A provision for relief

UDAY LAMA

Providing relief in the form of an aid package may prove to be dicey and a non-starter unless the aims are achieved. And the programmes completed in due course of time with the effort expended. Because of bad weather it could be hard and difficult to reach the target group.

No one can predict with certainty in spite of precision instruments any natural or man made disasters. Given the changing weather pattern and over exploitation of resources more and more people are being affected in ways not thought possible.

This is where individuals, organizations and private sector can contribute towards any initiative in the offing. Aid agencies and donors can also show the way to temporary measures and long term rehabilitation. For the victims of natures fury and human foibles so they do not return empty handed.

Perhaps the government officials and those at the grassroots level will reinforce effort in many ventures. Any expertise is more than welcome because prior information resolves any outstanding matter. Thus there is no going back on a concept paper to activate measures already in place.

Being prepared for a contingency calls for a task force whose recommendations are subject to approval by the authority .As the concerned body falls under the scanner. This will enable them to assess the damage in remote areas where data is not available. This could mean that inaccessible and rugged terrain will hamper humanitarian help. But this means determination to speed up relief measures on the part of the local populace.

A face-to-face meeting could pave the way for an evaluation so that it can be tailored to the existing ground reality. No one need to be neglected. At this juncture local leadership is to be appreciated. Because in the end only they are capable of fending for themselves. Promoting a culture of self-reliance means priorities are given attention. More is the pity if through negligence men, women and children suffer setbacks that could have been avoided. Any disbursement towards this end promotes usage of tools, materials and indigenous resources. Though the victims of an ecological disaster are not given consideration because policies are non-existent.

Whenever there is mired and deep seated poverty the marginalized and have-nots face environmental risks. Rehabilitation can prove effective only if their unmet expectations are seen to, addressed and sorted out. Any failure to do so would be to give up even before a start is made. Initiatives from all quarters are necessary to implement instructions and directives as long as it is needed.