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DISASTER RESPONSE

Since we work along the coastal regions of Orissa, we have been involved in disaster preparedness of the community during cyclones, floods and other natural disasters.

Community Based Disaster preparedness program initiated to prepare the community for natural calamities.

Enhance capacity of the community for self reliance and self assertiveness through CBOs

Facilitate the interface of institutions of self- governance and the community to meet the challenges of disaster effectively

During the Super Cyclone 1999 in Orissa (the worst of its kind in the Country’s past) Unnayan had taken up extensive relief, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation programme in 6 disricts of the state which were worst affected. Besides immediate relief work, it took up challenges of reconstruction work such as constructing houses and buildings for villagers and institutions, repaired embankments and plantation programmes. 36 Micro Lift Irrigation Projects were installed which promoted community irrigation to the farmers land for cultivation. Micro Thrift and Credit program introduced among the members of the Pani panchayats(Water users’ association) and 400 SHGs had been promoted through which much rehabilitation were taken up through micro-enterprises, many groups income generating activities etc.

During the flood in 2001 Unnayan took up relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation works. Sand removed from the arable land of coastal villages of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur which was deposited during the flood through food for work. Community Based Disaster preparedness program were also taken up. Embankment of length 12 km constructed through collective action in the villages of Pokhariapada and Thailo of Ersama and Balikuda is providing protection to at-least 500 acres of land from water logging.

We have been working with 17,000 families in 21 panchayats in the districts of Balasore and Mayurbhanj during the 2007 Flood. This is being carried out by the ‘Subarnarekha Suraksha Sena’. (link to 5.7)