1 - People in Centre
Transcription
1 - People in Centre
������������� ��������������� ��������� ��� �������������� �������������� � Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 1 Publication Details Authors Vivek Rawal Rajendra Desai Rupal Desai Publisher UNNATI Organisation for Development Education G-1/200 Azad Society, Ahmedabad 380 015, Gujarat. Phone: 079-26746145, 26733296. Fax: 079-26743752 E-mail: psu_unnati@unnati.org Website: www.unnati.org Design Ramesh Patel, UNNATI Printing Bansidhar Offset, Ahmedabad Year of Publication 2008 Copies 500 The Publication should be referred as: UNNATI (2008); Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post Disaster Reconstruction, Ahmedabad, India. 2 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) From the Authors Experiences are not easy to share. Sharing the learning is still more difficult. Working with the communities in the past few years after various disasters has added many layers of experiences, thoughts and learning. Writing this booklet provided us an opportunity to revisit our experiences. Intermediate shelters have been an area in which we have been working since the Latur earthquake. In post disaster shelter reconstruction, intermediate semi-permanent shelters are critical for successful rehabilitation of the affected communities. The intermediate semi-permanent shelters are not merely a product but a process that shows way for reconstruction of permanent houses. If the process is well facilitated, collective community energies can ensure successful housing process, otherwise it may lead to communities dependent and unsatisfied. Given the resources and efforts that are rightly put into reconstruction of habitat of the affected communities, it is critical that intermediate semi-permanent shelters are satisfactorily addressed. Various methodologies adopted by the state and civil society stakeholders have been used to address intermediate semi permanent shelter needs of the affected communities. We ourselves have been involved in many post disaster response strategies and different approaches evolved with time and experience. The learning that has been reinforced over a period of time shows that the intermediate semi - permanent shelter reconstruction process is not so much about delivery as about facilitation. Local community capacities when trusted and strengthened lead to much more satisfactory shelter reconstruction from the point of view of the house owners. In this booklet our experiences of post- disaster reconstruction experiences have been articulated. Words are like bridges that help us cross over. Later if they crumble to Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 3 dust, it does not matter. We hope this booklet helps us traverse some distance on the way to learn what can make successful rehabilitation and reconstruction (R&R) after a disaster. Comments and feedback are welcome. We are thankful to UNNATI for giving us the opportunity to share our experiences, insights and learning. This document deliberately avoids a prescriptive guideline for intermediate-semi permanent shelter programme in post disaster situation. The local context and peoples process are the determining factors. About the Authors Vivek Rawal, trained as an architect, has been working in the area of post disaster reconstruction for more than 12 years. The main focus of his work has been participatory approaches of reconstruction. Besides this, he has been also involved in monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian responses by various NGOs, INGOs and bilateral agencies. (Contact: alkavivek@gmail.com) Rajendra Desai, a structural engineer, and Rupal Desai, an architect, are founding co-directors of National Centre for Peoples Action for Disaster Preparedness (NCPDP), Ahmedabad. Both of them have more than 20 years of experience on developing appropriate technologies and strengthening artisans skills. They have particular expertise on pre and post damage seismic retrofitting of traditional buildings and technical training. (Contact: rajrupal@gmail.com) 4 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Contents From the Authors 3 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters Need for Mindset Change in Effective Post-Disaster Reconstruction 7 Context 9 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters: Needs and Issues 12 Types of Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters 16 Enabling Conditions and Factors 20 Facilitating Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters 23 Intermediate Semi-permanent Shelters in Kashmir A Case Study 27 Lessons Learnt 35 References 38 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 5 6 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters Need for Mindset Change in Effective Post-Disaster Reconstruction Post disaster shelter response is mostly done in three stages: 1) immediate emergency shelters or relief camps, 2) intermediate semi-permanent shelters and 3) permanent shelters. However, it has been widely noticed that stages 1 and 2 are invariably mixed together. This makes the intervention inappropriate and compromises the quality and timeframe of the intermediate shelters. By mixing the first two stages, most of the disaster shelter responses do not provide safe and secure living conditions. By the time permanent shelters come up, which usually takes more than one to two years, the interim shelters get damaged, leading to poor living conditions. The erection of intermediate shelters is determined more by the delivery capacity of agencies rather than community decisions. The timeframe of delivery, choice of material and location of the intermediate shelter are decided by the delivery agency. The living conditions in temporary shelters are poor, not because of the design but due to the perspective of humanitarian agencies. Most of the time, insensitive and inappropriate distribution of support takes control away from the community making them dependent on external aid. This document points to the need of change in mindset of the humanitarian agencies for ensuring effective and satisfactory intermediate shelters. The document enlists the need to engage and enable communities to take up their own intermediate semi-permanent shelters and building community capacities for their own recovery and development. Tents and prefabricated structures have not performed as well as the self initiatives of the communities with external support in material salvaging, rubble clearance and supplement material. The learning of past experiences indicate that when the community identifies and analyses issues and gaps and is enabled to come up with an approach, a far more people empowered reconstruction process is initiated. After the Kashmir earthquake (2005), for the first time, a comprehensive Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 7 intermediate shelter policy was framed on the principles of owner driven reconstruction by providing cash assistance and facilitative mechanisms for accessing material. The key lessons are as follows: i) The support for intermediate shelters needs to be timely - within three months. ii) Intermediate shelters need to be built with local materials and skills. iii) Local community needs to be seen as resourceful and capable to take their own decision. iv) Appropriate policy framework based on community initiatives is necessary. 8 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Context Natural disasters continue to be devastating and recurring phenomena. The frequency and impact of natural disasters has increased over the years. The loss of human life in natural disasters declined in 80s and 90s 800,000 people died in the 1990s compared with 2 million in the 1970s; the total number of people affected has tripled to 2 billion.1 The disaster impact is more severe in developing countries than the developed ones. For example, Peru and Japan are both susceptible to earthquakes. However, in Peru each year nearly 2900 lives are lost while only 63 are lost in Japan. Venezuela and France faced heavy rainfall in 1999; the death toll in Venezuela was more than 50,000, as compared to 123 in France. These differences occur across the world and usually developing countries are worst affected causing set back to years of development work. During 1985 to 1999, the developing countries faced losses as high as 13.4% of their GDP; while in developed countries the losses were restricted to only 2.5% of their GDP.2 The number of people affected increased by factor 2.03 in Low Human Development countries and 1.31 in Medium Human Development countries. In contrast to these increases, the number was halved in High Human Development countries.3 Even within the affected communities, the poorest are the worst hit. The Indian subcontinent is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, tsunami, etc. Among 35 states/ UTs of India, more than 25 are vulnerable to such disasters. 