VK Saxena Nation First: June 2015

My NGO, National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL) on 21.11.2014 launched its new Project “Rainbow Hills” from village VANAJ, in Taluka Vijayanagar, District: Sabarkantha in North Gujarat.

In a simple Ceremony, Taluka Mamlatdar, Mr Prajapati, in the presence of NCCL Volunteers started the work of re-construction and modernization of houses in the picturesque Vanaj village which is situated on a small hillock facing a huge lake. Project completed in three months time.

After necessary survey, NCCL selected 12 houses in village: Vanaj, for reconstruction and repair. The selected houses are on the hillocks constructed by the Adivasis using mud for walls and local wood for ceiling. Adivasis in Vijaynagar Taluka are living in dilapidated dusty houses in an unhealthy conditions and uncontrolled element of their routine misery.

Under the scheme the NCCL has done Repair of walls, floor, roof, Varendas etc, Plastering of mud walls & floor with Cement , Laying Cement Sheet on the roof for protection from rains, heat etc and putting tiles (Nadiya) on it for long lasting roof protection including colouring of roof top and Construction of toilets. Transparent PCV sheets have also been fixed in each house in the middle of the roof top for providing natural light during the day.

Since the tribal people cook food inside the room,using local wood, PVC pipes of 6" diameter have been fixed as Chimneys in the room's roof to provide enough air circulation.

NCCL is helping local Adivasis of the selected houses and guiding them to maintain clean & hygienic surroundings and also to stop using plastic products, causing maximum damage to the Environment. The entire cost of repair/reconstruction is borne by the NCCL. The total budget for this project was Rs 15 lacs however work completed in Rs 12 lacs only.

The aim of this scheme was to provide basic amenities to the poor Adivasis, without disturbing their lifestyle, traditions and surroundings. Further, these Adivasis will also be guided to rent out one room in these neatly repaired and Re-constructed houses to the tourists interested in eco-tourism, which will generate income for them.

NCCL in the past successfully implemented Mission ENDURE, in Ahmedabad City to reduce dust pollution by constructing footpaths from pre-cast Cement Concrete blocks, which was a unique practical, positive and participatory project implemented in association with Ahmedabad Muncipal Corporation (AMC).

News Links:

1. The Poineer:

http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/12-houses-repaired-in-vanaj.html

2. Hindu Business Line:

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/blink/know/true-to-their-roots/article7035981.ece

3. Deccan Herald:

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/471136/changing-lives-tribals-gujarat.html#

V K Saxena

President

NCCL

Ahmedabad