Case Story: Construction of Flood Relief Centre in Sekhui

Introduction

The flood-prone Uska Bazar block in Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, faces annual devastation due to its proximity to Nepal and the three rivers—Rapti, Budhi Rapti, and Kura—which overflow during monsoons. The absence of early flood warnings from Nepal exacerbates the situation. The runoff from heavy rainfall in Nepal inundates this district, leaving hundreds of villages marooned.

One such affected area is Sekhui village, where annual flooding displaces residents, forcing them to seek refuge on embankments. During these times, the lack of access to clean water, food, shelter, and healthcare poses severe challenges. Relief materials are often distributed from Uska Bazar, about 3 kilometers away, making it inaccessible for many. In 2007-08, the community demanded the establishment of a Flood Relief Centre to address these recurring issues.

The Need for a Flood Relief Centre

The demand for a flood relief center was raised by the local community during the ECHO/ACTIONAID flood rehabilitation program in 2007-08. Discussions with community members, elected representatives, administrative officials, and media highlighted the following needs:

1. Proximity to Flood Zones:
   • Annual flooding severely impacts nearby villages.
   • The absence of a local relief center forces residents to travel long distances for food and medical aid.
2. Basic Amenities:
   • Lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and shelter worsens the situation during floods.
   • Women, children, and the elderly are disproportionately affected.
3. Community Demand:
   • Residents and local leaders emphasized the importance of a centrally located, well-equipped flood relief center.

Decision-Making Process

After detailed discussions with stakeholders, including villagers, local representatives, and officials, Sekhui village was selected as the site for the relief center based on its central location. Key steps included:

1. Community Meetings:
   • Villagers from Sekhui and Gaura were consulted during Tola-level meetings.
   • Both village heads agreed to provide land for the construction.
2. Land Selection:
   • Based on community consensus, Sekhui was deemed the ideal location due to its accessibility.
   • On 13th November 2007, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Naugarh, Rajkeshwar, was formally petitioned for land allocation.
3. Land Approval:
   • The Gram Panchayat of Sekhui, led by Village Head Badri Prasad Yadav, allocated 105 hectares of “Naveen Parti” land (plot number 168) for the relief center.
   • In February 2009, the District Magistrate of Siddharthnagar approved the proposal, and the SDM issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and construction permit.