JAGATSINGHPUR: The dilapidated multipurpose cyclone shelters constructed by Odisha State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) along with school-cum-shelters built by different agencies including Government of Maharashtra in the district are yet to get a facelift. The dilapidated cyclone shelters coupled with lack of preparedness of the administration and unavailability of requisite facilities will make the proposed mega mock drills in the coastal villages of the district a futile affair.
Sources said Jagatsinghpur district has 42 multipurpose cyclone shelters including 21 flood shelters in different villages. Out of 42, construction of two multipurpose cyclone shelters in Tarashai in Balikuda and Kathkota in Tirtol block is yet to be completed.
Of the remaining 40 cyclone shelters, renovation of 13 has not yet been completed even though the State Government has sanctioned lakhs of rupees to Rural Development department for the purpose. Renovation work of six cyclone shelters in Kujang, three in Balikuda, two in Biridi and two in Erasama block has not yet been completed. The Rural Development department has been ignoring basic renovation works in 13 shelters, the sources said.
District Coordinator, OSDMA Bata Krushna Nayak said the department has been sanctioned `2 lakh for renovation of each shelter but works including electrification, repairing and colouring and drinking water are yet to be completed. Though Rs 26 lakh has been sanctioned for renovation of 13 shelters, the work is yet to start, he informed.
Moreover, after the super cyclone, 593 school-cum-cyclone shelters were constructed by the Maharashtra Government and other agencies in the district. Several such shelters have developed cracks on the roof leading to water leakage while doors and windows have been damaged due to substandard work. Similarly, several shelters lack generators, VHFs, first aid kits and medicines besides lacking facilities for elderly and pregnant, the sources added.
Recently, Additional District Magistrate Sachidananda Sahu held a preparatory meeting to conduct proposed mock drills in 40 multipurpose cyclone shelters from June 19 to create awareness on facing emergency situations, particularly during natural calamities.