Relief and Rehabilitation work with victims of natural and man-made disasters
On August 25, 2003, the twin bomb blasts at Zaveri Bazar and Gateway of India left 161 persons injured and 52 dead. BCPT worked on behalf of the Relief and Rehabilitation Committee of Corporates appointed by the Government of Maharashtra and its work included undertaking needs assessment, recommending the quantum and type of relief to be given, disbursement of relief after proper verification and liaison with government and its officials. A total of Rs. 41.59 lakh was disbursed.
The city experienced a nightmare on July 26, 2005, when heavy rains caused havoc and damage to life and property. After assessing needs in collaboration with NGO partners, BCPT was able to reach out to nearly 10,000 persons disbursing Rs. 19.00 lakh with the generous support of individuals and corporate donors.
The serial train bomb blasts which happened on July 11, 2006 shook the entire city and the nation. But for those directly affected, life changed completely. The victims included 170 deceased and 375 persons who were injured. A break-up of the victims, those who were contacted and helped is as under:
No. of Victims |
|
|
Deceased |
Injured |
Total |
1. |
As per list supplied by police/railways |
170 |
375 |
545 |
2 |
Could not be contacted |
29 |
96 |
125 |
3. |
Contacted |
141 |
279 |
420 |
4. |
Did not need help |
119 |
200 |
319 |
5. |
Helped |
22 |
58 |
80 |
6. |
Rejected after scrutiny |
- |
21 |
21 |
We focussed mainly on providing support for medical treatment and educational support for a period of three years to children of the deceased and a few victims although support for sustenance was also considered in a few cases. Attempts were made to find alternative means of livelihood for some victims who had lost their jobs.
Behind each number of deceased and injured person was a unique story of pain and suffering, hardship and loss. As we interacted with them or their family members, we had a glimpse of their emotions and admired the way most of them were trying to put this behind them and were preparing themselves to get on with their lives.
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