56% of the total land area is vulnerable to seismic activity. The average annual loss 1 World disaster Report 2002, IFRC Perspectives Todays Ideas for tomorrows World, Munich Re, 2005 3 World Disaster Report 2005, IFRC 2 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 9 of human life is nearly 3600 and 2.36 million houses are damaged on average.4 Over the years, there has been increasing recognition of multiple dimensions of impact of disasters. Next to loss of life, disruption of housing due to disasters is one of the most critical concerns. The disaster relief and rehabilitation usually follows the steps - rescue, immediate relief, intermediate support for coping, long term rehabilitation and development. Reconstruction of peoples habitat is a complex process. It has three stages that culminate in permanent housing. Typically, the stages include - immediate emergency shelters, intermediate semi-permanent shelters and permanent housing. Intermediate semi-permanent shelters refer to houses for the disaster affected community for use for an intermediate period till permanent houses are reconstructed. In India, various approaches on intermediate shelter have been adopted in post disaster rehabilitation programmes. The analysis of these programmes has usually shown gaps in terms of timeliness of delivery, quality standards, protection of vulnerable sections of the community, etc. These gaps arise primarily from the perspective and approach adopted by most of the humanitarian agencies. The observations and analysis of past experiences provide key lessons for the future. To achieve satisfactory outcome, understanding of the needs of the affected communities is crucial. It includes understanding of appropriate needs of shelter for the affected community; expected and actual time-scale of fulfilling these intermediate shelter needs; resources required and actually available and the extent of participation and control of local communities. Clear understanding of these issues can lead to an effective approach by humanitarian programmes. 4 S. K. Swami, Director (NDM), Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI in his presentation during International seminar on Disaster Response Management on June 14-15, 2001 10 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) This document extensively dwells on the recent experience of intermediate semi-permanent shelter reconstruction in Kashmir. Review of past disasters and subsequent humanitarian responses related to the post disaster interventions in India; like earthquakes in Marathwada (1993), Uttarakhand (1999), Gujarat (2001), Kashmir (2005); tsunami in South India (2004) and floods in Gujarat (2005) & Rajasthan (2006) form the basis in writing this document. The document derives key observations of the authors own experiences of working directly in these disasters, as well as participating in the evaluation of disaster responses by local initiatives, bilateral and multilateral programmes. It advocates the importance and the needs of the intermediate semi-permanent shelter, what types of shelters are needed and how these can be facilitated. The document is aimed at aid agencies, humanitarian agencies, professionals responsible for post disaster responses and other concerned stakeholders. It does not provide any how-to-do guidelines for intermediate semipermanent shelters after any disaster as these have to be specific to local context. A study commissioned by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) also concluded that such guidelines are not possible and have to be evolved looking into the local context. Such an approach requires a change in present mindset of humanitarian agencies. The first section of the document looks into needs and rationale of intermediate semi-permanent shelters. The second section discusses types of intermediate shelters. The third section is about the approaches for facilitating intermediate semi-permanent shelters. In particular this section discusses issues related to targeting the most vulnerable in the affected communities. Finally, the fourth section consolidates key lessons learnt. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 11 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters: Needs and Issues Intermingling of various factors such as human activities, social structure, culture and political economy with climate, topography, geology, hydrology and natural resources over a period of time shape the human settlements. The disaster not only destroys peoples houses and habitat but also has impacts on these factors. Human settlement processes 5 are also disrupted by natural disasters. As this disruption severely impacts human life, efforts must be made to restore human habitats as quickly as possible. However, immediately after a disaster, protection of human life from elements like sun, wind, rain or snow may take precedence and habitat may be seen as mere shelter. This is a simplistic view. The housing reconstruction process is more complex than it seems. Typically, a permanent housing reconstruction framework needs to integrate the factors relating to the house, environment, and livelihood. The factors relating to the house include domestic, social and functional needs. The house has symbolic importance for the owner and his/her family, as this home is used as a functional space. Environment related factors, such as setting and site of the shelter, landscape, climate, access to infrastructure and services, settlement structure (urban/rural), etc. are also equally important. Livelihood factors include the mode of productive work for the family, their products and incomes, access to employment, land, markets, etc. These factors need to be considered in overall socioeconomic and political context which refers to aspects like socio-cultural set-up, gender and caste equity, ownership, access and delivery mechanisms for land and housing, governance mechanisms, etc. Hence, 5 12 Human settlement processes include processes of accessing land, material, skills and knowledge for their houses and basic infrastructural services. These processes also include the supply mechanisms for these resources. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) it is not too difficult to perceive the complexities involved in reconstruction of peoples housing. After emergency rescue and relief, to empower people to participate in such a process, it is essential to facilitate intermediate semi-permanent shelters. This is the most crucial phase of rehabilitation. If the shelter needs of the affected community are properly taken care of at this stage, the process of reconstruction of permanent houses can be done with integration of above-mentioned factors. Poor intermediate shelters cause undue pressure to build permanent shelters in unreasonably short time duration. This results in substandard quality and poor community participation. Satisfactory intermediate shelter process ensures security of vulnerable community after the disaster and brings back confidence to recover from the shock. However, the difference between emergency shelters and intermediate shelters is not well understood and, therefore, terms like temporary shelters are used to convey both the ideas of emergency as well as short-term use. It is critical to understand the difference between (a) emergency shelter immediately after the disaster, and (b) intermediate semi-permanent shelters within first three months. It is necessary to separate the two stages since the situations and the needs of the affected people are vastly different. In the immediate aftermath, emergency shelters are put up mostly by people on their own or sometimes with minimum outside help. It has been observed that within hours of a disaster the survival instinct of the people takes