Cuttack: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) a report on the lack of a permanent bridge over the Nagabali river leaving nine tribal villages of Rayagada district cut off and depriving them of basic amenities.The NHRC also directed the Rayagada administration to submit a complete and updated report on the long-pending demand for a permanent bridge over the Nagabali river in Kalyanasingpur block.The order was passed on Thursday while considering a complaint by Jeypore-based human rights defender Anup Kumar Patro, who cited media reports alleging administrative indifference towards the demands of residents of the nine villages. The villagers have been seeking construction of a permanent bridge to improve connectivity and ensure access to drinking water, education, healthcare and transportation facilities.The commission had earlier taken cognisance of the matter on Oct 1, 2025, and sought a detailed report from the district magistrate, Rayagada. In response, the collector and district magistrate, through a communication dated Jan 8, 2026, forwarded reports from the zilla parishad, district manager, OSRTC and regional transport officer, Rayagada. The reports outlined the status of road connectivity, transport services and availability of education, drinking water and health facilities in the affected villages.However, after perusal of the reports on Thursday, the NHRC asked for “additional and complete report, as earlier directed, by March 29, 2026, for further consideration.” In the Feb 19 order, the NHRC further said: “Report be also requisitioned from the Odisha Human Rights Commission as to whether it has taken cognizance of the matter and, if so, the date thereof.” The matter will be listed again after four weeks.Authorities have been instructed to upload their responses through the HRCNet portal using official login credentials. The commission clarified that reports sent via email will not be entertained, while audio or video material may be sent through speed post or by hand.According to the complaint the villages under three panchayats — Sikaripai (Tolosaja, Uppersaja), Palam (Argonda, Mandipar, Kusabati), and Majhiguda (Minajhola, Kuradi, Katapadu, Raghunathpur) in Kalyansinghpur block — have remained disconnected from the mainland due to the absence of a permanent bridge since Independence.Villagers of these areas are struggling to get access to healthcare, education, drinking water and other essential services. Absence of a bridge continues to isolate them even after 76 years of Independence, the complainant alleged.
