CUTTACK: In a show of sensitivity to the lakhs of people devastated by floods, people have decided to shun the razzle-dazzle of Durga Puja, the most important festival of the Millennium City, and celebrate it in an austere manner. More than 150 Puja committees here will observe the rituals sans decoration of pandals, lighting and organising melody concerts and extravagant processions during immersions. Instead, they have begun to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and undertake relief operations personally in the flood-affected pockets. The move comes in response to an appeal of president of the Cuttack City Puja Committee and Collector Kishore Mohanty for low-key festivities this year. ‘‘The response has been overwhelming and we immediately got a commitment of Rs 2 lakh for CMRF,’’ Mohanty said. Badambadi Puja Mandap, known for its grand gate, has earmarked Rs 1 lakh, cut from Puja expenses, for the flood victims. The gate designed as ‘White House’ this year, though, would come up. ‘‘Work has advanced, so it is not possible for us to stop. But the illumination and decorations would be minimal. Melody programmes have been stopped this year. We would contribute Rs 31,000 to the CMRF and have already started relief operations in the badly-hit regions in Cuttack district,’’ said committee secretary B.B. Jethi. Choudhury Bazaar, one of the oldest Puja mandaps of the city, has also announced austerity measures. Except rituals for the Goddess, there will be no celebration. The immersion procession would be simple and would be completed before dusk, puja committee secretary P.C. Dutta said adding Rs 35,000 would be contributed to the CMRF. Other Puja committees have also announced to keep festivities to the bare minimum.SITUATION STILL GRIM: Meanwhile, situation in Cuttack district continued to be grim with the affected going up to 7.48 lakh people today from 7.34 lakh yesterday. Though water has receded from many areas, more than a lakh people are still marooned. Death roll has gone up to 11. With flood water receding, district administration could make headway in reaching out to the interiors and inaccessible regions. While intensifying relief operations, it has pressed about 38 medical teams to tackle the post-flood threat of epidemics. Drinking water sources are being purified on priority, Mohanty said.
source: http://www.expressbuzz.com
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