over. The immediate need of the people is to protect themselves from the elements, especially the sun and the rain. Driven by this need, people improvise and create what can be called emergency shelters for themselves. People themselves with support from community neighborhoods have usually responded first after a disaster. People use their creativity to build some sort of shelters that would help them pull through for the next few weeks. As a result they tend to come up from whatever material that they can lay their hands on, tarpaulin, plastic Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 13 sheets, bed-sheets, blankets, wood poles, and even cots being a few of them. After fulfilling the basic minimum shelter requirement, the community quickly starts working towards a better shelter that can last them for the period till permanent houses are provided to them. Intermediate semipermanent shelters are shelters that not only protect from the vagaries of nature but provide safe and protected space for the affected community to rebuild their lives until the long-term sustainable solutions can be put in place. These intermediate semi-permanent shelters are used by the affected community as long as they are not shifted to the permanent houses. The past experiences have shown that people are living in such shelters for as long as 2 to 5 years depending on the rehabilitation policy and package of the government and other implementing agency. Experiences show that external aid takes time to reach to the affected people. Moreover, the external aid reaching the affected populations does not adequately address the need for emergency shelters. A week after the disaster the community requirement changes to intermediate semi-permanent shelters. NGOs and the Governments usually respond with blankets, plastic sheets, tarpaulins and tents. Sometimes the affected people are evacuated to safe public buildings and also to camps. However, by the time external emergency shelter support arrives, people put up some sort of emergency shelter on their own. As a result, emergency shelters of humanitarian agencies become temporary 14 Agency built emergency shelters near Bhachau town in Kutch - Gujarat Earthquake, 2001 In-situ shelter being erected by a family from material retrieved from rubble - Gujarat Earthquake, 2001 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) shelters that are supposed to last till permanent houses are constructed. This leads to poor living conditions for the inhabitants. Affected families are helpless but accept these inadequate and poor quality shelters as temporary. External aid agencies promise good permanent houses and urge people to accept poor quality temporary shelter which are actually emergency shelters. In Latur, Maharashtra, after the earthquake in 1993, there were heavy rains for 48 hours. People desperately needed cover against rain. Also, there were many aftershocks. Without assessing the stability of the structures, it was not advisable to go back in to the houses that were still standing. Wherever possible, the people took shelter in public buildings, such as schools or other government buildings. In the mean time most of the people quickly made their own shelters. Although the houses that got destroyed or damaged were made of stone, timber and mud, these houses had extensions or awnings that were made of corrugated galvanized iron (CGI) sheets. These sheets were quickly retrieved by the people and simple sheds were put up. After a few days, the Government responded by making temporary shelters with CGI sheets. In Gujarat, after the earthquake in 2001, tents made of black polypropylene were erected at many new sites away from the villages in about a week. However, people preferred not to move in to those shelters but improvised something on their own in their own homestead plots. It is, therefore, essential to recognise the fact that immediate shelter responses can be met fastest by the community themselves or institutions prepared for such eventualities with sufficient stockpiles. Immediate emergency shelters can not be quickly provided through external humanitarian responses. Permanent housing process is complex and time consuming, external humanitarian responses need to focus on the need of intermediate semi-permanent shelters facilitated through community process. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 15 Types of Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters Immediately after a disaster, humanitarian response is typically restricted to procuring and distributing tents. Tents were distributed instead of tarpaulin for the first time in response to Gujarat Earthquake (2001). Tents have been used, not only as emergency shelters but also as intermediate shelters, particularly in the west6 . The logic used was, tents will provide immediate protection. This logic needs to be carefully examined. Tents provide minimal protection from the elements and there is feeling of impermanence and physical vulnerability7 . The experiences suggest that there is usually a huge gap between the available supply and demand. The other typical option chosen by the humanitarian agencies is to provide prefabricated shelters. These choices are based on the assumptions that, (i) these shelters can be erected and provided rapidly, (ii) a common design can suit all the affected families, and (iii) affected communities are suffering trauma and do not have capacities or willingness to do anything on their own. However, past experiences on use of prefabricated 6 For example, tents have been used in past in post-earthquake responses in Turkey (1976, 1999), Guatemala (1976), Italy (1980, 2002), Mexico (1985), etc. 7 After the Turkey earthquake in 1976, the government policy was to provide winterised tents to surviving families till permanent houses are built fearing deaths due to harsh winters. Even the whole worlds stockpile of winterised tents could not have sufficed for the need. Similarly, the case of Guatemala earthquake in the same year indicates that interim shelter needs were met through tents, supply of corrugated sheets and improvised shelters by the community. Occupancy rate was very low in tents particularly wherever agencies had put these as camp sites away from their original homestead plots. (UNDRO case studies, 1977) 16 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) shelters have shown low/poor acceptability8 and poor performance both climatically and functionally9 . The relevance of prefabricated shelters and the priority placed on such shelters is highly misplaced. These prefabricated shelters can be made of a variety of industrial materials. Most of the prefabricated structures are built using steel frames with composite material panels such as plastics or cement based fiber reinforced boards. These structures come in ready for assembly form. But they are expensive, and difficult to maintain. In many cases in the past, due to poor or lack of upkeep, these structures degrade into steel frames. Studies have shown that such shelters do not really serve their primary purpose of protecting people from the elements but are used, at best, for secondary purposes such as storage while people live in adjacent improvised shelters. State of the prefabricated shelters within a few weeks after being put up in Tamilnadu after tsunami in 2004 After a disaster, prefabricated shelters are available in the market at a cheaper rate to humanitarian agencies in case of a bulk purchase. It is likely that this may be one of the important reasons for opting to such solutions for intermediate shelters. Despite of the discount, the delivery costs of the prefabricated shelters have been extremely high. Many a 8 After 2 months of earthquake in Bam, Iran (2003), prefabricated shelters were being put up but only a small number of families moved into them. Most people preferred to stay close to their gardens and yards to do agriculture works, the main source of their income. (UNOCHA reports) 9 DEC evaluation report of November 2005 criticized the poor quality of temporary shelters that could not provide safety from vagaries of nature and fulfill basic functional needs of the families. