Rehabilitation projects in Kashmir continue despite heavy snow

ActionAid has been continuing its conflict and earthquake rehabilitation projects in Kashmir , in spite of the recent escalation in violence and the start of heavy snowfalls.

Earth Quake Rehabilitation Project:
 
Work on the earthquake rehabilitation project continued in December despite the closure of roads to the border areas of Tanghdar and Uri.

ActionAid is the only international aid agency to continue operating an office in Tanghdar, despite the closure of surface communications with the rest of the world. Cash for work programs have been completed and additional toilets and further shelters built.

In Uri, shelters and toilets have been completed and cash for work programs are ongoing - so far providing 4314 days of work.

ActionAid’s 31 Children's Care Centres running in villages in Baramulla and Kupwara have extended their services to women.

Early snow warning:
 
For the second winter in succession, ActionAid has proved that an early severe weather warning system was crucial to saving lives and minimising hardship in Kashmir.

ActionAid issued a snow warning on 22nd December, 2006, through local media and advised the government to regulate traffic on the key Srinagar-Jammu highway, which regularly sees dozens of casualties due to sudden snowfalls.

“This alert is particularly aimed at government agencies,” says Arjimand Talib, ActionAid's project manager in Kashmir .

“Last year many areas did not have the stocks of winter food and fuel they needed. The state is already facing fuel shortages because key roads have been closed for a month already with some 2,000 vehicles stranded.”

Disaster Information Centre:
 
This first-of-its-kind in Kashmir , the centre plans to begin publishing a monthly magazine focusing on stories about how to plan for and respond to emergencies. 

The centre is also pioneering the use of Global Satellite Positioning (GPS) technology to help in project planning for disasters.
 
Four fellowships on disaster risk reduction studies have been awarded to 14 students at Kashmir University .

Other projects:
 
In December ActionAid launched Kashmir ’s first telephone support hotline to counsel the many people who have been affected by nearly 17 years of conflict between the armed forces and militants.
 
Psycho-social care has been extended to another 110 children at Banat Orphanage in Badgam and heating provided to a further 18 orphanages.
 
Forty-five teachers have been trained in psycho social care.

Photo : Bilal Bhadur