SOLAR is non government organization working in Puri district of odisha, which is highly vulnerable to hazards like flood, cyclone and earthquake. SOLAR is the convener organization of a district level network named Puri District Disaster Mitigation Forum (PDDMF) in collaboration with the alliance partners. Organization has spread its wings to all eleven blocks of Puri district. PDDMF/ SOLAR along with 14 partners have successfully implemented several Disaster responses, Recovery, Preparedness and mitigation programmes it the district supported by oxfam, IGSSS,ICRS,OSDMA and UNDP etc. PDDMF has a track record in the development process in Puri district. SOLAR enables to empower the target community, capacity and strengthening the CBOs , SHGs and the people’s association leading towards sustainable development. Controlling leprosy and HIV/AIDS, promoting balanced ecology, effective disaster management initiatives, gender, equity and sustainable livelihood initiatives emphasizing on participatory democratic and transparent governance with holistic approach.

Assessor visited Haraspada village, there is flood every year in this area so people’s faces too much problems. The ground water has excess of iron due to Chilka Lake, which is two and half kilometer far from here. SOLAR constructed flood proof pond water filter. The village population is 1300 and having 245 families. All the villagers are using filter water. The capacity of water filter is 10,000 liter and manufacture in 2013 with the help of Oxfam. Earlier there were a lot of health diseases but now situation have improved a lot. There is also a big pond in the village; SOLAR also has provided fiber boat for villagers so that they can save themselves in critical conditions.

Organization is providing kitchen garden support for 80 women members of SHG out of 245 household. Women’s are earning 7000-8000 rupees annually after consuming vegetables and crops at home and neighbors. Women’s were not involved in agriculture farming in this area but kitchen garden provides them an opportunity of save the money for family and themselves.

Village level community contingency plans (CCP) is constructed for flood affected areas, Haraspada is one village in it. The CC plans involves active participation and involvement in of village community members i.e. VDPC, SHG, and Volunteers. Search and rescue team organized a mock drill how they will work during flood and critical situations. SOLAR has also constructed other committees and provides proper training for effective implementation of the project:
Name of committees is given below:
I. Village Disaster preparedness committee
II. Early warning
III. First Aid
IV. Search and rescue
V. Wash committee
VI. Relief Management & Distribution
VII. Loss and damage committee

The Assessors got a chance to meet the members of these groups and interacted with them about the formation of their group, Rules and Regulations, membership and loan disbursement policy, long term and short terms goals.

It was a very satisfying experience to hear the responses of beneficiaries, staff members and the efforts of the organization in improving the life of people of these villages. Their relentless efforts in improving the living standards and enhancing basic awareness of the families of their project are worth mentioning and laudable. With excellent grass root level co-ordination the staff has been largely successful in bringing a change in the conservative mindset of the families.

The above mentioned group was formed 02January 2009 with support of the organization. It has 12 members. It has a bank account and having rupees seventeen thousand, in which savings of all members which is collected @Rs.30/- per month. The group has its own Rules & Regulations for disbursement of loan to its existing members. The reasons behind taking loan from the SHG group are: for payment of school fee, construction of house or meeting out medical emergencies and livelihood activities.

The group is preparing Handmade Sanitary Napkins. The group is supplying napkins to other groups and nearby villages. They have supplied rupees three lakhs napkins to Oxfam. Group is doing good job but the main problem is marketing of napkins. Recently Oxfam supported rupees ten thousand to each self help group. SHG members are aware about local, social, economical problems and solved it with the help of group.