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 17 time, these shelters cost more than what community spends to build their permanent residence with indigenous materials 10 . While such an approach satisfies most of the donor criteria of standard unit distribution and financial accounting systems, it doesnt serve social, cultural and livelihood related requirements of the survivors. The second consideration of most of the humanitarian agencies using imported prefabricated interim shelters is its assumption on rapid delivery and erection. However, the distributional aspects are rarely considered important. Distribution has complex links with the socio-economic set up of the affected community. Insensitive distribution of tents and prefabricated structures raises expectations of the local community to such unreasonable levels that no government or non-government agency can satisfy. Insufficient numbers, delayed deliveries and exorbitant costs have always adversely affected the outcome of such interim shelter programmes. Humanitarian agencies many a time get too carried away in branding such shelter types as their model. The worst is that such shelters fail completely to serve the needs of affected families and soon result in extremely poor living conditions11 . Another important type of intermediate semi-permanent shelter is more traditional and built from local materials, many a time from the materials salvaged from the rubble. Such types of intermediate shelters are usually built by the affected families. Very few humanitarian agencies have 10 11 18 After the devastating tsunami in 2004, Government of India spent approx. $15 million on 10000 interim shelters in Andaman Nicobar Islands for the affected families. Traditionally, the communities have been building their houses in merely half the cost of these shelters. After tsunami (2004), Government of Tamilnadu and collaborating NGOs responded by building shelters with corrugated asphalt sheets and wooden poles. The choice of materials, technology and design resulted in very poor living conditions and most of the shelters were not liveable within a few months. The shelters could not withstand the monsoons and the sheets ripped off and started rotting quickly even before the construction of permanent housing could take off. International criticism such as DEC evaluation reports made NGOs reinvest on these shelters but the conditions improved only marginally. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) supported construction of such type of shelters in the past. Some agencies have used salvaged materials partly and supplied additional materials to build houses that follow traditional building systems. Past experiences suggest that such type of shelters contribute significantly to much higher level of satisfaction in the affected community as they fulfill their social, cultural, climatic and functional needs more effectively. It is not only the type of intermediate semi-permanent shelters that is critical for higher satisfaction levels but also other factors, conditions and processes involved in delivery of shelters. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 19 Enabling Conditions and Factors Civil society and community initiatives for reconstruction, use of resources, technical guidelines, roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and actors, etc. get guided by the policy adopted by the government. The approach varies depending upon who is driving the process. Mainly there are three driving forces: State, humanitarian agency and community/ owner. Outcome in terms of satisfactory intermediate shelters has been varied. In Latur earthquake (1991), the policy was the government to provide built tin-sheet shelters. In Gujarat earthquake (2001), CGI sheets were distributed to each affected family. In Tamil nadu after tsunami (2004), NGOs built corrugated asphalt sheet shelters as per the government design as part of public private partnership. In Kashmir earthquake (2005), policy facilitated community built intermediate shelters through material supply, cash assistance, technical guidance and grievance redressal mechanism. According to Sushma Iyengar (Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan)12 , the policy for post disaster responses is determined by socio-political history and context of governance in each state. Therefore, it is necessary to develop contextual policies that facilitate effective intermediate semi-permanent shelters and lead to empowering conditions for the community for subsequent reconstruction. Another critical factor for satisfactory outcome of reconstruction programme is access to land with secured tenure. Forms of tenure are 12 Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan a network of local NGOs evolved as a coordinating body to respond effectively in recurring disasters in Kutch, Gujarat. Over a period of time with many successful experiences, Abhiyan has emerged as leading NGO network practicing, supporting and advocating people-led reconstruction processes with development perspective. Abhiyan successfully advocated and facilitated owner driven processes in post earthquake reconstruction in Gujarat 20 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) complex in most of the developing countries. Most interventions are insensitive to the fear among people, especially the poor. Relocation of communities immediately after the disaster for safety and ease of delivery fails to take into account, tenure security and the livelihood requirement of the affected. Experiences in Gujarat earthquake, South Indian tsunami or Kashmir earthquake are cases in support. In Gujarat, many affected families were evacuated and moved to a camp site that was considered safe, where all services could be provided to the people. Within a week, people took away the tents and pitched it on their homestead plots. As the poor achieve security of tenure through a complex socio-political process, it is extremely critical for them to protect it. At the same time, getting a shelter is a step towards legitimisation of their right over permanent housing. In Kerala, Tamilnadu and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, many families accepted shelters provided by the government or agency. They kept these houses locked in their possession but never actually used them. They continued to stay at their original residential locations in thatched shelters built on their own. Intermediate semi-permanent shelters are less a matter of model design but more of planning and mobilising local capacities and resources. In most of the developing countries, housing is predominantly a people led process. People design and build their houses themselves. This is done in an incremental basis, depending on the availability of resources within the family. The intermediate shelters improvised by the surviving families from the material salvaged from damaged structures, in addition to materials distributed by external agencies and the government, has worked well in the past. After the Marathwada Earthquake (1991), people in the villages that were not totally destroyed but were partially damaged, built the semi-permanent shelters on their own. Since the people were afraid to sleep in the stone houses, however intact, they desperately needed such shelters to sleep in. During the day time, the existing houses were used in a normal way. However people believed that the houses would be safer for sleeping if they had a light weight roof, and walls were lighter than stone walls. People selected materials that they could afford. Keeping this requirement in mind, people used wood, CGI sheets, stones, Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 21 mud and thatch. This was mostly retrieved and recycled to set up their own house. After the Uttarakhand earthquake (1990) similar process was observed throughout the affected region as external help was minimal. External agencies and the Government had distributed Corrugated Galvanized Iron (CGI) sheets in the affected villages. People used these for erecting their immediate shelter and also for making storage boxes a critical need to store their retrieved valuables from the debris. In the Gujarat earthquake (2001), the government declared that it would complete all the reconstruction in six months. As a result, no importance was given to the construction of the semi-permanent shelters. Only ten CGI sheets were distributed. In Gujarat, communities managed their intermediate shelters on their own. Realising this need and gap, a few