3.1. Conversion of Residential Areas to Commercial

Here is a transcript of our discussions with the community we develop the map first and then we put the data into it. And here is the level of people different kind of stakeholders starting from our GCOE that is global centre of excellence, human security engineering of Kyoto university team and Local community members and municipal corporations Greater Mumbai especially the involvement of the G-North wards, like we help them in mapping and I say, we also work as the surveyors, and explaining and introducing community the role and objective of the survey.

In this section, we discuss the involvement of various stakeholders in the mapping process. The Global Centre of Excellence (GCOE) and the local community collaborated to create a map highlighting the area's characteristics. The mapping process included gathering data from local community members and municipal corporations, particularly focusing on the G-North wards in Greater Mumbai. The role of the surveyors was emphasized, as they worked closely with the community to explain the purpose and objectives of the survey. This collaboration was essential for accurate data collection.

Think of a group project in school where students have different skills and knowledge. When everyone contributes their expertise, like one student who excels at drawing and another who loves research, the final project is much richer and more complete. Similarly, the community members and experts like those from the GCOE combined their skills to create a detailed map, ensuring all significant features were taken into account.

Local community was the key Informant one of the main actor in this process and MCGM or Municipal Corporations also helped us providing logistics support, helping in building rapport with the people, facilitative say religious and political organizations.

The local community played a vital role as informants and active participants in the mapping process. They were crucial for providing information based on their lived experiences. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) assisted by offering logistical support, which included connecting with local organizations. This partnership helped in creating trust and facilitating the cooperation necessary for effective data collection.

Think of a town fair where local volunteers help organize events. Without the community's involvement, the fair might not be as successful, as locals know the best ways to reach out to their friends and families and can share their ideas. Similarly, the local community's participation in the mapping project ensured that crucial insights and relationships were valued and included.

We collected a lot of data there starting from land-use data, residential, commercial, public, playground, infrastructure what are the infrastructures are there, Doctors clinic, community toilet, community taps, school.

The data collected during the mapping process included various land-use types such as residential, commercial, and public spaces, along with important infrastructural elements. This includes facilities like doctor clinics, community toilets, community taps, and schools. Collecting this information was vital in understanding how the areas were being used and how they might be affected by the transition from residential to commercial usage.

Imagine planning a new neighborhood. To ensure it's a good fit for families, planners gather information about where shopping centers, schools, and parks are located. This way, they can build homes that are conveniently near essential services. Similarly, the data gathered was crucial for understanding the community's needs as it faced the changes in land use.

Hazard parameters we considered, flood duration, water level during the flood, areas frequently affected, building height, building materials, building conditions, plinth level these all we collected.

The mapping process took into consideration several hazard parameters related to flooding, including how long floods lasted, water levels during flood events, and which areas were most frequently affected. Additionally, the characteristics of buildings, such as their height, materials, and overall condition, as well as the plinth level—how high the building's foundation is above ground—were recorded. This information is crucial for assessing the risk associated with converting residential areas to commercial usages, especially in flood-prone areas.

Think about a winter health check-up where a doctor assesses a patient's risks for flu or other diseases. They consider factors like the patient's health history, environment, and genetic background. Similarly, mapping these parameters helped identify potential risks associated with flooding so that planners could make informed decisions about land use.

Now here are some of the facts that in 2006 after 2006 lot of residential areas this is actually a road this is one of the fraction of the Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, many are transferred into commercial areas.

Following 2006, a notable transition occurred in many residential areas, shifting them into commercial zones. This change was particularly evident in areas like Rajiv Gandhi Nagar. The rising demand for commercial spaces led to the conversion, which has significant implications for the community and infrastructure, such as increased traffic and a rise in commercial activity in previously quiet residential neighborhoods.

Consider a quiet neighborhood that suddenly transforms after a new grocery store opens. That store attracts more businesses, and soon the area becomes bustling with traffic and activity that was previously unfamiliar. Likewise, the conversion of residential areas into commercial ones brought about changes that affected everyday life for the community.

People started to build G+1 structure in though this is not allowed, but community allowed that community reported that many people are now constructing G+1 structure in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar okay.

Despite regulations, residents began constructing G+1 buildings, which are essentially buildings with one ground floor and one upper floor. This practice emerged in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar where the community largely accepted these constructions. This trend indicates a shift in the original planning regulations and raises concerns about safety, infrastructure, and urban planning compliance.

Imagine a school where teachers have strict rules about recess time, but students start playing during class. Over time, the administration turns a blind eye, and soon recess becomes part of daily life, albeit not officially recognized. In the same way, the unauthorized constructions reflected changing community norms and challenges to existing rules.

And it could be pucca or semi pucca concrete structure, their infrastructures were not grooved, you can see the drainage quality here.

The structures being built in the area were either pucca (permanent) or semi-pucca (partially permanent) concrete buildings. However, the infrastructure, particularly drainage systems, was inadequate. Poor drainage could lead to flooding, especially during heavy rains, creating challenges for residents and businesses alike and pointing to the need for improved urban planning.

Think of a street with lots of potholes where water collects during the rain, causing issues for cars and pedestrians. If city planners don’t fix the street before building new houses, the problems only get worse. Similarly, the lack of effective drainage in the newly commercialized area could lead to flooding and safety hazards.

Also the electricity supply; it can easily electrified, and current can kill people during emergency or flood inundations.

The concern regarding the electricity supply in these areas cannot be understated. With the prevalence of flooding, there is a heightened risk of electrical hazards, as water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. If proper precautions are not taken, it could result in severe consequences, including loss of life.

Consider a storm where downed power lines create a dangerous situation for residents. Without careful planning, someone could easily get hurt. The same logic applies here: ensuring safe electricity supply in flood-prone areas is critical to protecting lives and property.

Access roads are very narrow; you cannot evacuate, two people cannot pass easily from this one.

Many access roads in the area are very narrow, making evacuation difficult during emergencies like flooding. This situation can pose serious risks, as the limited space prevents quick movement and increases the likelihood of people becoming trapped in dangerous situations.

Imagine being at a concert where the exit is a single narrow hallway. If an emergency occurs, only a few people can leave at a time, leading to chaos and potential injuries. Similarly, narrow access roads can create obstacles during a real emergency when every second counts.

And the roads are zig-zagged, so when these roads are filled by water and then during the flood or inundations that you cannot step in we do not know where you are putting your leg okay.

The design of the roads, which are often zig-zagged and not straight, complicates emergency response during floods. When these areas are inundated, it becomes problematic to navigate safely as people cannot see the ground or predict where the hazards are, increasing the risks during emergencies.

Think of navigating a maze that is flooded with water. If you can't see where the path leads or where dangers might be, you’re at risk of getting lost or hurt. The same unsafe navigation challenges exist with zig-zagged roads during floods, complicating evacuations and emergency access.

So in 2005 it was a Mithi river, and this is the road, and the flood came like this okay gradually and then it was around 8. So people could not evacuate during 2005 one reason that there was no designated place there was no early warning and the head of the household was not at house...

In 2005, during the flooding caused by the Mithi river, people faced severe challenges evacuating due to various reasons. There were no designated safe places for evacuation, and families lacked early warning systems to alert them of the approaching danger. The absence of household leadership at crucial moments further complicated the evacuation process, contributing to the community's struggles during the flood.

Think of a fire drill at school. If students don’t know where to go or if teachers are not present to lead them, chaos can erupt. Similarly, without clear evacuation plans and leaders, community members were left perplexed and vulnerable during the flooding crisis.

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