Identifying the need for actionable plans - 3.2 | 3. Vulnerability of houses due to road elevation | Disaster Preparedness &Planning - Vol 3
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Understanding Vulnerabilities in Housing

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Good day, class! Today, we're delving into how urban planning affects housing vulnerability, specifically regarding flood risks. Can someone tell me how elevation of roads can be a double-edged sword?

Student 1
Student 1

It makes the roads safer but can cause water to gather near houses.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! That increase in water vulnerability highlights the complexity we face. Remember, planning needs to consider both infrastructure and community safety. Let's note that down: 'Road elevation impacts water flow.'

Student 2
Student 2

And what happens to the houses as a result?

Teacher
Teacher

Homes closer to elevated roads may find water running toward them more easily. Think 'flow in, less out.' Now, can anyone describe the issues with encroachment of the Mithi River?

Student 3
Student 3

Encroachment can lead to more flooding because it damages natural barriers.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Protecting our natural barriers is crucial in flood management. Let's keep this discussion going by moving into community assessment now.

The Importance of Actionable Plans

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

In our previous session, we discussed vulnerabilities. Now, let's explore how communities respond to these challenges with actionable plans. Why do you think having a plan is essential?

Student 1
Student 1

It helps people prepare better for emergencies!

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, a solid plan means proactive measures rather than reactive ones. Based on community feedback, what was mainly missing from earlier risk mapping exercises?

Student 3
Student 3

They wanted actionable improvements, not just information.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! We learned that information alone isn't enough. This takes us to the actionable items developed for evacuation, rescue, and rehabilitation. Can someone name a few?

Student 2
Student 2

Gathering volunteers for rescue operations and preparing emergency service contacts are essential actions.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent points! Those steps will empower the community and ensure they’re ready for emergencies. Let’s close this session by emphasizing the phrase: 'Plan, Act, Prepare.'

Community Involvement

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re discussing how community involvement becomes a game-changer in managing flood risks. Why is having a community committee beneficial?

Student 4
Student 4

They can address specific local problems and mobilize resources effectively.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely, they're the frontline of response! Let’s remember that community engagement generates ownership. What do we mean by ownership in this context?

Student 1
Student 1

It means that the community feels responsible for both the problem and the solution.

Student 2
Student 2

They provide resources and expertise to bolster community efforts.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Collaboration paves the way for comprehensive flood management. Keep this in mind: 'Together We Stand Strong.'

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section discusses the necessity for actionable plans to address community vulnerabilities highlighted through participatory exercises and flood impact assessments.

Standard

In this section, the discussion centers around the vulnerabilities in local housing structures that have been exacerbated by flood risks and urban developments. The community’s need for actionable plans emerges as citizens express the significance of transitioning from information gathering to practical improvements and initiatives, fostering a participatory approach for effective flood response and community resilience.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

The section highlights significant issues regarding housing vulnerabilities caused by floods and urban developments like road elevation, leading to increased risks. It emphasizes that local government actions, such as demolishing encroachments along the Mithi River, have not completely addressed community concerns, especially as new constructions arise. The historical transition from a mangrove area in the 1980s to densely populated settlements illustrates growing environmental challenges.

Community feedback from participatory risk mapping exercises suggests that while participants experienced engagement, they felt a lack of actionable outcomes. They expressed that mere information was insufficient; they required clear, actionable plans to mitigate risks, promote reconstruction, and guide rehabilitation efforts. This sentiment led to the creation of an action plan focusing on community-led initiatives and collaborations with external agencies. Among the proposed actions are rescue operations, disaster preparedness, and rehabilitation strategies, all aimed at strengthening community resilience against future flooding.

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Community Concerns Before the Flood

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Another one is that before the flood, it was a house and it was like that, then the local government started to elevate the road okay simply elevated the road year after year. But as a result what happened they can see that it makes the houses more vulnerable water can easily come to house and it is really risky for them.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk discusses how elevating the road by the local government, while intended to improve infrastructure, unintentionally made nearby houses more vulnerable to flooding. When the road is elevated, it can change the natural flow of water, leading to increased risks for homes in the vicinity.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a neighborhood where a highway is built that is much higher than the surrounding houses. When it rains heavily, the water can pool near the houses instead of flowing away, much like how the elevated road has affected the houses. This shows that sometimes, attempting to fix one problem can create new challenges.

Encroachment on Mithi River

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There is also an encroachment by on Mithi river some people are encroaching, this is a Mithi river you can see that new constructions arouse. So municipal authority actually demolished these places recently, but again new constructions are coming.

Detailed Explanation

This part highlights the issue of encroachment along the Mithi River. People are building structures in areas that could be prone to flooding. Even though local authorities have taken action to demolish some of these encroachments, new constructions continue to appear, indicating a persistent problem with illegal building practices.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a beach where people start building houses too close to the water. Every time a storm hits, some houses get washed away, but as soon as the storm passes, new houses pop up in the same risky places again. This cycle represents the ongoing encroachment on the riverbanks.

Community's Past Settlement Changes

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What we found that in 1980 it was a mangrove area totally on Mithi river, that is the road, and this is the Dharavi area, but it was actually a mangrove areas. In 1990 in the early 1990s or late 1980s some settlements have come especially the construction workers they started to build temporary houses.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk discusses the transition of the area from a natural mangrove habitat in 1980 to a space with human settlements in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It shows how urbanization can transform landscapes and emphasizes the shift from ecological balance to human habitation, often without regard for environmental sustainability.

