COMMUNITY DISATER RESILIENCE IN CHENNAI PROJECT (CDRC)

Asha Nivas in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is working in urban disaster Risk Reduction Project at Thiruvalluvar Nagar and Gothamedu directly targeting 2300 households in two high risk communities in Chennai city. The goal of the programme is to ensure communities in urban slums of Chennai have increased resilience, recurrent hazards, (Floods, cyclone and heavy rains). CDRC involves vulnerable households, local leaders, government representatives and private sector stake holders in participatory risk reduction management and implementation initiatives. This project ensures solid waste management within the vulnerable communities and will address the issue of intensified flooding due to slogged drainage areas, improve income generation options and provide a cleaner environment for all residence of targeted communities. Detailed Information planning (DIP) trainings and MEAL workshops helped the staff to involve themselves in the project. The project started with initial survey and has identified 2329 vulnerable families living in different situations. At Thiruvalluvar Nagar, as entry point we have planned with the community to level two main roads by rubbish and in Godhamedu to facilitate more usage of toilets by repairing the doors of the toilet as entry point activity.

Geographic Information System (GIS)
Geographic Information System (GIS )mapping was identified in both the affected areas. This mapping helped the residence to be aware of the local shelters, affected places, vulnerable people , hazardous and low lying areas in the locality and find out easy ways to protect their lives and belongings through safe routes and safe shelters. Meetings were held to strengthen the existing community based organisation along with SHG’s, Youth, Child Parliament, Parents of Pre-school children and local leaders to introduce GIS map. After consultation with the local leaders and area representatives we have finalised 9 places ie, 6 places at Thiruvalluvar Nagar and 3 places at Gothamedu to display GIS map for the people to access more easily in the respective areas. Through awareness on GIS map for women, youth, children, parents and leaders all together 1680 people were benefitted in both areas.

Awareness Rally on Solid Waste Management:
Awareness rally on solid waste management was conducted at Thiruvalluvar Nagar with the children. Children carried the placards and raised the slogans on “My Waste, My Responsibility”, “Don’t throw the waste, waste should be put in the dustbins” , “Don’t use plastics and safeguard the environment”.

GIS Board Installation & Inauguration:
GIS map board was installed at Thiruvalluvar Nagar with the help of Ezhu Nagar Residence Welfare Association members. 6 boards were installed at Thiruvalluvar Nagar and 2 boards were installed at Gothamedu with the help of the local leaders.