5. INTERPRETATION AND FINDINGS

INFERENCE: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Inferences from the above given reference of Incremental housing projects: The advantages and disadvantages;

The advantages of incremental housing are numerous. In the first place, it gives low-income families a cost-effective means to construct their own homes, which may be a source of dignity and stability. People can develop a sense of ownership and belonging by building their own houses, which can be particularly crucial for families who have suffered displacement or other types of uncertainty.

Second, developing dwellings incrementally is a sustainable method, in which people can adapt their houses to evolving circumstances by constructing them in stages, which minimizes the need for destruction and reconstruction. And thirdly, an incremental approach can promote community growth and the creation of social value. People can cooperate and share resources by constructing their houses in phases, which can result in the development of social networks and neighborhood support systems.

The benefits of Incrementality in rehabilitated EWS housing:

• Adaptability: Incremental housing can be made to meet the evolving needs of low-income families over time, enabling them to make upgrades and expansions when their financial condition gets better.

• Upward mobility: Incremental housing can offer low-income households a route to homeownership, enabling them to accumulate equity and enhance their financial situation.

• Security: By giving low-income people a long-term housing solution they can customize and improve over time, incremental housing can give them a feeling of security and stability.

• Affordability: Incremental housing can be created to be cost-effective for low-income households, giving them access to homes they might not otherwise be able to buy.

• Community involvement and ownership: By integrating inhabitants in the design and construction process and giving them a sense of ownership over their dwelling, incremental housing can encourage community involvement and ownership.

Cons of Incremental approach:

• Lack of early resources: Low-income households might not have easy access to the first resources necessary for incremental housing.

• Slow process: The construction and improvement of incremental housing can take time, which may not be practical for low-income families that need housing solutions right once.

• Limited financing alternatives: Low-income households may find it challenging to get the necessary resources due to a possible lack of financing options for additional homes.

• Limited scalability: To satisfy the needs of sizable low-income populations or in places with little resources, incremental housing may not be readily scalable.

• Lack of technical knowledge: The design and construction of incremental housing require technical knowledge, which may not be easily accessible in some low-income regions.

Conclusive inference:

In conclusion, the progressive housing approach has numerous advantages, notably giving low-income households an affordable way to construct their own homes, flexibility to adjust to changing conditions, and encouragement of social significance and development in communities. Additionally, progressive housing can give low-income families a path to owning property safety, cost-effectiveness, and ownership of their community. Incremental housing can have certain drawbacks, though, including an absence of early assets, a lengthy process, restricted financing alternatives, reduced scalability, and a dearth of expertise in technology in some low-income areas.

Despite its drawbacks, progressive dwellings may serve as a promising option for households with low incomes, particularly in places where there is a shortage of affordable housing. Incremental housing may provide families with low incomes a sense of belonging and security as well as the chance to gradually improve their financial status by offering an extended housing alternative that is adjustable and flexible. And hence it can lead the economically weaker sections towards upward mobility and provide a better standard of living.

5.1 Need for incrementality in SRA Housing

SRA Housing: The Incremental Approach's Purpose: India, a country with a high prevalence of slums and informal settlements, offers a tremendous opportunity for the gradual approach in SRA housing. The strategy makes formal housing more available to the EWS population by enabling its progressive expansion. Additionally, because it eliminates the need for extensive construction and land acquisition, it is economical and environmentally friendly.

The EWS population in India is experiencing a significant increase in demand for official housing, and a gradual expansion of SRA housing units is required to accommodate this need. Land acquisition and construction on a large scale are not always possible, especially in urban locations where land is expensive and limited. The incremental strategy makes it more practical and economical by allowing for the steady expansion of housing units.

Given that there is a greater demand for habitat than there is supply, SRA housing for EWS residents must be iterative. Due to a shortage of assets along with elevated land costs, the conventional method of housing construction—buying land and erecting houses all at once—is becoming more and more challenging. As assets become accessible, a better strategy known as incrementality allows the constant and gradual development of housing units.

