News Briefs: January 13, 2006
Fear and Emotions Fill Tsunami Commemorations in India
For many survivors in India, the events to mark the passing of one year since the tsunami were an emotional journey as they remembered those who had died and their own plight. In Chennai and other places, several memorial services took place. Processions, concerts, candlelight vigils, unveiling of memorials, planting of tree saplings and a variety of other events were held in the affected region.
Some survivors continue to speak of the emotional wounds they still carry.
Sundari, who lost her husband, Deivasigamani, to the tsunami last year, is still angry and feels hopeless. Since the tragedy, the family has been through severe hardships. Added to this, she has been diagnosed with a heart ailment. Her four children look lost and gloomy. For them, putting their lives together again seems impossible.
Mr. Shekar, a leader of the panchayat (village council) suspects that "the tsunami may have changed their lives for the worse." He said the sea has changed in its behaviour and that the huge waves continue to challenge their hope for a full return to the sea.
The United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India, CLWR’s partner, continues to offer relief, post-relief, restoration of livelihood, and rehabilitation following the tsunami. CLWR’s tsunami anniversary report will be featured in this month’s Partnership newsletter.
- Reports from ACT and CLWR News Service
South Asia Earthquake Update
Despite the heavy snowfall in the disaster zone, CLWR’s partner, Church World Service has been making a steadfast effort to continue its relief activities.
2,000 latrines will be built in North West Frontier Province, which will benefit 40,000 people.
Across the border in India, thousands of quake survivors are also facing new challenges. In many places, temporary shelters and tents have collapsed, and people have been forced to take shelter in community halls and government buildings.
Khurshid Ahmed, a resident said, "We couldn't sleep for the second straight night. Until midnight it was snowing heavily, and we took turns to remove the snow from our sheds to prevent them from collapsing." Another resident, Ghulam Khawja, said, "It is very cold out here. Even the firewood is wet, and there is a scarcity of kerosene."
CLWR continues to welcome donations for this emergency and others.
- Report from ACT and CLWR News Service
West Bengal Government to Set Up India's First Green Energy Corporation
West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA), under the state power department, has planned to set up India's first green energy corporation.
Power created from various natural resources like wind, biomass, bio-diesel and municipal waste, is popularly known as green energy. '' The new corporation would produce at least 400 megawatt of power and supply to the central power grid, which would be later sold from there,'' said Mr. Gon Chowdhury, director of the program.
"We hope to begin with 50 megawatt of 'green' power generation and gradually reaching the target of 400 megawatt, " he said.
Giving details about the project, Mr Gon Chowdhuri said several new 'green' power plants would be set up like a biomass plant in Burdwan district, a small-hydro tidal plant in Darjeeling district and wind power plants in North and South 24 Parganas, where CLWR also supports environmental projects.
- Reports from New-Kerala and CLWR News Service
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