The Vital Role of Seva Bharati and RSS Volunteers in Cloudburst Relief

Community organisations in Padder emerge as pillars of support, complementing official machinery in one of the region’s worst natural disasters

The recent cloudburst in Chasoti, Padder, has been described as one of the most devastating natural calamities to hit the region in recent years. Torrential rains triggered flash floods, resulting in loss of precious human lives, destruction of property, and large-scale displacement. While specialised agencies such as the NDRF, SDRF, CRPF, CISF, police, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) mounted an immediate rescue response, it was the presence of voluntary organisations—notably Seva Bharati, RSS volunteers, and local NGOs—that provided the essential humanitarian cushion without which relief efforts could not have been sustained.

Sunil Sharma’s First-Hand Account

Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who has remained continuously present at the site for nearly twelve days, shared with JK Darshan's MD - Vikram Thakur that the scale of devastation was unprecedented and required extraordinary coordination between the administration and voluntary groups. He emphasised that without the timely intervention of community organisations, relief operations would have been far less effective.

Seva Bharati at the Forefront

According to Sharma, Seva Bharati stepped into action from the very first day. For eleven consecutive days, the organisation set up community kitchens (langars) that served thousands of meals daily. Their assistance was not limited to the affected families but extended to the very personnel deployed on rescue and road-clearing missions.

“From providing hot meals, tea, and drinking water to pilgrims stranded on the Machail Yatra route, to feeding NDRF, SDRF, police, and BRO workers, Seva Bharati became the backbone of the relief operation,” he said.

RSS Swayamsevaks in Rescue Missions

RSS volunteers, working silently and without publicity, joined direct rescue operations, assisting in evacuations and first aid. Despite heavy rush and chaotic conditions on the ground, they were seen side-by-side with trained agencies, offering manpower, carrying supplies, and transporting the injured. Their work, often unnoticed, ensured that critical tasks could be executed faster and with community trust.

Business Community’s Philanthropy

Equally remarkable was the contribution of the Mahajan Seva Samiti from Kishtwar’s business community. The organisation organised round-the-clock langars for over 11 days, serving thousands of meals daily. During the crucial first three to four days—when nearly 5,000–6,000 stranded Machail Yatra pilgrims had to be sheltered and fed—the Samiti’s efforts ensured that no one went hungry. Their kitchens operated late into the night, catering not only to the displaced but also to returning pilgrims and ground staff.

Role of Other NGOs

Sharma acknowledged the contribution of several other NGOs, including the Ekal Abhiyan, which distributed blankets, clothing, food grains, and other essential relief material as early as the second day after the disaster. Smaller local organisations also stepped forward, ensuring that immediate needs—from dry rations to warm clothing—were met promptly. While Seva Bharati and Mahajan Seva Samiti carried the major load, this network of voluntary action reflected the resilience of civil society in times of crisis.

Collective Humanitarian Effort

The presence of these community organisations was not merely supplementary; it was transformative. Government agencies focused on rescue, road clearance, and infrastructure restoration, while voluntary organisations ensured the humanitarian side of the crisis—food, shelter, dignity, and emotional support. “Together, they created a safety net,” Sharma remarked, “ensuring that no family felt abandoned and no rescuer was left unsupported.”

Looking Ahead

The Chasoti tragedy has raised critical questions about disaster preparedness in remote regions like Padder, where communication gaps, absence of fuel facilities, and limited infrastructure often delay relief measures. While the Defence Minister has announced key interventions—including the construction of a motorable Bailey Bridge, installation of mobile towers, and an Army Goodwill School—civil society’s role during the crisis has set a precedent for future disaster management.

As Sharma emphasised in his exclusive conversation with JK Darshan’s Vikram Singh Thakur, strengthening partnerships between government institutions and voluntary organisations will be essential to address future emergencies effectively. The experience in Padder shows that while official machinery can respond with scale, it is community solidarity and voluntary service that sustains relief efforts on the ground.