Dear Friends and Kashmiri well wishers. I request all of us to be very careful with raising relief for Kashmir in cash and kind. As for as our experience of working in flood like situations in Othr states is concerned, i suggest that relief in Kind is always a problem. With due respects to the spirit of altruism generally expressed during such times, we all know people end up donating clothing that is of no use. important thing is supporting local networks. I strongly feel our traditional set-up of mohalla committees used to be a very strong community based network that would respond to all sorts of calamities. If you procure medicines, baby food, torches, dry milk, cereals, candles, sanitary napkins, chlorine tablets, blankets (we need more blankets keeping in mind the approaching winter) etc these are the standard things that one can distribute in a flood like situation. Now the biggest issue is transportation. The road link to Kashmir has been snapped. Air link is the only access that we have with Kashmir. Now as far as my experience goes. Indian Air Force is not authorized to pick up any private charity relief material. So transportation will be a big issue, as long as you do not take JKs resident commissioner in confidence. Next best thing is to send it through airline cargo. But it will be very expensive. So you may need to negotiate with the airlines authorities. Once the relief material reaches Kashmir the biggest challenge is how to distribute it. I think local networks are very important in efficient distribution. AVOID N.G.Os WITH PDP/ NC/INC/BJP LINEAGE. OUR EXPERIENCE IN PREVIOUS DISASTERS IS THAT SUCH ORGANIZATIONS, FOR THE SAKE OF VOTE BANK POLITICS OFTEN TEND TO DISTRIBUTE RELIEF MOBILIZED BY COMMON PEOPLE, AMONG THEIR CADRES AND IN THEIR PARTY CONSTITUENCIES BE AWARE OF SUCH ORGANIZATION/ INDIVIDUALS.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 10:54:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015