking 'suo moto' cognizance of media reports, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued a notice to Odisha government, directing it to ensure adequate food and water supplies to affected people in the cyclone-hit state.

"NHRC has taken suo moto cognizance of a media report that people are facing hardship are agitated that the cyclone the relief material is not reaching them in some parts of Puri and Khurdha districts of Odisha," the notice read.

The Commission stated that "thousands of cyclone-affected people are struggling to get food and water came out after four days on streets on May 7. The police reportedly resorted to lathi charge to disperse the protesters".

The NHRC in its notice asked the chief secretary of Odisha government to "look into the contents of the news report and take immediate steps to redress the grievance of the general public".

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"According to the media reports, carried on May 8 the residents were also angry against government's move to provide additional 50 kg rice and Rs 2,000 to the family members which are covered by the food safety programme in Puri and Khurdha districts," NHRC notice read.

"The state government has reportedly claimed that cooked food is being provided to the people who are staying in the different buildings being used as shelter homes and community kitchens have also been opened at most of the slum areas but as mentioned in the news report, hundreds of residents of Binova Nagar slum area staged a protest and blocked vehicles on the roads," it said.

The NHRC has asked the chief secretary to submit his response within six weeks.

Nearly six lakh houses were damaged after the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani hit Odisha coast in Puri district on May 3. At least 41 people lost their lives and around 1.48 crore people were affected due to Cyclone Fani, the state government informed on Tuesday.