Flashflood hits Uttarakhand

At midnight 3rd August 2012, Uttarakhand was hit by torrential rain following a cloudburst in Siyari Gar and Sangam Chatti in Uttarkashi district. The resulting flashfloods and landslides caused unprecedented loss of property and life in the Garhwal region which had to bear the maximum brunt. Estimates suggests approximately 1700 families have been affected from Gangotri to Uttarkashi; in Bhatwari block itself, one of the worst affected areas, more than 25 villages have been affected including 1188 families. Several areas are inaccessible as road and bridges have been washed away, making relief operations difficult. Extensive damage has been caused to agricultural land, irrigation infrastructures, water and power supply systems, houses and community buildings and many families have lost all their belongings. Surveys and visits are being carried out in the region to get an exact estimate of the damage caused. Relief camps have been set up in several areas in Uttarkashi. (Read more) (Photographs from flood hit districts)

There is a major need of essential supplies in several areas, especially the need to communicate and provide relief to those in the still inaccessible and remote areas. Pragya is presently contributing towards this effort by gathering data in order to get a comprehensive picture of the damages caused with the aim to provide immediate relief materials to the affected in form of hygiene kits, tents, bedding, water tanks and water purification tablets, solar lanterns, food, especially baby food and toilets and for carrying out rehabilitation programs in the long term. (More about Pragya's efforts) (Photographs from the field)

Pragya India recognised as SIRO

Pragya India is now recognised as 'Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation' (SIRO). The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India conferred this status to Pragya for 2013-2016. This is expected to strengthen the research & extension activities carried out by Pragya team in India.

Community Resource Centre in Humla

A Rural Library was inaugurated for a cluster of villages in Humla district. The resource centre stocked with a wide variety of learning resources for all age-groups, computers and audio-visual learning aids was heartily appreciated by the parents and children present at the event.

(Photographs from Nepal Himalayas)

Greening the flood affected catchments

The 2010 flashflood in Leh caused unprecedented loss of life and property. After relief operations, Pragya concentrated its efforts in livelihood rehabilitation. The women of Ney, Nang, Umla, Chaksa, Hanu Yogma, Igoolankur, Taru, Stambardo villages under guidance of Pragya’s Thematic Specialists have been working towards rebuilding their lives. Ms. Sonam Yandol, Ms. Dechen Dolma and others have reclaimed over 7 acres of land to set up fodder farms and woodlots in their villages. The early gains have been visible within just 5 months, reducing the physical stress on women. An inspired Ms. Yangdol announces, “next year we will double the area under fodder farm”. Such endeavors have benefited around 200 households in Leh so far.

Consultations for Citizen-based DRR model

In remote and difficult access stretches of high altitude Himalayas, why do we need a DRR model that can be operated by the community members? As the harsh winters immobilised the transport and communication networks across the Himalayan mountain range, the need and significance of such system became more evident. The need for a decentralised, self-sufficient system for real-time information on local environment to aid community preparedness in remote villages cut-off from mainstream during extreme weather conditions, was stressed time and again, as the Pragya team struggled to gain access in difficult access areas and the stakeholders braved the harsh winter often well below freezing points to come together for the grassroots workshops. Pragya concluded its last leg of consultative workshops with two consecutive events in Tawang and West Kameng in the Eastern Himalayas. Consultations are underway with national level experts, through to pool in knowledge and good practices regarding community based DRR models and relevant ICT technologies. (Read more about this project)

Advocacy to address violence against women

Pragya submitted a written statement for the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (4-15 March 2013) as a non-governmental organization with special consultative status with UN Economic and Social Council. The document (view here) highlights the concerns regarding violence against women in the Himalayas (South Asia) and in arid and semi-arid lands (sub-Saharan Africa).

Peer group support for Himalayan women

As a part of Pragya’s initiative to maternal and neonatal child health, the Women’s Care Groups are being created in remote Himalayan villages to cater to health and well-being of women in the reproductive age, both physical and psychological, and health benefits for girls and young children (0-4 years) as well. 120 of such peer groups have been formed so far. Tribal women in the Himalayas display very high MMR; newborns in the Himalayas suffer from the start, with difficult birth conditions and low birth weight; infections and neonatal diseases often follow due to inappropriate practices. The Himalayan region is characterised by remoteness and inadequate health infrastructure. Lack of access to professional assistance and care during pregnancy and delivery is a major cause of maternal mortality for women in the Himalayas. Women’s Care Groups in villages would render wrap-around support and care to women, from the stage of planning their pregnancy, ANC, right through the process of delivery and on to PNC, including care of new mothers and newborn, and childcare. (Read more...)