'Even Basic Standard Of Decent Living Not In Place': Orissa HC On Watching Real-Time Video Of Rehabilitation Colony For Evicted Slum Dwellers

The Orissa High Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the lack of basic amenities at the rehabilitation and resettlement colony set up by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) at Nimpur for slum dwellers evicted from three locations in the city.

The CMC had set up nearly 1,000 houses at the Nimpur colony for the evicted slum dwellers over a year ago. 

Senior counsel P.K. Mohanty appearing for CMC had shown a real-time video presentation to the Bench comprising Chief Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice A. K Mohapatra in order to apprise it about the ground situation in the colony in question. 

Expressing serious reservations at the existing living conditions in the colony, the Bench opined that 'even the basic standard of decent living' is absent. The Court accordingly observed in its order,

"From what was visible on video, as a walk through the colony in question, on most of the parameters of sanitation, drainage, toilet facilities, construction of compound wall etc., there is still much to be done. In other words, even the basic standard of decent living is not yet in place. Since the video presentation spoke for itself, there was no need for any arguments to be advanced either on the side of the Petitioner or by Mr. Mohanty for the CMC."

The Court was however informed by the senior counsel that steps have already been initiated to improve the situation in the colony and that the corrective measures undertaken by the CMC will be completed within 3 months. 

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for further hearing on January 17, 2022 at 10:30 am in order to review the progress made.

The Court also directed that in the meantime the nearest available Primary Health Centre (PHC) must be properly equipped with equipments, drugs and full complement of medical personnel and staff.

"The PHC will be included in the real-time video presentation. Additionally, an affidavit will be filed by the next date by a responsible senior level officer of the CMC on the nearest educational facility available to the children of the colony", the Court further directed. 

Case Title: Ruja Bibi v. State of Odisha

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