Sharmili Mallick

Bhubaneswar: While restoration work is underway on war footing in the Capital City, the ‘privileged’ residents here have moved to luxury hotels and lodges to overcome the challenges thrown by the damage caused by the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani.

Sans electricity and water supply in the aftermath of Fani, luxury hotels, lodges and guest houses which offer air-conditioned rooms with room service and other facilities have turned a temporary stay for the privileged residents of Bhubaneswar.

Even getting a standard room with 24x7 electricity has become the chunk of their deal. Though hoteliers are pleasantly surprised by this unusual trend, they are not leaving any opportunity to earn profit out of the situation.

A resident of Bhubaneswar, Priya Ranjan Swain, “I visited around five hotels but did not get a room. Some hotels which have vacant rooms do not have Air-Conditioners.”

Ranjita Panda, a staffer informed, “All rooms have been booked by local people. We are providing AC services to our customers from 11 pm to 5 am.”

The situation is such that tourists and outsiders who are visiting the Capital city for availing health, educational services and other official works are unable to find a room as the hotels and lodges are crowded by local people.

“I have come from Delhi but not getting a room to stay. Staff at the hotelsare saying that rooms are not vacant and completely deniedavailability of AC rooms,” said a tourist.

Hotel Manager of Swosti Grand said, “The hotel is fully occupied. We are keeping the generator on for 24 hours with a break of 4 hours during day time. Though AC is not available in the day time, fan and lift services are available.”

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