New Delhi, June 29, 2013: For a large number of non-government organisations in Delhi which are sending relief material to flood-ravaged Uttarakhand, the destruction of roads in the State is coming in the way of supplies reaching far-flung villages which have been cut-off for nearly 12 days now.

But some of the NGOs and socio-religious organisations have used this period well by sending supplies all the way up to Rishikesh and Rudraprayag, from where they will be sent to different parts of Uttarakhand as soon as the road links are re-established.

“We have sent nearly 10 truckloads of relief supplies from Delhi thus far. Most of it was sent to ourashram in Rishikesh, from where a lot of the material was transported by smaller vehicles to a godown in Rudraprayag, when the road link to it was restored. Now we are waiting for the authorities to clear the approach routes to the higher reaches so that we can send our supplies further,” said Maheish Girri, the international director of The Art of Living.

The organisation has dispatched eight doctors and about 400 volunteers to the hill State for carrying out rescue and relief work but logistical problems are coming in the way of helping the needy.

“We have medical camps already operating at Dharasu village in Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Guptkashi, Gauchar and Rudraprayag and have also sent two truckloads of medicines to meet the needs of the people as health-related problems are bound to crop up after a natural disaster of this scale,” he said.

As for food items, Mr. Girri said they broadly fall into three categories. “We have sent some items like biscuits, bread and sandwiches which can be consumed immediately; then there are items like instant noodles which can be just boiled and consumed; and finally there are the dry rations which are meant to last a longer period of time.”

Realising that the flood-affected would not be able to use much of the cooking material without fuel, the organisation has also sent small and large gas cylinders and stoves.

“We have also dispatched raincoats and tents, since shelter and protection from the rain are an immediate need for a large number of those affected and displaced by the floods.”

Apart from this, the consignments that have been dispatched include items of daily use like disinfectants, bandages, cotton rolls, milk powder, candles, match boxes, torches, big polythene bags, nylon ropes, clips, knives and even buckets, mugs and clothes.

However, most relief organisations are realising that they will not be able complete the last mile till road links are fully restored.

Source: The Hindu, DT. June 29, 2013.