SEVENTH TRIP COMPLETED

A landmark trip for us. We could finally start our rehabilitation initiatives. The initiative was kicked off with the training program on alternative crop production by the trainers from the NGO SWANIRBHAR, and the inaugural program was scheduled with our visit. This was practically the main reason for which we decided to proceed to Chargheri on 5th, despite heavy shower and cyclone warnings and met the cyclone on the way.
Two trainers (Mr Narayan Bachar and Mrs Anjana Mandal) from SWANIRBHAR, accompanied us for the first phase of training. With help from Purbasha volunteers we could identify 50 trainees beforehand. Many of the farmers from far away villages and could not come due to the abominable condition of paths (if we can call them even paths) connecting villages during heavily rainy days like it was on 5th September but attendance is expected to increase in the following 2 days. The trainers met them in the primary school building of Chargheri and started the first phase of training program for 5th to 7th. They will discuss in detail the available practical options on growing vegetables in lands “poisoned” by saline water and guide the farmers to implement those options.
It is doubtful if the other part of the training, the practical hands-on training in fields, will be possible in this phase due to inclement weather. The condition of fields after these 2 days of rain may not help either. However following the initial interactions and positive responses from the local farmers, the trainers are confident that they can still be given enough training in the first phase for them to make a start and for them to spread the word around in their respective villages on the techniques to be adopted and crops to be selected.

Food Distribution
The food distribution was not easy this time. We have to take a smaller team (six only) to accommodate the trainers. Purnendu, a friend of Debajyoti-da joined us for the first time. The river was full of waves and from the mid river (where the boat anchored), the PAKT team has a tough time to move to the distribution point on land. The volunteers of Purbasha also had a much harder task in downloading and taking the rice and arum (kachu) sacks from our boat over the sticky and slippery mud. Braving sudden spells of torrential rains, almost 2100 persons came to the distribution point. With great help from Mahendra (he drives our car almost every time and join us for Chargheri instead of waiting in the car) and Purnendu, we could distribute almost 2100 kg of rice along with kachu and soya nuggets very quickly. We continued in dark till the last person in the line is served. The only source of light for verifying the cards was the torch lights held patiently by the volunteers of Purbasha. What is left (around 700 kgs of rice) will be distributed in the next few days by volunteers of Pusbasha.

Rehabilitation Program
At the starting of the distribution, like the earlier weeks we again informed the people that the relief stage involving food distribution will be over by 19th September and we will move into next stage – rehabilitation. Biswajit-da, our seniormost team member from Khelaghar, has already arranged for unskilled jobs for five local youths in the hotel industry. With not many opportunities available for alternative occupation in the village, it will be a good opening for them. Biswajit-da is trying hard to place another 10-15 people in similar jobs. With the agricultural training started, we hope to provide some restoration of the agricultural livelihood. As advised by Nilangshu, the key person from SWANIRBHAR, who responded to our request for arranging the training; the seeds will be distributed to the farmers by mid October. PAKT has already committed to bear all expenses for training and distribution of seeds.

PAKT Banner
So far we have not used any banner of PAKT. We did not feel it is necessary. But since our last visit we found that quite a few members of our extended team (everyone who supports the initiative), who could not accompany us, is getting confused that all things are distributed with a banner of PURBASHA in the background. So to clear the confusion, we just put up a simple banner during this trip.

Problems
Our main concerns still remain
i) Getting water out from the low lying agricultural lands. We know we cannot do it, but some initiative from irrigation department will be very helpful and we can motivate the villagers to carry forward any good suggestion in this regard. In the very least the backflow of salined water from these main rain water harvesting canals to the farmlands & ponds needs to be immediately arrested. If we can achieve at least that miraculously in the coming few weeks, the farmers have an outside chance of emptying their ponds and holding some water from any October rain to bring up their crop in the coming winter. The emptying of main canals can then be carried out in coming months.
ii) Proper restoration of the embankment. On our way to Chrgheri this time we observed that in some locations, the newly formed embankment showed signs of breach. Chargheri is still surviving, but not sure how long it can hold on
iii) Mobilising the government fund for restoration of houses. This is also something we could not help directly, but believe something needs to be done
We appeal to the people of extended PAKT Team and our well wishers to help these cause