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BhadliBhadli Village
For the people, by the people- rehabilitating an earthquake-torn village
In January 2001, a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Gujrat, the region had suffered incalculable devastation. The project was initiated by Mr. Sunil Dalal who is a remarkable individual and has carried out many pro-bono work with his firms.
The Focus was on finding a multicultural village which had not been identified for assistance. Bhadli village was identified with the help of Chandaben Shroff of the Shrujan Trust.
LOCATION
Bhadli, Gujarat
SITE AREA
N/A
YEAR OF COMPLETION
2002
Bhadli is located 40km Northwest of Bhuj. The earthquake measured 6.9 on the Richter scale. The village, which consisted of 325 households and 1500 people, was destroyed, including the school.
In order to not dislocate the people from their surroundings the village was documented concerning the size of the plot, the number of people and their family structure. The proposed new houses were planned to be in the same location as their previous house, rather than dislocating them to some empty piece of land in houses built on a grid worked out mechanically: the only alternative provided by the government.
A close-knit cluster of 5-6 houses was proposed overlooking the courtyard and was planned to avoid direct sunlight as verandas and raised plinths as otlas. It also acts as a gathering space for all the residents and a resting space for their livestock.
During the design process, some principles were laid out to ensure that the rebuilt houses perform well in the eventuality of another earthquake. The plinth is composed of random rubble and lined with an RCC plinth bam. The rubble mostly came from the debris and other earthquake preventative measures.
The rebuilt houses were adorned with traditional elements such as lime, clay and mirrors with niches for oil lamps beside the entrance door. The villagers reused the old doors and jails, creating ownership and nostalgia.
Mehazabeen, a resident of bhadli, through the decades…
Chandaben
The Sarpanch of Bhadli Village is actively involved in uplifting her village’s social and economic status.
Patelbhai
Actively involved in developing public spaces, designing and executing the water reservoir, dargah and temple.
Umar Khatri
First to help the village get an assessment to identify damage caused by earthquakes and procure necessary help for rehabilitation.
Faquir Mohammed
First to rebuilt his house, and served as an inspiration for others to follow.
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