Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Relief Centre at DSW, DU
View Slide Show of the relief coordination centre at DSW, University of Delhi
Monday, September 8, 2008
Financial Update
as on 8th September 2008 (2226 hrs)
1. Cash Collection:...................................... Rs. 6,45,607.00
2. Collection in Kind:.................................. Rs. 42,00,000.00
3. University Contribution received:............ Rs. 90,000.00
3. University Contribution assured:............. Rs. 6,35,000.00
1. Cash Collection:...................................... Rs. 6,45,607.00
2. Collection in Kind:.................................. Rs. 42,00,000.00
3. University Contribution received:............ Rs. 90,000.00
3. University Contribution assured:............. Rs. 6,35,000.00
Plan of Intervention at Bhutahi Bandh
Updates from the field: 7th Sep '08
Apart from the existing collaboration with HelpAge India, the team Department of Social Work, D.U., has also decided to work with JURAO, another group working for the most marginalized of the victims of the brutal swings of river KOSI. As part of this initiative they have reached out with relief material to three thousand families on either side of the Bhutahi Bandh (Triveniganj Block).
The Plan of Intervention for Bhutahi Bandh, Triveniganj Block, Supaul District as communicated by our team is as follows:
1. Phase I- Consisting of approximately a 10 day period wherein the team shall reach out with and organize needs with the resources currently available as also facilitating the initiatives of JURAO.
2. Phase II- A 15-20 day period during which family kits containing dry ration, immediate consumables, biscuits, ORS, Candles, Matchboxes and other items required for daily living will be distributed such that a routine for the rescued victims is established.
3. Phase III- A 45 day time frame to begin with, where the team shall be involved in Damage Assessment and shall also liaison with other organizations in making provisions of specific need based support through a massive advocacy exercise.
Apart from the existing collaboration with HelpAge India, the team Department of Social Work, D.U., has also decided to work with JURAO, another group working for the most marginalized of the victims of the brutal swings of river KOSI. As part of this initiative they have reached out with relief material to three thousand families on either side of the Bhutahi Bandh (Triveniganj Block).
The Plan of Intervention for Bhutahi Bandh, Triveniganj Block, Supaul District as communicated by our team is as follows:
1. Phase I- Consisting of approximately a 10 day period wherein the team shall reach out with and organize needs with the resources currently available as also facilitating the initiatives of JURAO.
2. Phase II- A 15-20 day period during which family kits containing dry ration, immediate consumables, biscuits, ORS, Candles, Matchboxes and other items required for daily living will be distributed such that a routine for the rescued victims is established.
3. Phase III- A 45 day time frame to begin with, where the team shall be involved in Damage Assessment and shall also liaison with other organizations in making provisions of specific need based support through a massive advocacy exercise.
Please note- The team has specified the following items as required urgently:
Medicines (Syrup and Tablets)
- Multivitamins
- Micronutrients
- Iron Folic Acid
- Paracetamol
- Plain Ciproflox
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Second Team of DSW on their way to Saharsa
Second Batch of Volunteers led by Mr. Farrukh Faheem, faculty, Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, along with six students, one non-teaching staff, five para-medics and a doctor from AIIMS, Resident Doctor’s Association with relief material worth 2.5 million are already on their way to Saharsa. The team is supposed to reach there by evening of 8th September 2008. Meanwhile, a team of three doctors who volunteered independently led by Dr. Saket has joined the team on 7th evening. They will be running the MMU (Mobile Medical Unit) set up jointly by DSW and Help Age.
The name of the Team Members are : Mr. Farrukh Faheem (Team Leader), Mr. Manish Jha, Mr. Ankit Joshi, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Mr. Nikhil Aggarwal, Mr. Rohit Bharti, Mr. Vivek Vardhan, and Mr. Amarjeet (Non-Teaching Member)
The name of the Team Members are : Mr. Farrukh Faheem (Team Leader), Mr. Manish Jha, Mr. Ankit Joshi, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Mr. Nikhil Aggarwal, Mr. Rohit Bharti, Mr. Vivek Vardhan, and Mr. Amarjeet (Non-Teaching Member)
Relief Material worth Rs. 2.5 Million sent to Saharsa
Relief material of worth Rs. 2.5 million was booked in the parcel room of the Old Delhi Railway Station by Department of Social Work (DSW), University of Delhi. Initially the Railway Administration denied to receive the material and said that it can only be sent in the name of the District Magistrate. However, after a long persuasion and with the help of some senior officials helping at the personal level the material was not only booked but booked free of cost. But before it is done 40 students and 4 faculty members from DSW had to wait in the railway station using all their advocacy skills to get the job done. Dr. Ravi Ranjan from Zakir Hussain College, DU played a significant role in getting the materials booked. The team acknowledges the kind cooperation of Mr. Shri Prakash (General Manager, Northern Railways), Mr. Sanjay Jain and Mr. Gopal (Officer, Parcel Room), Mr. Mishra (Station Manager) at Old Delhi Railway Station for their support in booking the relief materials. Department of Social Work appeals to the Government of India in general and Railway Ministry in particular to create a systematic and simple process so that the relief process is strengthened and can carry on smoothly.
