coastal community resilience: a field survey analysis of sandeshkhali-ii block, west bengal; sarada...

South Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (SAJMS) ISSN:2349-7858 :SJIF 2.246:Volume 2 Issue 2

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Universal Multidisciplinary Research Institute Pvt Ltd

COASTAL COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: A FIELD SURVEY ANALYSIS OF SANDESHKHALI-II BLOCK, WEST BENGAL;

SARADA AND NOLIASAHI VILLAGES, ODISHA, INDIA

Dr. Sushma Guleria

Research Associate

National Institute of Disaster Management,

IIPA Campus, IP Estate, ITO, New Delhi-110002, India


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ABSTRACT

India has a coastline of 7517 km. with 20% occupying the coastal areas. Scientific study of the coastal hazards of the Indian coast has assumed greater significance after the 2004 tsunami. Recurrent floods and cyclonic events are reminder that coastal communities are vulnerable to unforeseen events. This corroborates the need for developing resilience as an effective approach to reducing impacts and enhancing capacities to ensure sustainable recovery. The present study was carried out in 2 states of India namely West Bengal and Odisha. Eight elements of resilience were assessed which are: Governance, Coastal Resource Management, Land Use and Structural Design, Society and Economy, Risk Knowledge, Warning and Evacuation, Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery. Findings reveal that while there still lacks measures for better coastal resource management, land use and disaster recovery, the aspects of governance and knowledge of risk seem good, it is heartening to note that people are adequately sensitized for preparedness and efficient evacuation. The assessment can be used to pre-empt decision makers and seek policy interventions to develop better public outreach programmes and empower communities on strategies to improve and maintain their resilience to natural hazards.

Key Words: Disaster Recovery, Risk Knowledge, Resilient Elements, Vulnerability Assessment.


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INTRODUCTION

Coastal areas are geographic locations in proximity to the worlds oceans (Clark, 1996). They are arrangements of complex, diverse and fragile ecosystems, and unique in nature. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, the average population density in the coastal zone was 77 people/km2 in 1990 and 87 people/km2 in 2000, and a projected 99 people/km2 in 2010 (Unep, 2007). Collectively, this is placing both growing demands on coastal resources as well as increasing peoples exposure to coastal hazards. Furthermore, global climate change and the threat of accelerated sea-level rise exacerbate the already existing high risks of storm surges, severe waves, and tsunamis. India has a long coastline of about 7517 km. with 20% occupying the coastal areas. Scientific study of the natural hazards and coastal processes of the Indian coast has assumed greater significance after the December 2004 tsunami because the country learned lessons on the impact of natural hazards in terms of high damage potential for life, property, and the environment especially along the coast side. Indian coastal communities are increasingly at risk from many such coastal hazards as coastal habitats such as reefs, mangroves, wetlands etc are being destroyed by a wide range of human uses, including shoreline development, land reclamation, mining, and aquaculture. Over fishing and the use of destructive fishing practices are causing the decline of fishery resources and changes in marine ecosystems structure and function. The degradation of the coastal environment from chronic human-induced actions has threatened food security, livelihoods, and the overall economic development and well being of coastal communities (ADPC, 2007). Most of the coastal population in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha live in relatively densely populated areas where basic services are limited and they lack adequate capacity to plan and respond to coastal hazards which is an addendum to their already vulnerable status and increases their risk to hazards. Resilience provides the capacity to absorb shocks while maintaining function. People's capacities are also highlighted by what are known as "coping strategies". Regional flood or cyclone event affecting the coasts are painful reminders that, coastal communities are vulnerable to unforeseen events and not resilient to normally recurring hazards. This fact has raised the question of developing community resilience as an effective approach to reducing the long-term impact of coastal hazards and to enhance capacities of coastal communities aiming for sustainable recovery in the aftermath of a disaster as well as reducing peoples vulnerability to these hazards. Coastal Community Resilience (CCR) is the capacity of a community to adapt to and influence the course of environmental, social, and economic change. CCR assessment studies can be useful to characterize the resilience status and trends at the community level and can identify strengths, weakness, and gaps in resilience capacity, raise awareness and broadly assess community capacity and vulnerability to coastal hazards and develop adaptive preparedness and mitigation measures. In all, eight elements of resilience have been identified which are considered essential to reduce risk from coastal hazards, accelerate recovery from disaster events, and adapt to changing conditions by the affected community. These are: Governance, Coastal Resource Management, Land Use and Structural Design, Society and Economy, Risk Knowledge, Warning and Evacuation, Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery (ADPC, 2007). METHODOLOGY


