By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the complaint filed by Human Rights Front India regarding the frequent deadly crocodile attacks in and around the Kharasrota river in Jajpur district. The commission has expressed concern over the safety of the lives of farmers, fishermen and local people dependent on the river.
NHRC has issued an order dated November 5, 2026, on the basis of a complaint filed by HRF India President Manoj Jena. The Commission has directed the Commission’s Registry to forward a copy of the complaint to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Odisha and the Jajpur District Collector for necessary investigation and appropriate action.
In addition, the concerned authorities have been asked to investigate the incident and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Commission within four weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.
HRF India has highlighted the crocodile attack on 68-year-old farmer Gajendra Majhi in the Kharasrot River. The crocodile allegedly attacked and dragged him into the river while he was collecting water from the river to irrigate his family’s fields.
The organization also raised reports that 18 people have died in crocodile attacks in the last three years and 34 in the last 53 months. It has also demanded an official verification of these statistics and publication of accurate data.
HRF India has expressed concern that such incidents pose a serious threat to the lives of farmers, fishermen, agricultural labourers, women and the elderly who depend on the river for their daily lives and livelihoods. The Commission has also been requested to verify whether there is adequate warning, security arrangements and departmental coordination along the river banks.
Demand for scientific riverside barricades and investment of DMF funds
The forum has demanded the construction of riverside barricades as per scientific and technical criteria in the identified high-risk areas of the Kharasrot River. It has also requested the establishment of safe water collection centers, controlled access roads, warning signs in Odia language, community-based alert system and emergency rescue system.
In particular, the district administration has been requested to examine the possibility of constructing such security infrastructure by utilizing legally eligible funds from the District Minerals Foundation (DMF) funds available in Jajpur district. The proposed works should be in accordance with the implementation rules, technical assessments, environmental protection and wildlife conservation rules, the organization clarified.
HRF India said that the presence of crocodiles in their natural habitat cannot be taken as evidence of administrative negligence. However, in the context of frequent deadly attacks, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the risk areas and adopt appropriate preventive measures to protect human life.
Welcoming the Commission’s intervention, HRF India President Manoj Jena said that the Commission’s direction to investigate the complaint and submit an action report within four weeks is an important step. This will help in verifying the issues raised in the complaint and ensuring administrative accountability.
The organization has demanded that the Odisha government and the concerned district administration take immediate steps in this regard and not limit themselves to providing post-accident assistance but also implement a comprehensive, scientific and time-bound riverbank protection plan.
The organization reiterates its demand that the protection of human life and the conservation of wildlife should complement each other. No farmer, fisherman or helpless riverside dweller should have to risk their lives while collecting water needed for their livelihood and survival.