This strategy fosters a sense of shared identity and ownership, which can be especially important for households that have experienced homelessness or other forms of instability. Constructing their own homes gives household members a sense of accomplishment, belonging, and dignity that can improve their standards of living.

Scope of Parameters:

• Participatory approach: Since the gradual approach directly affects the residents' living circumstances and needs, it is important that they be included in its development and execution.

• Flexibility: Because the needs of the EWS community may change over time, the methodology should be adaptable and flexible.

• Phased development: This strategy should be based on the progressive increase of dwelling units in accordance with demand and resource availability.

• Cost-effective and long-term: The strategy should be long-term and cost-effective, minimizing the need for extensive development and land acquisition.

• Access to essential services: The strategy should provide access to essential services like water, power, sanitation, and healthcare.

Conclusion:

For the inhabitants of EWS housing, the incremental housing approach creates a possibility for upward mobility. It gives them a path to homeownership, allowing them to build assets and gradually improve their financial circumstances. As households' financial circumstances get better, they might upgrade and expand their dwellings to accommodate their changing needs.

Additionally, EWS households may feel more secure and stable with progressive housing. It may assist them experience a sense of responsibility and belonging by providing them with a sustainable housing option that they can personalize and enhance over time. Their standard of living can be improved, and they can develop stronger social networks because of this .

Structural Stability

Legal Ownership

Construction Materials

Safety and Security

Basic Amenities

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FOR SRA HOUSING WITH INCLUSION OF INCREMENTAL APPROACH

Lack of Land Availability

Lack of Flexibility

Lack of Financial Stability

Lack of Belongingness

Lack of Opportunities

5.2 Issues and Challenges in the inclusion of Incrementality as an approach in SRA Housing for EWS;

By SRA authorities and builders, there is an absence of knowledge and acceptance of the progressive housing approach.

Integration issues with formal housing projects and the current informal settlements.

Residents of informal communities encounter obstacles when attempting to establish clear land titles.

Lack of funding for the adoption of the incremental housing strategy in government-run housing programmes.

Lacking the technical expertise and abilities needed to apply the gradual housing strategy.

Due to an absence of oversight and control, it is challenging to ensure the quality of additional housing units.

There is not enough room for additional dwelling units in formal housing developments.

Residents' involvement in the development and execution of the incremental housing method has been limited.

Insufficient assets and supplies available for building additional dwelling units.

Challenges in guaranteeing durability and environmentally friendly design for new housing units in organized housing programs.

1. Community Participation:

• By actively involving EWS populations in the planning and development process, it is made possible to tailor housing alternatives to the distinctive requirements, preferences, and cultural settings of these communities.

• Involving inhabitants in the creation process develops a sense of pride, responsibility, and governance, which improves upkeep and the long-term viability of housing developments.

• Community empowerment and social cohesiveness are facilitated by cooperative decision-making procedures, which strengthen a feeling of shared identity and belonging.

2. Incremental Housing Strategies:

• Incrementality enables housing units to be gradually improved and expanded in accordance with the changing needs and financial resources of EWS households.

• The adaptability of progressive housing enables homeowners to make small-scale modifications and improvements to their dwellings, gradually improving their usability and spatial quality.

• Incremental strategies offer EWS households a feasible route out of informal housing, allowing them to steadily develop assets and enhance their living circumstances.

3. Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness:

• Adopting creative construction techniques, utilizing locally accessible materials, and optimizing space utilization are all part of designing for cost-effectiveness.

• By focusing on affordability, it is ensured that the dwellings are still within the means of EWS households, lessening their financial strain and allowing them to divert funds to other crucial requirements.

• Including affordable alternatives improves the viability and scalability of EWS housing projects while also benefiting the occupants.

4. Infrastructure and Basic Amenities:

• Upgrading the living circumstances and general well-being of EWS populations requires the availability of sufficient infrastructure, including safe water, sanitary facilities, power, and adequate air circulation.

