NHRC seeks reports on Uttarkhand rescue operations from Centre, state govt

Concerned over the devastating floods in Uttarakhand, NHRC on Tuesday sought reports from the Central and state governments on the steps taken for relief and rehabilitation and decided to send its own team for an on-the-spot assessment.

Expressing concern over the massive loss of human lives and destruction of property caused by floods and landslides, the NHRC said it hopes that the governments at the Centre and state will take appropriate steps for the evacuation and rehabilitation of these "unfortunate" people.

The Commission appreciates the efforts of the security forces and other agencies who are working admirably in difficult terrains and in appalling conditions to rescue the thousands who are affected, it said.

The NHRC was of the view that the state needed the "full support" of the Centre to tide over the "difficult" situation. It asked the Union Cabinet Secretary to submit a report providing details of the measures which the Centre has already taken and proposes to take to support the efforts of the state.  It also asked the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to submit a separate report on the action taken to evacuate and rescue all those stranded and the steps taken to provide shelter, food, medical care and other essential facilities to those displaced or rendered homeless by the floods.

The Chief Secretary was also asked to provide details about the measures it is putting in place to rehabilitate those whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed.

The Commission has also directed its Secretary General to constitute a team for an on the spot assessment of the situation to get an independent report on the ground realities and an objective assessment of the sustained relief and rehabilitation efforts required. The team will visit the State of Uttarakhand within a week.

"It will first go to Dehradun to have an assessment of the situation from the functionaries of the State government. After making such assessment, the team may visit the relief centres and the three most adversely affected districts of the State to study the problems caused by the flood and landslides.  "It may also enlist the help of NGOs which are active in the area. It will submit its report to the Commission within four weeks," a statement said.