TABLE OF CONTENTS

KERALA STATE NIRMITHI KENDRA .................................................................................................................... 1

DOCUMENTATION OF BEST PRACTICE .............................................................................................................. 1

December 2010                                                                                                                                  ............................................................................................................................   1  

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 3

BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

The Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK): Genesis                                                                       .................................................................   4  

OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

WORKING DESIGN .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Training                                                                                                                                               .........................................................................................................................................   6  

Skill Development and Up Gradation .................................................................................................................... 6 GROUPS ................................................................................................................................................................ 7

The Approach                                                                                                                                     ...............................................................................................................................   7  

Strategies used ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Design and execution ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Activities of KESNIK .............................................................................................................................................. 9 The financial outlay ............................................................................................................................................. 10

METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................................... 11

KEY STAKEHOLDERS ............................................................................................................................................. 11

LESSONS LEARNED ................................................................................................................................................. 13

Impact                                                                                                                                               .........................................................................................................................................   13   

Financially sustainable                                                                                                                      ................................................................................................................   14   

Unique approach                                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................................   14   

Training programmes                                                                                                                        ..................................................................................................................   14   

Social and Gender Equality                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................   15   

A New Construction Culture                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................   15   

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................................ 16

Appendices ........................................................................................................................................................... 17

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK), set up in 1989, is a pioneering organization in the practice and propagation of Cost Effective and Environment Friendly (CEEF) construction techniques. The technology propounded by KESNIK became a practical alternative to the high priced existing processes and served as a relief to people. Nirmithi utilizes locally available materials thereby economising costs without compromising on the durability and strength of the structure.

It has proved its capacity in rural habitat, disaster management, and Habitat Development Programme at Attappady Rainwater Harvesting in the field of habitat development. The earthquake design was submitted by Nirmithi Kendra for the rehabilitation project at Lathur in Tamil Nadu. It was further used in the construction of a rehabilitation project at Bhuj in Gujarat. When the Tsunami hit the coastal areas of Kerala, Nirmithi along with OXFAM constructed temporary shelters and gave psychological support to the victims.

KESNIK also conducted a survey based on the needs of the people and the environmental conditions and prepared a design for the construction of nearly 80 houses at Chemmannoor Ooru.

KESNIK started working in association with the Swiss Development Agency in 2000 by launching a learning programme to increase the availability and accessibility of locally available CEEF construction materials and technologies among rural poor. The programme now focuses on the housing needs of the rural poor.

Most part of the inner villages of Kerala are facing acute water shortage and KESNIK acts as a nodal agency for rainwater harvesting. There are facilities for the demonstration of rain water harvesting and water purification methods.

KESNIK acts as an agency for conducting habitat development programmes in the country playing a very crucial role in meeting the problem of providing adequate and efficient housing conditions to the poor. Its greatest impact has been the creation of an awareness of alternate options in building technology.

This document captures the overall functioning and operational principles of KEZNIK with the hope of contributing to the replication of such initiatives elsewhere.

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BACKGROUND

THE KERALA STATE NIRMITHI KENDRA (KESNIK): GENESIS

In 1985, the district of Kollam in Kerala was affected by floods. As a response to this situation, the Collector of Kollam promoted an initiative in which the affected families were themselves involved in the process of designing and building their shelters and homes. This initiative was named the Nirmithi Kendra. The success of this initiative led to the promotion of various District Nirmithi Kendra’s across the state. Subsequently, in order to provide technical support to these District level Nirmithi Kendra’s, a body called the Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra or KESNIK was set up. Ever since its establishment, KESNIK has taken up a wide variety of activities for the promotion of CEEF technologies which include:

1. Manufacturing and sale of CEEF materials.

2. Promotion of small enterprises in the CEEF material sector.

3. Awareness generation among public through various measures.

4. Setting up information and guidance centers and conducting exhibitions.

5. Construction of demonstration units.

6. Training of both existing artisans and unskilled persons in CEEF technologies.

7. Orientation of Panchayati Raj representatives and officials.

The success of the initial approach to popularizing CEEF housing is best demonstrated in the case of Karinkunnam Gram Panchayat (GP) in Idukki district. The district, located along the hilly eastern region of Kerala, is among the more backward areas in the State. The GP was selected for implementation of Building Material’s projects, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), in view of a complete absence of CEEF awareness among the people. Based on the findings of a survey done by KESNIK staff, a multi­pronged strategy was devised to increase the acceptance of CEEF materials in the area. The activities undertaken include:

1. Intensive interactions with elected representatives and staff of the GP.

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2. Distribution of information booklets.

3.  Nirmithi Vahini exhibitions in the wards of the GP.

4. Discussions with the public following the Vahini exhibitions.

The panchayat committee identified 138 families in need of support. Prior to the selection, intensive parleys were held, by KESNIK and Kudumbashree1 functionaries with the members of the panchayat committee. Certain specific criteria were developed to identify families that require support. The Kudumbashree unit then collaborated with a local bank to provide loan support to the families. All the selected beneficiaries were members of the Kudumbashree­sponsored neighbourhood groups. Repayment of the loans is linked to their group activity. KESNIK’s local production centres provided CEEF materials for construction. The families were trained by KESNIK as part of its activities in the panchayat. Its technical staff also provided the necessary guidance.