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The present study is a field based survey carried out in 2 states namely, West Bengal and Odisha and as per the Vulnerability Atlas of 2006 prepared by Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC), both West Bengal and Odisha are multi-hazard prone coastal states f India. The field visit was carried out in West Bengal during 17-19th December 2014 and in Odisha from 22-24th April 2015. One Coastal Block was identified each in both the states to assess their levels of resilience on the eight indicators mentioned above. Vulnerabilities and Capacities were assessed through semi-structured interviews which included group interviews (size: 5-8 persons), focus group discussions (on special issues such as health care, livelihood, gender needs, hazard knowledge and adequate preparedness etc) and key informants which included discussion with persons who provided certain valuable information like those who had faced previous disasters or had experienced the recent cyclone phailine (2013) and hud-hud (2014), recurrent floods etc and how they regularly cope with such crisis. STUDY AREA WEST-BENGAL: The State is in the Eastern region of India. It is situated between N 2130' & 27 30' and E 85 30' & 8945'. Its northern part is in the Himalayan Range, whereas the extreme southern part touches the Bay of Bengal and is covered by the Active Delta of the Sundarbans Mangrove forest. The total area of the State is 88,752 sq km having a dense population of more than 80 million people of which about 72% live in the rural areas. The State of West Bengal is vulnerable to natural hazards like flood, cyclone, hail storm, thunder squall, drought, landslide, erosion and sometimes to earthquakes.In fact there are multiple high risk Multi Hazard zones. The study site chosen was Sandeshkhali-II Block and Grampanchayat (Figure 1). The village visited was Darijangal (Colonypara) from 24 North Paraganas district of West Bengal which is about 65 km from the capital city of Kolkata. Darijangal covers an area of 127.9 sq km and has a population of 160128, with an approx number of 38000 houses. There are a total number of 5 islands and the major rivers which flow are Kalagachia, Bidyadhari and Raimangal and are in close proximity to the Sunderbans.

Figure 1: Location of Sandeshkhali Block-II


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*Source: the map has been prepared by Open Source Map (OSM) using Qantam GIS

Software

ODISHA: it is located in the north-eastern coast of India, a maritime state with immense potential in natural resources. It is located between 1749' N & 22 34' N latitude and 81 27 E' & 8729' E longitude. It covers an area of 156,000 km2 and has a total population of 36.7 million (2001 census). It is gifted with Asias largest brackish water lagoon, the Chilika; a 672 km2 extensive mangrove forest and wetland, the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary; and the worlds largest known nesting beaches of olive Ridley sea turtles, the Gahirmatha and the Rushikulya. It is pitiable that Odisha is also vulnerable to multiple disasters such as tropical cyclones, storm surges, recurrent floods and tsunamis. Extreme sea levels are major causes of concern for coastal flooding in this region. The study site chosen here were 2 villages namely Sarada and a coastal fishing village located at Konark beach namely Noliasahi; both forming part of Gop Block under Puri District (Figure 2). VILLAGE SARADA: It is a roadside village situated in the Gop Block. It is 5kms from the river Kushabhadra and 10kms away from the sea beach i.e, Bay of Bengal at Konark. The forest area is situated 4 km ahead along the road side towards Konark beach. The village is surrounded by cultivable land. The Gram Panchayat is about 2 km from the village at Banakhandi. It comprises of 300 houses with male-female ratio being 50:50 and approximately 1800 population, all come under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. VILLAGE NOLIASAHI: The village is situated on the sea coast at a distance of 2 kms from the Konark beach. The villagers mostly belong to the migrated population from Andhra Pradesh and Telengana (neighbouring State). Almost the entire village belongs to fisherman community. It is commonly known as Chandrabhaga- Noliasali and comes under Konark and Gop Block. Comprises of about 1350 families within 1-2 sq.km radius with a population of approximately 10000 having male-female ratio of 4.5 : 5.5.

