Transfer And Replication
In the province of Orissa, the economically poor continue to suffer from shelter deprivation. The unserviceable kutcha houses are legion. Whether there is a calamity or not, there is a need for the Shelter movement to spread in all 30 districts of Orissa. Projects for improved and safe housing and habitats have also been undertaken by the ODTF involving the trained ASHGs, thus providing added livelihood opportunities for them. The fact that “Habitats and Livelihoods” are integrated and are to be addressed concurrently can be realized from this model movement in Orissa. Presently the movement has gained momentum in 16 districts of Orissa.
As explained before, the movement has assumed new proportions. The UNDP Shelter team transformed into “Orissa Development Technocrats’ Forum” ODTF continues to network and cement partnerships towards affordable housing and habitat development, training of artisans, etc. with Govt., Civil Society Organizations and voluntary agencies. The organization has already conducted several training and capacity building programmes in the most disaster-prone provinces of Uttaranchal, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, North-eastern states and West Bengal.
Presently, in the post-tsunami Reconstruction phase, ODTF has technically assisted the UN in various studies and preparation of recovery frameworks in Tamil Nadu. ODTF has also worked in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the APWD (Andaman Public Works Department) for planning and setting up of intermediate shelters through active community participation in the Nicobar Islands.
As part of the long-term Tsunami reconstruction programme in TN, ODTF has proactively facilitated the Govt. of TN (in designing Tsunami resistant houses, helping in bringing out the technical guidelines for housing and in developing habitat plans) and various local partner NGOs and bilateral organizations (Architecture and Development, French Foundation, Plan International) in reconstruction of Housing and Habitats.
On Ground Assessment of the Physical and Socio-Economic Condition for Housing in Tsunami Affected Villages in Tamil Nadu
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Giving a Face-lift to Tsunami Affected Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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In the context of providing safe shelters to the Tsunami affected people, a team of housing experts from Orissa Development Technocrats’ Forum were engaged by the Ministry of Home Affairs headed by Prof. Anand S. Arya to facilitate the preparation of site plans (village plans) for immediate construction of temporary dwelling units for the Tsunami affected people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
It was understood that before the construction there was an imperative need for developing site/ village plans so that all physical infrastructure facilities could be provided in a better manner to the inhabitants and to build a safer habitat. After discussions with Mr. Naresh Kumar, Secretary APWD the following tasks were identified.
• To develop integrated site/ village plans in a participatory manner that are culturally sensitive, respect the way of living of fisher and tribal communities and protect the entire habitats against future natural disasters. The Site plans designed also integrate water and sanitation measures. Based on the extent of damage to housing and the willingness of some of the communities to resettle, complete relocation of the entire village and resettlement of the entire community was planned, ensuring continued access to the coastal areas for fishing and fish processing. • Ensure that the relocated communities have adequate right to economically productive land/ forests.
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The ultimate goal was that all these vulnerable communities are to be settled in habitats that are designed to be safe and culturally acceptable as well as their livelihood relation with forests (coconut trees) and sea should be maintained.
The technical team from ODTF visited the Islands in groups as well as individually for reconnaissance survey of the available resources and to assess the nature and extent of damage. Community meetings were conducted to know the perception, needs and priorities of the people.
The team also engaged themselves in design and construction of Model Demonstration Intermediate Shelters and community buildings/ shelters in strategically located less vulnerable sites to the appreciation of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, led by the Secretary of APWD, Mr. Naresh Kumar.
Traditional Disaster-resistant Houses in the eco-fragile Sunderban archipelago for the Flood affected victims of West Bengal province
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The project involves reconstruction of 50 houses for the poorest of the poor (whose subsistence was on begging) using locally available building materials and innovatively improved traditional housing technologies with incorporation of disaster-resistant features, for which a total subsidy amount of INR 30,000 per dwelling unit was approved. Worthy to note are the adoption of vernacular architectural styles and innovative use of bamboo, mud, country tiles, thatch, etc. in order to promote improved traditional housing technologies with disaster-resistant features.
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