Environment & Disaster Response
The Sundarbans is a unique ecosystem formed by the confluence of three rivers flowing through India and Bangladesh. Mangroves, saltwater swamps, and a rich variety of flora and fauna add to its distinctive charm. However, local communities live under the constant threat of cyclones and other natural disasters.
Moreover, the boundaries between land and water are being continuously redefined. The increased burden of growing human population and the impact of climate change have made the Sundarbans even more fragile.

Sabuj Sangha has been associated with disaster relief related intervention in the region for decades now. However, the cyclone Aila (that hit the Indian coastline on May25th 2009) and its horrific aftermath strengthened the organisation's resolve to work on environment and disaster response issues in a more systematic manner.

Uday

Concern Worldwide and Sabuj Sangha collectively implemented an emergency response initiative entitled Uday from June to November2009. The objectives were improving food security at household level, facilitating access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation and providing safe temporary shelters. There was a special emphasis on reaching the people most vulnerable.

The cash for work component (fixed wages of Rs 100/day) was used to help individuals construct their own temporary shelters as well as build/strengthen community assets. Thus,
smaller link roads between villages were repaired, villages cleaned and ICDS centres were built. In Phase II, 3 local community based organisations took the lead. Local youth were involved as volunteers in both phases. There was an overall focus on working closely with communities and their representatives throughout.

The table below gives an overview of the Uday intervention.

Phase

Area of Intervention

Outputs Achieved

Phase I
June – Sept 2009

4 villages across 2 gram panchayats in Prathar Pratima block, South 24 Parganas district.
  • Provided most vulnerable families with income (cash) for 4839 work days.
  • 25 ponds were desalinated
  • Distributed water containers hygiene kits and other non-food items to 3322 families.
  • Distributed tarpaulins to 1974 families.
  • Built 1800 temporary shelters

Phase II
Sept – Nov 2009

3 villages in Sridhar Nagar gram panchayat, in Prathar Pratima block, South 24 Parganas district.
  • Distributed 2000 tarpaulins
  • Distributed 2000 mosquito nets and blankets

Key Activities

Immediate Emergency Response

In the wake of cyclone Aila, Sabuj Sangha set up temporary kitchens across ultiple locations in Pathar Pratima block, one of the worst hit areas in South 24 Parganas district. It provided various items of immediate use and also facilitated medical check ups. It coordinated with PRIs and other interested individuals and agencies for facilitating collection and distribution of relief materials and other related measures.

Sabuj Sangha also partnered with GOAL Ireland and collectively undertook relief initiatives in 5 villages. The key components included providing food and other items, cash for work, desalinating ponds and repairing hand pumps.

The table below shows an overview of the GOAL supported Aila relief initiatives.

No

Component

Output

1

Providing food items

Distributed to 1500 households

2

Providing non food items (clothes, mosquito nets etc)

Distributed to 1510 households

3

Cash for work

Provided most vulnerable families income (wages) for 9500 work days

4

Desalinating ponds

330 ponds covered

5

Repairing water sources

37 hand pumps

Reducing Vulnerability of Local Communities and Facilitating Early Recovery

An example of this is the Early Recovery Programme for Aila Affected People. Initiated in February 2010, this programme focuses on providing assistance in strengthen livelihood, food security and water and sanitation facilities. This programme is also supported by Concern Worldwide and helps reduce the vulnerability of local communities.

Creating awareness about Disaster Risk Reduction

Capacity building activities are conducted for local Village Disaster Management Committee members and other key stakeholders. School children are also educated on topics such as disaster risk reduction and climate change. Supporting PRI and other key stakeholders in planning and execution of

Disaster Management Initiatives

Disaster management plans are prepared collectively with the key stakeholders at the sansad (ward) level. These are consolidated at the Gram Panchayat level and subsequently shared at the block levels. Sabuj Sangha supports PRI and other key stakeholders in the planning and execution of these plans and acts as a facilitator in the entire process processes.

Promoting Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

There is an emphasis on creating greater awareness regarding sustainable use of natural resources. The focus on pond based farming which ensures appropriate use of water and land resources flows from this principle. The need to protect the forests and reduce indiscriminate felling of trees is also stressed. Increasingly, options like solar lighting are being explored to reduce dependence on wood as a source of fuel. Organic farming is also encouraged. Sabuj Sangha is also making efforts to promote use of traditional farming and irrigation methods that are suited to the specific conditions of the Sundarbans.