Harihareshwar is a quaint little village consisting of 250-300 households on the western coast of India, known for its temples, alphonso mangoes, areca nuts, coconuts, kokum and jackfruits. Due to severe cyclonic winds crossing 100-120 km/hr and mountain cover on three sides of the village, nearly all houses were severely damaged where the damage is varying from roofs being blown apart to entirely collapsed houses. Nearly entire population is dependent on tourism and farming of fruits and nuts. While tourism had already taken a big hit due to the COVID pandemic, fruits and nuts orchards have been completely destroyed due to the cyclone. These trees have been developed over several decades and will now need 10-15 years to return to their previous status, which will directly affect the single source of income for several years to come. Due to severe damage to electric supply poles, electricity supply is not expected to be restores for another 1-1.5 months, affecting rescue and rebuilding work further.
We are planning to raise a total sum of INR 1 Cr. To help the village get back on its feet. 30-40% of the planned sum will be utilized for immediate house repairs and rehabilitation of the village while the rest will be used for reviving the agricultural orchards and maintaining those so that they start supplementing income source for local farmers.
It is an extremely difficult situation on the ground with no connectivity, no power and limited resources. While the locals are doing their best to attempt to get back on their feet, they really need our help to enable them to get there faster. It is the time for us to stand with the farmers who ensure we have mangoes, coconuts and jackfruits on our tables every year and ensure we are able to enjoy our favorite paan with the areca nut (supari) in it.
We humbly request you to come forward and help Harihareshwar to come out of this grim situation!