Whether you think Kashmir is the virginal land of Bollywood-esque beauty or a war-torn state consumed by violence, the fact is that the valley today stands devastated by nature’s unrelenting fury. Nearly 6 lakh people are still stranded in flood-hit Jammu & Kashmir, even though the water has slowly begun to recede. With a lack of food, clothing, medicines and communication devices, for the people affected this has been the worst flood in the last 100 years.
As state agencies and voluntary organizations pursue rescue operations, you too can do your bit in helping those who are still stranded without basic amenities in flood-hit Kashmir. Let’s join hands for #JKFloodRelief
How Can I Get More Information about This?
The website #JKFLOODRELIEF is a good place to equip yourself with basic information about relief work. It is an independent organization that was formed in association with local voluntary organizations and online volunteers who help spread information and awareness about the immediate needs of the people in distress. They keep track of collection centres in all major cities where you can go and make a contribution.
Here’s a list of required relief material that people stranded in the J&K floods need urgently.
Where Can I Go in My City to Help?
1. New Delhi
Several organizations are inviting donations for flood relief in the capital.
Uday Foundation, an NGO that works on child health care and education for underprivileged children, is helping with relief work.
Where: They can be found at Gate No. 6, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Opposite Mother’s International School, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110017.
Similarly, Goonj, a very well-known NGO that’s been undertaking relief work in many parts of the country for years, is asking for donations under its RAHAT programme.
Where: J-93, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110076. They can also be reached at 011- 41401216/ 26972351. Goonj also has collection centres at other points in the city too. You can look them up here. Details for monetary contributions can be found here.
2. Bangalore
The contact person is Christine Mehta, who works with Amnesty International, where she researches administrative detentions, criminal justice, and impunity issues in Jammu and Kashmir. She can also be found on Twitter (@christinemehta).
Where: 630, 1st main, 1st stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore. Landmark: Near BDA complex. Opposite the Indirangar Police station (off Old Madras Road). Phone: 8861192957.
3. Mumbai
Mumbaiites can contribute money via the NGO Care India, which joined hands with actor Kunal Kapoor recently to raise funds for Jammu & Kashmir relief work. You can donate here.
For those interested in contributing relief material, Goonj has set up collection centres in several areas in Mumbai, though it’s better to call first.
Where: Gypsy Rose, 10/11, Arun Bazaar, 2nd Hasnabad Lane, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400054. You can call Mr Khalil Malik at 022-26492649/ 26494530.
Or: Exotica Exports, 5-C / 90, Mittal Estate, Sir M.V. Road, (Near Leela Hotel), Andheri (E), Mumbai 400059. Phone: 022-28500646.
Or: 1st floor, M/s Mukund Synthetic Industries, R. R. Industrial Estate, W.E. Highway Road, Kashimira, Mira Road (E), Thane 401104. Phone: Ms Susaana /Mr Arvind (022-28453034, 8767434352)
4. Other Cities
Local organizations active in other centres can be looked up here.
Goonj has collection centres in Bhubaneshwar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Patna and Rishikesh. Details can be found here.
If you cannot find an NGO that is taking contributions in your city, you can always contribute to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
A state that has already suffered political and extra-judicial violence for decades now needs everyone of us who cares about human life to step forward and make generous contributions, without strings attached. Make an effort, make a difference, today.
Featured image: “Kashmir 4 September 2014” by NASA
