But after experiencing the poor condition of the newly-built shelter built by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, they wanted to go back to the clubs where they had been staying for the past month.

The absence of basic civic amenities, drinking water and proper sanitation, has brought on the decision.

"It is more like a cowshed than a human shelter. There is no drinking water or electricity in the huts. There are no separate rooms for any family. We have been dumped into long dormitories," said 25-yr-old Debotash Majumder.

Majumder, with several others, was allotted a 10X10 sq ft area last evening in Nona Danga. The families were forced out of Bangabani and Miloni clubs where they had been staying.

It took 25 days and over Rs 50 lakh for the KMC's engineering department to prepare the shelter — 400 hutments with thatched roofs, earthen floors and bamboo walls. But there is no partition to provide the families with some privacy. There is only a single lavatory for 1,200 people. One shallow hand pump caters to drinking water requirements.

"Last evening, we were asked to pack our bags and go to these temporary hutments," said Anima Ghosh, munching some dried chira and gur — her meal for the day. She has asked her 16-year-old daughter to bunk school so as to give a helping hand to get the room in shape.

Similar was the case with Biswa Mondol.

"We will stay here for the next three years. That is what we have heard from the local CPM councillor Amal Majumder," said Mondol.