Figure 2: Locations of village Sarada and Nolisahi


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*Source: the map has been prepared by Open Source Map (OSM) using Qantam GIS

Software

OBSERVATIONS

In this study, eight resilience elements were examined with respect to vulnerability and capacity assessment in order to identify the extent of resilience in the study villages which are as follows:

A) Governance: this refers to availability of some critical facilities in the villages. In Darijanagal, the houses are mostly kaccha- made of mud and surrounded by ponds and few concrete houses can be seen although, gradually the houses are being covered under the various government housing schemes. Concrete and earthen river embankment is constructed as a mitigation measure for protection against recurrent floods. There was a newly laid concrete road constructed which has enhanced the accessibility of the villagers with other parts of the area though, personally owned vehicles are almost nil and villagers depend on government and private owned buses and auto facilities for transportation. The villagers have limited utility facilities such as LPG etc, Mobile connections are very few and hence, lack good network coverage. The entire block has primary, schools and shishu kendras which serve mid may meals to the children. There is a higher secondary school (co-ed) which has a capacity for 2000 students. There are 2 Primary Health centres (PHC) at Korakati and Jeliakhali and 1 Sub-health centre (SHC). Provision of round the clock doctors is unavailable and lack basic health care services. Adequate drinking water facility is available through use of tube wells and taps. 8 Cyclone Shelters have been constructed under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project of the coastal blocks which are multi-purpose shelters handed over to Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelter Management and Maintenance Committee (MPCSMMC) by the department of disaster management, West Bengal. The name of the cyclone shelters denote that during normal time, these will be utilised for various community uses like community hall, social function hall, training centre, angan wadi centre etc apart from compulsory use as a school. There is absolute lack of toilets and sanitation provision in the villages and they dump the complete domestic wastes in nearby ponds/ open land which again adds to their community health risk. In Sarada, the houses are mostly kaccha-made of mud and few new concrete construction are coming up which the villagers feel will help them save from severe winds and future flooding. There is 1 school available up-to class VIII, 1 Womenscollege (konark) and 2 Anagwadi kendras. Although, 5 community ponds are available but the water is salty, so, for potable drinking water facility, 5 tube wells are the only sources as the water table is good with ground water level from 140-180ft. For availing government health facilities, there is a


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Community Health Care (CHC) at Gop which is about 5 to 6 KMs from this village. There are 3 to 4 MBBS doctors with specialization in paediatric and gynaecology, 4 to 5 staff nurses and 2 paramedic staffs are available. 1 PHC- 7 km distance at konark. There is a cement concrete road from National Highway to the village with 6 bridges available for better connectivity and it connects to multipurpose cyclone shelter which has a capacity to accommodate 700 persons. Utility facilities such as gas cylinders, electricity, TV and mobiles are good. Approximately 10% latrines are only available, bathroom facilities are totally absent. The village has a youth club named Hanuman Youth club. The youth members are helpful at the time of disasters for the purpose of generating awareness as well as in relief and rescue operations. Another Bhagawat tungi (community centre) is also there in the middle of the village which is used for the purpose of safety of the property and lives of villagers to some extent. It is also otherwise used for the purpose of solving village level conflicts, prayer/ meditation etc. Noliasahi is situated on the sea coast at a distance of less than 2 kms from the Konark beach. The villagers mostly belong to the migrated population from Andhra Pradesh and Telengana (neighbouring State) and live in huts made of bamboo and palm leaves. Almost the entire village consist of fisherman community. It is commonly known as Chandrabhaga- Noliasali and comes under Konark and Gop Block. Comprises of about 1350 families within 1-2 sq.km radius with a population of approximately 10000 having male-female ratio of 4.5 : 5.5. There is 1 school and 1 education centre which imparts vocational courses to the community. Potable drinking water supply is available through 12 tube wells. There is only one main concrete road which connects this village to the mainland, and, if this road gets blocked because of the any eventuality, the village will get disconnected from the rest of the district. Since, the village is in close proximity to the sea beach, it faces a continuous risk from tidal surge, sea erosion, salinity, cyclones and severe winds, epidemics and tsunami etc yet, there is only 1 multi-purpose cyclone shelter which has a capacity to accommodate 500-700 people during emergencies. The cyclone shelter is used as a temporary school during the lean seasons. B) Coastal Resource Management: In Dorijangal, few villagers have farmlands (about 5%) and strive on cultivation as their main source of income, and when the agriculture used to get affected by cyclones or floods, most villagers used to migrate to nearby towns and major cities for livelihood. But, now these villagers are turning their brackish ponds for fisheries purpose (90%) especially for prawn cultivation which generates good revenue. Cyclone Aila (2009) was a wake-up call for the villagers and they realised the importance of mangroves and have taken mangrove plantations (Figure 3) around the river embankments shoreline.

