HYPOTHESIS

Thus, the attempt is to execute in-situ redevelopment of the homes of the urban poor by harnessing the social culture of solidarity (local work force for construction) and creating a spatial manifestation of a modified, more inclusive model of the older social structure (the panchayat system) that would give them affordable, resilient houses within a co-operative housing program that thrives on shared resources. While utilizing the local force for construction, the members of the community would be given job skills training with respect to construction techniques that they can utilize in the future. A new ownership model that does not allow landlords to charge exorbitant rates for very poor living conditions, has also been suggested.

It is clear that procuring enough funds to revamp the entire slum area in one go would be unrealistic. The idea is to undertake small projects that would work on the slums one section at a time. The next step would be replication of this model to percolate these pockets of impoverished regions within the urban fabric.

This would require the financial and social support of various entities – the PMAY (which is the Prime Minister’s fund for housing for all), the KMDA (Kolkata Municipal District Authority) and volunteers from nonprofit organizations who would aid the community engagement programs and participatory design processes with the community.

The government has already had a few failed attempts where they built concrete boxes for relocation of these inhabitants, but they rejected them. For the endeavour to be successful, there needs to be careful consideration of the people who currently inhabit the focus area, their living conditions and preferences such that the new homes do not feel alien to them. Implementing innovation while retaining what makes it feel like home, is the ultimate step to creating a sustainable and resilient commons that can translate to a model for such redevelopments elsewhere.

Goals

affordable resilient homes job skills training maintaining community life sharing of optimized utility costs

co-operative housing programs sharing of resources awareness and community engagement

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