Patna, Jan. 11: The state is shivering under the chilly weather conditions and the worst sufferers are the roadside dwellers.

They are compelled to bear the cold. They have not been provided any blankets or any other relief to withstand the chill. The people who live in Ranbasera and around Gandhi Maidan put on polythene sheets and plastic covers for respite against the cold — they even fall asleep on the footpaths.

Rickshawpuller Rupan Mahto, who stays in Ranbasera, said: “No blankets have been distributed this season. We are left to shiver, not only at night but also during the day.” He is not the only one to say so. Others like him are faced with the same situation.

Suresh, another rickshawpuller, said: “Not only do we have to face the biting cold but also have to take care that we do not die of cold. It is very necessary to survive the cold in order to take care of my family.” Suresh has five members in his family.

V.K. Verma, the principal secretary of social welfare department, said: “There is a provision. It includes Rs 50 lakh to distribute blankets. However, it has not been started yet. The proposal has recently been sent to the cabinet for approval. We are expecting it would be approved at the cabinet meeting soon.” He added: “Bharat Jyoti, the director of social securities and disability, under the wing of the social welfare department, used to deal with the matter. But the post is lying vacant since November last year.”

The state is under a cold wave and there is no relief for the people from social welfare department. It seems the blankets would be distributed after the winters end and the street dwellers are no longer in need of the blankets, said a resident of the city.

Meanwhile, bonfires have also been arranged by the district administration and the disaster management department. Vyas, principal secretary of disaster management department, said: “Arrangements for bonfires have been made at around 3,000 spots in the state. Patna City has 20 of them. While Rs 30 lakh have been given to the state, Rs 2.5 lakh is used for Patna alone.”