MUMBAI: A cluster of community initiatives have been launched from the city to help flood victims in Marathwada, as well as far off Punjab. A group of Sikh volunteers left for Punjab from a gurdwara in Navi Mumbai Thursday, bearing relief supplies worth Rs 1 crore for marooned people of that state.On a parallel note, the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal announced a donation of Rs 50 lakh to the CM’s Relief Fund for those affected by the Marathwada deluge. “We are waiting for the CM to return to Mumbai so we can present the cheque,” said mandal president Balasaheb Kamble. “Our mandal had earlier donated Rs 25 lakh each on two occasions of drought, adopted a village struck by landslide, and continues to fund the education of children orphaned in the Irsalwadi landslide.”Meanwhile Sikh volunteers under the banner of Team Relief-Punjab Floods accompanied a convoy of relief material including mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, garments and utensils for 500 families in Punjab. They will distribute the items in Dera Baba Nanak on Oct 1-2. “Future contributions will be directed towards diesel, seeds, pesticides and medicines, as these are required to revive farming activity,” said Bal Malkit Singh who is leading the initiative.
