The residents of Bada Talapada village in the Baliapal block of Balasore, Odisha, know the devastating power of water. This region has been battered by floods not once, but six times, leaving 140 families who depend on fishing struggling with severe losses—damaged homes, destroyed paddy fields, and, critically, broken connectivity.
When the most recent flood completely damaged their main village road, the community found themselves isolated. Unable to access support, they were forced to use boats just to fetch groceries from the market. The difficulty of daily life was immense. This is where the story shifts from hardship to people-led change.
Community in Action: The Power of Local Wisdom and Shared Purpose
Recognizing that outside help was slow to arrive, the community began to look inward. A visit from the Goonj team, under the Cloth for Work and Rahat initiative, helped spark the solution. Goonj suggested a straightforward method: filling bags (bora) with sand and using them to reinforce and repair the damaged road.
Though floodwaters prevented them from collecting river sand, the villagers didn’t give up. In a powerful display of sharing with purpose and self-reliance, they pooled their resources, purchased sand from a local source, and launched the repair project themselves.
Balasore Community Repairing Road with Sandbags Grassroots Innovation
Restoring Connectivity and Rebuilding Daily Life
The immediate impact of this collective action was profound. The repaired road has successfully restored connectivity and dignity to the community.
- Villagers can now easily go to the market and collect necessary items.
- Children can access school easily.
- Bikes and cycles can traverse the road smoothly.
This story from Bada Talapada highlights the spirit of resilience. It is a powerful testament that when people use their local wisdom and labor for shared material benefit, they not only fix a road but also restore their dignity and their ability to move forward after a disaster.
Repaired Road Bada Talapada Balasore Restored Connectivity for School and Market
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..
