NGO to build quake-proof dwellings

While the need to construct earthquake-proof homes in the known quake prone zones of the country is still being debated in various circles in the aftermath of the Gujarat quake, a city-based non-governmental organisation has successfully developed low-cost technology to construct dwellings, which it claims would be quake-proof.

NGO Action India, headed by film star-turned-social activist Nafisa Ali, is currently negotiating with several other social organisations seeking funds to immediately start constructing quake-proof huts in the flattened villages of Bhuj area. Designed by renowned architect Anil Laul, several model huts and homes have already been fabricated in the foothills of Jaunpur village on the outskirts of the metropolis.

Action India is presently in the process of inviting representatives of several other organisations who are keen on helping the unfortunate earthquake victims to start the life afresh to have a look at these low-cost sample houses, so that they can be persuaded to sponsor the construction work. "Several parts of Gujarat were rocked by a devastating earthquake even in 1956. Seeing the magnitude of destruction in the recent earthquake, it is evident that we as a nation have not learnt our lessons.

"I strongly feel that there is need to rise above paying lip-service to the victims by doing something concrete for them," Nafisa Ali says. According to her, while the first phase of providing rescue and relief is over in Gujarat, it is now time to start the second phase of providing better shelters to people living in tents and under open skies, so that they can call these places their homes.

The models created by her organisation are basically of two types. Temporary homes, which are basically huts made by using wood, bamboo and mud, and permanent concrete homes using lightweight rise husk bricks in place of traditional bricks and stones, which are reinforced by iron rods welded together instead of being tied. A quakeproof and safe dwelling of permanent nature, Nafisa says, can be constructed for a small family for as low as Rs40,000.

Nafisa's Action India has already constructed some such temporary dwellings in Bhuj region, which she says has been widely appreciated both by the victims and the local authorities. According to her, since her organisation has perfected the technology, she would be happy transferring these to any organisation keen on acquiring the requisite know-how.

At the same time, Nafisa Ali's organisation is also ready to undertake construction job for such organisations, based both in India and abroad, particularly for those which have desire and money, but do not know how to help the victims. One such organisation, Care India, which is actively working in Gujarat, has already shown keenness to sponsor some of these construction projects and are presently in touch with Nafisa's Action India to finalise site, size and number of dwellings to be constructed in the rural areas of Bhuj on their behalf.