Risk Returns

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This is an example of mainstreaming DRR in a recov-

ery project. The project also shows the importance of

keeping in mind a bigger picture. The aim of protecting

WASH services is to ensure users have the minimum

services required to survive and thrive, so the focus

should be on users rather than the services themselves.

Even though attention to WASH is vital, in any action

the links with other sectors (such as shelter, food secu-

rity, energy or health services) have to be considered

and priority given to the sectors that can maximize the

positive impacts on a society. In the project in India,

shelter, livelihoods and WASH were combined.

When looking at disaster risk, WASH services have to be

considered as part of the larger picture, a picture that looks

at the functioning and resilience of society as a whole.

There is space for the integration of DRR in WASH

in emergency response and early recovery as well as in

development interventions.

In emergencies, DRR will be limited in scope. In

relief, the focus will be on critical services, ensur-

ing users have access to enough safe water for their

survival needs. As such, DRR actions will be limited

to essential elements (safe location of emergency

systems, or ensuring sufficient stock and safe storage

of water treatment chemicals). The timescale consid-

ered will be narrow, ranging from hours to weeks.

Integration with other sectors and cross-cutting issues

will be more limited.

In the recovery phase, these boundaries are enlarged.

While elements covered in relief remain important,

services covered will be extended to less critical but

saline water. Five months after Aila, many villages were still inun-

dated, and needs in the community with regards to shelter, food,

and WASH services were very high.

Funded by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid

department (ECHO), CARE India implemented the Sundarban

Aila Recovery Project from February 2010-January 2011. This

project covered shelter, worked on strengthening livelihoods, and

supplied WASH services to a number of communities. The vulner-

ability of the communities to future flooding was obvious, and the

handpumps installed were raised so as to ensure they would not

be affected during flooding, and that they would continue to be

operational even if the surroundings were inundated. The raised

handpumps were made in such a way that disabled users could

also use them.

The project addressed the needs of the community in hardware,

software, and community organization. The raised handpumps were

installed in collaboration with the community. Potential users of

the system were involved in hygiene promotion activities aiming

to improve public health, and in awareness activities on the proper

use and cleanliness of the pump and its surroundings. Instructions

for the proper operation of the handpumps were also painted on

the platforms.

Users Committees, consisting of locally elected representatives,

and members of the community, were formed. These committees

were trained in the operation and maintenance of the systems, and

in basic management and administration tasks needed to keep the

systems operational.

Engagement of the community in the development of the project

was strong, which, together with a cost recovery system that will

cover the funds needed for operation and maintenance, will assist

in the sustainability of the systems.

Raised handpump installed in Gangapur Village; installations were made in close collaboration with the community