Using Traditional Knowledge Systems for Post-disaster Reconstruction – Issues and Challenges following Gujarat and Kashmir Earthquakes

In post-disaster situations, traditional constructions are generally considered vulnerable and, therefore, often get replaced by modern ones that are culturally and climatically incompatible, economically unaffordable and, thus, unsustainable in the long run. While it is now known that an enormous wealth of knowledge is embedded within traditional buildings, it is also true that many aspects of this knowledge have become diluted due to the changing social, economic and political context, as well as the needs and aspirations of the people. Herein lies the dilemma of making the appropriate approach for post disaster reconstruction in developing countries. Should we reject ‘outdated’ traditional technology and go for a complete break from the past, or should we look backwards and revert to the ‘tried and tested’ traditional wisdom? A hypothesis has, thus, been raised through this article -can there be a ‘middle way’, taking the best of the past and the present, for planning a better future? The article will discuss this core issue in the context of the reconstruction challenges following the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and Northern Kashmir earthquake that struck on 8 October 2005.