This story originally appeared in the October 2011 edition of the Searchlight South Asia newsletter created by Intellecap for the Rockefeller Foundation.

By Carlin Carr

The city of Ahmedabad, India, is one of the country’s—and the world’s—fastest growing urban areas. This capital of Gujarat state has a population of nearly six million and is the seventh largest city in India. The city is experiencing many of the same issues as other mega-cities in the country, like its larger neighbor Mumbai. In spite of this, Ahmedabad is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and inventive nature. After all, it was from Sabarati Ashram in Ahmedabad that Mohandas Gandhi led the people of India on a non-violent freedom struggle to victoriously overcome British rule. Three decades later in 1972, the pioneering Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) formed in the city, and today is one of the leading organizations for underserved women in India, and perhaps the world. The city is also home to the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship, which comprises students, faculty and alumni from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and is “passionately committed to helping disruptive innovations and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed commercially.” It is not surprising, then, that this city is hosting the international traveling exhibit “Vision of 10” in October 2011, which showcases a vision for 10 sustainable cities in 2030. Ahmedabad is the only Indian city featured in the exhibit, mainly for its progressive transit system Janmarg. » Continue reading “In Ahmedabad, Dharavi’s Redevelopment Model”

This story originally appeared in our December 31, 2010 e-magazine. Click here to subscribe.

These five affordable housing projects are giving low-income households the chance to live in 200-700 ft² apartments at an average monthly payment of US$90.

Tanaji Malusare City, Matheran Realty

Tanaji Mulusare City (TMC), located in the suburb of Karjat in Mumbai, provides 15,000 affordable apartments over a 100 acre plot. The units range from 156 ft²to 397 ft², and are approximately priced between US$4,500 to US$16,500. TMC has earmarked space for amenities like schools and hospitals, and has social infrastructure like a fire brigade and police station. It is one of the largest affordable housing developments in India today.

Photo credit: Flickr user Ahron de Leeuw

Shubh Griha, Tata Housing

Shubh Griha is Tata Housing’s flagship plan to bring affordable housing to the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). With two developments in the Mumbai suburbs, it is a great example of well-planned affordable housing. It offers 70% open spaces, eco-friendly design, playground, gym and jogging track. The units range from 283ft²to 489 ft², and are priced between US$8,500 to US$15,000.

Photo credit: Flickr user Carol Mitchell

Janadhaar Shubha, Janadhaar Constructions

Janaadhar Shubhais being developed on an 11.5 acre plot in the outskirts of Bengaluru city. The township consist of 1140 apartments that range from 400ft²to 615 ft², with one-bedroom houses priced underUS$11,500. The facilities provided include a primary school and play area. Janaadhar discourages affluent buyers according to promoter Ramesh Ramanathan.

Photo credit: Flickr user orange tuesday

Navjivan, Atmiya Developers Pvt Ltd

Navjivan consists of 400 affordable homes being built in Vatva, Ahmedabad, which range from studio to two-bedroom apartments, starting at US$6,200.The project is located in an existing residential area with access to schools, markets, basic healthcare facilities and bus transport. It is also one of the few affordable housing projects to incorporate sustainability elements in its design.

Photo credit: Flickr user Ahron de Leeuw

Ashray Homes, Value Realtors Pvt Ltd

Ashray is an affordable housing project spread over 8.5 acres in Lodhana, Rewari, Haryana. It offers a choice between 280 ft² and 450 ft² standalone homes approximately priced at US$6,400 and US$10,900, respectively. A unique aspect of this project is that home owners have the option of adding an extra floor to their home in the future. The project will have 600 homes with facilities like water harvesting, a school, hospital, park as well as a daily needs store.

Photo credit: Flickr user utpal

Many Indian cities today are facing trouble accommodating the continuously expanding urban poor population due to the constant inflows of rural migrants. India is home to 52,000 slums with 8 million households and many millions more living on the streets. To find housing solutions for this low-income population has long been part of the country’s national agenda. However, nation-wide efforts to provide affordable housing to the urban poor may be missing the real need of the urban low-income population.

In 2009, the government announced the Rajiv Awas Yojana, a housing scheme that accords property rights to the urban low-income population and slum dwellers. It will allow them to construct and own homes, with the lofty aim to eliminate slums from Indian cities in five years.

» Continue reading “To Rent or Buy – The Housing Ownership Myth”