The heavy rains in September 2024 have deeply impacted the lives of the people of Sahariya tribe in Rudrapura village of Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. The area was already facing climate change and uneven development, but this time's rain completely destroyed 26 houses. The destruction of these houses as well as the loss of important documents has posed new challenges to the community.

Sahariya tribe and their lifestyle

The Sahariya tribe is one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) of India, who historically depended on forest resources but now rely primarily on manual labor. Due to labour, people of Sahariya community keep migrating continuously. Houses are often made of mud, which was compatible with the traditional lifestyle and environment, but in modern times it is becoming a threat to them, especially when there is excessive rainfall.

Effect of heavy rain

In September 2024, continuous heavy rains caused serious damage to mud houses. 26 houses in the village were completely destroyed. This not only deprived people of their place of residence, but also ruined the basic documents of their lives, including ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and other government certificates. Without documents, he is deprived of various government schemes.

Environmental impact

Rudrapura and its surrounding areas are facing unusual weather patterns due to climate change. Due to the rain, not only mud houses collapsed, but crops also suffered huge damage. The Sahariya tribe, which depends on forests and natural resources, is facing serious economic and social losses in this type of weather.

Right to shelter

Under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the right to life and personal liberty entitles citizens to access to the essential elements of life, including the right to housing.

A house in Rudrapura Basti

Disaster Management Act 2005

Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, it is the responsibility of the state government to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to the affected people. There is also a time limit set in it, so that the affected people can get help as soon as possible. Some major provisions under this law are:

1. Post-disaster relief and rehabilitation: Initial relief should be provided within 72 hours. Complete assistance should be provided within 30 to 60 days of the process of official relief distribution.

2. Legal Obligations (Section 12 and 13): Section 12: The State Government has to assess the condition of the affected people in the affected areas and initiate relief operations on the basis of that assessment. Section 13: The State Government has to immediately prepare rehabilitation schemes for the people affected by natural disaster. These plans should be completed within 30 to 60 days.

3. Process of reconstruction of documents: Reconstruction of documents is also an important part, because without ration card, Aadhar card, and other government documents, citizens may be deprived of government schemes. These documents require the state government to start the reconstruction process within 30 to 45 days.

There was an entire family in this house, who barely escaped but all their belongings were ruined.

Relief funds and government policy

The state government has definitely started relief work in the affected area Gwalior, in which immediate assistance and relief money is being distributed, but the people of Rudrapura colony have not received any relief from the government yet. People also fear that due to the documents being destroyed, the government may refuse to help them, or there may be procedural hurdles in the distribution of relief funds. A long term action is required for the complete rehabilitation of the community of Rudrapura.

The way forward

The people of Sahariya tribe of Rudrapura village are currently living in temporary camps built by themselves and waiting for the law made by the government. The State and Central Government should immediately prepare a proper rehabilitation plan for this community, which will not only provide them stable shelter but also ensure their means of livelihood. Also, safety from natural disasters can be ensured through environmental protection.

Waiting for the administration

By Bindu

Bindu works as a storyteller at Zenith.