The relief materials despatched to Saharsa Base Camp set up by DSW largely contains medicines, ORS sachets, infant milk powder, tarpaulin sheets, slippers, torches, candles, match boxes, clothes, etc.
The relief materials despatched to Saharsa Base Camp set up by DSW largely contains medicines, ORS sachets, infant milk powder, tarpaulin sheets, slippers, torches, candles, match boxes, clothes, etc.
Financial update
Please click here for financial update till 5 th sept
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pD0oywN8OgeDu3X0qNzrLcw
Fight for Every Morsel: An Account from Madhepura
Field Update 5th September 2008
Dr. Manoj Jha and Kaivalya Desai from DSW visited the Madhepura town along with the team from TISS. The site at Madhepura was worse than expected.
Dr. Manoj Jha and Kaivalya Desai from DSW visited the Madhepura town along with the team from TISS. The site at Madhepura was worse than expected.
- Many areas of Madhepura town have around 2 to 3 feet of water. The team observed a lot of economic loss in the district as the life in the main township has come to a complete halt because of water getting into the town.
- The team visited the relief camp at T.P. College in Madhepura which had around 25000 people. The situation in the camp was extremely worse with people crying for emergency relief. In addition to this the entire administration was in a complete mess.
- Two of the team members witnessed a small food riot in the camp where two persons were fighting over a sack of rice. These two persons came from the same village. More over the policemen who were standing there started clapping and laughing at the site.
Death and Despair in Relief Camps
Updates from the field: 4th Sept '08
Group A visited the following places in Basantpur Block in Supaul district of Bihar on Day 2:-
1. Kataiyya
2. Kosi Barrage
3. Kusaha Dam
4. Kasoni-Musahari
5. Sripur
Apart from that Group also went to Sripur-Haripur area of Sunsari District of Nepal.
At all these places the group was accompanied by a team from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and one person from Help Age India.
Following are the observations made by the team:-
- The damage to lives and property is on an unprecedented scale. All along the 100 km drive to Kusaha (in Saptari district in Nepal) near Birpur in Supol district in Bihar, we saw people living in relief camps or living by the side of the roads in makeshift structures (plastic sheds) or anything impromptu chosen.
- Most of the camps were run by local and voluntary groups.
- There is a conspicuous absence of international donor agencies as far a running camps are concerned.
- At Katiyya in Basantpur block in Birpur Panchayat, we saw a large settlement of temporary huts living along the sides of the road. There were at least 35,000 to 50,000 huts in this area and an estimated 1 lakh plus population of families from Basantpur block.
- The people were in a state of helplessness, anger, frustration and despair. Everyone approaching them or they approaching anyone is unspoken dialogue on and around hope. Basic needs in these kind of situation such as food and protective shelters are conspicously missing and one can easily imagine the stage of medicinal help. Image a population of one lakh and you cannot spot any body offering medicinal help.
- These people are here since August 21. Apart from providing the people with plastic sheets for building their huts, no help from the district administration had reached them so far.
- People are surviving on eating roasted ‘chooda’ which is supplied by some local groups. We shall not like to comment upon the quality of Chooda (called chirwa in Delhi) for there are other unmet and unattended issues.
- Many people are falling ill – diahorrea, headache and fever are common complaints. No medical help is available.
- Some people have died due to ailments – cases of people dying after vomiting 2-3 times.
- As many as 25,000 people in Nepal and 75,000 people from Basantpur, Raghopur, Chatapur and Pratapganj have reportedly died by the river washing them away or due to drowning.
- There are people in Mohanpur area who are marooned (5-7kms from Kataiyya).
- People have paid anything from Rs.1000/- to Rs. 5000/- to boatmen get rescued.
- The poor and the dalits have suffered the most in terms to damage to lives and property. People who had pucca houses and double storied structures were able to survive when the flooding happened, as they could live in their terraces till the boats reached to rescue them. The poor had no option but to wade through the strong water currents with the river in full spate to survive, leading to many deaths.
- People are surviving by selling their jewellery and utensils in the nearby markets.
- There is an air of despondency among the people which we shared with them as we left from the spot.
- Similar settlements were there along the way before and into the Nepal side. However, settlements on the Nepal side looked more ‘settled’.
- The hutments on the Nepal side were also running into thousands – at least 50,000 huts by conservative estimates.
- These settlements were on the left side of the elevated road on which we were driving. This side is where the river originally flows, usually covering the entire left side stretch right upto the edge of the road. Due to the dam breach, the river now covers the entire right side stretch – running into hundred square kms. This is where the people (now living on the left side) originally used to live and cultivate their fields. All one can see now is miles of water.
- Help being offered by the Nepalese government is better organised than on the Indian side. People are given raw rice, dal and potatoes so that they can cook their own food.
- Many people from the Indian side are moving to the Nepal since they feel that better help is available on that side.
- At Kataiyya people told us that still many people from Nidam chowk, Birpur and Mohanpur are trapped and after many requests by the local people still the government is not making any effort to rescue the trapped people.
- At Kataiyya there are people from Bhimnagar Panchayat, Khojgama Panchayat and Baneli Patti.
- There are a lot of people nearly 50,000 who have crossed the border and are now living in the Nepal relief camps as the camps there are better organised.
