3. Risk Mapping Exercise

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.

When the local government elevated the road, the intention was likely to prevent flooding. However, this decision inadvertently increased the risk for nearby houses. The elevated road causes water to flow towards the homes instead of away from them, making these houses more vulnerable to flooding. This highlights an important aspect of urban planning: changes in infrastructure can have unintended consequences.

Imagine if you are at a picnic on a sloped hill with a group of friends and it starts to rain. If someone builds a barrier at the top of the hill to keep water from running down, they might think it’s helping. But if the hill slopes toward a tent below, all the water will flow straight into it instead. This visualizes how well-intentioned changes can create problems.

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.

Encroachment refers to people building on land that is not legally theirs, in this case along the Mithi River. This can lead to significant environmental and safety hazards, as the natural flow of the river can be obstructed and flooding can be exacerbated. Municipal authorities have attempted to address this issue by demolishing illegal structures, but ongoing encroachment shows that it's a continuous challenge.

Think of a crowded beach where people start building sandcastles too close to the water's edge. If everyone builds their castles in the same spot, it not only takes away the beach for everyone else but also risks the castles being washed away by the next tide. Similarly, illegal constructions along a river can disrupt natural water flow and harm the environment.

What we found that in 1980 it was a mangrove area totally on Mithi river... it was actually a mangrove area.

The history of land use shows a dramatic transformation of the area. In 1980, it was a mangrove habitat that played a crucial role in flood protection and maintaining ecological balance. Over the years, human activities have turned this natural area into urban settlements, leading to increased risks of flooding and environmental degradation. Understanding these changes is essential for effective risk mapping and planning.

Imagine a thriving forest that slowly gets cut down to make space for houses and roads. At first, it might seem like progress, but eventually, the loss of trees can lead to soil erosion and worse flooding in the area, just like how the loss of mangroves increases the risk of flooding in the community.

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...

In 2005, certain areas near the Mithi River experienced severe flooding, with water levels reaching up to ten feet. This illustrates the extent of the flooding risk the community faces, especially for homes that are situated closer to the river. Understanding past flooding events is key for residents and authorities to prepare and mitigate future risks.

Think of filling a bathtub with too much water. If you overfill it, the water spills over and creates a mess. Similarly, when there’s excessive rain and the river overflows, the surrounding areas can get flooded, impacting the homes and people living near the banks.

In waterlogging, they were facing annual waterlogging in these series...

The community faces annual waterlogging, where water remains stagnant in their homes for several hours. This persistent issue highlights the infrastructural challenges that need to be addressed to improve the living conditions in the area. Frequent waterlogging not only creates discomfort but also damages properties and poses health risks.

Consider a sponge that is regularly soaked in water but never dried out. Over time, it becomes more fragile and eventually breaks down. Similarly, homes facing regular waterlogging deteriorate due to constant exposure to water, leading to significant damage and loss of belongings.

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...

The exercise emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the risk mapping process. Participants shared feedback on how the project aligned with their needs, emphasizing that mere access to information isn't sufficient. They stressed the need for actionable plans that they can implement, which encourages greater engagement in the process going forward.

Imagine a team project in school where everyone is asked to contribute. If some students only get information about the project but aren't allowed to propose ideas or solutions, they might feel disengaged. But if everyone can contribute their thoughts and see their ideas put into action, the team is more driven to succeed.

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

As the project evolved, an action plan was created focusing on both short-term responses and long-term rehabilitation strategies. This plan aimed to empower the community with tasks they could handle themselves as well as identify what external help they might need. This proactive approach is crucial for effective disaster management.

Think of preparing a travel plan for a vacation. You would list out what you need to do before you leave, like booking flights, packing bags, and even what to do in case of an emergency. In the same way, creating an action plan for recovery helps communities know exactly what steps to take when faced with floods.

Finally you can see that they also develop many community committees like Core action community...

The formation of community committees is an essential step towards fostering local leadership in response to risks. These committees enable residents to collaborate, share information, and coordinate with external organizations for assistance. This kind of grassroots organization enhances resilience within the community.

Think of a neighborhood watch program where residents come together to keep their area safe. When a community bands together to address issues and support one another, they become stronger and better equipped to handle challenges, just like how the community committees enhance resilience against floods.

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