ACCESS4ALL Group

A well-known example of a successful community-centered adaptation plan in India is the cyclone preparedness and disaster resilience program in coastal Odisha, particularly after the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone. Since then, Odisha has developed one of the strongest community-based climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction systems in the country.

Design and Implementation of the Adaptation Plan

The adaptation plan was designed with strong involvement from:

Local communities

Panchayati Raj Institutions

Women’s self-help groups

Volunteers trained under the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Cyclone Shelter Management Committees (CSMCs)

Key components included:

Construction of multipurpose cyclone shelters

Community-managed early warning dissemination

Regular mock drills and evacuation training

Livelihood diversification and mangrove restoration in some areas

Importantly, communities were not treated as passive beneficiaries but as active planners and implementers.

Evaluation of the Plan

1. Representation of Community Values

The plan strongly represents community values:

Cyclone shelters are used not only during disasters but also as schools, community halls, and meeting spaces

Traditional knowledge about cyclone patterns and safe evacuation routes was integrated

Women and elderly community members were included in planning committees

This ensured local ownership and trust in the system.

2. Addressing Local Challenges

The adaptation plan directly addressed key challenges faced by coastal communities:

Frequent cyclones and storm surges

Loss of lives due to delayed evacuation

Lack of safe shelters

Communication gaps during emergencies

By improving early warnings, evacuation planning, and shelter access, the plan significantly reduced fatalities and asset losses, even during severe cyclones like Phailin (2013) and Fani (2019).

3. Vulnerability Assessment

The plan adequately assessed vulnerability by:

Identifying high-risk coastal villages

Mapping households with elderly, disabled, and economically vulnerable populations

Prioritizing fishing communities and low-lying settlements

This risk-based targeting ensured resources were directed where they were most needed.

4. Conflict Resolution

Potential conflicts—such as shelter access, evacuation resistance, and land use—were managed through:

Community-led shelter management committees

Clear rules for shelter use

Local mediation through village leaders and self-help groups

This helped reduce panic, mistrust, and social tensions during disasters.

5. Meeting Community Expectations and Needs

The adaptation plan met community expectations by:

Ensuring safety and dignity during evacuations

Protecting lives while allowing quick post-cyclone recovery

Providing spaces that serve daily community needs, not just emergencies

As a result, communities became more willing to evacuate early, a major behavioral shift.

6. Contribution to Adaptive Capacity

The plan significantly enhanced long-term adaptive capacity by:

Building disaster awareness and preparedness skills

Strengthening local institutions

Creating a culture of risk reduction rather than reactive relief

Encouraging ecosystem-based adaptation such as mangrove protection

Communities are now better prepared for future climate risks, including stronger cyclones linked to climate change.

Conclusion

The Odisha cyclone preparedness model is a strong example of community-centered adaptation in India. It demonstrates that when communities are empowered, informed, and involved in decision-making, adaptation strategies become more effective, equitable, and sustainable.

This case shows that climate adaptation is not only about infrastructure but also about social cohesion, local knowledge, and institutional trust, all of which are essential for building resilience in climate-vulnerable regions