|
Jodiya is a small district on the edge
of the Kutchchh District and has been devastated. With almost all villages
divested of buildings,
almost nothing is left.
Balambha, Jamsar, Jinjuda, Bela, Untbeth, Fadsar, Kharchia,
Kotharia, Bhimkata, are just a few of these villages. Once standing proud with
Havelis, that can match any palace and boasting several traditional heritages. Today,
people
stand amongst the shattered dreams, piles of stones and dust, wondering
what could have happened and what to do.
Death toll is something else to talk about, the living are wondering if they
are really alive or whether this is some sort of cruel retributive hell?
Strange are the ways of God. Jodiya village used to proudly boast of Kuran
and Geeta both sung together in the evening. With more than 100 temples in
the village, this was the place where Ramayana was recited 24 hours non-stop
for the past 7 years, since 29th January of 1993. Today, the sacred ambience is
shattered with wails and cries of children, men and womenfolk each crying
for their lost dear ones.
These villages were but a spec on the map earlier, now they are shaken out
of existence. Relief work is hardly active in this area, and people are still awaiting help. Basic amenities are unavailable, whereas
the district had acute water problem, now the situation has worsened.
|