NGOs, particularly Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan, facilitated owner driven reconstruction of intermediate semipermanent shelters. Intermediate shelter facilitated by Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan - Gujarat earthquake, 2001 22 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Facilitating Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters Sushma Iyengar (Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan) says, Timing is critical especially for facilitating and governing initiatives of varied stakeholders, before they begin their own initiatives. In the lack of timely policy interventions, mechanisms and resource inputs, disaster management loses collective synergy.13 Timely intervention for facilitating reconstruction, after a disaster, is essential. Intermediate semi - permanent shelters need to be supported from the first week onwards till the first four months. Any further delay in ensuring this support to the affected community leads to frustration and dissatisfaction. People living in temporary makeshift shelters need their privacy and security. They need to restart their own kitchen, education of their children and even their livelihood, apart from getting access to social security benefits and compensation. Protection against the elements and against vectors and safety during recurrence of disaster also remain equally important needs. Unfortunately, the past experiences show that the process of intermediate semi - permanent shelters gets guided more by the delivering capacity of the humanitarian agencies rather than the real need and capacity of the people to reconstruct themselves. Local communities affected by a disaster are seen as hapless and poor victims rather than resourceful and capable survivors. In a hurry to help, humanitarian agencies take it upon themselves to deliver what they believe, will benefit the community. It is necessary to utilize community capacity, skills and collective synergy to facilitate intermediate semipermanent shelters. Lack of familiarity with the local situation results in the overlooking of all forms of local resources. It includes community networks, material goods including salvaged, retrieved and stored 13 Presentation to Planning Commission, Government of India after South Asia Tsunami in 2004 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 23 stockpiles, supplies of building products and tools in normal course of events within local markets that may be operational, local skills and human resources, community based organisations and local self-governing institutions like panchayats, etc. In Latur, after the Marathwada earthquake (1991), intermediate shelters were built by the Government at new camp sites. They consisted of rows of shelters having common walls. This was done in the villages that were being rebuilt completely. The government temporary shelters construction went beyond six months though the government announced that it would finish the reconstruction of permanent houses in the same duration. These shelters were small (approx. 150 sq.ft.) as they were not expected to be used for more than four or five months. The shelters lacked flooring, drainage and sanitation facilities. When it rained, it created unlivable conditions inside and around the shelters causing much hardship to the people. The temporary toilets were later built by an UN agency. People had absolutely no say nor did they participate in the process. The fallout of the government driven temporary shelter construction was that people simply waited for the government to do everything. In the first summer, when the usual strong twisting winds began to blow, roofs of many shelters were blown away. People, instead of collecting those sheets and putting them back in place, expected the government to take care of that. The experience in South India after tsunami in December 2004 speaks the same. During a visit to a camp site in Tamilnadu, people complained about how the hinge of a door was not being replaced by concerned NGO, though it was just a matter of putting a few screws themselves. Living conditions in camp sites with rows of houses of corrugated asphalt sheet kept worsening with each passing week. This was due to insufficient space, poor quality materials and construction, lack of basic services like drainage and sanitation, inability to maintain and extremely hostile weather conditions. The question is who made the decision on choice of material and technology? Humanitarian agencies implement cash for work programme to support peoples livelihoods. It is ironical that at the same time, the opportunity 24 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) of working in building their own shelter is taken away by involving contractors. This is done in the name of quality standardisation and time bound delivery. United Nations Disaster Relief Organisation (UNDRO) and many other reports have time and again pointed out that intermediate shelters delivered by external agencies fail to fulfill their objectives to any satisfactory level. Peoples reconstruction efforts begin soon after the disaster. They start salvaging building material and components like stones, bricks, wood, doors, windows, roofing tiles, etc. Most of the times inappropriate response by external agencies thwarts peoples process and turns the affected people into passive recipients of aid instead of capable and resourceful community. This is contrary to Red Cross Principles.14 Community initiatives for intermediate semi-permanent shelters and reconstruction of their permanent houses in past disasters provide critical lessons for the future. People, especially in the villages are resourceful when it comes to creating a shelter for their own selves. They are the best judge of what they need and how to go about taking care of it. After the Marathwada earthquake (1993), people used a variety of materials depending upon what they could afford and what they could access. This included CGI sheets, corrugate asphalt sheets, sun dried mud bricks, vegetal matter and even timber. The pre-requisite for them was that the materials should be lighter, or perceived to be lighter, than what were commonly used before the earthquake. Adobe or sun dried hand moulded mud blocks were used to build walls. Many people salvaged the timber from their old house to make the walls. The poor used vegetal matter for the walls while using CGI sheets for roof. In Uttarakhand earthquake (1991), the people used stone, wood planks, wooden posts, and CGI sheets to improvise the semi-permanent shelter they lived in through a period of several months to a couple of years, before they could build a permanent house. The materials were either extracted from the collapsed houses or purchased locally. 14 Red Cross principle 6 states that we shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 25 In Gujarat earthquake (2001), people salvaged materials from their severely damaged or destroyed houses and bought supplementary materials, when required. Typically, houses were built in such a manner that less than usual materials were required. Walls were kept low at about 600 mm to 900 mm height, and roof overhangs were made smaller. Heights of doorways too were reduced. In order to accommodate it, the doorway was either placed in the gable wall or the roof was raised at the eave to accommodate the doorway. People found their own innovative solutions. Past experiences show that the shelter process by people includes myriad activities such as removal of debris, leveling the ground, clearing the rubble, salvaging building material and assisting each other with tools, labour and skills. The community is capable and adept at improvising their own shelters. These examples have amply demonstrated that even if the affected communities may have little purchasing power, there are abundant resources available at the local level. The challenge for facilitating agencies is to encourage such processes and mobilise people to ensure that every member of affected community is suitably rehabilitated at the earliest. Though do no harm is currently one of the oft-repeated phrases while explaining the shelter interventions, community capacities are seldom recognised and used. One of the dilemmas humanitarian agencies face during the initial interventions is targeting the support within the community with available aid. Identifying the poor and the most vulnerable who require immediate humanitarian support is a major challenge. It has been observed repeatedly by many practitioners working for post-tsunami rehabilitation that effective targeting is possible by making information available on local condition and nature and limitations of available support. Once emergency shelters have been taken care of, the most important for external humanitarian interventions is to support community in rubble clearance, material salvaging and information dissemination. This involvement is critical in building the confidence of the community and its mobilisation. 