Theme 5 : Protect Biodiversity and Adapt Climate Change

Riverborne Darkness to Lightborne Information

Case Story 1

Context

Ram Kumari’s life in Godaiya No. 4 Gram Panchayat has been dominated by uncertainty and the constant threat of floods. Her original home in Godaiya No. 3 was destroyed when the Ghaghara River flooded the village, forcing the family to relocate to Naya Purwa.

Their new house, however, sits on a small island formed by the river, surrounded by streams on three sides, making annual submergence inevitable during the monsoon. Living far from the village center and without access to electricity, Ram Kumari, her three young daughters, and her extended family faced daily hardships in managing household chores, studying, and maintaining safety during floods.

Kutcha House of Ram Kumari situated on the banks of Ghaghra

Challenges

Life in Naya Purwa compounded their vulnerability.

Without electricity, the children had to study under dim oil lamps or diyas, and household work was strenuous and unsafe in poor light.

Nights were long, with insect bites and the constant worry of floods, which could isolate the family for weeks on their roof.

Limited access to phones and communication made it difficult to seek help during emergencies. These conditions left the family highly exposed to disaster risks, health hazards, and educational setbacks.

Intervention

Change came through a community awareness session under the EcoDRR Project, facilitated by Mission Samriddhi PRP Pooja Yadav. The session introduced the concept of green energy and solar power as a tool for resilience.

Encouraged by the guidance, Ram Kumari applied for a 200-watt solar panel through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) subsidy program. With her contribution and project facilitation, the solar panel was installed within a month.

This intervention addressed both her household energy needs and reduced vulnerability during flood-induced isolation.

Ram kumari's children studying below the Solar Light

Satellite map showing house on one side of the Ghaghra River and the electricity pole on the opposite side

Impact

The installation of the solar panel transformed daily life. The home now had reliable lighting, allowing the children to study safely and Ram Kumari to manage household chores efficiently.

Dependence on oil lamps, which were unsafe and inadequate, ended. Beyond convenience, the intervention enhanced safety, dignity, and disaster resilience, reducing the family’s exposure to darkness and its associated risks during floods.

“Now there is light in our house all the time. My children can study, and I can do all my work easily. This has changed our life.”