Septuagenarian woman lives in ‘termite mound’ for years

At a time when the state government makes tall claims of providing all sorts of comforts to elderly citizen, a septuagenarian’s plight has invited criticism for the government.

According to sources, Dukhadei Bisi, a resident of Patnagarh Balipada village in Bolangir district, has been leading her life all alone in a hut which looks like a termite mount from distance. She goes for begging every day to eke out a living.

As she does not have her own house, she constructs her own hut with the help of bamboos, straw and soil.  
Be it cooking or sleeping, she does everything at her termite mound like hut. She has been residing there for eight years but the state government has done little to provide her  proper accommodation. 

Meanwhile, locals have demanded government’s help for the needy woman.

After news spread, Block Development Officer Nilamadhaba Suna rushed to the old lady and has made arrangements to send her to a shelter camp.

Dukhadei said, “I have been living here for last eight years. I am doing all my daily chores like cooking, eating and sleeping here only. However, I am finding it hard to get into the hut due to height issue. I am getting rice from the government.

Chandrabhanu Meher, a local, said, “I have seen her living in this hut for years with many difficulties. The reason behind the government’s failure to allot her house under different housing schemes is really a matter of concern.” 

The BDO said, “If she does not have any family members, we would convince her and send her to a shelter room.”