Rapid Response

Rapid Response's One Million Seed Balls Project aims to make India green, especially cyclone and drought-hit regions, by creating golf ball-sized mixtures of soil, seeds, and compost – seed balls – and strategically scattering them for tree growth. This eco-friendly afforestation technique addresses rapid tree loss in India due to events like Cyclone Gaja and forest fires. Seed balls are cost-effective and quick, promoting native tree growth sustainably. Corporations and schools are invited to participate in achieving the one million seed ball goal.

Rapid Response's Blanket Initiative addresses the pressing issue of extreme cold affecting millions of homeless Indians. Inspired by its experience during the Jammu Kashmir Flood Relief mission in 2014, where it encountered freezing temperatures, the organisation initiated a nationwide blanket drive. Witnessing elderly individuals sleeping on the streets without proper clothing or blankets deeply moved them. Rapid Response distributes blankets in six cities, including Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Srinagar, and Guwahati. These efforts aim to provide warmth and comfort to homeless individuals, including women and children, enduring sleepless nights during the harsh winter months on urban streets, platforms, and railway stations.

Amidst India's third COVID-19 wave, efforts are underway to combat the pandemic through various initiatives. These include distributing meals and essential provisions to disadvantaged groups such as the elderly, migrants, daily labourers, and frontline workers. Healthcare support is being extended to hospitals and COVID care centres by providing masks, sanitisers, PPE kits, pulse oximeters, oxygen cylinders, and hygiene supplies. An awareness campaign using autorickshaws is promoting COVID-appropriate behaviour and vaccination. Additionally, livelihood assistance is being offered to help small vendors affected by the pandemic rebuild their livelihoods.

Assam is grappling with devastating floods, causing extensive damage to homes, farms, schools, bridges, and transportation networks. Countless individuals are affected, with thousands seeking shelter in schools, highways, and temporary relief centres. A dedicated team is providing vital assistance, including food, clean water, and medical aid, given the overwhelming demand. Historically, Assam faces annual monsoon floods, affecting over 80% of the state due to the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. Since 2016, Rapid Response has actively aided flood-affected communities in Assam.