- Cases of death in relief camps are also being reported by the people, which is deliberately being suppressed by the administartion.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Bitter-Sweet Events of the Day
A joint meeting was conducted with members from DSSW, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Help Age India. The entire road to Chhatapur, Triveniganj Block is washed away with water level of 3-3.5 feet at various levels. The major station is at Bhuthi Baandh where the marooned victims are staying in temporary shelters. The road link to this place is non-motorable. There are six stretches of water with approximately 2-2.5 feet of water level. Three-four patches of heavy current and an increased risk level were perceived by the team. Rescued families are leaving from Triveniganj with their belongings in plastic bags and jute sacks. As the road to Bhuthi Bandh is non-motorable the relief material cannot reach there. In addition to this is the unwillingness of the administration to reach out to the people. Migration is in huge numbers; 10,000-15,000 people came in a span of two hours as observed by the Team. People of all age groups including infants, pregnant ladies, and elderly are migrating to the safer places. The villages around and beyond the Bhuthi Baandh are completely submerged. Even the Army personnel admitted to the fact that 80% of the people from this area have not been rescued or evacuated. Around 10% are unwilling to move because of the fear of their goods getting stolen or looted. In 90% of the cases it was found that there is a lack of coordination between civil administration and defence personnel. In most of the cases the family has left the older members in the home so that they can watch over the resources available in the family.
The matter of utmost and urgent concern is that people have reported massive discrepancies and discrimination in the relief work. Private boats are charging upto 50,000/- including jewellery for rescuing the marooned people. On account of non-payment in certain cases there have been reports of people being dropped in the mid river. Absolute apathy on the part of boatmen and the administration has resulted in people waiting endlessly for the boats to ferry their families to safety. Even after repeated attempts boats are not reaching out intentionally to areas inhabited by Harijans. Even distribution of food items are being done far way (say 10 kms) from these vulnerable areas and groups forcing starved people to traverse this distance and that to on feet. In a few cases, the team successfully intervened on behalf of the elderly for tractor rides.
As mentioned earlier the relief camps in Saharsa are not in good condition and to add to it more and more refugees are flocking in giving rise to major medical concerns. DSW and Help Age’s first Mobile Medical Van, and the only one in the area would start functioning from 1500hrs today covering the relief camps. Dr. Ajay, a local physician, has joined the team to take care of the medical needs. There is a severe dearth of doctors in the area and all the available ones are neck-deep in relief work. A team of five para-medical staff with medicines worth Rs. 1lac will go with the second team from Delhi. Talks are also on to tap the alumni network of Aligarh Muslim University for more manpower. The team has assessed that the immediate need is for IVF bottles and Lactogen feed for babies whose mothers are unable to feed them. Here in Delhi, talks are on with various medical training institutions for trained medical relief workers. It has been planned that the first team would return two days after the second team reaches and the initial touch-basing is done.
Towards the afternoon the team visited a place which is 100kms away from the base camp and 55-60 kms away from the District Headquarters in Supaul. This place is in Basantpur Block where supposedly more than 100 villages had been submerged. People have made their own temporary shelters of plastic sheets or whatever material was readily available to them since the 21st of August. Approximately 30,000 to 35,000 huts accommodating a population of nearly 1 lakh are clustered at this place. Supplies of relief are very inadequate and are not reaching the beneficiaries in a proper way. Apart from the major chunk that came on 21st, everyday there is an addition of new families to the area which has already exceeded its carrying capacity. This is one area that they have identified apart from Bhuthi bandh and Triveniganj. The name of the place is Tathaiya Hydropower Station which is basically closed now and does not operate. The hutments that were referred to earlier are close to Tathaiya at Basantpur Block in Birpur, Supaul.
From there the team moved to the Indo-Nepal border also and went as far as Kosadh which is the place where the breach took place. In general the Nepalese army does not allow civilians to move in that area. The team noticed that even on the other side of the border (Nepal) there are huge numbers of people in hutments. But interestingly on the Nepal side the relief management and the relief operation is much better as compared to the Indian side. This was evident as a good number of them have regular electricity supply through generators and apart from that they have a regular supply of eatables.
The team and Help Age’s MMV has become functional but the team is debating on the logistics like travelling 200 kms each day which is practically not feasible and nor desirable. In this case the team in consultation with Help Age is considering other alternatives. Dr. Jha informed that apart from medical needs, the team will cater to needs for which they have the potential or resources available. He emphasised on the point that the most important and basic need at this hour is for medicines, medical help, food and tarpaulin sheets, the last item specially so because of the impending rains in the days to come.
The matter of utmost and urgent concern is that people have reported massive discrepancies and discrimination in the relief work. Private boats are charging upto 50,000/- including jewellery for rescuing the marooned people. On account of non-payment in certain cases there have been reports of people being dropped in the mid river. Absolute apathy on the part of boatmen and the administration has resulted in people waiting endlessly for the boats to ferry their families to safety. Even after repeated attempts boats are not reaching out intentionally to areas inhabited by Harijans. Even distribution of food items are being done far way (say 10 kms) from these vulnerable areas and groups forcing starved people to traverse this distance and that to on feet. In a few cases, the team successfully intervened on behalf of the elderly for tractor rides.
