2 - Involvement of the Community in Reconstruction

The earthquake caused significant destruction in the village of Ludiya, particularly affecting essential amenities like electricity and schools. Out of the different types of houses, 'Bhungas' (traditional houses uniquely designed in the region) suffered minor damage. In contrast, 'Kaccha' and 'Pucca' houses (which refer to weatherproof and semi-permanent houses) experienced much higher levels of destruction, indicating the varying levels of resilience among building types in the face of natural disasters.

After the earthquake, the community engaged in a robust rebuilding process where a total of 235 houses were rebuilt. Each household received two traditional Bhungas, which are specifically designed to be more resilient to earthquakes and cyclones. This reconstruction effort was collaborative, involving local residents and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), which provided support and resources for the rebuilding process. Additionally, new houses came equipped with essential facilities like toilets and bathrooms, improving living standards.

In the reconstruction process, the community emphasized the importance of social ties by organizing themselves into neighborhood clusters. This approach not only fostered interaction among villagers but also reinforced their connections as extended families or clans. Together, they actively participated in the planning of a new village layout that everyone agreed upon, which helped create a more organized and socially cohesive community structure.

The total cost of reconstructing houses was significantly lower than expected, at only 56,000 Indian rupees per dwelling. Additionally, about 40% of these units were electrified, and telephone facilities were also introduced. The villagers' active participation in the reconstruction process ensured that the efforts were tailored to their specific needs while also managing costs effectively.

The reconstruction not only involved physical building but also included diverse community contributions. Members of the community were involved in the decision-making process and had a say in designing their houses. The financial aspect was collaborative, with contributions such as 2000 rupees provided by families and land donated by Muslims to lower-income Harijans in exchange for their labor, promoting inclusivity and sharing among community members.

As part of the rebuilding process, every household contributed labor, emphasizing the community's collective effort. They utilized local building materials that were readily available, such as sun-dried bricks, Khip straw, and branches from the babool tree. This not only reduced costs but also ensured that the buildings were compatible with local environmental conditions.

Women played an active role in the reconstruction efforts, contributing their efforts and skills to ensure successful rebuilding. The reconstruction led to significant satisfaction among residents, primarily due to the improved shelter and reliable water supply. The economic details highlight that one Bhunga cost approximately 22,000 rupees, and the total cost for each dwelling unit was about 55,000 rupees, reflecting the overall investment into community welfare.

The entire reconstruction project in Ludiya village was completed remarkably quickly, within seven months. This timeline reflects the efficiency and commitment of the community members who worked together to restore their homes and infrastructure during a challenging period.

The successful reconstruction relied heavily on local skills, labor, and materials, crafted into plans designed by the villagers themselves. The establishment of strong village-level organizations led to training programs and monitoring processes, resulting in construction that was not only cost-effective but also socially acceptable and resilient to earthquakes.