Disaster-hit villages to be transformed into model resilient communities
The nondescript villages of Sunani and Sheel in the Doon Assembly segment, ravaged by the 2023 monsoon, have been included under the Centrally-sponsored Adarsh Resilient Village Programme. This initiative aims to rehabilitate these disaster-stricken communities and rebuild their infrastructure.
The torrential rains that struck the region on August 15, 2023, caused significant destruction, damaging 70 houses and denuding 1.35 km of land. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted a study revealing that the region experienced record rainfall of 325 mm in July and 308 mm in August. On August 15 alone, the villages recorded 83.20 mm of rainfall, the season’s highest, leaving houses unfit for habitation and eroding arable land.
Geo-technical investigations confirmed that the friable rocks in the area contributed to the extensive damage. A detailed risk assessment and evaluation of the net safe bearing capacity of the soil provided a foundation for planning rehabilitation measures. The project incorporates rockfall protection techniques, including retaining walls for uphill slopes and flexible surface drainage systems, to enhance structural resilience.
The rehabilitation plan includes the construction of 11 cluster shelter units, each covering 36 sq m and featuring community amenities such as toilets, temples, and shared shelters. Educational facilities like schools and aanganwadi centers are being retrofitted, while sustainable initiatives such as biogas production and solar drying aim to reduce carbon emissions.
Additionally, 15 semi-permanent housing units with steel reinforcement are being developed. Designed by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), each unit includes two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a toilet within a 36 sq m area. Vivek Mahajan, SDM, Baddi, highlighted that these structures are tailored for disaster resilience.
On January 20, Dr N Kalaiselvi, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General of CSIR, performed the bhoomi pujan for the rehabilitation in Sunani. Doon MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary emphasised the state government’s swift relief efforts for the affected residents. He also said forest officials had been directed to expedite the issuance of no-objection certificates, as the rehabilitation area falls under their jurisdiction.
Dr Kalaiselvi stressed that the Model Resilient Village Project aims to address both immediate disaster recovery and long-term rural development. The initiative focuses on enhancing education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure to create sustainable and resilient communities.
The project is being implemented collaboratively by CSIR and the NGO Bal Raksha Bharat, with financial assistance from a prominent media organisation. Bal Raksha Bharat, known for its child welfare initiatives in 19 states, is playing a vital role in the rehabilitation.
CBRI Director Prof R Pradeep Kumar provided insights into the infrastructure development under the scheme. He highlighted plans for essential facilities such as roads, drinking water systems, sanitation, health centers, and community buildings in Sunani and Sheel.
This holistic approach to disaster risk reduction aims to transform these villages into model resilient communities, ensuring safety, sustainability and development for their inhabitants.