As mentioned earlier the relief camps in Saharsa are not in good condition and to add to it more and more refugees are flocking in giving rise to major medical concerns. DSW and Help Age’s first Mobile Medical Van, and the only one in the area would start functioning from 1500hrs today covering the relief camps. Dr. Ajay, a local physician, has joined the team to take care of the medical needs. There is a severe dearth of doctors in the area and all the available ones are neck-deep in relief work. A team of five para-medical staff with medicines worth Rs. 1lac will go with the second team from Delhi. Talks are also on to tap the alumni network of Aligarh Muslim University for more manpower. The team has assessed that the immediate need is for IVF bottles and Lactogen feed for babies whose mothers are unable to feed them. Here in Delhi, talks are on with various medical training institutions for trained medical relief workers. It has been planned that the first team would return two days after the second team reaches and the initial touch-basing is done.
Towards the afternoon the team visited a place which is 100kms away from the base camp and 55-60 kms away from the District Headquarters in Supaul. This place is in Basantpur Block where supposedly more than 100 villages had been submerged. People have made their own temporary shelters of plastic sheets or whatever material was readily available to them since the 21st of August. Approximately 30,000 to 35,000 huts accommodating a population of nearly 1 lakh are clustered at this place. Supplies of relief are very inadequate and are not reaching the beneficiaries in a proper way. Apart from the major chunk that came on 21st, everyday there is an addition of new families to the area which has already exceeded its carrying capacity. This is one area that they have identified apart from Bhuthi bandh and Triveniganj. The name of the place is Tathaiya Hydropower Station which is basically closed now and does not operate. The hutments that were referred to earlier are close to Tathaiya at Basantpur Block in Birpur, Supaul.
From there the team moved to the Indo-Nepal border also and went as far as Kosadh which is the place where the breach took place. In general the Nepalese army does not allow civilians to move in that area. The team noticed that even on the other side of the border (Nepal) there are huge numbers of people in hutments. But interestingly on the Nepal side the relief management and the relief operation is much better as compared to the Indian side. This was evident as a good number of them have regular electricity supply through generators and apart from that they have a regular supply of eatables.
The team and Help Age’s MMV has become functional but the team is debating on the logistics like travelling 200 kms each day which is practically not feasible and nor desirable. In this case the team in consultation with Help Age is considering other alternatives. Dr. Jha informed that apart from medical needs, the team will cater to needs for which they have the potential or resources available. He emphasised on the point that the most important and basic need at this hour is for medicines, medical help, food and tarpaulin sheets, the last item specially so because of the impending rains in the days to come.
Bhuthi Bandh: Telling its own Tragic Tale
The team on its second day has identified a place for intervention called Bhuthi Bandh which is somewhere around 7-8 kms from Dafarka. This place is located right at the point where the Kosi has changed its course. This place is specifically important because there are approximately 50,000 people taking refuge there with no or inadequate relief. Medical help is scarce on account of which even people rescued from the waters are succumbing. To address to this need DSW’s partner organisation Help Age India is planning to ply a mobile medical van (MMU) between Dafarka and Bhuthi Bandh. The team as yet has not started distributing relief material in a full fledged manner. Two members from the team are working in Saharsa town assessing the functioning of relief camps, all of which are being managed by spontaneous networks.
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Thursday, September 4, 2008
FINANCIAL POSITION as on 3rd September 2008
Cash Collection: Rs 2,33,966.
Collection In Kind: Rs 15,000,00(approx).
University Contribution (assured): Rs 6,35,000 (approx).
Collection In Kind: Rs 15,000,00(approx).
University Contribution (assured): Rs 6,35,000 (approx).
CONTRIBUTORS TO THE FLOOD RELIEF PROGRAMME
Aditi Mahavidyalaya
AHAD Society for Welfare and Development
AIIMS
Ambedkar and Ganguli Hostels (W)
Amul India Ltd.
Christian Colony
Deptt. Security Staff
Dr. Udaya Yogi, Dept. of Philosophy, IP College
Faculty DSSW
Faculty of Law
Gwyer Hall Hostel
Hansraj College
Hindu and Ramjas Colleges
India Habitat Centre Area
Indraprastha College
International Students Hostel (Men)
International Students Hostel (Women)
Jubilee Hall Hostel
Kashmir Earthquake Relief Fund
Kirorimal College
Kothari Hostel
Lady Sri Ram College
M.A(Previous) Student
M.A. (P) Batch 2008-10
M/S Focus Energy Ltd.
