On the sidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jorhat chapter of Feeding India of eastern Assam has been working relentlessly to provide succour to the flood affected in Assam.

The relief work is undertaken in collaboration with YMCA and ABITA.

YMCA, Jorhat chapter president Dr Sajib Borua who is also a member of Feeding India said they had provided relief at Amguri, Bamunbill, Belguri, Chinaisuk, Bormukoli, Bukora, Dokhin Kolliya in the district.

Earlier they had provided relief at Neol Gaon, Uttar Kollia,  Bahfala, Khoriamari etc.

The event was carried out under permission and direction of the Jorhat district administration.

Borua said more than 1900 kits containing essential commodities as well as sanitary napkins for women had been distributed among the affected villagers.

“Due to COVID-19 protocol, the distribution in any given area had been slow,” he said.

“Suraj Pegu coordinated from the local community, Dwij Bhargav coordinated with the other youths on behalf of Feeding India and I also coordinated the planning and management of the massive event which took extra time due to efforts necessitated to maintain Covid protocol of social distancing and wearing masks,” he added.

“In the three major drives and few minor drives, ABITA sponsored a part, JMCH and Pedal Street also pitched in, rest came from benevolent individuals and philanthropic persons including University faculty, teachers, business men and others,” Borua further said.

Feeding India was also planning a special drive prior to Independence Day as per its aim of getting rid of hunger in society.

It may be mentioned that floods in Assam has caused the death of more than 100 people, made thousands homeless and destroyed several lakh hectares of crops.

However, due to the pandamic, the floods were by and large ignored by the media.

“Donations for more resources from willing donors could be given after contacting……as we go on distributing to the really needy people in double trouble, ” Borua said.

Smita Bhattacharyya is Northeast Now Correspondent in Jorhat. She can be reached at: [email protected]