26 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Intermediate Semi-permanent Shelters in Kashmir A Case Study The policy framework of the government provides direction and structure to all community efforts as well as humanitarian responses. Among past post-disaster experiences, the Kashmir earthquake (2005) provides the most comprehensive example of intermediate semi-permanent shelter policy framework. The policy framework in Kashmir was based on the key learning from reconstruction that intermediate semi-permanent shelters are the critical link between relief phase and long-term rehabilitation. The government can either perpetuate dependencies by putting up tents and pre-fabricated structures or can reverse the dependencies that might have started setting in and strengthen peoples own initiatives. It is with this background that Government of Jammu and Kashmir supported by Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan evolved a policy for an owner-driven approach for intermediate semi-permanent shelters. As the earthquake occurred in early October 2005, very close to onset of winters, providing a safe shelter at the earliest was a high priority. In the Kashmir earthquake, 37,607 houses collapsed and 83,616 houses were damaged to varying degrees.15 Uri, Tangdhar and Poonch were the worst affected districts in Jammu & Kashmir. In the aftermath of devastation, people managed with whatever material they could lay their hands on plastic sheet, tarpaulin, cots, etc. for constructing their emergency shelters. Due to army presence in the region, a quick support from army in form of tents was made available. Some NGOs like AKDN got small number of winterised tents. These efforts were obviously inadequate to fulfill the requirement. 15 Kashmir Earthquake; Retrofitting Guide. Prof. A. S. Arya. National Seismic Advisor to the Government of India Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 27 Given the approaching winters and time required for initiating permanent house reconstruction, it was essential to develop a clear policy perspective for intermediate semi-permanent shelters. Even in normal times taking up construction of a house is not an easy task since all the villages are in tough mountainous terrain accessible through very narrow unpaved roads, while some villages can be reached simply only on foot or on a mule. In the event of heavy rains, land slides are frequent that leads to road closure. All these difficulties make the reconstruction an expensive proposition. Considering these constraints, and quick deliberations with the community in Uri and Tangdhar; the Government of Jammu & Kashmir with support from Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan developed a policy framework and declared a cash assistance of Rs. 30,000 with an incentive of Rs. 5,000 if the intermediate shelters were completed by November 30, 2005 (within two months of the earthquake). The policy guided affected families to build a minimum of 200 sq. ft. of shelter and proposed to include all the families who had already been given Rs. 40,000 as first installment of assistance towards permanent house.16 This gave impetus to the building of good quality intermediate semi-permanent shelters by the owners. As a result of this policy, within two months more than 15,000 shelters were constructed. To achieve the intended outcome, the policy defined mechanisms for supporting initiatives of the owners for building intermediate semipermanent shelters. The government disbursed the support amount 16 The release of first installment of assistance towards permanent housing prior to support for intermediate shelter was one of major flaws in permanent shelter approach which has raised many questions and criticism. The policy and approach for intermediate shelter was not adopted in permanent shelter phase even though interim phase demonstrated the success of owner driven approach. Even though permanent shelter approach in Kashmir continues to be termed as owner driven as cash assistance has been provided to the affected families, policy mechanisms to support such an approach remained absent. For permanent shelters, Government has acted merely as an insurance agency or a bank and made partial amount available to affected community for their permanent housing. 28 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) through cheques in specially opened accounts for each house owner. Mechanisms were set up to ensure access to appropriate materials. Small Scale Industrial Corporation (SICOP) supplied CGI sheets while timber was supplied through the Forest Department. The Forest Department set up 12 depots. Mobile depots were organised by SICOP and CGI sheets were supplied to villages on a specified route from where owners were encouraged to buy. However, there was considerable delay in sales by SICOP and majority of people procured CGI sheets through the local markets. Government set up mechanism for technical supervision and guidance. Junior Engineers (JEs) from various government departments were deputed to each village for guidance, supervision, certification and supporting people in accessing financial assistance and building material. Training of these JEs was organised to make them aware of objectives, guidelines and processes of the government programme. The government engineers were provided technical field support by Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan. In addition to this, a system of grievance redressal in the form of lok adalats was organised in 6th week after the earthquake. A combined team from the judiciary, social welfare and engineering department held the lok adalats and peoples grievances regarding assistance, materials, housing type, eligibility criteria, were taken up and resolved. The decisions of lok adalat were followed up by the Government. This mechanism of grievance redressal was a significant feature for the facilitation of the owner driven approach. To ensure effective and satisfactory achievement of intermediate semi-permanent shelter programme objectives, Government of Jammu & Kashmir in collaboration with Hunnarshala, a Kutch based NGO, brought out design guidelines with indicative features for safety and weather insulation in the intermediate semi-permanent shelters. With support from Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan, a process was organised to mobilise the house owners with these technical and other programmatic guidelines to take up construction of intermediate semipermanent shelters. