Mumbai floods: Summary of emails re animals from www.karmayog.com

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Floods >> Extent of Disaster >> Animal

 

Mumbai Flood Relief and Rehabilitation Resource Centre

in association with Times Foundation

 

BMC Disaster Control: Phone: 1916 or 108 or 22694725 / 7 or Fax 22694719.

Online complaints via www.praja.org

Times Helpline: 56354376 / 45 timesfoundation

www.timesfoundation.org

Karmayog Helpline: 98201-55591 (Upadhyay)

Aug 1, 2005

PAWS - Plant & Animals Welfare Society is doing the Relief Work since past

6 days after the Heavy Floods in Mumbai.

PAWS Team comprising Ms. Sonali, Mr. Shiv Prasad, Mr. Vishal, and Mr.

Nilesh along with Representative of Midlife Foundation & Rakhee Jain Group.

PAWS Provided Fodder & Vegetables to Buffalos affected. PAWS are also on

regular rounds to help injured calves & buffaloes. Also helping affected people

by providing Food, Water & Clothes, and Medicines.

Enclosed are the Photos of Rescue & Relief works (image 1, images 2,

images 3, images 4, images 5)

Nilesh Bhanage

Hony. Gen. Secretary & Founder Trustee

PAWS

(PAWS is Non-Profit, Charitable registered charity which is Affiliated

with RSCPA, UK and member Society of WSPA and recognized by Animal Welfare

Board)

 

Aug 2, 2005

DON'T KILL THE CITY SNAKES GIVE THEM A FAIR CHANCE OF SURVIVAL

 

Its not just been raining cats and dogs in the Mumbai City, but it has

been raining snakes as well. In the deluge of last few days, humans are not the

only ones to have been affected. Thousands of buffaloes, goats, sheep and dogs

have died of drowning, because of human negligence, but the snakes in the city

have also become helpless victims.

 

Snakes such as cobras, pythons, rat snakes etc. are seen on the roads,

washed out of their natural hideouts due to heavy rains. They are either run

over by vehicles or killed by people if they enter a residential area.

 

Dr. Dinesh Vinherkar, an experienced Snake Handler, Managing Committee

member and Head of Wild Life Rescue Group of In Defence of Animals, India, has

so far rescued seven poisonous and non-poisonous snakes such as cobra, python,

rat snakes, in last few days. Pictures of a female sand boa

(image1, image2), rescued yesterday by Dr. Vinherkar, from Juhu Koliwada.

 

Dr. Vinherkar says that once the water goes away, the rains stop and the

climate is dry, these snakes will return to their natural habitats, hence

people should not kill them. Like us, these dumb helpless creatures also

have a right to live and we must let them live. They come out in open areas

for their own survival.

 

We appeal that if you see a snake in your vicinity:

 

1. Do not get scared unnecessarily

2. If the snake is not stuck somewhere, leave him alone and let him find

his way out.

3. Do not disturb or kill the snake by sticks, if found in your building.

4. Do not handle snakes on your own.

5. Call: IDA India on 56268028 or Dr. Vinherkar on 93222 43216.

 

Ms. Pooja Sathe,

Campaign Coordinator,

In Defence of Animals, India

7, Shanti Kunj, 124, Hindu Colony, 5th Lane,

Dadar, Mumbai 400 014.

Tel: 56268028-24143412-24142195

Email: info

 

During such calamities, relief measures for animals should also be a part

of Relief Programme

 

CORDIALLY

LAXMI NARAIN MODI

MANAGING TRUSTEE

BHARATIYACATTLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

AHIMSA BHAWAN F-125 LADO SARAI,

NEW DELHI 110 030

TEL 011 5164 1480 Mobile No. 098 910 13200

shakahar

 

Dear all, Now the condition of flood is down. Streets are clear & rescue

work in on high.

 

We at PAWS alongwith Rakhee Jain Group of dombivli went nearst places to

provide help. More then 40 Volunteers made Food in colony itself & packed in 200

packets. 2 Tempo Vans hired to give away food to affected area of Kalyan City.

