Voice of Amritsar wraps up extensive relief campaign

In the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Punjab around August 26, submerging vast tracts of cultivable land and displacing thousands of residents, the Voice of Amritsar (VOA) concluded its multi-phase flood relief campaign and commenced long-term reconstruction and livelihood restoration across the affected belt.

VOA teams have been delivering truckloads of essential supplies, with volunteers distributing dry ration, fooditems, medicines, blankets, mosquito nets, beds, and mattresses, ensuring that no family was left unattended.

“As waters receded, the focus shifted from emergency relief to reconstruction and rehabilitation. VOA assumed full responsibility for Kassowal, Ghonewal, Bauli, and Bhindi Saidan village, Ramdas and Ballharwal, where commitments for home rebuilding, livelihood assistance, and community rehabilitation were promptly initiated. The rebuilding phase included installation of atta chakkis, a cold storage candy unit, registry assistance for a widow’s home, and construction of new houses — symbolizing VOA’s shift from relief to resilience,” informed Indu Aurora, president, VOA.

Major health camps were also organized, conducted by 22 doctors from AIIMS Delhi headed by Dr Amrinder Malhi and coordinated by Dr. Anupam Sachdev, both alumni of GMC Amritsar, providing care to flood-affected populations. The campaign drew strength from partnerships with several contributors including SRK’s Meer Foundation – beds and mattresses, MCKS Foundation, who collaborated with us for distribution of school bags, notebooks, and household essentials; Care Foundation, Kolkata and Institute for Research – flood relief kits and logistics. Now, Boston Gymkhana members are collaborating with VOA for home rebuilding and Dr. Baljit Johal based in Jalandhar is helping the team in supporting livelihoods and home reconstruction.

VOA founder-member, Dr Rakesh Sharma, said that vital ground-level support was received from Charanjit Ghalib, a farmers’ union leader, and Ram Singh another local farmer for logistics and last-mile coordination.

On ground relief coordinator, VOA, Raja Iqbal Singh, who is also the VOA General Secretary, said that the ongoing rebuilding efforts and rehabilitation efforts extended to Gurdaspur, Dera Baba Nanak – initial joint campaign with Khalsa Aid and with Indian Army.