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Mahiti is working in Bhal
region since 10 years as a grassroots NGO. The
inception and existence of MAHITI is derived out
of complexities of Bhal. MAHITI is working in
Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar districts of this region
and have plans to expand to other districts
covering more than 20,000 families in near
future. The geographical, social, economic and
political condition of this region is as under. |
Geoclimatic condition
The geographical characteristics of Bhal consist
of areas affected by high salinisation and
alkalinity, large creaks and predictably severe
temperature variations. It is highly prone to
natural disasters like earthquake, floods, and
drought. The region consists of landmass
stretching along the coast from Gulf of Cambay
(now Khambhat) in Anand district to Creek of
Bhavnagar district. Bhal region covered across
administrative blocks in Ahmedabad, Ananad,
Kheda and Surendranagar and Bhavnagar districts
comprising more than 500 villages. This region
is called ‘Bhal’ refers to forehead in local
language. |
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Large chunk of
villages located near coastline and
some of them are submerged due to
sea-ingress. In rest of the villages
salinity is a serious problem. Natural
salt deposition on soil surface is a
common site in summer. Agriculture
productivity of land is very low due
to salinity, salt-water ingress, wind
erosion and lack of fresh water source
(neither ground water). Water logging
caused due to black cotton soils makes
life further miserable.
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Major rivers of
Bhal are Sabarmati, Bhogavo,
Sukhbhadar, Dhelo, Kalubhar terminate
in Gulf of Cambay. Due to low gradient
they inundate large portion of
landmass during high floods and high
tides. Though the average rainfall in
this region is 400-500 mm it still
results in inundation due to its
topography. Frequent drought is very
common phenomenon in Bhal region.
Hostile geo-climatic conditions result
in poor life supporting systems. |
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Vegetation is near zero
except wild growth of Prosopis Juliflora and
Salvadora Persica in common land. Around 60
years back 75% of the coastline covered with
mangroves and Salvadora and forage grasses. But
extensive damage occurred to mangroves resulting
in sea-ingress and degeneration of agriculture
lands. State administration has attributed high
priority to ‘Caustic soda’ plants to that of
mangroves.
Geo-climatic changes largely witnessed
in last couple of decades. The level
of regular tides increased resulting
in salt-water ingress and water
logging. Increased level of high-low
tides, silt deposition, activities in
catchments lead to frequent changes in
river course. Large creaks formed
along coast and they are penetrating into agriculture lands. Major
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projects such as Kalpasar
and industrial/infrastructure activities would
further aggravate the problems of people if not
consulted and involved at right time. |
Social condition
Bhal is a highly divided across caste structure.
Different castes of region are Darbars (Rajputs),
Kanabi patel, Koli patel, Bharwad, and Dalits.
The Kolis and Dalits are lower caste where as
Darbar, KanbiPatel, Rajput termed as upper caste
who won large chunk of lands and involved in
money laundering. Caste discrimination is
apparent and ruthless. Kolis are of 27 % and
dalits are of 7% of total population of Bhal
region. Though Koli community referred as
‘backward class community’ it hardly ever
received any consideration from State. They are
vulnerable to exploitation by local landlords
and moneylenders. Though some coastal villages
consist of Kolis up to 90%, they are controlled,
managed and exploited by Darbars. Also from
neighboring villages. Condition and position of
women and children is highly vulnerable in such
cases. No wonder ‘untouchability’ is still
practiced in Bhal region.
Thus, strong caste discrimination,
untouchability, exploitation by upper castes,
patriarchal values and social evils like child
marriage, superstitions, and dowry are order of
the day in Bhal.
Economic condition
Livelihood resources for poor are limited.
Dryland agriculture, fishing and livestock
raring are highly vulnerable options available
to people. Agriculture productivity is very low.
Low rainfall and frequent drought increased
level of risk in agriculture. People are forced
to migrate as laborers for more than 8 months a
year. Social security measures hardly reach
these families. Children are removed from
schools and put up with diamond polishing
industry at tender age like 10 years.
Majority of Kolis and Dalits are living Below
Poverty Line (BPL). Average earning per family
is as low as Rs.6000 per year. This is acute
among women headed households. They mainly work
as agriculture labourers in farms of upper caste
communities who control occupations like local
transport, restaurant, shops, flourmills etc.
Community works also contracted by upper caste
communities. As a result Kolis and Dalits are
left with no alternative. In crisis they borrow
on high interest rates (120%) from moneylenders
or landlords. When they fail to payback-their
assets are retained including land, house and
livestock. This reaches to gruesome levels like
frequent physical abuse of women members.
Due to lack of infrastructure all communities
share equally poor educational, health and other
amenities. However well off could afford better
services in nearby towns. Poor electricity,
roads and lack other infrastructure left the
region far behind in economic opportunities.
Political Condition
Caste wise vertical divide is also observed in
political scenario of Bhal. Despite having large
population Kolis and Dalits does not have
political power. Their voices are divided and
ruled by upper caste communities. They are
politically discriminated not only in panchayat
election but also in legislative and federal
elections. With this general development in Koli
and Dalit dominated villages is lagging behind.
Political interference in development activities
also lead to substandard works and in some cases
activities remained on paper.
With the 72nd amendment of constitution, 30
percent villages of Bhal have women sarpanchs.
But they do not have decision-making power in
Panchayats. Issues relating to drinking water,
livelihoods and exploitation took back stage. By
and large their husband or family members
influence local governance. With this, position
of women did not change much. They need to be
encouraged and equipped to govern local
development process.
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