Shri Bhartiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust continues to provide relief to Gujarat earthquake victims and decides to adopt a village
On 26th January 2001, a severe earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Ritcher scale hit various parts of Gujarat, of which Kutch was one of the worst affected areas. Many villages and towns were completely destroyed by the devastating earthquake.
The initial assistance in terms of medicines, food and other temporary relief materials had reached the villages. However the real challenge was to re-build the villages and towns. The Government of Gujarat introduced various schemes to encourage Non-Government social organisations to come forward and help in reconstructing and rehabilitating the villages.
We, at Shri Bhartiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust, have already done initial relief work in terms of providing blankets, food, medicines, etc. Through constant interaction with our local people and members of our Sanskruti parivar, we have now developed a full-fledged machinery to carry out relief work in these areas.
Presently we are distributing cement bags to villages in Porbandar district so that people can rebuild their houses.
We have to date surveyed various affected areas with the help provided by the honourable Minister, Shri Mahendrabhai Trivedi, Minister (state) for youth services, cultural activities and sports, the villages which need rehabilitation have been identified.
The Government of Gujarat has introduced a scheme whereby if any organisation is ready to spend Rs. 1.5 crores (fifteen million Indian rupees) approx. US $ 3,20,000 the Government would give an equal amount to rebuild each village of approx. 200 houses. The Government has opened various raw material banks where raw materials are available duty free for re-building the houses and infrastructure.
In the rebuilding scheme, a complete village of 200 houses will be rebuilt with proper sanitation, electricity and other facilities along with a primary school, a health centre, a cultural centre and other public utilities needed by the villages. Currently we are evaluating various methods, types of material and procedures to rebuild these earthquake proof houses. These houses will have to be earthquake resistant to take care of Zone 5.
The Trust has decided to adopt a village and endeavours to build a good environmental friendly village so that people can rebuild their lives.
Devotees who would like to contribute towards the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund can send in their donations to –
CHEQUE / DRAFTS BE MADE IN FAVOUR OF
IN INDIA
GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND A/C
SHRI BHARATIYA SANSKRUTI SAMVARDHAK TRUST
BANK OF INDIA
ANDHERI (W) BRANCH
MUMBAI
Or mail to:
Shri Bharatiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust
4 A, Sundarvan,
371, S. V. Road,
Vile Parle (West)
Mumbai 400 056
Contact Persons –
Shri Gautam bhai Oza
Tel – 022 – 6133828
Shri Dharamdas bhai Thakrar
Tel – 022 – 2053830
IN UK
Sanskruti Foundation
102, Camrose Ave,
Adgware, Middsex
HA86BX
London
Contact Persons –
Shri Gopal bhai Popat
Tel – 208 – 4214265
Shri Chhagan bhai Dabhi
Tel – 208 – 2045020
IN USA
Sanskruti Foundation
6523, Ashdale Place,
Charlotte
NC 28215
USA
Contact Persons –
Shri Tansukh bhai Ganatra
Tel – 704 – 5356620
Fax – 704 – 5357091
Shri Naranji bhai Patel
Tel – 408 – 9976452
IN NEW ZEALAND
Sanskruti parivar
P.O. Box 298
Pukekohe 1800
New Zealand
Contact Person –
Shri Mohan bhai Parbhu
Tel – 649 – 2383785