Mansarovar Hostel and Arts Faculty
Monu and Meeta (D/o Dr. Manoj Jha)
Mr. Ajay Kumar
Ms. Amritananda Chakravorty
Mr. Anil Kr. Chauhan
Mr. D.V Gupta
Mr. Danuder Mohini Ahuja
Mr. Dipak Mittal (JAGO Party)
Mr. Dheeraj Virmani, COSRO
Mr. Edgar Gramiger (ACT India)
Mr. Jitendra (Alumnus DSSW)
Mr. Pawan Kansal C/o Jagdamba Exports
Mr. Prabal
Mr. R. K. Suri
Mr. Ravi
Mr. S. Grover, Director, Vidya Bharti School, Rohini
Mr. Sushil
Mr. Vijay Kumar
Mr.G.D.Mehta
Ms Malathi ILLL
Ms. Akanksha (DSSW)
Ms. Alka Kumar (DSSW)
Ms. Deepakshi (Miranda House)
Ms. Ipshita Bhatt (D/0 Prof. Sanjai Bhatt)
Ms. Kriti Dheer (DSSW)
Ms. Mayuri Kakoti
Ms. Mohuwa Bhowal (Alumnus DSSW)
Ms. Supriya Rao, Deptt. of Social Work, DU
Ms. Poonam Gulalia, Deptt. of Social Work, DU
Ms. Pushpanjali, Deptt. of Social Work, DU
Ms. Ridhima Mehra (Alumnus DSSW)
Ms. Shagufta
Ms. Shilpi Soni
Ms. Shraddha
Ms.Charu (Alumnus DSSW)
N E Women’s Hostel
North Campus Area
P G Women Hostel
PG Men’s Hostel
PT Education
Rashtriya Prayojan
School of Open Learning Area
Shagun Trading Company
Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Ltd.
Staff of DS Group
Student World Assembly (SWA- India)
Swasthaakshar Trust
V K R V Rao Hostel
Vishwavidyala Metro Station and nearby area
Zoology Department
AHAD Society for Welfare and Development
AIIMS
Ambedkar and Ganguli Hostels (W)
Amul India Ltd.
Christian Colony
Deptt. Security Staff
Dr. Udaya Yogi, Dept. of Philosophy, IP College
Faculty DSSW
Faculty of Law
Gwyer Hall Hostel
Hansraj College
Hindu and Ramjas Colleges
India Habitat Centre Area
Indraprastha College
International Students Hostel (Men)
International Students Hostel (Women)
Jubilee Hall Hostel
Kashmir Earthquake Relief Fund
Kirorimal College
Kothari Hostel
Lady Sri Ram College
M.A(Previous) Student
M.A. (P) Batch 2008-10
M/S Focus Energy Ltd.
Mansarovar Hostel and Arts Faculty
Monu and Meeta (D/o Dr. Manoj Jha)
Mr. Ajay Kumar
Ms. Amritananda Chakravorty
Mr. Anil Kr. Chauhan
Mr. D.V Gupta
Mr. Danuder Mohini Ahuja
Mr. Dipak Mittal (JAGO Party)
Mr. Dheeraj Virmani, COSRO
Mr. Edgar Gramiger (ACT India)
Mr. Jitendra (Alumnus DSSW)
Mr. Pawan Kansal C/o Jagdamba Exports
Mr. Prabal
Mr. R. K. Suri
Mr. Ravi
Mr. S. Grover, Director, Vidya Bharti School, Rohini
Mr. Sushil
Mr. Vijay Kumar
Mr.G.D.Mehta
Ms Malathi ILLL
Ms. Akanksha (DSSW)
Ms. Alka Kumar (DSSW)
Ms. Deepakshi (Miranda House)
Ms. Ipshita Bhatt (D/0 Prof. Sanjai Bhatt)
Ms. Kriti Dheer (DSSW)
Ms. Mayuri Kakoti
Ms. Mohuwa Bhowal (Alumnus DSSW)
Ms. Supriya Rao, Deptt. of Social Work, DU
Ms. Poonam Gulalia, Deptt. of Social Work, DU
Ms. Pushpanjali, Deptt. of Social Work, DU
Ms. Ridhima Mehra (Alumnus DSSW)
Ms. Shagufta
Ms. Shilpi Soni
Ms. Shraddha
Ms.Charu (Alumnus DSSW)
N E Women’s Hostel
North Campus Area
P G Women Hostel
PG Men’s Hostel
PT Education
Rashtriya Prayojan
School of Open Learning Area
Shagun Trading Company
Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Ltd.
Staff of DS Group
Student World Assembly (SWA- India)
Swasthaakshar Trust
V K R V Rao Hostel
Vishwavidyala Metro Station and nearby area
Zoology Department
PLAN OF ACTION FOR INTERVENTION IN NORTH BIHAR
Following the desk review of the situation in Northern Bihar as also through the information available from the state and district administration, the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi has developed its plan of action. Based on our experiences of working with victims of earth quake in Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttrakhand, we have taken the initiative for long-term relief and rehabilitation project- UDAI (University for Development Action and Integrated Learning-II) for the flood affected people in Bihar with two fold objectives:
a) To contribute in relief and rehabilitation of flood affected victims on long term basis.
b) To bring back experiences of learning into the knowledge system of the university.
We have already started our intervention from August 28, 2008 and a team of seven students and one non teaching staff led by Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha, Reader, Department of Social Work has set up base camp at Saharsa. This team left with relief material worth Rupees twelve lacs collected from various quarters.
Our Vice Chancellor Prof. Deepak Pental has contributed Rupees twenty lacs to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and has also supported the Volunteer based UDAI project of Delhi University. The University has given us all support to make requisite intervention in affected areas. All Colleges/ Departments of Delhi University are joining us in this task.
