| INTRODUCTION |
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A Cost-Effective Environment-friendly Shelter Development
Strategy: Nirmithi
Kendras (Building Centers) in Kerela
The work of
the Nirmithi Kendra is based on the efforts of Laurie Baker, the architect who has been
offering cost-effective housing solutions to the people of Kerala
for the last two decades.
The idea of establishing a Nirmithi Kendra (building centre)
came about during the massive floods that hit the state of Kerala
(India) in 1985. The then District Commissioner of Quilon C.V. Ananda
Bose realised the shortcomings of the administrative machinery to
provide timely relief to the victims. He came up with the novel idea
in which land and finance could be made available combined with beneficiary
participation for speedy housing delivery to those whose houses were
destroyed by floods and soil erosion.[C.ELDOC.6009447]
The Generic Objectives of Nirmihi Kendras
1.To transfer the technology from lab to land
2.To train the building artisans on innovative and cost effective
building technology.
3.To initiate the production of cost effective building
components using local resources and selling the
products to the general public.
4.To generate employment through construction projects.
5.To provide guidance and counseling to the local people on
cost effective technologies.[C.ELDOC.6009447]
The Approach
The approach promoted direct involvement of beneficiaries, delinking of development from government rigidities, coordination of the efforts of government officials, voluntary organizationsand technologists, and judicious channeling of available resources. Expert help was soughtfrom research and development institutions to adapt cost-effective technologies to the local requirements. To ensure quality, standards and specifications for cost-effectivebuilding materials and techniques were compiled in collaboration with the Indian Bureau of Standards.
To combat the shortage of skilled labour familiar with cost-effective
construction technologies, skill upgrading programmes were organized
in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrification, landscaping, interior
designetc. Some 30 - 40 per cent of the trainees in the programmes
were women and as a result, the gender imbalance in theconstruction sector
was reduced and women participation increased. Print and electronic media,
aswell as seminars, workshops, conferences and demonstration were used
to spread the message. A building centre was established to implement
and propagate the ideas and coordinate the efforts. By 1989 Kerala became
the first state in India to have set up building centers in all districts.[C.ELDOC.6009447]
The Impact
The achievements of the Nirmithi Kendras in Kerala can be summarized as follows:
The movement which was an outcome of a local initiative to tranfer technology from lab to land has made a perceptible dent in the housing scenario of the Kerala state by reducing the cost by 30%. The Kerala model set an example of cost-effective housing for other states in India. In 1988, the Nirmithi approach was included in the National Housing Policy.
The Nirmithi style of cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness was based on utilising locally available and innovative materials; use of appropriate technology (solar energy, bio-gas and minor water supply); beneficiary participation in construction activities; and blending modern and conventional construction styles.
The work force trained in the Nirmithi Kendras spread the message and thereby created a new entrepreneurial culture. Participation of women and other under priviledged sections of the society in the enterpreneurship training have improved their socio-economic conditions.
Nirmithi earthquake resistant design used to construct housing colony for survivors of the quake that hit Latur district in Maharashtra.
The success of Nirmithi buildings led to waiving of building and excise taxes by the state and the central governments of the country; accredition and incentives provided to those industries producing cost-effective building materials.
Incorporation of the Nirmithi style technology in the curricula of
different technical institutions. The Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research of the country took upon the task of transfer of technology.
[C.ELDOC.6009448]
The
contribution of building centres to low-cost
By Kiran Keshwani
STUDY OF INDIAN BUILDING CENTRES DESCRIBING FACTORS LEADING TO THEIR SUCCESS,
WORKING METHODS AND REASONS FOR REPLICATION
The author argues that the government's role could change from being the
provider to becoming a facilitator. Progress in the Building Centre Programme
in India has been slow and a three pronged policy is advocated - examining
archaic rules, disseminating technical information, and training in updated
technologies whilst continuing with those technologies that are cost-effective.[C.ELDOC.6009317]
HUDCO -Housing And Urban Development Corporation Limited
India's Premier Techno-Financing Institute in Housing and Infrastructure
.
BMTPC -Building Material Technology Promotion Council
Develop and operationalise a comprehensive and
integrated approach for technology development, transfer and
investment promotion to encourage application
of environment-friendly & energy-efficient innovative materials,
manufacturing technologies and construction practices for
housing and buildings in urban and rural areas.
Eight years ago Mr. Anil Laul started a private entrepreneur Building Centre at Anangpur village in Haryana in 1991. The Anangpur Building was started to cater to the needs of the common man as well as promote the use of cost-effective technology in the higher income sector. This was based on the realization that the pace of development is set by the rich and that the aspirations of the poor match the standards laid down by the rich.
The mission of the Development Alternatives Group is to promote
sustainable national development.
The corporate objectives are to innovate and disseminate the
means for creating sustainable livelihoods on a large scale, and thus
to mobilise widespread action to eradicate poverty and regenerate the
environment.
BASIN- building
advisory service and information network
The "building advisory service and information network", basin, was
set up in 1988 to provide information and advice on appropriate building
technology and to create links with know-how resources in the world
for all those in need of relevant information: government officers, financiers,
the builders and developers, architects, planners, producers of building
materials, who need up-to-date information and advice on the manufacture,
performance and availability of appropriate outputs and technology
from around the world, and on the effective management of local resources.
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