Figure 3: Mangrove Planatation in Darijangal


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In Noliasahi, sea is the only source of survival and income generation as most inhabitants in this village belong to the fishing community. They do posses adequate fishing skills, weave their own nets ( Figure 4) and have their own boats. Dry fish business is a big market for this village. Whereas, in Sarada, there is one common pond for the purpose of fresh water aquaculture. The village community is solely dependent on the government resources for other purposes. Also, there is no watershed scheme nor the villages have any forest owned land as an income generating source through cultivation of fruits and vegetables such as mango, guava, teak, coconut, banana plantation, mangrove belt etc. villagers use the limited land for agricultural purpose (mostly they grow paddy but if the fields get affected by flooding, winds then, pulses especially green and black gram are grown along with few green leafy vegetables as alternate crops) and during the lean period few run their petty business close to their settlements which are at high risks towards the vagaries of nature. Hence, many of them migrate to take up small businesses as their daily livelihood and many turn drivers in bigger cities. Villagers have never attempted dairy or poultry farming. The village has a rice boiling centre available and about 1% of the population works as daily wage workers. Few ongoing projects in the area are 1 dairy processing unit by milk-mood, 1 small scale industry on bag making. There is no van-sanrakhshan samiti available although, they have a forest development agency which is functional.

In all the three villages, there are many active groups functioning comprising of youth, NGOs, religious institutions, volunteer organizations, etc. whose potential and services can be tapped by both the State Government and Local Authorities to implement plans and projects related to adoption of conservation practices. Knowledge of indigenous groups can be tapped for preserving forestry and their inputs can be valuable for development of watershed, forestry, fishery and other livelihood management programs. C) Land Use and Structural Design: Effective land use and structural design must complement environmental, economic and community goals to reduce risks from hazards. In Dorijangal, it was observed that the land

Figure 4: Fishermen weaving nets in Noliasahi


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has multi-purpose usage. Besides growing paddy as the main crop, few vegetables and pulses are also grown in these fields and most of the ponds in an around the village area are converted into fishery ponds for fish and export quality prawn cultivation ( Figure 5). Most of the houses are thatched with straw, asbestos and tarpaulin and are unplanned and very near to the water bodies and river embankments. The villagers feel the need to install more domestic industries and pisci-culture so that the locals can earn better. Sarada is situated in low lying area and is quiet prone to flooding. The plain area is used mostly for agricultural purposes for harvesting khareef and rabi crops. Most of the houses are at a very low height thatched houses (> 500 are concreter constructions and < 850 are still mud houses) As compare to this, Noliasahi is situated in close proximity to the sea and hence, making it vulnerable to the furies of the sea. Villagers do not own landed property for cultivation and so, are solely dependent upon fishing for livelihood. Most houses have thatched roofs made of palm or asbestos and very few concrete constructions can be seen. Apart from fishing, a few number of local small grocery shops can be seen in the village. Sanitary conditions are extremely poor in both the villages with no drainage and waste disposal facilities putting the families at health risks. Further, the coast line does not have any protective walls, break waters, which could act as necessary cushion during emergency situations.

D) Society and Economy: It was found in the study that majority of the communities in Dorijangal, West Bengal and Noliashai, Odisha are completely dependent on fishing for their sustenance and lack skills and capabilities to shift occupation when fishing could not be practiced making them completely dependent on external assistance during emergencies. Every year, the onset of monsoon results in small to medium intensity cyclones which is a regular phenomenon leading to not only the deterioration of the sea resources, but also affects the livelihood security of the fishermen which adds to their already low financial status. In Dorijangal, Most men-folk from the villages migrate to neighbouring bigger towns and cities in search of better livelihood and job opportunities. Maximum population in the village consists of the schedule castes and tribes who do not have exposure to either formal education or others alternative skills for income generation other than fish farming. The younger generation is although; inclined and curious for formal education but due to financial instability they subsequently

