Networking major Cisco has announced that it has handed over more than 500 houses to the government of Karnataka, as part of the completion of phase one of “Project Samudaya”. The project is an initiative by Cisco to rehabilitate communities in flood affected areas of Karnataka. It is a public-private partnership program to create a sustainable society and uses the power of network to help provide access to urban amenities such as quality healthcare and education to rural areas. It aims to construct 3570 houses, two schools, and one primary healthcare center in the five flood-hit villages and is on course to complete this within the stipulated two year time frame.

The more than 500 houses that were handed over by Cisco in North Malkapur and Khataknur villages of Raichur have been constructed as per the government guidelines and specifications, and the model design is based on the feedback received from the village residents.

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed, remote specialist healthcare services were launched in Gillesugur village, where Cisco is using the network-as-a-platform to help bring remote healthcare and education services to these flood-affected villages. The initial pilot services are now operational and have accelerated access to affordable, high-quality health care by connecting patients in Raichur remotely with medical providers in cities in a convenient and efficient way. The next phase is to make these services scalable, replicable and sustainable.

“We are encouraged by the government of Karnataka’s shared vision to rehabilitate and build sustainable communities in the flood-affected areas of Raichur.  Our vision is to improve the quality of life in these communities by using technology to provide access to affordable healthcare and education services. Cisco stays committed in its efforts to support the rehabilitation of the flood affected areas of Raichur and help build a 21st century sustainable and stronger community,” said Wim Elfrink, chief globalization officer and executive vice president, Cisco Services. 

During October 2009 as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Cisco announced a donation of USD 10 million commitment comprising cash, services, solutions and equipment over two years to support rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the Raichur district of Karnataka.