Helping Hands Sikkim,

Helping Hands Sikkim, a group of 35 NGOs, providing relief

September 29, 2011
source:Sikkim Mail


The Helping Hands Sikkim (HHS), an umbrella organization formed for providing earthquake relief has been working actively in the state by sending relief materials to the earthquake affected areas across state. The organization is sending relief materials every day to the affected with the help of choppers.

The HHS consists of 35 Non Government Organizations which includes State, National and International. Speaking to media coordinator Ningku Lachungpa informed that the organization have send about 20 adventures member team to North Sikkim for supporting the rescue operation, but have failed reach some affected areas due to bad weather.

She stated that the organization is sending the relief materials to the affected areas as per the demands made by the victims and the relief camps respectively. The affected people sheltering in different camps in north Sikkim does not require supply of rice as the state government has been providing adequately. Non Government Organizations (NGOs) from outside state has been sending relief material to the victims in state in the name of HHS. Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri had sent relief materials on 27th September.

The organization currently is sending edible items in packed manner, one is raw and the other is ready materials.The ready-made items packed are Bitten Rice, Biscuits, Maggi, and Wai Wai whereas the raw food packages contain Potato, Onion, Cooking oil and Masala.She mentioned that the affected people are presently demanding Torch Light, Tarpaulin, Generator, Blankets, Solar lamps and profile.

‘HHS’ is working in close coordination with State Government, State Disaster Management Cells, Local NGOs, 8th Gorkha and Sikh Regiment based at Lachung, SDM Chungthang and his team, the Pipons, Local Panchayats, Department of Forest and Department of Police respectively.

The earthquake of a very high magnitude that shook the Himalayan state of Sikkim on 18th of September 2011 caused extensive damage to human lives and property. There was an immediate need for relief work from NGO’s and the State Government for rehabilitation of the Victims. Most of the NGO’s, Business Organizations and individuals started relief operations independently which led to duplication of efforts.
Considering which it was decided to form an umbrella organization under the banner of “Inter Agency Response Group” later amended to “Helping Hands Sikkim” where each organization nominated two members for co-ordinate relief.

“Helping Hands, Sikkim” is headed by Palzor Lachungpa as its President including Karma Laden Dorji as Vice President, Kailash Agarwal as General Secretary and Ashok Sarda as Treasurer.

The Helping Hands Sikkim has also extended its gratitude towards the heli service provided by the army and STDC in air dropping the relief materials to the affected