Photo credit: RCE Srinagar

RCE Srinagar recently organised training on DRR preparedness in the flood-prone villages of Ahata and Reti hata of the Jarwal Block, Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh. Over 200 people including representatives of the Gram Panchayat, women, men and children participated in the training, with resource persons coming from the fields of DRR, Environmental Conservation, Water Sanitation & Hygiene, Livelihood Support and Entrepreneurship.

The day-long awareness programme focused on improving WASH and skill development, with sanitation, hygiene and accessibility to the villages being some of the concerns raised by the villagers. The relocation of 200 houses in the flood zone was also a primary concern raised by Gram Pradhan, who expressed the need to shift them to the flood-safe zone. Discussions were held with the Gram Panchayat, Gram Sabha members, and the villagers to prepare a road map for the future action plan to be taken up by CEE (Centre for Environment Education) in the area.

Through various activities, the team at CEE tried to raise awareness and educate local women on social and environmental issues as well as DRR preparedness. Women and children were educated on the use of toilets and hand washing at critical times. Livelihood options were also discussed, including embroidery, knitting and needle work, as well as opportunities for skill development and how boosting traditional knowledge can affect the livelihood options available, with fisheries, poultry, mushroom culture, and bee keeping identified for future interventions.