For 4 years, couple, their disabled son live in plastic tent

Madikeri: Amid monsoon rains, it is heartbreaking to see that in Yadavare village under the Aiguru gram panchayat limits, where a poor couple and their disabled son have been living in a plastic tent for the past four years.Vijaya and Ponnamma’s house collapsed due to heavy rain and storms in July 2022. The taluk administration provided only Rs 10,000 as relief, and no steps were taken to provide permanent housing since then, raising serious questions.The family built a makeshift plastic tent next to the collapsed house site and has been living there with their disabled son, Darshan. They allege that there have been no proper visits or meaningful assistance from authorities or public representatives.Around three-and-a-half years after the incident, Aiguru gram panchayat provided a plastic sheet for shelter measuring about 30-40 feet, but it is not a permanent solution as it and does not sufficiently protect the family from rain and wind.With the ongoing monsoon, the family is spending sleepless nights fearing the tent may collapse due to strong winds in the night. Their hardship is worsening by the day, especially as they care for their disabled son.