Kashmir Floods Inter-Organizational Coordination System was today activated with perse actors involved in flood rescue and relief with an objective of ensuring equitable, transparent and accountable relief distribution.The system will be fed by information from local, national and international organizations and government agencies engaged in emergency relief, leading to the creation of a centralized information system that is expected to help in prioritizing relief actions and the geographical areas.At the first coordination meeting held at Srinagar today, representatives of local, national and international non-governmental organizations, faith-based charity groups, business and commerce chambers and volunteers resolved that all participating agencies shall share information about their relief activities to be fed into a centralized information sharing mechanism to ensure equitable and optimum use of the available resources.
Members also called upon the government to come up with a clear policy on the target groups and the geographical areas for free ration. There was a unanimous feeling that building of shelters of temporary nature would neither suit the harsh winter climatic conditions nor the socio-cultural conditions. The government must support the families whose houses are completely destroyed or are unviable with rent costs for temporary living.
The members are expressed concern over relief consignments coming from various parts of the country being withheld at Srinagar airport or Jammu. In view of the prevalent confusion about the nature of vaccinations required for children and adults, it was emphasized that the Health Department must come with a clear advisory on the nature of vaccinations required.The main organizations and inpiduals who participated in the meeting include HELP Foundation, Kashmir Welfare Trust, and Doctors for You, Islamic Relief, members of SERF, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), Jamiat-i-Ahlihadees. Several groups from various other districts in South and North Kashmir and inpidual humanitarian and development professionals also participated in the meeting. The coordination system is being facilitated by Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) – a Srinagar-based civil society advocacy group. (KNS)