By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a significant step in addressing the allegations of pollution in Dengajaniguda village due to the release of toxic waste from NALCO’s Red Mud Pond in Damanjodi, Koraput district. Based on the complaint filed by Manoj Jena, president of human rights organization ‘Human Rights Front India’, the NHRC has directed the Nalco CMD and Koraput District Magistrate to conduct an investigation and submit a report.
The NHRC Legal Department has referred the matter as Case No. 853/18/8/2026 in a letter dated 1 September 2026. The complaint, filed by Manoj Jena on 28 August 2026, was presented before the Commission on 1 September.
In the complaint, Mr. Jena has alleged that toxic waste from Nalcor’s Red Mud Pond in Damanjodi has been polluting Dengajaniguda village since 1987. The letter states that a fact-finding team led by him went to the village on August 23 to assess the veracity of this allegation.
According to the complaint, the toxic liquid waste of Red Mud is leaking and polluting the drinking water source of the village. This is also causing damage to agricultural land, death of domestic animals and various serious health problems among the people. The tribal villagers and women in particular are suffering the most from its effects, Manoj Jena alleged in the complaint.
The complaint also raises concerns about the proposed construction of a second red mud pond about 200 meters away from the village. The complainant has stated that if it is built, the risk of pollution to the villagers may increase further.
The NHRC letter, in its complaint, blames the CMD and management of Nalco, along with the local administrative authorities, for the ongoing pollution.
The NHRC, while criticizing the complaint, termed it as a gross violation of human rights. It also noted that the complaint alleges violation of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The NHRC Registry has then sent a copy of the complaint to the Chairman and Managing Director of Nalco and the District Magistrate of Koraput, directing them to investigate the complaint and submit a report within 15 days.
This order has been given in a letter signed by NHRC Deputy Registrar (Law) Sandeep Agarwal. The concerned authorities will conduct an investigation and submit an action report as per the directions of the Commission.
The NHRC’s order has paved the way for an investigation into the alleged red mud pollution and its impact in Dengajaniguda village. Now, the investigation will clarify the truth of the allegations and the steps being taken on the complaints of the villagers are being monitored.
