Rural India needs safe, climate-friendly resilient housing

As the demand for rural housing grows in India, there is an urgent need for safe, resilient housing which serves as a lifeline for families facing growing climate-related challenges.

In recent years, the link between climate change and housing has become increasingly evident, especially in rural communities bearing the brunt of environmental crises. Safe, resilient housing is now more essential than ever in these areas, where homes are more than just structures – they are lifelines for families facing growing climate-related challenges.?

For instance, disaster-resilient homes built in Puri, Odisha, were constructed to absorb shocks and feature flood-resistant designs, allowing families to remain secure even in challenging conditions.

Through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Government of India is making substantial progress in meeting the demand for housing. In fact, India is one of the very few countries to have a structured national housing programme. However, many families at the bottom of the pyramid continue to face challenges in transforming their aspiration of a dream home into reality. With nearly 1.1 billion people worldwide living in slums and informal settlements, housing is a pivotal factor in building sustainable, equitable societies.?

Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focuses on ‘making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’. Habitat for Humanity India’s work complements this global goal as well as the ‘Housing For All’ vision of the Government of India.?

A vision for sustainable, climate-friendly housing

Many homes in rural and tribal areas are built using substandard materials, making them highly vulnerable to environmental shocks. As a result, these structures often fail to provide adequate shelter against extreme weather events like storms, floods, and heatwaves. Families who lose their homes in these disasters are further exposed to health risks, food insecurity, and displacement, all of which have profound social and economic consequences.

Moreover, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, nearly 40% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are tied to buildings and construction. This is a significant concern in a country like India, where the demand for rural housing is expected to grow in the coming decades.?

The challenge of building resilient, safe, and sustainable housing in rural India is not insurmountable. For example, using locally sourced materials not only reduces the carbon footprint of construction but also ensures that homes are better suited to local climatic conditions.

Case studies in resilient housing

• Disaster-resilient homes in Jammu and Kashmir: Homes were built using natural river boulders and jack-arch roofs. They feature rainwater harvesting systems and are thermally insulated, showcasing how local materials can contribute to climate resilience.
• Homes built with fly-ash bricks in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu: This project used environmentally friendly fly-ash bricks that do not undergo the burning process of conventional bricks, reducing pollution and resource depletion.
• Energy-efficient homes in Maharashtra: Designed for optimal sunlight and ventilation, these homes utilise rooftop rainwater harvesting and solar lighting, demonstrating how thoughtful design can lead to sustainable living.

By promoting the use of local labour and materials, housing projects can also stimulate the local economy, providing employment opportunities and skills training for residents. Additionally, sustainable housing solutions that incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels can help reduce environmental impact and long-term energy costs for families.

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