Figure 5: Fish and Prawn cultivation in Darijangal


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discontinue their schools/colleges since they fall under the low income group.Fishery and paddy cultivation principal source of income. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA-2005) which aims at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of wage-employment in a financial year to rural households is their steady source of income. During cyclone Aila, villagers lost their livestocks and were not compensated well because of lack of awareness as well as lack of knowledge about insurance. Whereas, in Noliasahi, the literacy percentage is extremely low and mostly the fishing community lays emphasis on earning their daily livelihoods. Though, the younger generation feels the need to not only enhance their fishing techniques, but, they also are eager to learn other related livelihood options such as fish processing and drying, pickle making and better marketing of their catch. Only 1-2% of the population is engaged in owning small businesses or doing government of private jobs. Women participation in decision making is not encouraged much. Since, these are mostly migrants from neighboring states and are although, in a dilapidated state, the governments keenness to run schemes and projects for their upliftment is abysmal. As compared to both the other villages, in Sarada, the literacy percentage is about 30-50%, out of which, 10-20% of women are literate but they are all housewives and dependent on the male members of their family. Only 2 % of literate male members have government jobs. The village has about four persons with disability, few orphan, pregnant ladies and aged population. To encourage learning, the government provides free mid-day meals, uniforms, study material/books etc. Income generation is very low and mostly the community spends whatever is earned and no concept of savings practiced. Plans are on to raise the socio-economic status of this community through praudha sikhya (adult education) for the older groups and non-formal education to the younger age groups below 6 years through Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) projects. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are generally provided nourishment under various ICDS run projects. Some women led Self-Help Groups (SHG) are also functional in this village which are formed by opening of zero balance accounts in nearby banks. Under the supervision of the Agriculture officer, who provides the villagers with not only farming tools such as tractors, paddy cutters for farming but also impart skill in application of better farming practises especially related to seeds and use of manure to enhance crop production. E) Risk Knowledge: This deals with community awareness about hazards and vulnerable areas, at-risk populations and risk information to be utilized by practitioners. Darijangal is mostly affected by recurrent cyclones and flood seasons and the villagers have iinadequate knowledge of risks associated with these hazards. There was absolute lack of awareness amongst the villagers earlier on these aspects, but posts Aila cyclone experience, there was a shift in their thinking for better preparedness and have installed various mitigation measures for safety during cyclones and floods. Villagers have started re-bilding their houses, and tube wells with raised basements and platforms (Figure 6& 7). All their valuables and belongings, assets are being kept in water-proof covers for safety from getting destroyed. New earthen ring dams are being constructed at erosion prone zones and the already existing dams have been raised. It has been planned to provide various types of search and rescue equipments to members of the cyclone shelter committee and members of the Disaster Management Teams (DMT) of the

Figure 6: Raised basement of a new house in Darijangal


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villages will be imparted hands on training on search and rescue, first aid record keeping and shelter management skills.

Since Sarada village is located in a low lying area close to the Kushabhadra river, and Noliasahi is on the sea beach, heavy monsoon and high winds become a regular issue with the villagers. The villagers have seen detrimental impacts of the annual floods and cyclonic storms in the past affecting not only the lives, but, crops, domestic animals and harm to other flora and fauna. And, since they frequently encounter such furies of nature, they have a fairly good knowledge about these calamities. Village committees have been formed which takes the lead role during any crisis management situation and meet five/six times in a year during different occasions to take quick decisions on various safety measures. Sensitization is done through use of local folk forms and community is made aware about risk of the natural hazards by trained volunteers. The government also runs few training programmes on basic life saving techniques and search and rescue, skill enhancement etc. People living in close proximity to the riversides and embankments are kept under the directions of local leaders and government machinery towards which they are pretty receptive. During any crisis, old people, pregnant women and children are moved to safety. Livestock protection is given equal priority and taken under utmost care. Villagers are sensitized towards co-operating with NGOs, volunteers, youth club members and local leaders to become part of their post disaster management initiatives. In Sarada, some people have started constructing concrete houses (Figure 8) with the help of govt. resources like, Indira Awaas Yojna (IAY) and Biju kutir Yojana.

