Noida residents donate to help Kerala flood victims

As nature continues to wreak havoc on Kerala, the civil society, police and political sections of Noida and Greater Noida have come together to contribute towards the rehabilitation of people of the flood-affected state

As nature continues to wreak havoc on Kerala, the civil society, police and political sections of Noida and Greater Noida have come together to contribute towards the rehabilitation of people of the flood-affected state.

The active citizen team of Greater Noida has started collecting fund for flood relief for Kerala Sunday onwards. (HT Photo)

More than 350 people are feared dead in Kerala due to the flood, and 11 districts are still said to be above danger level. Thousands remain trapped in areas facing severe shortage of food, clothing and other essentials. Electricity and food supply, road connectivity and other essential services are also hit.

Jewar member of legislative assembly Thakur Dhirendra Singh contributed ₹1.25 lakh to the chief minister’s fund for relief work. “I appeal to all MLAs across Uttar Pradesh to contribute to the CM’s relief fund. I am doing so in my own small way. Donating one month salary for #KeralaFloods (sic),” Singh said on his official Twitter account.

Taking a cue from the MLA’s initiative, the civil society of Greater Noida also decided to chip in. “The active citizen team of Greater Noida has started a collection drive . Till now, we have collected ₹55,000 and we aim to contribute at least ₹2 lakh. Moreover, we are also collection rice, pulses and biscuits to send to relief camps in the state,” Harinder Bhati, president, active citizen team, said.

The jail officials and staff of Luksar jail will also contribute one day’s worth of their salary. “All jail officers and other staff of the district jail of GB Nagar will contribute one day’s worth of their salary to Kerala,” Vipin Kumar Mishr, jail superintendent, said.

The chief minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan made an emotional appeal on Twitter to contribute towards the rebuilding of the state. “Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected. Donate to https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in #StandWithKerala. (sic),” Vijayan tweeted.