In view of the severity and the magnitude of the problem, the department realizes that post-rescue interventions can be made at four levels and that too in collaboration with civil society organizations based in Delhi as well as in Bihar:
1. Reaching out to affected families and individuals in the worst affected districts such as Madhepura/Purnea/Araria/Saharsa
2. Helping them with necessary and scarce items such as - packed food, medicines, chlorine tablets, torches, mosquito-nets/repellant, plastic sheets (tarpaulin ones) etc.
3. To liaison and work with government and non-government agencies. To focus especially on children, elderly, Dalits, Muslims and extreme backward class communities as their vulnerability is relatively high compared to other groups and communities in the same region.
WHAT WE INTEND TO DO:
We intend to work at three levels- immediate relief, long term post rescue relief and long term rehabilitation. For the same our strategy is as under:
1. Identification of an area (we might focus on a cluster of villages alone) and there too identify the vulnerable locations and populations
2. Development of base and network with government and non-government agencies (for facilitating relief and rehabilitation packages and measures)
3. The impromptu relief camps need better trained staff in the initial phase and professional social workers can have a better impact on coordination
4. Taking a team of twenty students with at least three faculty members which shall liaison and network with the district administration ensuring coordination and cooperation from different government departments as well as NGOs.
5. We also realise that sanitation will be a major problem for these areas as most of the people are residing on the impromptu found cluttered spaces. We intend to liaison and work with organisation based in Delhi as well as the ones working locally.
6. Ready to eat food is more suitable for these areas as availability of fuel will be a problem.
7. We are also informed that ORS packets are not adequate for the affected areas. There is a need for bleaching powder, lime and chlorine tablets immediately for the affected districts.
OUR PARTNERS:
The following organizations are collaborating with us in this effort:
· Help Age India is collaborating, in intervening at two levels
(a) providing relief materials
(b) providing humane services directly.
· DSSW Society is a parent body supporting us with the management of the Project.
· Colleges/Departments of Delhi University have assisted us in Fund raising.
· PAIRVI Associate, a Delhi based registered NGO having income tax exemption under Section 80G.
· Civil society organizations in Delhi, Bihar and other parts of country;
And
YOU…
a) To contribute in relief and rehabilitation of flood affected victims on long term basis.
b) To bring back experiences of learning into the knowledge system of the university.
We have already started our intervention from August 28, 2008 and a team of seven students and one non teaching staff led by Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha, Reader, Department of Social Work has set up base camp at Saharsa. This team left with relief material worth Rupees twelve lacs collected from various quarters.
Our Vice Chancellor Prof. Deepak Pental has contributed Rupees twenty lacs to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and has also supported the Volunteer based UDAI project of Delhi University. The University has given us all support to make requisite intervention in affected areas. All Colleges/ Departments of Delhi University are joining us in this task.
In view of the severity and the magnitude of the problem, the department realizes that post-rescue interventions can be made at four levels and that too in collaboration with civil society organizations based in Delhi as well as in Bihar:
1. Reaching out to affected families and individuals in the worst affected districts such as Madhepura/Purnea/Araria/Saharsa
2. Helping them with necessary and scarce items such as - packed food, medicines, chlorine tablets, torches, mosquito-nets/repellant, plastic sheets (tarpaulin ones) etc.
3. To liaison and work with government and non-government agencies. To focus especially on children, elderly, Dalits, Muslims and extreme backward class communities as their vulnerability is relatively high compared to other groups and communities in the same region.
WHAT WE INTEND TO DO:
We intend to work at three levels- immediate relief, long term post rescue relief and long term rehabilitation. For the same our strategy is as under:
1. Identification of an area (we might focus on a cluster of villages alone) and there too identify the vulnerable locations and populations
2. Development of base and network with government and non-government agencies (for facilitating relief and rehabilitation packages and measures)
3. The impromptu relief camps need better trained staff in the initial phase and professional social workers can have a better impact on coordination
4. Taking a team of twenty students with at least three faculty members which shall liaison and network with the district administration ensuring coordination and cooperation from different government departments as well as NGOs.
5. We also realise that sanitation will be a major problem for these areas as most of the people are residing on the impromptu found cluttered spaces. We intend to liaison and work with organisation based in Delhi as well as the ones working locally.
6. Ready to eat food is more suitable for these areas as availability of fuel will be a problem.
7. We are also informed that ORS packets are not adequate for the affected areas. There is a need for bleaching powder, lime and chlorine tablets immediately for the affected districts.
OUR PARTNERS:
The following organizations are collaborating with us in this effort:
· Help Age India is collaborating, in intervening at two levels
(a) providing relief materials
(b) providing humane services directly.
· DSSW Society is a parent body supporting us with the management of the Project.
· Colleges/Departments of Delhi University have assisted us in Fund raising.
· PAIRVI Associate, a Delhi based registered NGO having income tax exemption under Section 80G.
· Civil society organizations in Delhi, Bihar and other parts of country;
And
YOU…
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Hear the Drowning Voices
Fresh reports pouring in from the team working its way towards Triveniganj and Chhatapur Blocks reveal that the situation out there is grim, mainly in terms of relief. Hordes of affected people are fleeing their villages in the most inhumane conditions (400-500 people boarding one single tractor). There are women who are cradling their newborn babies in their arms, clinging to the vehicle, often at the risk of dropping their babies. Conversation with the team brought to light that these people are moving from the villages of Koriapatti, Manganj and Lakshminia, where evacuation and relief have not reached yet. In the words of one of the villagers, “…for the past ten days we were stranded there and not a soul was visible.” Another villager in a choked voice narrated his account where he has left his 70 year old mother behind and has no hopes of her surviving. The fluctuating water level has also created intense fear amongst the people.