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 29 Intermediate semi-permanent shelters constructed by affected families as per the Government policy guidelines The principles articulated by Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan for this policy were derived through intensive discussion with families in Uri and Tangdhar. The key points are as follows: Re-use of construction material, which could be salvaged from the damaged houses, Providing insulation for comfort in cold climate Using local technology and practices and fine tuning them to ensure safety Focusing on ensuring supplies of building material through material depots for speedy construction Most importantly, motivating local capacities to take up owner driven processes for reconstruction 30 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) The above policy framework also facilitated NGO interventions and nearly 2,400 families were supported through the coordinated effort of Oxfam, Actionaid, World vision, Child in Need Institute (CINI) and Church Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) by providing CGI sheets. Intervention by Confederation of Voluntary Associations (COVA - a network of voluntary organisations, supported by CORDAID) was significant as they organised affected families in groups of 10 to 12 and assisted them with toolkits to salvage materials from damaged houses and rebuild their sheds. This was done under the overall supervision of neighborhood and village level committee formed by COVA. COVA also organised student volunteers to support salvaging and recycling of building materials and components. All the villages of Uri and Tangdhar region were covered under this programme. The process outcome in the form of intermediate semi-permanent shelters provided confidence to local communities and impetus to self help which contributed a lot during permanent housing reconstruction. By May 2007, nearly 80% of permanent houses in Tangdhar region had been completed. However, in Uri region many people continued waiting for support from NGOs. Many NGOs present in this region caused this dependency. Typically, NGOs had more focus for their distribution programmes and did not have clear targeting mechanisms. Some NGOs, though in small numbers, brought in pre-fabricated designs in the form of tunnel shaped structures made from CGI sheets with inner lining of foam for insulation. Other NGOs built on-site steel and CGI sheet structures and handed over to the affected families. Such support programmes built dependencies amongst people and the temptations of receiving the free doles undermined their dignity and self-esteem. Some NGOs like Help a child, Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) built more appropriate shelters with timber and plywood layered walls with CGI sheet roofs in Uri and Poonch regions respectively through community contribution. The permanent reconstruction in Uri region took off slowly and very late. However, the relative warmth of intermediate semi-permanent shelters kept the families safe and protected. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 31 The shelters built by the affected families themselves shows that communities can improvise with whatever materials they have, to suit their needs. The local skills and capacity offers a range of solutions. Once the communities were clear about the government guidelines and norms, they quickly began building their shelters. A family took normally 2 to 3 days to put up their intermediate shelters locally referred as sheds. Many families used wooden poles and nailed timber planks for the walling and put CGI sheet roofs. Others preferred to use CGI sheets for external walling and then put in an inner lining with timber or plywood as insulation. In the villages of Nava and Runda in Uri, which had limited damage, the people have used small stone filler with mud plaster on the inside face, between the wood posts that support the CGI walling, in order to insulate the walls. In Poonch, there were some cases where people built low walls with stone in mud mortar and used CGI sheet for roofing. As discussed above, the process of constructing intermediate semipermanent shelters involved use of salvaged and recycled material from old houses. Many families fearing risk to life in their partially damaged houses wanted to pull down their houses and use the material for intermediate shelter and later rebuild new houses. To mitigate the risk of unnecessary waste of reasonably good structures, it was necessary that people are provided appropriate technical guidance so that informed decisions are made regarding their existing houses. COVA mobilised engineering students who were provided quick training on damage assessment. The students advised families in villages of Uri and Tagdhar region. This addressed the need of information and awareness at the right time when the community had just started planning its intermediate semi-permanent and permanent shelters. Such initial processes lay the path for more effective reconstruction of permanent housing. It is with this understanding that many NGOs in Kashmir such as Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan, Hunnarshala, COVA-VAN Kashmir, National Centre for Peoples Action in Disaster Preparedness (NCPDP), Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) took up the processes of community awareness. These processes strengthened the objectives envisaged in the policy for construction of intermediate semi-permanent shelters. 32 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan coordinated with other NGOs like Oxfam, Actionaid, CINI, CASA, etc. in Tangdhar to discuss and ensure achievement of the intended outcomes of the government policy for intermediate semipermanent shelters. With this, it was possible to address the needs of the vulnerable members of the community, who were left out from the Government process. The social structure of Kashmiri communities was such that there were large joint families. The government support was limited in such cases as the eligible amount was only Rs. 35,000. This was not sufficient to support large families staying in one house. The coordination with different NGOs in the area helped to direct the resources to these families who were not supported by the Government mechanism. Many such cases were identified by the Government engineers deputed in these villages and were referred to the NGO coordination committee. These were followed up, verified and supported by the NGOs. Oxfam had developed a shelter kit using wooden structural frame and CGI sheets roofing to ensure timely completion of shelters which were distributed to such vulnerable families. The humanitarian responses after a disaster indicate the utility of working with a comprehensive approach that includes not only new semi-permanent shelter construction but also information dissemination to facilitate informed decisions and actions. NGO coordination to address the gaps also worked effectively. The interventions of COVA after Kashmir earthquake in 2005 are noteworthy. COVA organised peoples committees in all the villages of Tangdhar and Uri, the affected regions in Kashmir valley. It assisted them with tools for rubble clearance and salvaging reusable building materials quickly after the disaster. This process supported the governments semipermanent shelter programme in achieving its objectives quickly. The involvement of the committee ensured support to all vulnerable members of the community, such as the landless, single women, old aged, physically challenged who were unable to manage on their own in building their semi-permanent shelters. The government, with support from National Disaster Management Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 33 Authority, decided to build pre-fabricated community shelters collected from Gujarat. These shelters were used in Gujarat after the earthquake as primary schools. These shelters were brought to Kashmir for use as emergency community shelters. But the experience showed that while the government aimed to complete 104 structures, only 10 were completed by November end. By this time, facilitated by a good policy, most of the families had already completed their intermediate semi-permanent shelters. This experience strengthens the earlier argument that emergency shelter responses based on external pre-fabricated structures are not only untimely and delayed, but also ineffective in achieving the purpose. In Kashmir, it has now been proposed to use these structures for other purposes as the local government may find appropriate. In a nutshell, intermediate semi-permanent shelter response after Kashmir earthquake was probably the first response where a clear and effective policy framework was put in place by the Government to facilitate an owner driven approach. Supportive mechanisms like bank accounts, material depots, technical guidance and supervision and lok adalats for grievance redressal were organised. The policy derived through community consultation not only strengthened owner driven reconstruction process but also created space for involvement of humanitarian agencies to support the peoples process. These efforts resulted in nearly 15,000 intermediate semi-permanent shelters for the affected families within 2 months and have lasted them for more than two years, protecting them from the harsh winter and snow. The winters were spent by the earthquake affected households in relative warmth in the intermediate semi-permanent shelters. No major sicknesses or deaths related to the winter cold were reported during the winter from the quake affected villages. Many of the families have extended these shelters for other needs. The process undertaken by the community to build their own intermediate semi-permanent shelters helped them maintain their dignity, protect the old and the vulnerable, ensure privacy and security of women and children. Encouraged by the success, in Tangdhar region more than 80% of the families completed their permanent houses within two years. 