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Bombay's Kutchis rush to the rescue

Nidhi Taparia in Bombay

They have reacted with swiftness. The Kutchi community in Bombay has taken it upon themselves to help their brethren in distress.

Known to be involved in the retail trade, sarees and the raddi business, the community has managed to raise a lot of money within a few days. Though no figures are being disclosed, relief operations in the city organised by these people are on the upswing.

Bhutenchand Shemaroo of Shemaroo Videotapes and Dongarsi Bhai Gala of Navneet Publications, actively involved in the Bidada Sarvodaya Trust, say, "Two teams of ortheopeadic doctors and social workers have already flown in from Bombay. Another team has left by road with truck-fulls of blankets, surgical supplies and even drinking water. Since there is no electricity in villages like Bidada and Bhuchao in the interior of Gujarat, we have also sent 20-25 KB diesel generators. We are also trying to set up mobile hospitals so that we can reach different parts of the village and provide aid."

Adds Dr Uday Ghata, also involved with this project, "There are a lot of animals in that area and there is no drinking water. If these animals die, they will spread diseases. Hence safe drinking water is very important. We have raised Rs 15 million in the last two days. But most we are generating supplies - blankets, milk powder, grains and medicines. Like for example, a trader community on Sunday sent 10 trucks of rice and moong dal to the affected areas. We are now appealing for funds... Right now, money is not the prime issue, but money is needed for rehabilitation. We can even raise Rs 100-150 million if required. We have a large list of volunteers who are ready to leave any minute. But we want to channelise all the efforts properly."

The Kutch Yuvak Sangh, is also a group supported by Gujarati bigwigs like the owner of Anchor Switches, Damji Bhai Anchorwale. "We had a meeting in Matunga and we were able to raise Rs 1.5 million in a few minutes by just contacting all the people we knew. Now we are also accepting cheques and money is pouring in. Also we have already sent 100 doctors, 500 workers and supplies to the affected areas. We have sent 25 trucks of drinking water and 20 trucks of food-grains. There are more supplies that are going to be sent in another batch soon," says Komal Chedda, the founder of the trust.

Naren Shah, general manager of Sheetal, the fashion store, says, "Currently Dhamji Shah, one of the directors of Sheetal, is in Kutch. He left on the day of the earthquake in a chartered flight with a team of doctors, workers and lots of emergency supplies, like surgical equipment and food. They are trying to provide relief in the interior villages of Lakaria, Atoi and Bhajao." When asked if they have relatives in that village and he says, "No, but we are a part of the same community and we must do something for them."

Even the owner of the other fashion house Benzer, Chimanbhai Savla, has flown to Kutch. "We are providing relief through our trust. Truckloads of emergency supplies and doctors have left for our hometown of Rapar. Money is not really the need of the hour so we have not raised any, but if and when required we will be able to do so," says Gaurav Sawla, Chimanbhai's cousin. "We are constantly in touch with them. If they need anything we will send it, be it material or manpower."

For those coming in from abroad, Bharat Karani along with his band of people has been helping them to travel to Ahemdabad, Rajkot and Kutch. "Since the last two days, we have set up a counter at the airports, both domestic and international. We are directing injured people arriving from Gujarat to different hospitals. We are also providing NRIs with any assistance or information we have about their relatives." In the last two days, these volunteers in Bombay have managed to reach out to 550 NRIs and families coming in Abu Dhabi, Muscat and the United Kingdom.

CONTACT NUMBERS IN BOMBAY

Komal Chedda, Kutch Yuvak Sangh - 9820142448

Bharat Karani, for NRI's requiring any assistance - 9821014090

Lalji Sawla-Benzer, for donations - 7632626/76110708

The Complete Coverage

OTHER SITES WITH INFORMATION
ON THE GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE:
panjokutch.com
kutchinfo.com
ahmedabad.com

EXTERNAL LINKS
Comprehensive list of earthquake sites
The RD Killer Quake of Jan 26, 2001: Technical details
All about earthquakes in India and their impact
India Meteorological Department's earthquake reports
Disaster relief set-up in India
Major earthquakes across the world in recent times
A post-quake volunteer's unusual tryst with the departed
Earthquake News: Web site offering comprehensive news, information and features
Earthquake site map
USGS: Earthquake Hazards Program

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