When the Road Disappeared
“If something had happened during an emergency, we would have been stuck… Anything can happen in today’s times,” shared Niketan, a resident of Bandarwadi village in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district.
In June 2020, when Cyclone Nisarga swept through the Konkan region, it left behind not just broken roofs and uprooted trees, but entire villages disconnected from the outside world. Bandarwadi was one of them.
A 500-metre stretch of their only access road was buried under fallen trees and debris. More than 6 lakh trees were uprooted in the region. For the people of Bandarwadi, this wasn’t just a blocked road—it was a lifeline cut off.
From Cut-Off to Connected — A Community-Led Breakthrough
With motivation and facilitation from Goonj’s Cloth for Work initiative, 17 residents came together—not to wait for help but to take charge of their recovery.
Armed with just axes, ropes, and saws, they:
- Cut through heavy trunks
- Cleared the road manually
- Restored access to nearby towns and relief routes
This was not a one-way intervention. It was a partnership in action—where the community mobilised their own wisdom and tools to reclaim what was lost.
Community members clearing debris manually with traditional tools
Relief Finds a Way
The significance of their effort became evident the day Goonj’s Rahat Kits and relief vehicles reached the village—using the very road the people had reopened.
At that moment, the community experienced the power of their own preparedness—realising they weren’t just recipients of aid but active agents of change.
“When Goonj’s vehicle reached deep inside, we realized the magnitude of the work we had done,” said one elder.
Goonj relief van arriving after community reopens the road
Beyond Relief — A Lesson in Resilience
This is more than a story of cleaning a road. It’s a reflection of what people can do when they have even a little space, respect, and recognition.
Goonj didn’t arrive with a ready-made solution—we walked alongside, bringing material as a trigger, and dignity as the constant.
This is what disaster response beyond relief looks like. Where community spirit, resourcefulness, and effort create lasting change.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
