No festive fervour in flood-hit Kendrapada

BHUBANESWAR: While people are busy celebrating Durga Puja across the state, those in flood-affected Kendrapada are struggling to pick up the pieces. Around 1.50 lakh people in the district have been affected by the flood in August.
Radharani Jena (55) of Karandiapatana village has been running from pillar to post to procure 200 pieces of bamboos to rebuild her mud-walled house, forcing her and family members to stay in the cyclone shelter even after a month after the flood. Stories like this are common in Marsaghai, Garadapur, Aul, Pattamundai and Rajkanika blocks.
"We have lost everything, how can we enjoy Durga Puja?" asked Jayant Behera Das (42) of Singhpur village. Jayant and his three children also are staying in a makeshift tent. "There is not much to celebrate. Dussehra is for those who have money and shelter and who have something to give to their children. We have nothing. We don't even have proper shelter," said Damodar Mallick of Petapada.
Many puja committee members in the flood-affected villagers have decided not to spend money to decorate pandals. "We used to spend about Rs 3-4 lakh to observe Dussehra by erecting pandals. But this year we will not spend a single penny to build the pandal," said Biranchi Swain of Singhpur village.