Reconstructing hearts and homes

Before rehabilitation plans are drawn up for the devastated villages of Kutch, the needs of the local people and the distinct geographic and climatic conditions of the area must be considered. But all this comes later. Of immediate concern is the provision of temporary shelter so that the people can settle down before they begin to plan their future, says architect P.K. DAS.

AFTER the recent earthquake in Kutch, thousands of people are now living in the open. The temperature during the day is 35' C and at night it is 8' C. A visual survey suggests that most houses are structurally unsafe. It will be months before reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes are implemented.

Arrangements for temporary shelter are the most important need. A quick assembly of emergency shelters, produced in large numbers, is immediately required. These structures must be earthquake resistant. They can be made of bamboo or steel and covered with reinforced mud and tarpaulin for insulation. They can be placed in individually or in clusters. The latter will encourage community dialogue which is important in the present situation. This proposal is, therefore, far more advanced in the social context. The installation of these emergency shelters may be organised by volunteers and social workers with the active participation of the local people. This will be the first step for a more meaningful dialogue for future housing and rehabilitation plans.

Agencies involved in relief work, including the Government, have provided community tents in towns and villages that are either better known or along the main routes. Villages in remote areas are yet to receive any help. Living in community tents for a long time can lead to social and psychological problems. It is necessary to quickly dismantle these large tents and provide individual family shelters instead. With families coming together, there will be a greater opportunity for meaningful dialogue and planning for the future.

Property losses have been immense. Most Kutch villages were fairly well built and pucca. So, clearing the debris is a colossal task requiring deployment of machinery and manpower. Even houses that have not collapsed are probably structurally unsafe and will have to be demolished and the debris removed before reconstruction is planned.

The time to do all this cannot be estimated at this point since the villages are spread over a vast area and are far from one another. There are also instances where entire villages and towns have to be relocated on new sites. This is necessary to overcome the complexity of reconstruction over existing foundations, plinths and the super-structure . Moreover, hundreds of bodies have been buried and cremated in these settlements. New sites will have to be planned and developed. New infrastructure and services will have to be provided simultaneously.

Due to this complex situation and a variety of conditions, a general or single model approach for reconstruction and rehabilitation cannot be thrust upon the people. As a matter of fact reconstruction attempts now being pushed by various governmental agencies and corporate sponsors should be checked. All the agencies should be persuaded to immediately provide temporary shelters as the first phase of the rehabilitation programme. The affected people have to settle down before they can begin to participate in and plan for reconstruction. Community participation is essential to build a new future while retaining the values of the past cultural, architectural and social ethos.

The district has a tradition of samaj seva, with several community-based organisations lending support to their respective communities in times of need. These institutions will play a vital role in reconstruction.

Quick solutions and predetermined notions about reconstruction and rehabilitation being promoted by various architects, planners, including agencies of the Government can be counter productive, increasing their tragedy and permanently damaging their social relationships and lifestyles.

What is required is a continuous dialogue with the affected people and their community organisations before professional agencies and promoters decide on plans, designs, materials and technology. These individuals and groups must visit the area and spend time in understanding the needs and aspirations of the local people. Needless to say, the distinct geographic and climatic conditions will influence design and decisions of construction.

We have to do away with the construction invasion experienced in Latur after the earthquake, which has resulted in building endless barricades and is in conflict with the lifestyle of the people. Reports say that,today, seven years after the earthquake, people do not use the houses in many reconstructed villages.

Kutch will experience many new and shocking developments. Land prices will go up as more people will prefer to build and live in low-rise buildings - perhaps ground and one upper storey. The Government should formulate a new land policy and regulate land price to enable the middle class and poor access to land. If land prices are not controlled, then many families who once had houses will be forced to live in shanties. Slums will become an integral part of the new townscape. The Government will also have to prepare regulations and guidelines for low-rise but high density housing to optimise land economy. This will have to be part of the reconstruction and rehabilitation plan.

New developments should largely be undertaken through individual and co-operative effort. This is unlike the present trends where the supply of housing is promoted by private business houses - builders and developers. User led developments will enable participation of more people which, in turn, will also promote better and safer conditions. This movement will have to be adequately backed by professionals who can disseminate knowledge and information about earthquake resistant construction and minimum structural standards.

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