5.5 Survey Analysis of pol house residents

loads can be beneficial as the inertial mass will reduce, and hence the earthquake effects. But precompression available due to the deadloads, can be beneficial in load-bearing walls, and contributes to shear resistance. On the capacity side, reduction of dead loads will imply reduction of resistance also.

5.5 Survey Analysis of Pol house residents

Figure 113 Disaster management cycle. Source -. Arun Menon

The telephonic survey was conducted with the residents of pol (refer chapter 3). The situation of pandemic was a limitation in conducting an ample number of interviews. The current data analysis is based on detailed telephonic interviews from 20 residents of Mandvi ni pol and around along with the observations from the NIDM workshop.

Memory and damage –

The disaster management cycle (figure 115) has been understood by many researchers around the world, the cycle reflects the position of measures till the next disaster (earthquake) occurs. The event of earthquake has an immediate response through safety evaluation followed by short term counter measures like erecting temporary supports for

the structures, which leads to the reconstruction phase. As the time passes the damaged structures are repaired, which is termed as the mitigation process. The reconstruction phase is followed by the capacity building phase which includes strengthening of structures through vulnerability assessment, that prepares the settlement/structures for a future disaster. The time cycles of the processes and measures are dependent on the occurrence of disasters (earthquakes). It is this time which has been corelated with the development of local seismic culture by Ferrigni as explained in Chapter 1. Sir Bernard Feildon in his book ‘Between Two Earthquakes’ describes –“Each earthquake must become another significant chapter in our growing body of knowledge. Repair and reconstruction after the last earthquake have to be studied. Lessons must be learned continually, and we must always be aware that we live Between Two Earthquakes.” For the residents of Ahmedabad, the only earthquake to learn from is the Bhuj earthquake of 2001, which demonstrated the seismic resilient nature of the traditional pol houses. The earthquake before 2001 was in 1819 AD, which was 180 years before. The specific interviews with the people who have experienced the earthquake of 2001, it was evident that today still there is a generation which has the exact memory of the event. People were able to clearly describe the event and survival of the pol houses (figure 116). They are aware of the inherent earthquake resistant properties in a pol settlement. From the survey it was evident that the houses which were abandoned in 2001, were the only houses that completely collapsed. There were only minor damages like cracks in wall. Residents could come out of their houses while their houses were swaying due to earthquake, unlike the R.C. construction where people lost their lives due to sudden collapse of the entire structure.

Reconstruction –

In the interviews conducted and the NIDM survey report it has been found that complete reconstruction with I sections as beams and columns, was the only suggested option for maintaining the house. Some people were guided by local contractors to demolish the house and reconstruct it. Due to lifestyle changes many people have sold their traditional houses or given to tenants. People are aware of the heritage grading, but owners of the graded structures do not know the process of restoration. Lack of money for repairing the

house was identified as the major reason for complete reconstruction. Out of 20 interviews, it was one house which was being maintained with the traditional materials.

Heritage che! –

When people explain about the construct of pol houses there is a strong association of pride with it. People recognize the historicity of the houses; they appreciate the intricate unique carvings and the good quality imported wooden beams, but the lack of awareness and funds limit them to maintain it.

Other hazards –

Fire hazards were the major threat identified in the interviews and NIDM report. The main cause for the fire hazards is short circuiting in houses which are now converted to go downs. Another cause was the use of cigarettes by the go down night watchmen. Use of styrofoam as a false ceiling material is another major cause of fire hazard.

What next? –

The survey conducted for the research is preliminary and beyond the scope of this thesis, it is required that extensive on ground primary survey is done to understand the issues and culture which can be then implemented at policy level. However, when the survey observations are correlated (figure 116) it is evident that ‘value’ for the heritage exists but the provisions, awareness, and funds for preserving the heritage lack. Today the memory and experience of 2001 exists but as the region does not fall in the high seismic zone with frequent occurrence of earthquakes, the experience and knowledge will be lost soon. It is this experience and memory of survival of these old houses which has potential to manifest in the conservation of heritage of Ahmedabad and importantly preservation of vernacular techniques.

Figure 114 Representation of survey observations, Source – Author

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