Sadhu Vaswani Mission undertakes a massive relief effort distributes 2100 ration kits in Anand Nagar, PimpriChinchwad Municipal Corporation biggest slum
50 volunteers engaged in procurement, packaging and distribution
Additional Commissioner of PCMC, Ajit Pawar joins survey, planning and field inspection
Additional Commissioner of Police, PCMC IPS Ramnath Pokle lauds efforts
Mission will serve adjoining slum areas also including Ram Nagar settlement
19th June 2020 Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune commenced a two day seva of distribution of ration kits in the COVID hotspot, Anand Nagar slums; largest slum in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area. “We heard of the mounting need growing in the Anand Nagar slums, a COVID hotspot where the enforcement of a strict and severe lockdown was adding to the slum-dwellers woes. They couldn’t get to their jobs nor could they procure groceries for themselves. The moment we came to know that the dwellers were running out of food essentials, we got in touch with the authorities,” said an official of the Mission.
“We were then put in touch with the Additional Municipal Commissioner PCMC Ajit Pawar and he joined in the survey, and planning efforts. A detailed list of persons in every household was collected, the number of houses counted and a list prepared. Once we received the list that stated 2100 households, we began with the procurement and packaging,” he added.
The packaging, loading and distribution involved 2 days of efforts with a ration kit that included 5kg rice, 5 kg wheat flour, 2 kg dal, 1 kg pulse, 1 kg sugar, 1 kg poha, 1 ltr oil & 250 gms tea powder. Volunteers relentlessly carried out the seva to meet the demands as early as possible. The distribution began once protocols were met.
Before beginning the distribution, every household was provided with a coupon that they were required to present at the time of collection. Real-time software was also set up by the commissioner where the identity of every recipient was confirmed against the coupon provided. The slums have been divided into three zones where the distribution was carried out.
A medical team was also set up to monitor anyone who showed symptoms to avoid contact and make sure all protocols are followed. We received all support from the Police Department and Local Corporation to ensure smooth distribution.
Additional Commissioner of Police, PCMC IPS Ramnath Pokle said, “The Mission has executed an excellent timely work in the supply of rations to the needy and poor of the Anand Nagar slums.” Additional Commissioner PCMC Ajit Pawar appreciated the efforts.
50 volunteers have been engaged in the massive effort to meet the needs of 2,100 households. The Mission is now continuing to reach out to micro-contained areas in PCMC in coordination with the authorities.