Hyderabad, Apr 5 (IANS): Amid a 21-day nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus scare, NGO 'Save the Children' India has begun distributing free dry ration among Rohingya refugees living here.

As part of the continuous community engagement programme, the United Nations- affiliated NGO had identified around 1,325 families in 30 settlements in Balapur and begun distribution work from April 3.

In 48 hours, 'Save the Children' has handed out 25 kg rice and vegetable oil to 880 families from 21 settlements. The distribution to the remaining families will continue, said Vikas Gora, Deputy Director, Save the Children.

Distribution of other essentials such as wheat flour, pulses, chilli powder, turmeric powder, onion, garlic, salt and sugar will be taken up in the second phase from April 7 onwards.

Hygiene kits, containing soap bars and floor/toilet cleaners will also be distributed in the second phase.

Keeping the safety protocol and social distancing in mind, door-to-door delivery model was followed. It also helped to reach out to the pregnant, lactating, differently-abled and elderly people to access food rations.

"For four-and-half years, Save the Children is working on the rights of children of refugees in close collaboration with the government of Telangana, UNHCR and other stakeholders. In the time of Covid crisis, we have been ensuring that the children access food through dry rations and hygiene kits, sufficient for a month at least. We appreciate the support and involvement of health and police department, community volunteers, and local leaders like young changemakers who have been supportive," said Vikas.

"Hunger is one of the key indicators that is impacting the lives of scores of poor and marginalised communities in India and globally and our prime effort is to address this, from a child protection lens," he added.