The nationwide lockdown to combat Coronavirus outbreak in the country has lead to severe difficulties for the poor and homeless people. For them it’s a double whammy as they face uncertainty amid fears of the outbreak which is being reported from various parts of the country.
For the needy people, several NGOs and businesses are coming forward to provide some relief even as the government machinery is trying its best to contain the virus and give solace to the people.
The Khalsa Centre Northeast has been providing free hot food to the needy people in Guwahati. “We from Khalsa Centre Northeast are providing free hot food to almost 1500 to 2000 needy people once every day in Guwahati city. If you feel there are people who need our help feel free to contact us,” a message from the group said.
On March 30, Guwahati outlet of Pizza Hut distributed pizzas among the affected people in several locations of the city. “Freshly baked pizzas distributed to affected families and people in need during the ongoing lockdown. We hope that our act will inspire thousand others, we are all in this together and we will overcome together,” the restaurant said. They thanked the support provided by the Assam Police for executing the drive.
On March 29, several residents in Guwahati came forward to serve tea and biscuits to policemen who were on duty enforcing the lockdown. The gesture was hailed by the Guwahati Police.
Among bigger corporate houses, the Guwahati-based Royal Group on March 29 promised Rs 1 crore for fighting the pandemic. In a statement, the Royal Group said that the money will be donated to the Prime Minister’s CARES initiative, Assam CM’s relief fund, Assam Arogya Nidhi and and a certain portion will be utilized directly.
Land for pre-fabricated COVID-19 hospital
A resident of Kaliabor area in Assam’s Nagaon district has written to the Assam government wishing to donate 10 bigha of land for construction of pre-fabricated hospital for treatment of COVID-19 patients.
A businessman, Krishna Mahanta, on March 27, sent a letter to the Kaliabor Sub-Divisional Officer and expressed his desire to contribute to the fight against coronavirus.
According to reports, the Kaliabor Sub-Divisional Officer has forwarded the letter to the Assam government.