34 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Lessons Learnt Timeliness Intermediate semi-permanent shelters need to be built within the first three to four months after the occurrence of the disaster. Any further delay causes frustration and dissatisfaction amongst the survivors. Emergency shelters are best managed by the community themselves. Humanitarian response can support with necessary materials but only in a limited way. Humanitarian agencies usually neglect the area of intermediate shelters. So-called temporary shelters can not be called intermediate semi-permanent shelters. The delivery of even such temporary shelters is marred by inadequate quantity, high costs, procurement delays and insensitive distribution. The evidence suggests that large contractors, prefabrication suppliers have a relatively minor role to play in timely construction of intermediate semi-permanent shelters. The process is most effective, efficient, fast and satisfactory if it is driven by the people. An external intervention by any agency could best be directed at strengthening peoples initiatives to build their own intermediate shelters through supporting the gaps in material, finance, information, technical guidance and necessary artisan tools. Contextual Shelter Type Post disaster situation requires context specific responses. Tent or a universal pre-fabricated house does not work in every context. Insensitive supply and distribution of these indicates lack of responsibility in trying to understand the local context before a response. Regional variations in terms of culture, livelihoods, lifestyle, socio-political set up, available resources and extent of damage necessitate context specific responses for reconstruction. Use of material and technology needs to be evolved within context-specific constraints and opportunities. Materials that are commonly used by local community offer the most affordable solution Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 35 that can be effectively supported by local artisans, maintained easily by the families and ensure better living conditions. Finally these materials can be recycled later when the permanent housing is built. Humanitarian agencies generally love to brand the houses supported by them as their model and debate how the particular model was more effective than others. There is a need to get out of this obsession of shelter models which have repeatedly given poor quality living conditions to the affected people. Sphere standards17 that are benchmark guidelines are seldom adhered to at the time of delivery provided to the affected population. Policy Framework for Intermediate Semi-permanent Shelters It is critical that a participatory policy framework, based on community initiatives is adopted. It is necessary to have a policy that ensures peoples right to adequate housing. 18 Policy framework and facilitating mechanisms that were evolved for construction of intermediate semipermanent shelters after Kashmir earthquake are a good example. Owner driven policy framework does not mean distribution of cash assistance only but also creating supportive mechanisms for information, access to safe land with secured tenure, required materials and skills and quick grievance redressal. Immediately after the disaster, collective synergy among the local community must be utilised. This can strengthen subsequent action at the permanent housing stage. Humanitarian 17 18 36 Sphere project initiated by humanitarian agencies in 1987 is aimed at establishing a humanitarian charter and minimum standards for disaster response. Various trainings and other country specific initiatives are also organised to ensure context specific usage of these standards. For more information, please refer http:// www.sphereproject.org This is also stated in The Housing Agenda by U.N. Habitat, Within the overall context of an enabling approach, Governments should take appropriate action in order to promote, protect and ensure the full and progressive realization of the right to adequate housing Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) agencies need to learn how to work in such a policy framework and not get in an adoption mode, which probably is good for their own branding but definitely not for the community. The approach that promotes selfhelp in the community with limited assistance from the government or NGO yields best results. It harnesses peoples creative abilities, and expedites the process of intermediate shelter building at the earliest in most dignified way for the survivor families. Facilitating Community Processes While we the humanitarian agencies articulate increased focus on participation of communities, decentralisation and a right based approach, the evaluation reports indicate that these principles are neglected in shelter responses, particularly after the disaster. Responses in post disaster situations work typically to disarm the community by taking control over decision making away from them. It is required that local capacity is recognised, respected and strengthened. Needs assessment and vulnerability assessments are conducted by all external agencies and projects approved on the basis of the same. It is necessary to understand the capacity of the local communities and adopt processes that are consistent with resources and capacities of the local community. Facilitating community driven process of interim shelter reconstruction requires education and training of the humanitarian agencies. Most importantly, participation and engagement of the people in rehabilitation is not a matter of a set of tools and techniques but a mindset which sees community and people as insightful, resourceful, competent and capable owners in the process who can make decisions regarding time, resources, labour, building materials, technology, design, layout, etc. Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 37 References Shelter After Disaster: Guidelines for Assistance, UNDRO, 1982 Exploring Key Changes and Developments in Post Disaster Settlement, Shelter and Housing, 1982 2006, OCHA/ESB/2006/6, UNOCHA, 2006 Corsellis & Vitale, Transitional Settlement: Displaced Populations, UNOCHA, 2005 Ressler, Everett. Issues Related to the Provision of Emergency Shelter in Winter Conditions (Report on visit to Caldivan Earthquake, Eastern Turkey), UNDRO/Intertect, 1977 Bijan Khazai and Elizabeth Hausler, Intermediate Shelters in Bam and Permanent Shelter Reconstruction in Villages Following the 2003 Bam, Iran, Earthquake, Earthquake Spectra 21, S487, 2005 Mary Anderson and Peter J. Woodrow, Rising from the Ashes Development Strategies in Times of Disaster, UNESCO, 1989 Learning from Previous Earthquake Relief Operations First Briefing Paper, ALNAP and Provention Consortium, 2005 Natural Catastrophe 2006 Analyses, Assessments, Positions, Knowledge Series, Munich Re Group, 2006 An Owner Driven Interim Shelter Initiative in J & K, Report on Tangdhar Region, Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan, 2005 Perspectives Todays Ideas for Tomorrows World, Munich Re Group, 2004 Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response, The Sphere Project, Oxfam Publishing, 2000 Rebuilding after Earthquakes Lessons from Planners, William Spangle and Associates, Inc., 1991 Coming Together a half yearly compilation of information after Gujarat Earthquake 2001, Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan (2001 and 2002) Binoy Acharya, Vivek Rawal and Vinish Kathuria, Responding to Disasters, Refusing to Learn Case of the Tsunami Disaster in South India, unpublished document, UNNATI, 2005 Vivek Rawal and Tara Nair, The Disaster and After A Review of Rehabilitation Package, Economic and Political Weekly, March 10, 2001 38 Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) Intermediate Semi-Permanent Shelters in Post-Disaster Reconstruction (need for a change in the mindset) 39