The State Government has decided to set up NGO coordination centres in the seven districts which have been badly affected by the twin calamities of cyclone and floods.
The NGOs would work on the ground with volunteers and materials in close coordination with the district administrations, official sources said. Government officers and members of NGOs platform, Odisha Phailin Response Forum, on Tuesday deliberated on areas of mutual cooperation to reach out to the distressed people. Additional Chief Secretary UN Behera represented the Government.
“The meeting unanimously resolved to immediately set up NGO coordination centres in the seven worst cyclone and flood-affected districts,” said Jagadananda from NGO CYSD. The NGOs offered help in disinfecting potable water to control spreading of waterborne diseases with immediate effect and restarting agricultural cycle to enable people to produce early leafy vegetables as a measure for livelihood.
Since restoration of power infrastructure could take a long time, especially in Ganjam district, the NGO representatives sought more solar lights for the affected people. The NGOs suggested for social housing movement where making of bricks and other house building materials can be included under MGNREGS work to facilitate house building works at cheaper rate.
“With pucca houses key to protection of life and property during natural calamity, the NGOs advocated to take forward innovative affordable housing for all,” said M Amin of Adhikar. UNDP representative also attended the meeting.