Food for people at the Island of Irukkum in Pulicat Lake

30 Tricycles were distributed at Uthukottai on 27th November 2011, soon after Arumugam the boatman from Irukkum came to see me to give a CD of pictures taken at the tricycle distribution function. Arumugam made an appeal for food for his villagers at Irukkum, I immediately posted the following in facebook and also sent out an email to members of RCCK - 

The island of Irukkum in Pulicat Lake, the recent rains and the rising waters from the sea have flooded their agricultural land and all crops have been damaged. These people are suffering for want of food. I have received an appeal for food from about 300 families. When I asked them why they have not thought about a possible line of business that will sustain them throughout the year they looked blank and then said that they were islanders and not used to anything other than agriculture. If anyone could help them they would be happy to learn. Remember they live inside a bird sanctuary so there would be restrictions on what is possible. BUT right now, they need food, they are willing to eat rice KANJI, they do not want dhal, oil nothing they just want to fill their stomach for a few days and without having to borrow, which could be disastrous.

 Rajasthan Youth Association - Metro responded immidiately with an offer of 1500 Kgs of rice and RCCK will put together oil and dhal for 300 families. 

Arumugam is on his way to Chennai (11 AM on 3rd Dec 2011) to pick up the rice, oil and dhall. Members of the RCCK and RYA Metro will go tomorrow to the island of Irukkum to distribute the rice, oil and dhal and to assess what can be done for these people in the long term.