Residents of Ontimitta village in Andhra Pradesh have submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking redress for the disruption caused by the construction of an underbridge by the Southern Railway Department. The petition, addressed to the Honourable Chairman of the NHRC, outlined the grievances faced by the villagers due to the incomplete underbridge construction.
In the petition, residents stated that the railway gate (LC: 60 at KM 114/13-15) near their village, serving as a vital transportation link, was closed a few months ago. The Southern Railway Department initiated the construction of an underbridge through a private contractor to facilitate the movement of people, pedestrians, and vehicles. However, despite the ongoing construction, the existing railway gate was closed, and the pathway was demolished, severely impacting the villagers’ access to essential services. The incomplete underbridge, particularly during the rainy season, led to waterlogging, causing significant inconvenience and preventing villagers from reaching nearby towns, especially during medical emergencies.
@India_NHRC issued notice to GM, Suthrn Rail, Chennai @GMSRailway in a matter of water blockage in newly constructed Underway near Puttur, AP thereby causing inconv to villagers, restricting their free mov, particularly during natural calamities & medical emergencies@lawinforce pic.twitter.com/mIXZBVc19P
— Advocate Arun (@ArunLagidi) January 10, 2024
During a recent cyclone, the under-bridge experienced heavy waterlogging, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the villagers. Pregnant women from the village were reportedly unable to access hospitals due to the inundated underbridge.
The villagers stated that the Southern Railway Department had not handed over the completed underbridge from the private contractor, exacerbating the issues faced by the community. They said that the underbridges constructed in nearby villages were equipped with permanent electric motors and electric lamps, while theirs appears to be neglected.
Repeated complaints to the Divisional Engineer, Southern Railway, Chennai, and the Public Grievances section were said to be ignored, prompting the villagers to file the petition with the NHRC. In response to one of their complaints, the Public Relations Officer for the Chief Project Manager/Gati Shakti, Chennai Division, claimed that water was being pumped out using a diesel engine when needed.
However, the villagers contended that although there was an electric motor to pump out water, the railway department had not appointed any workers for this task. Individuals from the private contractor reportedly managed the activity at their convenience.
Residents of the area alleged that the existing railway gate was destroyed before taking over the newly constructed Railway Underway from the private contractor. They say that it’s been nearly 9 months and add that even though the Contractor is ready to handover it and continuously requesting the railway department there has been no response from Railway.
The petition sought the NHRC’s intervention to issue notices to the Additional General Manager and Director (Public Grievances) of the Southern Railway Department.
Following this, the NHRC issued a notice to GM, Southern Rail, Chennai, directing him to take necessary action in the matter. .
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.