9 years on, cyclone Phailin compensation still eludes Puri residents; locals stage demonstration

The memory of the devastating severe cyclonic storm Phailin which hit Odisha districts in 2013 is still fresh in the minds of people. Even though nine years have passed, many affected people in Krushnaprasad block in Puri district are allegedly deprived of compensation.

Protesting against the alleged callous attitude of the state government, the affected people are now staging a demonstration in front of the block office for the past two days.

“A list was prepared to allot houses to the people who were affected by cyclone Phailin. However, around 1700 people were left out. We are staging a demonstration and will continue till work orders are issued, “said an agitator.

According to the agitators, they cooked food and camped in front of the block office for the past two days. However, no block officials held discussions with them. It speaks volumes about the treatment that is being meted out to them, alleged another agitator.

“We will not vacate the place until our demands are met as we have been betrayed by the authorities in the past,” the agitators said.

(Reported by Nilakantha Pradhan)