LUCKNOW: Apex industry body Assocham on Friday launched a drive to mobilize a Rs two crore fund from its four lakh plus member organizations across India and appealed them to come forward and contribute generously to provide rescue, relief and rehabilitation to the victims in wake of the humongous devastation caused by the flash floods in the holy Ganga and its tributaries triggered by unprecedented torrential rains in the hilly states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. 

"We need to come together to extend quick and maximum help to the affected people in this hour of extreme crisis as the flash floods have wreaked a havoc in the hilly states, as such we have appealed to our members, colleagues and other citizens for generously donating to the Prime Minister's and chief ministers' relief fund to provide relief and rebuild the flood-ravaged areas," said Rajkumar Dhoot, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). 

"It is the most destructive national calamity which has struck the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other adjoining areas causing massive human and property loss," said Dhoot while expressing his grief. "Our generosity will make a direct and meaningful difference to the lives of the people affected by flash floods even as thousands of pilgrims still remain stranded, it is a serious matter and we need to work together to come out of this difficult time."