 

We at PAWS took all available Medicines like Topicure, Himax, Acrilyin

other injection to help the cattle in kalyan. When we reached to Doodh Naka &

Cattle Bazar, the condition was pathetic. Over 70 buffellows are dead. Many got

scraches on legs, we treated them all with HELP OF VET.

 

We gave away all the medicines which are left with us to dairy owners.

Kayan-Dombivli Municipal Corpo. van are picking-up Dead bodies of Buffellows

continously. There atleast 30 bodies lying of buffellows & small calfs. The Area

was stinking. In Diva area, we rescued 2 children who are stuck-up in home &

parents locked them out and went for their work and did not came back. The

children were sitting on Cupboard and crying for help.

 

We broke the door & gave them food. The work was started at 9.00 pm & over

at 1.00 am. as the flood water gone away. The Basic help still needed. Drinking

water & eletricity still not there. 1 Parakeet, 12 Pigeons came for treatment to

us. Parakeet & 2 Pigeons died and all birds flew away after warm cloths we put

on them. Abodh of WSD called & asked about animals. Dr. Sadhna of Voice of

Animals Distress- New Bombay informed that many animals in her shelter died

beacuse the wall fallen down through flood.

 

The Calf which we sent from PAWS to her shelter is also died. Regards,

Nilesh PAWS, call9820161114

 

PETA OFFERS INFORMATION FOR SAFEGUARDING ANIMALS DURING NATURAL DISASTERS

 

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Trapped to Fend for Themselves

Mumbai-With recent flooding in Mumbai and reports of animals left tied to drown,

PETA is offering important advice which could help save lives during disaster

situations:

 

. Do not leave animals tied and attended. In flooding, this leaves animals

helpless to drown or starve if the owner of the animals is not able to bring

food. In the recent flood, a cruelty of the dairy industry, lifelong tying of

animals, was highlighted. Reportedly 1000-1200 buffaloes used for milk drowned

because they were left tied. Some sheep and goats trapped in illegal

slaughter-houses also drowned.

 

. For dogs and cats and other companion animals, leave them in a secure

area inside your home, but do not leave them unattended. Domesticated animals

rely on human companions for many things and will be rendered nearly helpless

outside in bad weather. Keep a list of hotels that accept companion animals just

in case.

 

. All companion animals should have collars with identification. Make sure

that you have a current photo of your animal companion for identification

purposes, the same as you would for a child.

 

. If you need to evacuate your home, if at all possible, do not leave

animals behind. There is no way of knowing what may happen to your home while

you are away, and you may not be able to return for days or even weeks.

 

. Have an animal emergency kit readily available. The kit should include a

harness and leash or carrier, bottled water, food and water bowls, and dry food.

If you have a cat, keep litter and a small litter tray ready to go. The kit is

helpful if you must grab your animals quickly or if you encounter an animal on

the road in need of help. You might also need blankets to cover carriers and

help keep animals calm during transport.

 

. If you absolutely must leave your companion animal behind, leave out at

least 10 days' supply of water. Fill every bowl, pan, and container that you

have with water, then set them on the floor; do not leave just one container-it

may spill. Leave out at least 10 days' supply of dry food. Canned food will go

bad. If you can't get to your home, contact a reliable neighbour or friend to

check on the animals and get them out, if possible. Provide specific

instructions on care.

 

. Strong winds and gusts generated by tropical storms often throw young

squirrels and baby birds from their nests. Flooding from significant rainfall

may also force small mammals from their subterranean homes. Following severe

weather, be sure to search carefully through debris and nearby creeks and

streams for animals who have been displaced from their homes. These animals may

need help right away. Keep a list of veterinarians in your local area handy.

 

For more information, visit www.PETAIndia.com

 

 

The reasons for death of buffalos in Flash flood..

The number is 1500+....

 

When the reason was being discussed among us..(.about 1500+ buffaloes that

died in the flash flood..in goregaon-e ..Wal bhat road....)...i blamed it all on

to the consumption of white blood... why??

 

Consider....way back in centuary......Most families had a cow or 2 with

them...they were taken good care of...and the family inturn got the

milk....Killing of male calves must not have been prevalent...

 

U must have seen the videos of floodings in many villages...on T.V....at

many occasions i had seen people migrating to safe places with their livestocks

and also with stray animals like dogs....They used to consider their animals as

an important part of their family...

