Sabyasachi Kundu

Puri: The extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani, which made landfall near pilgrim city Puri on May 3, has not only devastated the city but also caused extensive damage to campuses of several premier educational institutes including the Shri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishvavidayalaya (SJSV).

Moreover, around 80 per cent of schools in Gop and Nimapara blocks in the district have faced the wrath of cyclone Fani.

The Sanskrit varsity, which was established in the year 1981 to  protect, preserve and promote the ancient heritage and culture of Sanskrit literature, also bore the brunt of cyclone.

Trees that once stood tall and provided green cover to main entrance of the SJSV, now have become bare branches. Hundreds of trees along the main entrance of the varsity have been severely affected by the raging winds of cyclone Fani.

There has also been extensive damage inside the four-storied library of the varsity. Several books and ancient manuscripts kept in the library have also been damaged under the impact of high velocity winds.

Almost all the doors and windows, furniture inside the reading rooms of the library have also been destroyed by the extremely severe cyclonic storm. A thick layer of sand now covers the floor of the building.

However, the library authorities have recovered around 25,000 books, damaged by the cyclone.

"There are around 70,000 books in the library. All the buildings have been damaged by the cyclone and as per preliminary assessment, property worth nearly 22 crore has been damaged, "said the SJSV vice-chancellor, Radhamadhab Dash.

Similarly, infrastructure of nearly 600 schools in Gop and Nimapara areas have been severely affected in the cyclone.

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