Examples & Analogies

Consider an untouched forest that slowly gets cleared for houses. Over time, the once vibrant ecosystem becomes a neighborhood. This change can lead to loss of biodiversity and increased flood risk because natural protections like mangroves are removed.

Impact of Floods on Local Houses

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The flood level in 2005 and these areas, the red mark areas close to the Mithi river, these areas were around six to ten feet of water, six to ten feet that is more than a human height okay and also they had two to five feet in most of the parts and close to the road they were not much suffered, only one feet of water.

Detailed Explanation

This segment explains the severity of the flooding that occurred in 2005, with some areas experiencing water levels up to ten feet. The degree of flooding varied with proximity to the river and road, highlighting how different locations within the same community could experience vastly different flood impacts.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a bathtub that overflows when too much water is added. The water level represents the flood heights, while areas near the drain (like the road) stay relatively dry compared to those at the far end. This illustrates how location can greatly affect flood experiences.

Community Engagement in Risk Mapping

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So after we finish this exercise of connecting many more mappings and all we ask people that hey please mark us that what how you involved into this project of risk mapping, was it successful or not. So most of the cases we did very well like early engagement, representation of just stakeholder, continuity engagements clear and agreed object.

Detailed Explanation

In this part, the community's feedback on their involvement in a risk mapping project is discussed. Successful elements included early engagement and clear goals. This indicates the importance of community involvement in disaster preparedness and response planning.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a group project in school. When everyone has a chance to give input early in the project, the final result is usually better because all ideas are considered. This emphasizes collaborative effort.

Desire for Actionable Plans

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So they said to us that okay these parameters are fine but what did you really think that this exercise did not include. So they said to us that information is fine but a participatory approach is meaningful, our participation is meaningful only when apart from information you go beyond that you can tell us that what we can do some plan actionable plan.

Detailed Explanation

Residents expressed that while gathering information is helpful, they require actionable plans they can follow. They emphasized the importance of having a practical framework to change their situation, indicating a desire for more than just theoretical knowledge.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a recipe for a dish. Simply knowing the ingredients is not enough; you also need instructions on how to cook it. Similarly, communities want concrete steps to address their challenges, not just data.

Development of Action Plans

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We started to develop an action plan for reconstruction, and rehabilitation, response, and relief of this area.

Detailed Explanation

This section outlines the initiation of a concrete action plan focused on reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Addressing the community's needs, this plan aims to foster resilience against future risks and improve emergency response strategies.

Examples & Analogies

Think of preparing a safety kit for hurricane season. A well-thought-out plan helps ensure safety and preparedness so when the storm comes, everyone knows what to do. This action plan exemplifies similar preparedness at the community level.

Identifying Rescue Operations

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We actually listed down the actions for rescue operations. What they can do without external help and what they can do with the external help and these are some of the tasks representing that who will do what kind of task.

Detailed Explanation

The plan outlines specific actions for rescue operations, distinguishing between those that can be performed independently by the community and those needing assistance. This promotes self-reliance while also acknowledging external support.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a sports team during a game. Players know their positions and how to support one another while also relying on coaches for strategy and adjustments. Similarly, the community can act and also seek guidance to enhance their efforts.

Formation of Community Committees

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Finally you can see that they also develop many community committees like Core action community, Chawl committees, Community volunteers also they want help from Municipal Corporations, Civil Defence, NGOs and from the researchers and Academic Institutes.

Detailed Explanation

In this final part, we see the establishment of various community committees designed to foster collaboration among local residents and external agencies. This collective approach aims to maximize resources and support for addressing flood-related challenges.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a neighborhood school where parents form committees to support teachers and improve quality of education. By working together, they can advocate for better resources and create a better learning environment. In the same way, community committees can advance efforts to improve safety and preparedness.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Flood Vulnerability: Understanding how urban planning can exacerbate flooding risks.

  • Community Engagement: The importance of involving local populations in resilience planning.

  • Actionable Plans: Strategies that move beyond theoretical knowledge to practical applications.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • An example of flood vulnerability is when higher roads cause water to flow towards lower surrounding homes during heavy rain, resulting in property damage.

  • The establishment of community committees facilitates local resource mobilization in response to flooding.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • When floodwaters rise, act wise and prepare for surprise.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a town that never prepared for rains; they see the waters rise and face endless pains. Then they came together, a well-thought-out plan was made, and their homes were safe the floods wouldn’t invade.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'PARE' for flood readiness: Prepare, Act, Respond, Engage.

🎯 Super Acronyms

F-L-O-O-D

  • Find resources
  • Lead initiatives
  • Organize actions
  • Open communications
  • Develop plans.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Vulnerability

    Definition:

    The quality of being exposed to the possibility of being harmed, either physically or socially.

  • Term: Encroachment

    Definition:

    Intrusion on a person's territory, rights, or property, especially concerning natural habitats.

  • Term: Actionable plans

    Definition:

    Concrete, practical strategies to address identified risks or improvements.

  • Term: Flood management

    Definition:

    Strategies and practices aimed at reducing the impact of flooding.