Figure 7: Raised platform of tube-well as a protective measure in Darijangal

Figure 8: Concrete construction in Sarada


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Overall, the survey otherwise revealed that in all the three villages there was lack of awareness regarding proper use of government schemes to avail subsidized loan which becomes a challenge as these villagers are not aware about compensation facility extended towards loss of life, livestock or assets during natural calamities provided by disaster management departments. All the three villages have strong Panchayat and local committee systems, but are not involved much in imparting training or capacity building initiatives for the villagers reiterating the importance of being well trained except in Sarada. For this, government can sponsor programmes related to formal and non-formal education which can be addressed through public information, education and multi-disciplinary professional training by targeting and coordinating such initiatives with local NGOs, Panchayat members, other CBOs who can play a major role in facilitating such work. F) Warning and Evacuation: Community must be capable of receiving notifications about impending hazards, warning at-risk populations and individuals acting on the alert through setting up of warning towers and centres, evacuation zones, routes and shelters. Having technology in place is important, but the dissemination of the same to those who need it the most for raising alarm and efficient evacuation to safe locations is a challenge. In Dorijangal, evacuation is locally managed with the help of local administration, NGOsand through use of mike. Pre-Aila phase, there was not much done in terms of having in a place a systematic warning system but, people received warnings for evacuation during the Cyclone hud-hud in 2014 and they are well aware about the newly constructed multi-purpose cyclone shelters (Figure 9) and other flood shelters although, they do not intend to leave their belongings and houses due to emotional attachments. In both Sarada and Nolisahi, the general practice of disseminating warnings about impending hazards is done via use of TV, radio, mobiles, loud speakers, print and electronic media by local administration, ward members and volunteers. The message is communicated through village mukhiya (head). Many times administration have to resort to forced evacuations under police and supervision of government officers by establishing rapport and faith with the community and moved to cyclone shelters (Figure 10& 11). Help is also extended by social, asha and aganwadi workers, local religious leaders, NGOs, public representatives, Panchayat members and few government officials. Immediate evacuation to safe locations especially to


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multi-purpose cyclone shelters is carried out. Villagers have been sensitized on preparing emergency kits and many villagers have such kits readily available with them. Road and forest routes are used to carry food supply and other amenities which become vulnerable during floods and cyclones.

G) Emergency Response:

Figure 9: Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelter at Darijangal

Figure 10: Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelter at Sarada

Figure 11: Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelter at Noliasahi


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These measures include establishing mechanisms and networks to respond quickly to hazards and address emergency needs at community level effectively. Common to all the three villages was the fact that villagers had a strong faith in their religious institutions and these religious centers played a crucial role in post disaster relief and psycho-social support. While in Darijangal, it was the responsibility on the local government and the private sector to work closely and generate awareness amongst the localities about hazards and disasters. Post any disaster, the rescue and relief is generally taken care by the Panchayat Raj Bodies and local NGOs and CBOs in supplying basic amenities such as drinking water, medicine, dry food & relief articles etc. As was seen during the hud-hud cyclone in 2014, most villagers were well aware about the locations of flood and newly constructed multi-purpose cyclone shelters, it comes across clearly that the community is in a state of readiness for prompt response to face disasters. In both Noliasahi and Sarada, the Multi-purpose Cyclone shelters are located close to the villages for easy access during emergency. The response and other preventive and protective measures in both the villages is initiated first by local volunteers, teachers, Asha and Anganwadi members and Gram Panchayat members immediately before the striking of any hazard to shift those affected to safe shelters. To and fro flow of the information to higher administrative level is made through these members for better assistance and management. There is provision of free kitchen in the cyclone shelters and are provided with dried rice, banana, sugar, candles, essential medicines, match box, biscuits, water pouches, bleaching powder and also for lactating mothers with milk pouches, milk powder etc along with adequate clothing and polythene sheets bamboos, ropes for raising extra shelters and making the community get a feel of honour-ship. For an effective response, it was observed that in Sarada especially, elderly persons along with youth and few volunteers also prepare and update their contingency plans during community meetings. H) Disaster Recovery: Once the basic relief support gets exhausted, the process of long term recovery (both reconstruction and rehabilitation) starts. The study villages are not self reliant yet, and so, during adverse situations are exclusively dependent on external aid. Although, most villagers were illiterate, they knew that livelihood trainings can help them learn new trades, develop business skills and help them re-establish after any disaster. Every house in Darijanagal got a grant of approx Rs. 25000 per household for retrofitting/reconstruction along with damage compensation post the Cyclone Aila in 2009. Further, the administration (village and block level) took up the initiatives for restoring the basic infrastructure gradually and also constructed road through the MGNREG scheme. Also, as has been mentioned earlier keeping in mind the strategy of build back better all new dwelling in this village has been built with higher basements as protective measure. No specific disaster risk management plan or response plan is available with the community and they depend upon the government functionaries for the same. Both Sarada and Noliasahi need a dispensary nearby and have also been advised to raise their common community fund to be utilized during such emergencies. The District Disaster Management Task Force does the damage and loss assessments post any eventuality under the supervision of the administrative officer of the village. The District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) is available with the district headquarters but its implementation is questionable. The DDMP is made for re-development and re-establishment of the community after taking inputs form local community leaders. Government had provided 25 kg of rice to each affected family in the past, monetary support


