Crisis Trigger:
- In April 2023, Jodhpur administration demolished an entire settlement of newly arrived Pakistani Hindu tribal families in Gangana village on outskirts of Jodhpur, citing “encroachment.”
- Refugees – fleeing persecution, penniless and homeless – were left without shelter overnight.
Sewa Nyaya Utthan’s Response:
1. Immediate Intervention:
- Documented the administration’s insensitivity and apathy, ensuring accountability.
- Formed an instant volunteer team of earlier-settled refugees to lead ground rehabilitation.
- Compiled a comprehensive list of all affected families to ensure no one was left behind.
2. Rehabilitation Drive:
- Distributed essential infrastructure material: bamboo, bricks, ropes, cement, roofs, tarpaulin sheets.
- Oversaw the construction of new homes for every displaced family.
- Completed rehabilitation in two months, securing administration’s approval for families to resettle in the same area.
3. Scale of Impact:
- 70+ families rehabilitated – one of the largest resettlement project ever for Pakistani Hindu refugees in India.
- Created a model of self-reliant community rebuilding, with refugee volunteers leading refugee rehabilitation.
4. Recognition & Support:
- Project backed by eminent scholars and scientist Anand Ranganathn
- SNU honoured with Sree Narayana Guru Award for Social Work at Pondicherry Literature Festival the same year, recognising the historic scale and success of the project. SNU’s work with the refugees continues.
Pictures:
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