Daijiworld Media Network - Merapalli

Merapalli, Dec 18: A 60-year-old man, Dukha Naik, who had been surviving in a forest near Merapalli village for the past five years, was brought back home on Wednesday with the help of local authorities and social workers.

Dukha, who once lived a normal life with his wife and son, turned to the forest after a series of personal tragedies. His wife passed away just before Cyclone Titli struck, and his son got married and moved away, leaving Dukha alone. Cyclone Titli further destroyed his house, forcing him to live in a dilapidated structure while earning a meagre living through odd jobs.

By 2019, Dukha’s health deteriorated, limiting his ability to work. Gradually, his mental condition worsened, and he went missing from the village. Though villagers were aware of his disappearance, no search was undertaken until recently, when local youths spotted him on a nearby hill.

Social worker Anshuman Panda, along with friends, persuaded Dukha to return, and with the assistance of Mohana block officials, he was brought back to the village. “Dukha survived by eating roots and forest fruits and did not harm any animal. He had made a small hut in the forest using tarpaulin,” said Panda.

Mohana BDO Rajib Das, tehsildar Chakradhar Padhy, civil supplies officer Satya Narayana Bhoi, Merapalli sarpanch Brajasundar Jani, and panchayat executive officer P Balakrishna personally visited the forest to bring Dukha back. The officials arranged a haircut for him and provided new clothes, footwear, and polythene sheets to temporarily cover his damaged hut.

Authorities also assured Dukha that he would receive benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and other government welfare schemes, ensuring a secure and dignified life ahead.