OTV Impact: Destitute man living in mountains rescued, given temporary shelter

The district administration on Tuesday rescued Dukha Nayak, a destitute living in harsh conditions in the mountains near Merapalli village under Mohana block in Gajapati district. Following a report on OTV, the BDO and Tehsildar reached out to the destitute man, rescued him from a hilltop where he had been living in isolation, and rehabilitated him in his native village.

Dukha Nayak had been living in extreme hardship since his house was destroyed during Cyclone Titli. With no shelter left in the village and no ration card in his name, he was deprived of food supplies and other government benefits. The situation worsened after the death of his wife, and with his son moving away after marriage, Dukha Nayak was left completely alone.

Forced by circumstances, he had left the village and taken shelter in a forest, where he built a small hut on top of a hill and survived under difficult conditions. His story came to public attention after OTV highlighted his miserable living conditions.

After the report aired, the Consumer Welfare Minister directed the district administration to immediately extend assistance and include Dukha Nayak under government welfare schemes. Acting on the directive, a team comprising the Block Development Officer (BDO), Tehsildar, Supply Officer, Panchayat Executive Officer, and the local Sarpanch climbed the hill and reached out to Dukha Nayak.

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As part of his rehabilitation, he was given a haircut, provided new clothes and polythene sheets, and safely settled in the village. The timely intervention has been widely appreciated by local residents.

“I lived in the mountains. They rescued me and have given me rice, clothing, polythene, and other essentials. They have promised to build a house for me. I’m very happy today,” said an elated Dukha Nayak.

When contacted, Tehsildar Chakradhar Padhi said, “After seeing the telecast on OTV, I, along with the BDO, trekked through the terrain hills and met him. Seeing his condition, we rescued him. Now, the BDO will provide him with a house and a ration card as per government law. For temporary shelter, we have provided him with polythene so that he can live there instead of living in the mountains.

Speaking to OTV, the BDO Rajib Das said, “Steps are being taken to make his Aadhaar card and include him in Antyodaya Anna Yojana and provide him a house under PMAY as per government rules and guidelines. After verification, we found out that he owns some land. We will identify the land and help him build the house.”