1,400 disaster-hit families in Mandi dist to get relief kits

The Himachal Gyan Vigyan Evam Takniki Vikas Samiti, in collaboration with Amicare India, Mumbai, has launched a week-long relief programme to assist 1,425 disaster-affected families in multiple blocks of Mandi district.

Essential items, including tarpaulins for shelter, family kits, health and hygiene kits and safe drinking water kits, would be provided to those affected by the recent natural disasters in the region during this relief drive which began today and would conclude on September 23. The beneficiaries belong to areas worst hit by heavy rainfall and landslides, including Mandi Sadar, Seraj, Churah, Nihri, Gohar, Bali Chowki, Jogindernagar, Gopalpur, Karsog, and Dharampur.

The programme commenced at Kuthah village in Seraj block. Abhijit Chatterjee from Amicare India, who is the coordinator of the programme, said, “Due to excessive rainfall, the people of Himachal Pradesh are facing unprecedented hardships. Through this joint initiative with the Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Amicare India is extending support to those in need during this time of crisis.”

Bhim Singh Thakur, treasurer and former secretary of the samiti, emphasised the organisation’s long-standing commitment to public welfare. “For over four decades, our organisation has been working in the rural and urban areas of Himachal in the spheres of education, literacy, health, environment, women empowerment, micro-insurance and self-help group-based livelihood programmes,” he added.

Thakur highlighted the organisation’s current efforts to address social issues such as superstition, substance abuse and synthetic drug addiction, in collaboration with the state government.

“This humanitarian campaign is not just a relief effort but a pledge by every member of our samiti to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the affected communities,” he added.