219
are relatively small. Primary data reveal there are only 0.25 person/room in villages
in Gitaldaha, whereas 0.5 person/room in Jibantala colony. The usage of space in
both the study areas is extremely insufficient for proper living quality. In both of the
study areas, access to basic domestic facilities is low due to lack of space. In the
Rehabilitation Colonies of Jibantala, about 69.5% of households have IHHL
(Individual Household Latrine) facility. On the other hand, villages of Gitaldaha
have only 20.5% IHHL coverage. Toilets are an expensive option in these areas as
the construction would cost INR 1300 and a personal water connection was beyond
imagination. Members from more than 30 households join the daily queue for hours
to collect water from the public tube wells often situated at a distance between 5 and
15 min walk. 54% respondents from Jibantala and 27% in Gitaldaha resettlement
area have drinking water facilities within 0.5 km. Tube wells are the only source of
fresh water, and in Gitaldaha it is mostly wells; this too remains waterlogged for a
number of days at a stretch during the active monsoon months from July to
September. The chores are majorly carried out by women and children who have
adjusted to their fate of hardships. Awareness regarding hygiene and sanitation is
very low, and lack of government initiatives is a stark reality. However, water quality is slightly better in the rehabilitation colonies as not only are these public taps
new, but also free from possible contaminations and salinity. Both the resettlement
areas are still not hazard proof, with Gitaldaha being more vulnerable to flooding
every year. In these circumstances, even though maintaining the houses to protect
Fig. 12.8 Jibantala Rehabilitation Colony Area (Sagar C.D. Block)
Source: Modified from Kar and Bandhyopadhyay (2014) Google Earth Pro 7.3.2.5776 (2.10.2019),
21.698890 N 88.140261E Maxar Technologies www.earth.google.com [April 26, 2012]
12 Environmental Vulnerability and Displacement Due to Land Erosion: Selected…
are relatively small. Primary data reveal there are only 0.25 person/room in villages
in Gitaldaha, whereas 0.5 person/room in Jibantala colony. The usage of space in
both the study areas is extremely insufficient for proper living quality. In both of the
study areas, access to basic domestic facilities is low due to lack of space. In the
Rehabilitation Colonies of Jibantala, about 69.5% of households have IHHL
(Individual Household Latrine) facility. On the other hand, villages of Gitaldaha
have only 20.5% IHHL coverage. Toilets are an expensive option in these areas as
the construction would cost INR 1300 and a personal water connection was beyond
imagination. Members from more than 30 households join the daily queue for hours
to collect water from the public tube wells often situated at a distance between 5 and
15 min walk. 54% respondents from Jibantala and 27% in Gitaldaha resettlement
area have drinking water facilities within 0.5 km. Tube wells are the only source of
fresh water, and in Gitaldaha it is mostly wells; this too remains waterlogged for a
number of days at a stretch during the active monsoon months from July to
September. The chores are majorly carried out by women and children who have
adjusted to their fate of hardships. Awareness regarding hygiene and sanitation is
very low, and lack of government initiatives is a stark reality. However, water quality is slightly better in the rehabilitation colonies as not only are these public taps
new, but also free from possible contaminations and salinity. Both the resettlement
areas are still not hazard proof, with Gitaldaha being more vulnerable to flooding
every year. In these circumstances, even though maintaining the houses to protect
Fig. 12.8 Jibantala Rehabilitation Colony Area (Sagar C.D. Block)
Source: Modified from Kar and Bandhyopadhyay (2014) Google Earth Pro 7.3.2.5776 (2.10.2019),
21.698890 N 88.140261E Maxar Technologies www.earth.google.com [April 26, 2012]
12 Environmental Vulnerability and Displacement Due to Land Erosion: Selected…