SHRC issues notice to Yavatmal collector over villagers' rehab

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued a notice for personal appearance to Yavatmal District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh in connection with the alleged delay in rehabilitation of residents of a flood-hit village in 2013.

Apart from the collector, the notice was issued to the Secretary of Relief and Rehabilitation last week. They have been asked to remain present before the SHRC on January 19.

According to the complainant Kishore Tiwari, in August 2013, Bhimkund village in Ghatanji tehsil of the district was hit by floods and the villagers moved to the forest land, which is a part of the Tipeshwar wild life sanctuary.

The villagers had made a number of representations to the district collector and the rehabilitation department and even resorted to 'dharna' to press for their demand for rehabilitation. However, they were yet to be rehabilitated.

Meanwhile, Tiwari filed a complaint before the SHRC alleging that the human rights of the villagers have been violated and the government machinery was not taking steps towards their rehabilitation. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the SHRC issued the notice last week.