In times of natural and human-made calamities, CPD has been in a critical position to respond with humanitarian aid to frontline communities due to its close association with marginalised groups in Mumbai. These communities face multiple socio-economic vulnerabilities, and are disproportionately affected by calamities such as floods, fires, evictions and even disease.

Relief during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown

Through our network of volunteers, we supplied food rations for 2 months to 6000 families during the COVID-19 induced lockdown in 2020. Our team ran a community kitchen in M-East ward of Mumbai for 1 month, worked to ensure supply of water tankers for domestic use, and emptying of septic tanks in informal settlements. We also aided the safe return of migrant labourers who were stuck in the city due to the lockdown.

Tauktae cyclone response

In May 2021, a severe tropical cyclone intensified over the Arabian Sea. Though the heavy winds narrowly missed the city of Mumbai and made landfall in Gujarat, they also impacted the coastal states of Maharashta, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. In Mumbai, residents of informal settlements, particularly in low-lying areas, faced damage to their homes and water-logging. Through our community networks, the CPD team offered material to create temporary shelters for 150 affected families, and 1 month of food rations.

Report: Malad Wall Collapse: A State Induced Disaster

Due to our sustained efforts to work with marginalised groups in the city, our team is often the first to respond to needs of evicted communities and vulnerable groups, particularly during the monsoon season when cases of fires, floods and landslides increase.