• Improving the housing complexes' facilities and basic amenities improves the health, cleanliness, and general standard of living of the occupants.

• Infrastructure that is properly provided helps EWS housing developments be sustainable and long-lasting, which lowers maintenance problems and health hazards.

5. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:

• Energy usage and environmental effect are decreased by using sustainable design concepts, which include maximizing natural lighting and ventilation, implementing passive cooling techniques, and using energy-efficient technologies.

• The incorporation of environmentally friendly energy sources, like solar panels, can offer clean and cost-effective energy options, decreasing dependency on traditional energy sources and lowering carbon emissions.

• Sustainable practices are incorporated into EWS housing developments to lessen their adverse environmental impacts as well as to increase the dwelling units' long-term cost and durability.

6. Social Integration and Community Development:

• Including communal areas, shared amenities, and outdoor spaces in EWS housing developments encourages social connections, fosters a feeling of community, and supports social integration.

• Access to important services is improved for locals because of community facilities like nursery schools, hospitals, educational institutions, and community halls.

• Supporting neighborhood-based initiatives, such as nonprofit organizations and collaborative programs, improves social networks, gives residents more authority, and encourages a sense of shared accountability for the upkeep and management of housing projects.

7. Policy and Institutional Support:

• Effective execution depends on policies and institutional structures that prioritize the requirements of EWS households and offer incentives for incremental housing strategies.

• The creation and sustainability of EWS housing schemes are facilitated by efficient management, standardized rules and regulations, and accessible decision-making processes.

• In order to mobilize resources and provide sufficient financial backing, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are essential.

The qualitative analysis of the research paper concludes some parameters that are to be viewed while designing a SRA housing for EWS. The following are the parameters for the same:

• Adaptability: Incremental housing allows residents to steadily extend their houses over time as their family size and wealth grow. This can help them improve their living circumstances and even get them out of destitution.

• Ownership: Incremental housing empowers residents to take charge of their own housing requirements and become active partners in decision-making. This can strengthen their sense of belonging and duty to their families and neighborhoods.

• Affordability: Because it enables residents to invest in their houses in phases, incremental housing is often more reasonable than large-scale housing developments. This can assist low-income families in avoiding excessive debt or other financial obligations.

• Security: Incremental housing gives inhabitants a feeling of security because they know can enhance and extend their houses over time. This can help them feel more connected to their houses and neighborhoods, lowering the risk of displacement and promoting community security.

5.4 CONCLUSION

This study article focused on Surat and Ahmedabad local case studies to investigate the difficulties and problems relating to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) a habitation and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) housing in diverse situations. The study has illuminated the possibility of incrementality as an effective remedy in these situations.

The data show how complex EWS housing issues may be, including how difficult it is to obtain affordable housing, how bad the infrastructure is, and how few basic services there are. Although SRA housing programmes have made strides toward formal housing provision, there are still a lot of obstacles to be overcome.

A promising strategy to alleviate the housing difficulties facing EWS has emerged: incrementality. The case analyses from Surat and Ahmedabad show how incremental housing can raise living standards. Residents are able to modify and improve their dwellings over time as needed, in accordance with their changing demands and financial resources, thanks to the progressive and collaborative character of this strategy.

However, it is crucial to recognize that incremental progress is not a fix-all. Its effectiveness depends on elements like participation from the community, encouraging laws, financial accessibility, and the supply of facilities and services. It is vital to have a thorough and well-rounded strategy that takes into account not just the physical factors but also the social, economic, and environmental ones.

To enhance the application of incrementality, future studies can concentrate on creative finance mechanisms, long-term sustainability evaluation, and understanding sharing among stakeholders. In order to be widely effective, policymakers and urban planners must give priority to its incorporation into housing laws and ordinances.

In conclusion, incremental development offers a promising answer to the housing issues faced by EWS and SRA. We can promote sustainable urban development, improve the standard of living for EWS neighbourhoods, and take steps towards creating comprehensive and affordable housing for everybody by adopting this strategy.

