Thiruvananthapuram: Even as an estimated nine lakh people continue to be in relief camps, the inflow of relief materials to the camps has dipped at the collection centres.
At Cotton Hill, the workers have started displaying placards to attract items like water, baby food, toiletries and sanitary napkins. The NGOs, on the other hand, were sending goods but volunteers say contributions need to continue with vigour.
Several areas in Idukki like the tribal hamlets around dam catchment area have inadequate supplies.
"If you have trustworthy people in shortage- affected area, sending relief directly is the best option. From the government side, the relief materials are sent only by the collector to the respective tahsildars in other districts. Then it is sent to relief camps. So, there is a delay of two-three days in reaching the actual beneficiaries," said a volunteer who manages a collection centre.
As per techies, though they personally know people from certain areas facing the shortage, they were unable to deliver goods due to logistical reasons.
"I purchased stuff worth Rs10,000 and my doctor friend at Idukki s told me that the supply they get in certain areas was grossly inadequate. On the fourth day of the collection drive, my friends were unable to raise adequate groceries, and so we have no options to send them directly," said M. Mahi, a techie.
As per revenue officials, there was a need to do strict accounting to prevent the relief materials ending up with black marketers.
"If we don't have accounts, we will have to face vigilance and anti-corruption probes. If there are delays in getting supplies at a particular area, the citizens and volunteers should take it up with the camp officer in the nearest relief camp and the matter will be solved," an official said.
