Raigad, Jul 22 (IANS): Veteran playback singer Anuradha Paudwal and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with his son, Shrikant Shinde, MP, have extended helping hands to the survivors of the Raigad hillslide devastation that has claimed 25 lives so far.
Paudwal visited the vicinity of Irshalwadi and viewed the mayhem caused by massive boulders breaking loose and a massive sludge raining on the tribal hamlet around 11.30 pm on Wednesday night.
A visibly shaken Paudwal said that the tragedy was immense and she would make attempts to help the rehabilitation efforts for the displaced people.
"As per the government’s policy, we shall help to build homes for the villagers through our Suryoday Foundation... I am not aware of the details yet, but we shall contribute to the efforts," assured Paudwal.
Shinde has announced that he will adopt the children who have been orphaned in the Irshalwadi tragedy through the ‘Shrikant Shinde Foundation’, his party Shiv Sena announced.
"Children, aged between 2-15, who were in ashram schools or elsewhere for education lost their parents. Their pain and suffering is beyond consolation, there is darkness before their eyes. We should stand firmly behind them during these difficult and testing times," said the Shiv Sena.
Accordingly, Shinde said that the 'Dr. Shrikant Shinde Foundation' has decided to support and lovingly care for all the orphans of Irshalwadi tragedy to instill hope and faith in them.
Acting as their guardian angel, the organisation will take over the full responsibility for the upbringing, education and other needs of these minor orphans.
In the Irshalwadi hillslide, several minor boys and girls, who were away from their homes in ashram schools or for other reasons, have lost one or both their parents.
Now, Shinde will be the "godfather" - and through his son's charitable foundation - care for the upkeep and future of these bewildered and helpless children who are left with no relatives.
Deputy Leader of Maharashtra Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe said that a survey is on to ascertain how many children are now orphaned and thereafter they will be "adopted" by the CM and the foundation, besides the other help given by the state government.