Central Himalayan Institute for Nature and Applied Research (CHINAR) is a non government organization (NGO) engaged in applied research and development, environmental education, and capacity development related to sustainable mountain ecosystems.
In fight against COVID-19, the CHINAR played a very instrumental role by providing assistance in relief programmes in Bageshwar and Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. With the help from Wipro Foundation, CHINAR NGO succeeded in providing assistance to 673 families, living in 23 villages of the state.
To contain the spread of virus in the country, the Government of India declared a nation-wide lockdown. The vulnerable sections of the society suffered a lot due to these conditions of lockdown. Many families had to suffer, due to disruption of food value chain. The conditions were further aggravated due to continuous rains and hailstorms, climate change and prolonged winter season.
CHINAR initiated a COVID 19 relief programme to help the vulnerable communities in Uttarakhand state, that constituted of supply of dry ration to marginalized rural communities. The relief package included 10 Kilograms of rice, 5 Kilograms of Wheat Flour, 2 Kilograms of Lentils, 1 Kilogram of cooking oil and 500 grams of tea leaves for each family.
Mountains are very fragile ecosystems, thus requires a special attention for development. Organizations like Society for Technology and development (STD) in Himachal Pradesh and Central Himalayan Institute for Nature and Applied Research (CHINAR) in Uttarakhand are working successfully for the development of mountain communities.
Key words – Mountains, Society for Technology and development (STD), Central Himalayan Institute for Nature and Applied Research (CHINAR), COVID 19 Relief
Source – Peak to Peak Newsletter
