Study of the conditions of a variety of the earthquake - hit villages in Garhwal: Months after disaster with observations and recommendations

Time and again, it has-been emphasized that pattern of demand for S & T knowledge base should orchestrate and fulfill the requirements for acceleration of rural development in general and any specific challenge in particular. And it was with this view that a team consisting of the famous architect Shri Laurie Baker, Shri T.R. Chandra Dath, COSTFORD, Trissur, Dr. Anil P. Joshi, HESCO, Kotdwara and Shri A.K. Sharma, DST was sent by DST for visiting quake-hit villages in Uttarkashi and Tehri / Garhwal region. It was really surprising to note that conditions have not changed even after three months of the tragedy. The report from the team also suggests that the construction techniques and materials have also not changed for decades. Damage range of 30-50% is crucial and it is obvious that people there are a confused lot. It will take little longer for them to come out of trauma, tension and mental agony. The task of repair/rebuilding is important for salvation. Simultaneously, it is also pertinent that carefully selected short and long term strategies with clear cut S& T interventions are needed e.g. bonding techniques, use of buttress, proper shape and size of stone, incorporation of improved plans fitted to traditions and culture, better masonry and carpentry skills with suitable demonstrations. No less important is introduction of water harvesting/storage system, sanitary toilets, and energy efficient stove etc. for demonstrating the potential of S&T capabilities. But all this will be based on accessibility, affordability and appropriateness for ensuring solutions to existing problems. Combination of whole host of activities including the activities for self employment, income generation through by-product formation; value addition etc. can deliver goods. Therefore, considering the prevailing socio-economic milieu where the role, importance and effectiveness of S& T inputs as well as the direct financial inputs in making available alternative choices in the form of new technologies, physical assets, improved productivity of existing assets for economic contours are not a dilemma anymore and should be strived of at all costs. Viewing against this background, this report is very exciting and stimulating. It has opened vistas for S&T interventions in hitherto unattended hill areas of Garhwal. The report is yet another marvelous piece of work from the great architect.