Update from Ground Zero: Base Camp, Saharsa, Bihar
(1155 hrs, 3rd September 2008)
The team from the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi arrived in Saharsa at 0030 hrs on 3rd September after an arduous journey through the flood waters. The base camp was set up by the team at 0500 hrs in Saharsa. It has been observed that Saharsa (turned island like) has become the key area for relief camps as nearly 0.2 million flood victims have been brought here. It is assumed that this number may increase to 0.4 million in a couple of days time. This is far greater than the actual capacity of the town. It is feared that the town would soon get saturated in terms of resources and sanitation has already emerged as a very serious concern with unconfirmed reports of cholera coming from a few places.
Secondly, the relief camps need attention as the entire focus is on evacuation. The team felt that the camps should be run for more than two months to allow the water to recede and initiate rehabilitation of the people. A local official said that the government relief material has not yet been sanctioned and so far, all the relief camps are being managed by the local individuals and NGOs.
Also as per official records, Madhepura is getting more attention and districts like Supaoul are being neglected. In Supaoul, Chhatapur and Triveniganj have remained untouched till date with the latter being the last motorable area. Hence a part of the team will begin by visiting Triveniganj today and then other places in Supaoul for a rapid assessment of the situation there.
For the present, Delhi university team shall be networking with Help Age India and the areas of focus will be immediate relief measures and site report development to enable a long term engagement with the area and ensure smooth rehabilitation of the victims.
Rescue operations as of now shall remain with the defence squads and other trained personnel in disaster relief, for the river water has not receded and it has an unmanageable current. The team consisting of students from the Department of Social Work and members from Help Age India will focus on post rescue relief work.
As a priority what is required is a group of doctors to be there to coordinate with the mobile medicine units of Help Age India. Also the local people have listed the following items as critically urgent now:
1. Baby food/ Infant Milk Powder
2. Gamcha (Cotton Towels)
3. Chaddar (Bed sheets)
4. Candles
5. Torches
6. Biscuits
7. And a good amount of cash to make sure that the scarcity of supplies in some of the relief camps could be met since transportation of goods from Patna or Delhi is hazardous and economically not viable.
The team has also strongly advised that the road link from Patna and Saharsa should be avoided as the condition is extremely perilous.
The second batch of volunteers from the Department of Social Work, Delhi University along with some doctors will be leaving for Bihar on Sunday, 7 Sep 2008.
The Department is working 24x 7 for collecting relief material in kind/cash. Helpline: 011-32021499
We request people to pitch in and support the people of Bihar at this critical juncture.
The team from the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi arrived in Saharsa at 0030 hrs on 3rd September after an arduous journey through the flood waters. The base camp was set up by the team at 0500 hrs in Saharsa. It has been observed that Saharsa (turned island like) has become the key area for relief camps as nearly 0.2 million flood victims have been brought here. It is assumed that this number may increase to 0.4 million in a couple of days time. This is far greater than the actual capacity of the town. It is feared that the town would soon get saturated in terms of resources and sanitation has already emerged as a very serious concern with unconfirmed reports of cholera coming from a few places.
Secondly, the relief camps need attention as the entire focus is on evacuation. The team felt that the camps should be run for more than two months to allow the water to recede and initiate rehabilitation of the people. A local official said that the government relief material has not yet been sanctioned and so far, all the relief camps are being managed by the local individuals and NGOs.
Also as per official records, Madhepura is getting more attention and districts like Supaoul are being neglected. In Supaoul, Chhatapur and Triveniganj have remained untouched till date with the latter being the last motorable area. Hence a part of the team will begin by visiting Triveniganj today and then other places in Supaoul for a rapid assessment of the situation there.
For the present, Delhi university team shall be networking with Help Age India and the areas of focus will be immediate relief measures and site report development to enable a long term engagement with the area and ensure smooth rehabilitation of the victims.
Rescue operations as of now shall remain with the defence squads and other trained personnel in disaster relief, for the river water has not receded and it has an unmanageable current. The team consisting of students from the Department of Social Work and members from Help Age India will focus on post rescue relief work.
As a priority what is required is a group of doctors to be there to coordinate with the mobile medicine units of Help Age India. Also the local people have listed the following items as critically urgent now:
1. Baby food/ Infant Milk Powder
2. Gamcha (Cotton Towels)
3. Chaddar (Bed sheets)
4. Candles
5. Torches
6. Biscuits
7. And a good amount of cash to make sure that the scarcity of supplies in some of the relief camps could be met since transportation of goods from Patna or Delhi is hazardous and economically not viable.
The team has also strongly advised that the road link from Patna and Saharsa should be avoided as the condition is extremely perilous.
The second batch of volunteers from the Department of Social Work, Delhi University along with some doctors will be leaving for Bihar on Sunday, 7 Sep 2008.
