BHUBANESWAR: People of the capital are grappling with no electricity, no water and no internet in the aftermath of extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’. City malls in general and Esplanade One in particular has turned out to be an oasis of sorts for struggling folks.
It’s becoming excruciatingly difficult to stay at homes due to heat and humidity. Several places have no water to bathe or even drink. While people staying with their families get things done somehow, hosteliers and working professionals are quite inconvenienced.
In this scenario, washrooms of large shopping malls are a welcome solution. After all, it’s easier and more cost effective to relieve oneself at such places rather than procuring a generator for Rs 1500. Its completely free of cost too. Orissa Post interacted with marketing head, Esplanade One, Shyama Jha, centre director Partha Pratim Nayak and a few visitors to delve deeper into the subject.
Shakti, a regular visitor to the mall said, “There is only one solution to the darkness which has engulfed our beloved city of Bhubaneswar. That is Esplanade One Mall. I am coming here regularly with my friends and family to enjoy good food and to get some respite from the long hours of darkness that prevails in the city.”
Shweta Mahalik, a homemaker and resident of Jagannath Nagar, said, “I come here daily along with my kids to get a shower. I then order some food while my children play in the Kids Play Zone. I literally have no other option but to come to this amazing place where the personnel are helping us to use clean bathrooms and basic amenities like charging electronic gadgets.”
Another visitor Ashwini Rath said, “Since the cyclone, I am visiting the mall regularly with my six-month-old toddler to get some respite from the heat and humidity. My baby needs some air and the AC over here offers some relief. He can finally catch up with some sleep.”
The mall is witnessing people in their home attires making a beeline for clean and cold water and basic rations. Centre director Partha Pratim said, “The mall has certainly been turned into a shelter home for victims of the cyclone. The mall was open after Fani and we at the official level decided to help everyone with open arms. It’s nice to know that people are coming to use basic amenities like the wash rooms and relaxing on the benches to catch up some sleep. We have opened the food courts and cinema halls so that people can relax and forget about their worries.”
Marketing head Shyama Jha said, “We are offering parking spaces to people so that their cars can remain safe. I still remember one customer telling me that they forget about all their worries once they are inside the mall.” A visitor Pushpa Ray said, “No water, no electricity, no internet connectivity, no problem. Thank God such a place exists where we can come and get some respite from the harsh realities.”