5.5 SCOPE FOR FUTURE STUDY

The knowledge and application of progressive housing as an alternative for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) housing pursuant to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) paradigm can be improved in the future through a number of crucial areas of study and activity.

The success of incremental development in EWS and SRA housing programs can be better understood by doing a comparative comparison across several cities or areas. Policymakers, urban planners, and architects can find methods that can be duplicated and tailored to many contexts by analyzing the results, difficulties, and best practices from various case studies. To assess the viability over time and the consequences of incremental housing approaches, long-term research investigations are crucial. The long-term durability and effectiveness of incrementality could be better understood by monitoring the development of these housing projects and evaluating the social, economic, and ecological results over time.

For the support and promotion of incrementality, further research into the function of frameworks for policy and organizational structures is essential. It is possible to encourage and optimize the implementation of incremental techniques and ensure their incorporation into mainstream housing programs by evaluating current policies and identifying prospective policy adjustments. Comprehensive social impact analyses can analyze how progressive housing initiatives affect people's standard of living, self-determination, integration into society, and community development. These evaluations can point forth ways to maximize beneficial social results and deal with any potential problems.

In order to encourage collaboration and the sharing of expertise and best practices among stakeholders, sharing of knowledge platforms and capacity-building initiatives are crucial. The knowledge and application of incremental housing options can benefit from the combined efforts of architects, urban planners, lawmakers, and community members.

Last but not least, optimizing resource use and minimizing the negative environmental effects of housing expansions can be accomplished by investigating improvements in building and design techniques especially suited for progressive housing. The sustainability of incremental housing alternatives can be further improved by researching sustainable and affordable methods, such as environmentally friendly resources, flexible building systems, and energy-effective technologies.

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State of Housing- UDRI

By Rahul Mehrotra

and Kaiwan

Mehta

State of Housing: Understanding Deliberate Policy Inaction by Rahul Mehrotra and Kaiwan Mehta provides an in-depth examination of the housing crisis in India.

Lack of affordable housing in India is not due to a lack of demand, but rather the result of deliberate policy inaction by the government.

The authors provide examples of policy failures, including lack of implementation of regulations, absence of tax incentives for developers, and insufficient allocation of resources to housing programs.

The authors analyze the impact of policy inaction on the lives of citizens, including its effects on health, education, and economic well being, as well as the environment and urban landscape.

Recommendations for addressing the housing crisis include: implementation of tax incentives for developers, creation of a dedicated housing ministry, allocation of more resources to housing programs, and engagement of citizens in the policy-making process.

The book is a valuable contribution to the literature on housing policy in India and provides insights into the root causes and consequences of the housing crisis.

'Supports' by Habraken (book)

"Supports: An Alternative to Mass Housing" by John Habraken is a seminal work on housing design and architecture.

The book critiques the traditional mass housing model and proposes an alternative approach, "supports," that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability.

According to Habraken, mass housing is characterized by standardized units, lack of individual control, and rigid separation of public and private spaces.

The supports approach, on the other hand, offers more flexible and adaptable housing units, with the ability for residents to customize and modify their homes over time.

The author argues that supports can provide a more democratic and equitable form of housing, allowing residents to shape their own homes and communities.

"Supports" is a key text in the field of housing design and architecture, and its ideas have had a lasting impact on the housing discourse.

Design concepts and systems for low-income housing by A K Khan (book)

"Design Concepts and Systems for Low-Income Housing" by A.K. Khan provides a comprehensive overview of the design and development of low-income housing.

The author examines various design concepts and building systems, including site planning, building typologies, materials, and construction techniques.

The book covers the various factors that need to be considered when designing low-income housing, including environmental and cultural context, building codes and regulations, and affordability.

The author provides case studies of low-income housing projects from around the world, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced in different contexts.

The book offers practical guidance for architects, engineers, and other professionals involved in the design and construction of low-income housing.

"Design Concepts and Systems for Low-Income Housing" is an important resource for anyone working in the field of affordable housing and provides a valuable contribution to the literature on the subject.