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for damaged property and for renovation of their houses. Villagers who had domestic animals were provided with fodder for their animals. Essential of delivery kits are provided to the pregnant women with clothes etc. Waving in bank loans and seeds are also provided to the marginal farmers who are mostly affected and feel hopeless. Government is now making community granary for children and pregnant women. Survival/family kits are prepared by many locals which contain biscuits, nuts, chhatua, basic medicines, basic first-aid, safe drinking water and some valuable records of landed property, bank documents and policy bonds. Disaster recovery calls for a holistic approach, and is incomplete if the psycho-social need of those affected is not catered too. It came out in discussion that most of the times, those who need such care and assistance are mostly referred to either psychologists ( and not counsellors) or general medicine practitioners who put these persons on medication which has seen to cause them harm than bring comfort. It once again corroborates the need to address the issue of psycho-social counselling to be made an integral part of all disaster management initiatives. SUGGESTIONS

Hazard mapping must be conducted for vulnerable areas and government must identify more safe locations for building multi-purpose cyclone and flood shelters in such areas

Ensure active participation by the communities in trainings on life saving and basic first-aid, encourage regular mock drills in the villages.

Strong need to run awareness campaigns regarding various welfare and developmental schemes/projects run by government/ private sector for the benefit of these villagers.

Need felt by community for more logistic support during emergencies like motor boats, life jackets, emergency lights etc.

District administration can use these study findings in their Disaster Management Plans and emphasize on integrating disaster management aspects into developmental planning.

Involve community led Self Help Groups, local clubs, NGOs towards restoration of mangrove forests and encourage conservation practices for other coastal resources.

Noliasahi has a great fishing potential which must be tapped and encouraged and the locals have been demanding the setting of a fish processing plant.

There is certainly a dearth of doctors and paramedic services in all the three villages, for this, the medical department should ensure lucrative measures for ensuring placements of doctors and staff in rural areas. The sub-health centers must be upgraded to Primary health centers. Besides, NGOs and youth can be encouraged to be attached to these medical practitioners and trained in life saving skills and medical-aid.

Generate funds for infrastructure development such as roads, communication and transport network, modify ambulance facilities and have provision of water ambulance etc.

Due to unemployment, many families migrate in search of other livelihood sources, hence, small scale industries must be encouraged. Also, alternate livelihood measures


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such as mushroom cultivation, vermi- compost, leaf plate making, coir manufacturing, oil and pulses processing unit, candle and agarbatti making units etc can be taught through continuous tailor made training along with tapping and promoting tourism potential.

Engineering solutions must be integrated in the mitigation strategies of the developmental plans for changing the housing pattern, improving the drainage and waste management systems, promote construction of tube-well on raised platforms, revamping of the warning systems in the risk zones.

Women participation must be ensured and encouraged in all decision making and developmental planning.

CONCLUSION Linkages between community development and coastal disaster management processes are needed to build resilience. These linkages need to be explicit and driven by community members themselves. But, again, sustaining interest and support to address risks from natural hazards is a significant challenge. For this, CCR assessment results can be used to develop local actions, enhance local, state level and national plans. Further, effective practices should be documented, evaluated, and shared with other communities. The CCR assessment results can be used to develop a public outreach program to help educate different audiences on what they can do to improve and maintain their resilience to natural hazards. ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The Author would like to extend appreciation towards Mr. Vikrant Singh for his support in developing the Maps for the study. REFERENCES 1. Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). 2000. Community Based Disaster Management, Trainers Guide (chapter 13). 2. Coastal vulnerability for Orissa State, East Coast of India by T. Srinivasa Kumar, R.S. Mahendra, Shailesh Nayak, K. Radhakrishnan and K. C. Sahu: Journal of coastal research, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA 3. How Resilient is your Coastal Community? A guide for evaluating coastal community resilience to tsunamis and other hazards; U.S. Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System Programme, Printed in Bangkok, Thailand; 2007, pp 10-164. 4. John R. Clark, Coastal Zone Management Handbook: Lewis Publishers, 1996; pp 1-35. 5. Vulnerability Atlas of India. 2006. Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council, Ministry of Housing & Poverty Alleviation, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

coastal community resilience: a field survey analysis of sandeshkhali-ii block, west bengal; sarada...

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