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  • The KHOJ Winter School 2024-25, themed “Resilience: Urban and Rural Vadodara,” presents a multidisciplinary exploration of disaster resilience, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic recovery in the context of recurrent flooding and climate challenges in Vadodara, Gujarat. The initiative brought together students and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds to conduct over 30 research projects addressing critical urban and rural vulnerabilities.
  • Key themes included environmental impact assessments, flood management, public health, mental well-being, small business resilience, and technological innovations. One project assessed post-flood solid waste management, revealing systemic gaps in infrastructure and public awareness. Others evaluated the effectiveness of government relief schemes and insurance penetration, highlighting the need for streamlined processes and increased awareness among small businesses.
  • Technological interventions were explored through the development of an AIoT-based early warning system and a Wi-Fi Direct-based traffic management solution for disaster scenarios. Additional studies focused on last-mile delivery and evacuation route simulations, offering practical solutions for logistical resilience.
  • Socially focused research documented the lived experiences of street vendors and daily wage earners, emphasizing the psychological and economic toll of disasters. Environmental studies examined soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and the role of sacred groves in ecological conservation.
  • The overarching findings underscore the urgent need for integrated planning, community engagement, and policy reforms. Recommendations span from infrastructure upgrades and public awareness campaigns to the adoption of green technologies and inclusive governance models.
  • KHOJ 2024-25 serves as a blueprint for building resilient communities through interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based policy making, and grassroots participation, setting a precedent for sustainable urban and rural development in disaster-prone regions.

The Khoj Winter School 2024-25 bringing together 723 students and 65 faculty members to work on 32 impactful projects addressing the theme: “Resilience of Urban and Rural Vadodara.”
This year's winter school emphasizes innovative strategies for disaster recovery and resilience building, with a particular focus on challenges posed by floods and other natural disasters.

Vishwamitri Transects- Mapping River Flood Plains in Vadodara

* The 2024 flood affected nearly one-third of the city, following natural geographical drainage patterns. * Severe flooding occurred along minor stream tributaries now built over, such as in Chhani, Nizampura, Akota, Jetalpur, and Waghodia. * Encroachment on floodplains and over natural streams contributed significantly to flooding. * Infrastructure projects like roads, the bullet train corridor, and bridges disrupted natural water flow. * Loss of riparian edges and ineffective flood prevention measures worsened the flood impact.

Urban Runoff Mitigation Issues and Concerns in Vadodara City

* Socio-economic and technical surveys were conducted at 21 identified flood-affected locations. * Data collected included inundation levels, causes, water loss duration, drainage issues, and relocation incidents. * The study assessed government support provided for flood-related damages. * It examined the city’s natural and artificial water bodies, including canals (Kaans), and their interconnections. * Based on the findings, suitable and feasible flood mitigation solutions were proposed.

Last-Mile Delivery Innovations and Supply Chain Resilience in Floods

* The 2024 Vadodara floods tested last-mile delivery, especially for manufacturing and service sectors. * Companies faced challenges in meeting customer demands during the flood. * Technologies like drones, AI, and real-time inventory systems helped ensure timely supply delivery. * Collaboration with local vendors and NGOs improved logistical response in affected areas. * Future strategies like crowd shipping and enhanced communication tools aim to boost resilience to extreme weather events.

Khoj program has been part of the NUV curriculum right from the beginning. We at Navrachana University, very strongly believe that all our student must be sensitized to societal issues, must develop empathy towards others and should use their skills and understanding in helping others in the society. Hence the Khoj Winter School that has now been re-imagined and made more rigorous is an important vehicle to realize this aspiration.

 

At Navrachana University, it has been our firm belief that learning spans much more than what is taught within the four walls of the classrooms. We want our students to go out there and work on real-world challenges. This allows them to develop a new way of looking at things and exploring new things.

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