Community Resource Centre Puthenvelikkara
Community Resource Centre Puthenvelikkara was established in 2018 with the participation of volunteers in Puthenvelikkara, supported by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Institute. The center's office is located in Elenthikara, Puthenvelikkara, and was formally registered in 2021.
The goal of the Community Resource Centre is to work hand-in-hand with local governments and other agencies to drive development in agriculture, social welfare, poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, education, and health. It places special importance on disaster mitigation and preserving biodiversity without harming nature.
Activities Related to Disaster Management
Rain Gauge Project
As a village that experienced major floods in 2018 and 2019, disaster mitigation has become a priority in Puthenvelikkara. Monitoring began in May 2020 with the installation of rain gauges in various areas of the panchayat. Groundwater level monitoring also began in collaboration with the research institute EQUINOCT.
In June 2021, the project expanded to cover all panchayats in the Chalakudy River basin. Now, around 100 rain gauges are installed across the Chalakudy and Periyar river basins. By monitoring daily rainfall, weather forecasts, river levels, and groundwater levels, CRC can now anticipate flooding risks, issue warnings to disaster authorities, and request timely interventions.
Sea Level Mapping Project
A baseline survey was conducted to establish sea level benchmarks and develop a flood inundation map for Puthenvelikkara Grama Panchayat. High flood levels from 2018 were geo-coded on the ground. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were corrected using field data to improve accuracy and map flood depths across the panchayat. Community volunteers helped validate the final map.
How CRC Can Support District Administration in Disaster Management
- Real-time Rainfall and Groundwater Monitoring: CRC operates a network of around 100 rain gauges and conducts groundwater monitoring. This real-time data improves early warning systems and flood forecasting accuracy.
- Data Sharing and Analysis: CRC collaborates with research institutes like EQUINOCT to provide scientific data and analysis that supports evidence-based decision-making during critical weather events.
- Flood Inundation Mapping: CRC's flood depth maps help identify vulnerable zones, plan evacuation routes, and support long-term flood mitigation planning.
- Community-based Disaster Preparedness: CRC has strong ties with local volunteers, making it ideal for leading awareness campaigns, training programs, and last-mile emergency communication.
- Early Warning and Response Support: With the ability to monitor weather, river, and groundwater levels, CRC can issue timely alerts to DDMA and recommend interventions.
- Sustainable and Inclusive Approach: CRC’s broader work in biodiversity conservation, social welfare, and women’s empowerment ensures disaster strategies are inclusive, locally adapted, and environmentally sustainable.
