Last year, he lost his three-year-old daughter to a panther. This year, the floods have washed away everything he owned. All he has to his name now are the clothes he is wearing.

A SGNP gardener since five years, Umesh is back to tending his plants though the state has declared a holiday. His 2-year-old son, oblivious of the tragedy, is chasing butterflies. His wife has gone to a relative's house to get food and clothes.

"The loss of property is nothing compared to the loss of my child last year. I was just helpless as the panther pounced on her and escaped into the darkness," Umesh says.

He did not receive any compensation when he lost his child; he expect any help from the government this time either. He refused to be photographed, saying nothing helps. "Disasters have become a part of my life. My only relief is that my wife and son are safe with me," he says.

"For three days, we have had no water or power. We have to go out of the park to fetch drinking water. It is the worst time we have ever had," says Umesh.

Also See: Marooned Mumbai