Post Disaster: Social Cultural Impact in the Resettlement: In case of Giraunchaur, Sindhupalchowk

Abstract

After Gorkha Earthquake 2015, Nepal faced rapid housing demand in urban and rural context. In consideration of ease of providing necessary services, integrated settlements have been prioritized for resettlements by Nepal Reconstruction Authority (NRA) and Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC). In contrary to the popular belief of resettlement bringing well-being, issues of ignorance towards community identity, social-cultural and economic needs have been observed. The study focuses on two resettlements in close-proximity with similar social-cultural lifestyle in Giraunchour, Sindhupalchowk. Namuna Ekikrit Basti and Shree-Namadoling Ekikrit Basti has been built by Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation and joint effort of CG-Foundation and Nepal Reconstruction Authority (NRA) respectively. Field observation, keyinformant interview, questionnaire survey has been done to understand the change in societal way of living in both areas. User-committee faces a challenge in addressing the building rapid houses along with addressing the demand of individual people in the community together with the economic challenges. Furthermore, the acceptance of ideologies of donor agencies plays additional impact. Both Basti faced restriction of livestock and has made a serious impact in agricultural chain and financial portion through live-stock. Earlier common courtyard-based living has been turned towards compartment-based housing. The study focuses on modification and adaptation to address living, and the comparison of satisfaction in two resettlement areas.