The fire mishap that engulfed Mangala slum of Unit-IV area in the city on Friday has left the affected dwellers in distress. “My house was reduced to ashes and I lost everything, including Rs 50,000 cash, in the mishap. Now I’m shattered. How can I run my family,” said Sarita Mishra while searching parts of valuables from her charred house.
Mishra had saved the money for her children’s education and other household expenses. Another slum dweller Gita Sahu, whose husband Santosh lost his life in the fire mishap, said that she also lost everything in the fire.“Now, I am helpless after my husband’s death. It’s a challenge for me to run my family,” she added. Most of the victims on Saturday alleged that neither the State Government nor the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) came forward to provide a safe shelter for them.
“The people’s representatives came on Friday and assured us that they will help us, but the same persons have not shown their face again since then,” alleged Kailash Chandra Rath, a slum dweller. Another slum dweller said they have not seen the faces of the Government officials who assured them of relief and food on Friday. local Jay Jawan Masccha Byabasayi Sangha and some local organisation members have provided food (rice, dal), water, biscuit and clothes to the victims, he added.
Sarojini Behera, another slum dweller, rued over the lack of water supply. “Are three water tankers enough for more than a 1, 000 peopleIJ” she asked angrily.When contacted, BMC Mayor Anant Narayan Jena refuted the allegation made by the victims.