1. The River Brahmaputra Subansiri, Bharoli, Bornodi, Puthimari, Pagladiya, Manas, Na-Dihing, Disang, Dikhow, Bhogdoi, Dhansiri, Kapili, Jiyadhal, Ronganoi,Kakodanga, Buroi, Sampabati, Dibru, Dudhnoi, Krishnai, Buri-Dihing, Dikong etc 42 tributaries in all, 1625 km in Tibet, 918 km in India, 377 km in B’desh The River Basin

2. Floods and their impact About 10% of the local population (about 2.5 million) is displaced by flood and high water every year. Lack of sanitation and safe drinking water result in the spread of water-borne diseases, especially dysentery and diarrhea, which take a substantial toll. Loss of arable land due to silt deposit and soil erosion leaves community without food grains which are usually grown on the farms. The state administration is handicapped by limited financial resources and personnel and above all the lack of good and well-equipped boats.

3. Villages are cut off, becoming inaccessible Loss of livelihoods Displacement of families Incidence of water borne diseases Floods and their impact

4. Project Objectives Use locally built, competently equipped ships to enable trained assistance to reach those in urgent need of medical assistance during floods. Train and educate rural, river-dependent groups in health issues, including both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Tackle unemployment and increase income through trade and construction of a fleet of ships in each district. Develop local cultural documentation “banks” and help local talent find wider opportunities.

5. Project Structure AID NE Cell Grassroot Boat Builders Sanjoy Hazarika MIT DtM Independent Design Engineers (Hari Nair) IIT Guwahati, India

6. Ship of Hope Design Issues There are three major categories of boats plying in the Brahmaputra: Large Ferry Boats with powerful engines and capacity to transport people and vehicles Medium sized country boats used primarily for cargo, livestock and sometimes for people transport. Small country boats used for small cargo and personal transportation. Some of the major issues to be addressed are: Community safety Weather protection Ability to navigate the waters Loading and unloading

7. Ship of Hope Safety and Capacity 1 Major safety hazards from overcrowdingMajor safety hazards from overcrowding No visible enforcement of safety regulationsNo visible enforcement of safety regulations Over-laden boats become disabled in emergencies or are unable to navigate heavy currentsOver-laden boats become disabled in emergencies or are unable to navigate heavy currents Not enough protection from the elementsNot enough protection from the elements Loading and unloading issuesLoading and unloading issues

8. Ship of Hope Safety and Capacity 2

9. Ship of Hope Safety and Capacity 3

10. Ship of Hope Cargo and Livestock 1

11. Ship of Hope Cargo and Livestock 2 People, livestock and cargo all need protection from the elementsPeople, livestock and cargo all need protection from the elements These boats seem to be constructed locally using indigenous materials. It may be possible to bring newer materials (ex: plastic sheets) to enhance.These boats seem to be constructed locally using indigenous materials. It may be possible to bring newer materials (ex: plastic sheets) to enhance. There are no engines on these boats but how about power needed to navigate in heavy currents and in emergency situations?There are no engines on these boats but how about power needed to navigate in heavy currents and in emergency situations?

12. Summary During times of flood, rural populations in the Brahmaputra Valley are devastated by high water which dislocates their lives, substantially reduces incomes and imperils their health. During times of flood, rural populations in the Brahmaputra Valley are devastated by high water which dislocates their lives, substantially reduces incomes and imperils their health. The “Ship of Hope” project proposes the development of a fleet of well- designed, locally-built country boats that can primarily provide health and relief services for the distressed and needy during times of flood. The “Ship of Hope” project proposes the development of a fleet of well- designed, locally-built country boats that can primarily provide health and relief services for the distressed and needy during times of flood. The principal beneficiaries of this project are the poor and marginalized farmers and workers who live on the riverbanks and are at risk during flooding. The principal beneficiaries of this project are the poor and marginalized farmers and workers who live on the riverbanks and are at risk during flooding. The project plans to demonstrate that through the process of designing and building a fleet of boats, it is possible to improve health conditions, employment, income as well as strengthen local culture. The project plans to demonstrate that through the process of designing and building a fleet of boats, it is possible to improve health conditions, employment, income as well as strengthen local culture.

13. Ship of Hope: Timeline