1.2. Role of Local Community as Informants

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 plays a crucial role in gathering information and providing insights for the project. They are considered key informants as their experiences and knowledge about the area help shape the understanding of local issues. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) lends logistical support by establishing connections between the project team and the community. This support includes engaging with local religious and political organizations, which can assist in building trust and facilitating communication.

Imagine a new restaurant opening in a neighborhood. The owners might want to know what the locals prefer, their dining habits, or even what they find lacking in the area. To gather this information, the restaurant owners would talk to the locals, who, as regulars, can provide valuable insights. Just like the restaurant needs community input to thrive, the project relies on the community's knowledge to address local issues effectively.

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.

Data collection is a fundamental step in understanding the needs of the community and assessing the local infrastructure. The team gathered various types of data, including both land-use data, which represents how land is utilized (for example, whether it's residential, commercial, or public), and specific infrastructure details such as healthcare facilities, community toilets, taps, and schools. This comprehensive data helps in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the area.

Think of a community survey as a school report card. Just as a report card provides insights into a student's strengths and weaknesses (like their grades in math vs. science), the data collected gives a clear picture of what a community has (like doctors' clinics and schools) and what it might lack. This information is essential for planning improvements and ensuring everyone's needs are met.

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.

In addition to land-use data, the team also focused on 'hazard parameters' which are critical for assessing risks in the community, particularly in relation to flooding. Factors such as flood duration, water levels, frequently affected areas, as well as attributes of buildings including their height, materials, and overall conditions were collected. This information is vital to understanding how vulnerable the community is to flooding and can guide strategies for risk mitigation.

Consider a city planner preparing for potential floods, much like a homeowner who inspects their property before a storm. The planner gathers information on how high floodwaters might rise and what buildings are closest to these areas, while the homeowner checks their basement for water leaks and ensures their drains are clear. Both are taking preventive measures based on understanding potential hazards to avoid damage and ensure safety.

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.

Significant changes occurred in the community's land use after 2006, where many residential areas began to convert into commercial spaces. This shift indicates a transformation in the community's socioeconomic dynamics, highlighting the need for updated planning and resource allocation. Understanding these changes is essential in recognizing how the needs and priorities of the community have evolved and what implications these transformations hold for residents.

Think of a neighborhood that used to be predominantly quiet and residential, but over time, new shops and businesses started taking over houses. This is similar to how a calm lake can develop bustling activities as more people decide to open cafes or stores around it. The community must adapt to these changes, considering how more traffic and different services impact their daily lives.

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 against constructing G+1 structures (which are buildings with one ground floor and one additional floor), many residents in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar have begun doing so. This signifies a broader issue of enforcement and compliance with local building codes, reflecting community dynamics where residents might prioritize immediate housing needs over regulations. Such practices can raise safety concerns, especially in the context of emergencies or natural disasters.

It’s akin to a family deciding to build a treehouse in their backyard, even if local guidelines say treehouses should only be one level. They might feel they need more space and create two levels anyway. While it seems practical for their family, this choice could risk penalties from local authorities or safety issues, especially if the treehouse starts to lean or doesn’t have proper support.

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 infrastructure, particularly roads, poses challenges during emergencies like floods. The zig-zagging design of the roads can create difficulties for evacuation, especially when water fills these pathways. This situation underscores the need for improved urban planning that considers not only the layout but also safety during crisis situations, allowing for better navigability during floods.

Imagine trying to navigate a maze when it’s completely dark; it's hard to find your way out quickly. In a similar way, when floodwaters obscure zig-zagged road designs, people find it very challenging and dangerous to evacuate to safety, emphasizing the importance of clear and safe paths in emergencies.

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.

During the flooding events, such as the one that occurred in 2005 with the Mithi River, many residents were unable to evacuate due to a combination of factors including the flood's sudden onset and the lack of prepared evacuation plans. Insights into community dynamics, like the absence of leaders or communication about safe areas to evacuate to, highlight the importance of having structured emergency plans in place.

Think of a fire drill at school. When students know the plan, they can leave the buildings quickly and safely when there's an actual emergency. But if there's no fire drill or clear plan in place, panic can set in, and students may not know where to go. Similarly, without a plan during a flood, residents can find themselves confused and unable to reach safety in time.

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