Report From Cuddalore district - Bhoomika Trust

Reported By Vanniarajan Chellappan (vrajan@cisco.com)

Volunteers of Bhoomika Trust had visited Parangipettai and surrounding areas of Cuddalore district on 29th/30th December. We visited several hamlets like Devanampattinam, Pachaiankuppam, Selambimankalam and a few villages on the road to Parangipettai. Some observations:

· By this time state government officials - revenue, public health and police have been able to reach out to these areas and establish relief operations
· There is a glut of some unwanted relief material like used clothes which is piling up in large quantities with no use for it
· In general a large number of organizations, both government and NGOs are in the field without a formal co-ordination mechanism to optimize the relief efforts
· There is shortage of essentials like basic medicines, as well as food rations for families in some areas.
· The ground situation changes dynamically by the hour, which poses a real challenge in effectively providing relief to the affected people. A lot of volunteers are required on a dedicated basis to co-ordinate activities between different organizations and manage the situation
· Revenue officials have a good idea on the immediate requirements of the affected families, and it will be a good idea for NGOs to co-ordinate efforts thru them.
· Media reporting is somewhat negative and needs to be more constructively focused on ensuring relief and rehabilitation reaches people in an effective way. Television channels can do a lot more in this respect.
· We talked to Mr.Gnanaparakasam, Tahsildar who provided us with details of Ration/Kitchen kits required by each family. He informed us that the government has plans to provide such kits. NGOs can help by coordinating with revenue officials in each taluk/block/panchayat to make for gaps in the government efforts. Details:

Ration kit
Thoor Dhall,Mustard Seeds,Tea,Chilly Powder,Tamarind,Salt
Palm Oil,Sugar,Rice,Potato,Onion,Turmeric,Masala Powder
Biscuits

Kitchen kit
(Family)
Food plate,Tumbler,Rice ladle,Sambar ladle
Small Ladle,Knife,Rice pot,Rice pot lid,Sambar pot
Sambar pot lid,Water pot, Water Cans,Jerry can,Stove,Kerosene,Matches

Toilet kit
(Individual)
Soap,Washing soap,Toothpowder,Toothbrush,
(Family)
Bucket,Mug

Shelter
(Family)
Tarpaulin,Poles,Ropes,Bedsheet,Mat


COMMUNICATION DETAILS

BHOOMIKA TRUST SECRETARIAT
c/o REAL IMAGE, 7 B, 3rd STREET,BALAJINAGAR,ROYAPETTAH,CHENNAI – 600014,
TAMILNADU.(DIRECTIONS: At the 5 road Royapettah junction, take the Ehrlich Laboratory Road and turn on the 2nd right)
Phone:+91 44-52041505 Fax : +91 44-52060761 Email: bhoomikaindia@yahoo.co.in
Web: www.tsunami-india.org HOTLINE: 9840082793