Amphan, the second super cyclone to form over the Bay of Bengal since 1999, did not spare our Braille press building at Lal Bihari Shah Braille Academia just on the outskirts of Kolkata. This area, i.e. Malancha-Mahinagar under Baruipur Municipality, was right in the direction of the terrible cyclone. A spell of two awful hours swept over the entire area, tearing down trees and ripping apart homes. We have lost several trees that we grew in the building premises. Some windows were shattered and rain pipes were broken. The greatest loss we suffered was the destruction of a kitchen shed when a huge tree fell on it.
Amphan has affected millions of people in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Since our district (South 24 Parganas) suffered the landfall, the disaster was enormous. Electricity was turned off a couple of hours before the storm started raging. As electric posts were uprooted and trees fell down on electric wires, we had to stay without light for four days. Thanks to West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company and our active neighbours who restored power supply in four days. Many parts of the district are still without any light or drinking water.
Amphan Damages
The Braille press building contains 10 windows of 28 sq ft and 9 windows of 12 sq ft in each floor and 9 rainwater pipes. We are now mainly concern about 57 glass covered steel windows of the three upper floors, most of which were shattered during the storm. A few were previously damaged. The arrangement of windows at the ground floor is different and, therefore, their repair may wait for some time.
The condition of two AC machines (both 2 mt) for our Braille press rooms are more than 14 years old and needed replacement. These machines were also heavily damaged by the cyclone.
The lightning Arrester was also bnroken and it must be replaced immediately, keeping in mind the weather during the rainy season. These repairs and replacements will cost us nearly Rs. 2,94,748.00 on moderate estimates.
| Item | Measurement | Rate | Cost |
| 10 glass covered steel windows | 10 x 28 x 3 = 840 sq ft (including painting) | Rs. 55.00 per sq ft | Rs. 46,200.00 |
| 9 glass covered steel windows | 9 x 12 x 3 = 324 sq ft (including painting) | Rs. 55.00 per sq ft | Rs. 17,820.00 |
| 9 rainwater pipes | 9 x 50 feet (4 inch diameter PVC pipe) | Rs. 550.00 per 10 feet piece (Including fittings) | Rs. 24,750.00 |
| 18% GST | Rs. 15,979.00 | ||
| Total | Rs. 1,04,748.00 | ||
| Item | Price (Approximate) |
| Two 2 mt AC machines | 1,10,000.00 |
| Lightning Arrester | 80,000.00 |
| Total | 1,90,000.00 |
Amphan and Corona Bringing Hardships
Amphan had only added to the damages we have suffered due to the Corona pandemic. The country is already reeling under the terrible threats of COVID-19 virus. More than two months have passed since lockdown began on March 25. The organisation has faced substantial loss on account of this lockdown. Some donors contribute during March before the end of the financial year. Companies normally remember their CSR commitments at the same time. We could not meet any of our donors or these companies owing to the spread of Corona and the consequential lockdown in March. The situation has not yet changed and, we do not know, when it will improve. A few donors have sent their contributions online to save the organisation. We have to make provisions for about 30 inmates at the hostel. Many of them cannot go back on account of the current lockdown.
So, we would request you to contribute online to our fund to meet expenses for the badly-needed repairs and maintaining the hostel. As usual, your donation will be eligible for Income Tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