 

Now...Due to the mass production of milk...for the flurishing dairy

industry.......The buffaloes were brought into the city...in large numbers...to

meet the demands....also to reduce the cost of transportation...it was necessary

to keep the buffaloes nearer to the city......Well than....where is the place

for nybody in the city......The tabela owners had to settle into the worst

places available....many of them thus settled on the sides of these

nullahs...(which are disaster prone)....from where they would find

water.....possibly to wash the tabelas and bathe their cattles.....and/ or an

outlet for the sewage.....

 

The water was rising quickly that evening...the water level had risen to

about 9 feet+ that night.....people hurried to save their lives....what about

animals?.......each tabelas had 200- 300 upto 600 buffaloes....what even if they

thought of relasing the chains.....where would they go....on the crowded

streets....on roads...where traffic had jamned...vehicles had colapsed,,,,people

were running every where.....The scared animals might have hurt humans.....and

consider every thing was happening very fast......No body had any idea of such a

flash flood......i dont believe that there is any reason for the tabela owners

to make their animals die willingly....they would've tried their best...( forget

compassion...think economy from their point of view...a buffalo costs not less

than 30,000 ).....why would they finish their own bussiness.....some one had

even started releasing his cattles....i dont think they lived either...around 40

+ buffaloes which were not chained ....were seen in the nullah.....

 

who is responsible than.....?????

 

People????...... unware of the realities of cattles in dairy

industries.....??? are they responsible?????? .

 

.So what if i and u had stoped milk???

 

we might have not been much successful in spreading the message much....??

Also consider the tabelas being at some distant place....would cattles be safe

there??....God knows....Disasters have been taking lives away....no matter how

much we are developed...or prepared...Nature has its own ways...to

express....that we are nothing....in comparison... This is what i felt when i

was on the site... God bless all... Ashif. aadad_a

 

 

It is surprising that the Government of India does not consider animal

rights organisations working in India fit enough to be a part of the Disaster

Management Committee.

www.ndmindia.nic.in/committee/Committee.htm

 

GOI - NGO Disaster preparation and Response Committee

 

Chairman - JS, (NDM), DAC Coordinator - CARE India

 

Members

 

World Vision of India SOS Children's Village India Ramakrishna Mission

Plan international OXFAM India Trust Lutheran World Service India Red Cross

Catholic Relief Services CASA CARITAS India Voluntary Health association Of

India Action Aid Action for Food Production-AFPRO Indo German Social Services

Society

 

Thanks.

 

Azam Siddiqui azamsiddiqui Master Trainer in Animal Welfare,

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Govt of India. Member: PFA, PETA-India. Ph:

+91 94350 48481

 

 

In Goregaon -e, on the Wal bhat road, not less than 1500 Buffaloes have

drowned in the Flash flood, The owners did not had sufficient time as the water

was rising very quickly, all of them were kept tied with chains....all of them

died...specially on the eastern side of the nullah.... We had been there

today.....More than....80 trucks and 10 cranes were in action.... BMC... Police

all are working.....to prevent possible disaster in terms of health and hygiene.

Ashif aadad_a

 

Mumbai was standstill for two days not because of heavy monsoon record

break rain fall but due to stagnation of surface water on roads, both the

express highways and suburbs which was supposed to go to Arabian sea via Mithi

river. Illegal construction activities along river banks, inside the river

itself has made river water flow very narrow. Mithi had already enough rain

water flow from Aarey giving no chance to accommodate the drainage water in

required amount. Huge debris inside the river must have restricted the

water flow to the sea. New construction activities in Bandra Kurla complex,

along the link road,expantion of Sahar airport, Sea link bridge, Deteriorating

status of Kurla creek etc are also the equal sharing contributors to

enhance the scenario.

How much price we have paid for this? Who is responsible? Rain god or we

human monsters? What happens in last 48 hours is going to continue in future too

unless Mithi river action plan is not taken on priority basis. As an

environmental expert, I am confident that present status of Mithi river in

Mumbai is the root cause for these 48 painful black hours for all of us and this

residual effect will remain for ever.

 

Dr. Nagesh Tekale

Mulund(W)

nstekale