As devastating floods continue to affect several parts of Marathwada, Pune city has come together in an inspiring show of solidarity. From navratra mandals to housing societies, residents are stepping up to send relief materials, groceries, and funds to the flood-affected villages. Across Pune city, community groups and local organisations have taken charge of collection drives, ensuring that essentials reach those in need. “On October 5 and 6, we sent around 200 grocery kits, 140 stationery kits, and 30 bags full of clothes, along with utensils and blankets. The situation there is extremely bad. Homes have been submerged. As they do not have the means to have their basic necessities fulfilled, people are so desperate for supplies. They are running towards us, grabbing anything they can get. We distributed aid in villages such as Chinchpur, Etti, and Dharashiv,” said Aniket Sakat of the Kharadkar Park Navratra Mandal. The Ekdil Mitra Mandal from Mundhwa collected Rs 50,000, which they directly sent to a flood-affected village near Barshi. “Everyone wanted to help in whatever way possible,” said Abhijeet Lokhande, a member of the mandal. "We have gathered around 1.5 lakhs worth of groceries. Once more donations come in, we will send the help to Marathwada," said Swapnil Wadghare, president of the Yuva Sambhaji Sansthan. Adding to the wave of compassion, residential societies have also joined hands. La Melosa in Wakad, along with Akshay Garden in Balaji Nagar, organised a two-day donation drive on October 1 and 2 to collect essential supplies. Society member Nilesh Nighot and five of his friends delivered the relief materials in several villages in Pathardi tehsil, including Takli Manur, Chinchpur, Vitthalwadi, Karanji, Karodi, Pimpalgaon Tappa, and Kuttarwadi. The collected items included rice, wheat flour, lentils, oil, sugar, tea powder, biscuits, toiletries, blankets, and bedsheets. Various society members played a crucial role in organising, sorting, and packing the materials. “We distributed aid door-to-door, donating over 800 kg of groceries. The farms there are destroyed, and people have no means to revive the soil. In these areas, even drinking water becomes scarce by January,” said Nighot, describing the dire conditions faced by families. "We did what we could, the supplies will last the people for at least 2 to 3 months", he added. As Pune residents continue to send relief materials, the city’s compassion stands as a reminder that even in times of calamity, humanity and togetherness can help rebuild hope.