The Department is working 24x 7 for collecting relief material in kind/cash. Helpline: 011-32021499
We request people to pitch in and support the people of Bihar at this critical juncture.
Delhi University Response to Kosi Flood Victims: Press Release
Delhi, 1st September, 2008
Delhi School of Social Work (DSSW), University of Delhi has decided for immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for the victims of flood caused by Kosi, under a Project named UDAI. A batch of seven volunteers has left for Saharsa, Bihar with relief material amounting to Rs. 15 Lakh. The relief material contains –
ORH, Biscuits, Fruit Drinks, Clothes, Candles, Matchboxes, Baby food, Milk powder, Torches, Plastic Sheets and Shoes.
The Student volunteer team led by Dr. Manoj K. Jha, Director Field Work was sent off by Dr. A.K. Dubey, Registrar, D.U., Dr. S. K. Vij, Dean Student Welfare and Prof. Navjot Lahari, after speaking to a gathering of students at Delhi School of Social Work. Speaking on the occasion the Dean of colleges, Dr. A. K. Dubey while appreciating the role of Delhi School of Social Work in responding to Kosi disaster, assured full support and cooperation from the university authorities. Prof. Nayjot Lahari acknowledged the role of volunteerism in relief and rehabilitation also assured that the colleges of DU are with this initiative. Dr. S.K. Vij wished all the team members – Dr. Manoj Jha, Uday Bhaskar, Digvijoy Phukan, Santonu Hazarika, Rajeev Jena, Kevalya Desai, Pushpam; as a part of the commitment to the department and the discipline, and long service to Delhi School of Social Work, one of the security guards, Sh. Bajraj Singh (Pehalwanji) also joined the first batch of volunteers.
DUTA president, Dr. Aditya Mishra has also promised the support of the largest teachers’ association in the country in terms of human resource and financial support.
Delhi School of Social Work (DSSW) has launched its long-term relief and rehabilitation project- UDAI (University for Development Action and Integrated learning). This unit project has two fold objectives:-
a) To participate in relief and rehabilitation of flood affected victims
b) Bringing back experiences of learning into the knowledge system of the university.
Prof. Sanjai Bhatt, Head, Dept. of Social Work and Director of the project UDAI informed that we have experiences of working with Earthquake victims of Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Kasi. Based on our experiences batch of 10-15 student volunteers of DU will be going for a week or a fortnight for initial assessment. The project is expected to be for duration of 6-12 months.
The HelpAge India has extended support to the project, and many other International and National Organisations are extending support as well. The students of the dept. have collected relief materials amounting to Rs. 15 lakh so far and many responsible citizens, NGOs, are supporting this endeavor.
For any help, contribution, funds or queries, the DSSW has also started a 24 hour helpline number- 011-32021499.
Delhi School of Social Work (DSSW), University of Delhi has decided for immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for the victims of flood caused by Kosi, under a Project named UDAI. A batch of seven volunteers has left for Saharsa, Bihar with relief material amounting to Rs. 15 Lakh. The relief material contains –
ORH, Biscuits, Fruit Drinks, Clothes, Candles, Matchboxes, Baby food, Milk powder, Torches, Plastic Sheets and Shoes.
The Student volunteer team led by Dr. Manoj K. Jha, Director Field Work was sent off by Dr. A.K. Dubey, Registrar, D.U., Dr. S. K. Vij, Dean Student Welfare and Prof. Navjot Lahari, after speaking to a gathering of students at Delhi School of Social Work. Speaking on the occasion the Dean of colleges, Dr. A. K. Dubey while appreciating the role of Delhi School of Social Work in responding to Kosi disaster, assured full support and cooperation from the university authorities. Prof. Nayjot Lahari acknowledged the role of volunteerism in relief and rehabilitation also assured that the colleges of DU are with this initiative. Dr. S.K. Vij wished all the team members – Dr. Manoj Jha, Uday Bhaskar, Digvijoy Phukan, Santonu Hazarika, Rajeev Jena, Kevalya Desai, Pushpam; as a part of the commitment to the department and the discipline, and long service to Delhi School of Social Work, one of the security guards, Sh. Bajraj Singh (Pehalwanji) also joined the first batch of volunteers.
DUTA president, Dr. Aditya Mishra has also promised the support of the largest teachers’ association in the country in terms of human resource and financial support.
Delhi School of Social Work (DSSW) has launched its long-term relief and rehabilitation project- UDAI (University for Development Action and Integrated learning). This unit project has two fold objectives:-
a) To participate in relief and rehabilitation of flood affected victims
b) Bringing back experiences of learning into the knowledge system of the university.
Prof. Sanjai Bhatt, Head, Dept. of Social Work and Director of the project UDAI informed that we have experiences of working with Earthquake victims of Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Kasi. Based on our experiences batch of 10-15 student volunteers of DU will be going for a week or a fortnight for initial assessment. The project is expected to be for duration of 6-12 months.
The HelpAge India has extended support to the project, and many other International and National Organisations are extending support as well. The students of the dept. have collected relief materials amounting to Rs. 15 lakh so far and many responsible citizens, NGOs, are supporting this endeavor.
For any help, contribution, funds or queries, the DSSW has also started a 24 hour helpline number- 011-32021499.
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