Category Archives: Housing

Building collapses, mapping woes and other stories about planning and construction

Posted on April 5, 2013 by

I browse through BBC News on my newly acquired iPad mini, and my glee at trying out my new toy abates as I read about the horrendous building collapse in Thane, Mumbai that has killed 45 and injured over 70 … Continue reading →

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Informed and inspired by the SSA Workshop on Urban Poverty in Mumbai

Posted on December 14, 2012 by

Of the 40-odd people who attended this workshop on the 11th of December in Mumbai, most came in not knowing what to expect. Urban poverty is a term that confuses and confounds many, even among those of us who work … Continue reading →

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Posted in cities, Housing, Livelihood, Urban poverty | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Finally, we may have ‘slum’ data in Gurgaon! And then what? #Housing #Growth

Posted on December 3, 2012 by

So, after a rap on its knuckles, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon sets out to survey the slums in the city. The Union ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MHUPA) had pulled up the MCG and asked them to … Continue reading →

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From hopelessness to a sense of purpose: Musings on a sunny November day

Posted on November 28, 2012 by

Self-confidence and motivation levels have a lot to do with how I feel, on any given day. Small things can disturb my usual sense of buoyant well being. This morning, I woke up feeling I’m not doing enough with my … Continue reading →

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Posted in cities, Emotional, Gurgaon, Housing, Urban poverty | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Appalled by government apathy towards providing affordable shelter: The case of Gurgaon

Posted on November 16, 2012 by

The longer I work in the low-income housing sector, the more appalled I am by government apathy towards providing shelter, one of the most basic human rights upheld by the Constitution of India as well as in the Universal Declaration … Continue reading →

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Focus on affordable housing can transform cities

Posted on November 2, 2012 by

A politician and two architect-planners addressing urbanism and debating planning and vision. What could be more interesting than that? To me, as an architect and urban planner, this was a vital session here that opened people’s minds to a burning … Continue reading →

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Posted in cities, Housing, Urban poverty | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Improved access to housing will positively impact life in many ways, but how do we resolve the essential issues of costly land and political apathy? Oct 31, 2012

Posted on October 31, 2012 by

Abhijit Banerjee’s editorial in the Hindustan Times today really touched a chord. It is a controversial thought, that public displays of affection fuel sexual urges and encourage rape. And he certainly does not support regressive ideas that curb our freedom … Continue reading →

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Posted in cities, Housing, planning, politics, Urban poverty, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Power in the hands of the poor: Why are we uncomfortable with that? Oct 17, 2012

Posted on October 18, 2012 by

A few days ago, I mentioned that I feel angry when someone calls me an idealist. It’s not the word, it’s the tone that implies that idealism is foolish that really gets to me. I get called an idealist by … Continue reading →

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Posted in cities, Community, Democracy, Housing, Urban poverty | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The emotional nature of property: In a south Delhi colony- Oct 10, 2012

Posted on October 10, 2012 by

Just like I believe Sridevi looked far better without the nose job, I think life is more enjoyable when it is a bit imperfect. For all us city dwellers who juggle several priorities and commitments, organising our life down to … Continue reading →

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Posted in cities, Emotional, Housing, identity | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Gurgaon’s jhuggis: Do the poor deserve a life of constant insecurity? Sep 28, 2012

Posted on September 28, 2012 by

Everything about Gurgaon is unique. It is a city that thrives on being different and often that difference is about a lack of empathy. There is this brazen, wannabe streak here that is disturbing. So many of us live here … Continue reading →

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