A devastating fire broke out in Jawnia village under Shahpur block of Bhojpur district (Bihar) on April 24, reducing 38 thatched houses to ashes. The tragedy struck just as three families were preparing for weddings, with clothes, jewellery, food grains, and cash lost entirely in the blaze.
As of now, 34 affected families have received cheques of Rs. 12,000 each, along with plastic sheeting for shelter and access to a community kitchen from the local administration.
CPI(ML) Liberation Member of Parliament from Ara, Comrade Sudama Prasad, visited the affected village and demanded immediate and adequate compensation for all fire-affected families. He emphasised the need for Rs. 5 lakh to be provided to each family, an additional Rs. 3 lakh for those whose wedding preparations were disrupted, and permanent housing for all. “This is not a one-time disaster,” he said. “The state must act decisively to address the recurring crises faced by the poor in this region.”
This is not the first disaster to hit Jawnia. Last year, the village was severely affected by a massive flood in the Ganga river, which swallowed 64 homes. A protective embankment is currently under construction along the river and is expected to be completed by 15 May.
Fire and floods have become recurring disasters in this region. CPIML has highlighted that only permanent housing and a robust embankment system are the only sustainable solutions.
