On a quiet roadside leading to Lulung near Similipal, a fragile shelter made of patched polythene sheets stands beside a dense forest stretch in Laxmiposi village under Kochilaghati gram panchayat of Samakhunta block in Mayurbhanj district.
For nearly 10 to 12 years, this makeshift structure has been home to 70-year-old Raibari Bindhani. Alone and frail, she lives in constant uncertainty, exposed to harsh weather conditions, roaming wildlife, and the fear that each night brings.
Her husband, Chunu Bindhani, passed away years ago. Since then, Raibari has been surviving on a monthly government allowance of Rs 1,000 and five kilograms of rice. To collect the allowance, she walks nearly 1.5 kilometres to the Panchayat office in Kochilaghati.
Recalling how she lost her home, Raibari said that about a decade ago, the house where she once lived was reportedly sold in her absence. “We had gone out for work when our parents died. When we returned, the house had been sold. Now, where will I get a house? Where will I go?” she asked.
Left without shelter, she set up a temporary roadside hut that gradually became her only refuge. Earlier, she managed to survive by cutting and selling firewood. Now, she depends entirely on the government allowance and rice support, eating minimal portions each day to make it last.
Living on the forest edge brings additional fear. She says snakes, bears, and even elephants frequently pass through the nearby fields and forested areas, adding to her vulnerability.
After her plight came to light, the district administration assured necessary action. Additional District Magistrate of Mayurbhanj, Netrananda Mallick, stated that rural housing assistance is provided to people living in extreme conditions under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). He said the concerned Block Development Officer (BDO) would verify her eligibility and allot a house if her name appears on the SECC list.