OBJECTIVE

• The Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK):

• To act as a seminal agency to generate innovative ideas in the construction sector.

• To co-ordinate, monitor and regulate the activities of the District Nirmithi Kendra’s

• To interact with the Research Institutions, government, semi government and NGOs and to ensure field level application of Research in housing sector.

• To provide advice and guidance to the government on emerging housing concepts and policies.

• To serve as a clearing house of information and data bank on housing.

• To select appropriate technology for dissemination.

• To formulate and update syllabi of the training programmes undertaken.

• To undertake extension work among the public on the up gradation of the traditional housing technologies.

• To set up Production Centers.

1 Kudumbashree, launched in 1998, is today one of the largest women-empowering projects in the country. The programme has 37 lakh members and covers more than 50% of the households in Kerala. It is built around three critical components, micro credit, entrepreneurship and empowerment. The Kudumbashree initiative has today succeeded in addressing the basic needs of the less privileged women, thus providing them a more dignified life and a better future. Literal meaning of Kudumbashree is prosperity (shree) of family (Kudumbam).

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• To undertake HRD programme in the field of housing.

• To formulate projects and to take up consultancy services in housing and its allied fields.

• To undertake R&D activities in housing and allied fields

• To construct buildings especially public buildings using CEEF technology.

• To dovetail the self employment schemes of Govt. and other agencies to generate employment and income for youth.

WORKING DESIGN

The Nirmithi concept soon spread across the state with Nirmithi Kendra’s being set up in all districts of Kerala. Government of India recognised it by including it in the Union Budget and the National Housing Policy saw the growth of the movement at the national level through the setting up of building centres in all districts in the country. It also received the Special Habitat Award to the progenitor of the movement and the Kollam Centre gave further impetus to the spread of the Movement.

International recognition was accorded to Nirmithi when the United Nations Commission for Human Settlements at its 14th session in Nairobi in May 1993 adopted a resolution recommending governments to set up institutions modeled on the Building Centres at the national, provincial and grass root levels. As the prime mover behind Nirmithi, the director was awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship for his contributions to the field of Habitat Management.

Through new lines of action effecting attitudinal changes Nirmithi has become synonymous with cost effective environment friendly building technology. Public has accepted Nirmithi style of construction which has neither compromised on quality nor aesthetics. To ensure quality criteria, Nirmithi have collaborated with the Bureau of Indian Standards, have compiled standards and specifications for cost effective building materials and techniques. Seminars, workshops, conferences and demonstrations were organised to spread the message of effective housing in rural areas.

TRAINING

Nirmithi's foray into the field of building construction witnessed a severe shortage of skilled labour in this particular style of construction. Various skills up gradation programmes were organised in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, landscaping and such other skills related to housing and habitat.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND UP GRADATION

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Employment oriented training programmes of the Government such as NRY (Nehru Rozgar Yojna) being implemented through Nirmithi has imparted training in skill up gradation to hundreds of youth and women. An amount of Rs.4, 608,000 for the period 1990-1995, was utilised for the training of youth in various skill up gradation programmes. These programmes, having a wide reach, are being conducted through the district, regional and rural centres of Nirmithi.

GROUPS

Special training programmes for women and the weaker sections have been conducted with a view to giving them a meaningful role in habitat development. The following are the groups for the focused programmes:

a) WomenAbout 2000 women have been trained in skills such as masonry, terracotta art, prefabrication, landscaping and in higher level training for application of computer software. Such programmes have helped reduce gender bias and increase women participation in the otherwise male dominated construction sector. b) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled TribesSpecial programmes for the backward sections of society such as the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have been designed keeping in view their limits and constraints. Training has been imparted to about 775 people belonging to these classes.c) Mentally HandicappedNirmithi has helped open up employment opportunities and thereby meaningfully integrated about 200 mentally handicapped youth and is tied up with two institutions working for the mentally handicapped.

THE APPROACH

The Nirmithi Kendra at Quilon in Kerala is supplemented with the efforts of organizations such as COSTFORD (Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development), a non-profit voluntary organization that trains masons, artisans, carpenters, architects and engineers in low-cost constructions practices and transfers them to the field through its housing projects.

Their projects provide simple layouts, economical house designs, use of locally available material resources and indigenous construction techniques which reduce material costs and are labour intensive.

STRATEGIES USED

Two housing colonies developed in Trichur at Laloor and Nallankara are good examples of the strategies proposed by COSTFORD and the Nirmithi Kendra towards solving the housing crisis

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in Kerala. Baker 2construction systems are propagated through the Nirmithi Kendras. Examples of numerous jali (brick lattice) designs are to be seen at the Nirmithi Kendra in Trichur which show that a verandah jali may sometimes suffice to lend individuality to a house. It also demonstrates the versatility in designs of brick compound walls with reinforced cement concrete (RCC) coping and various kinds of gate posts. Innovations such as patch-pointing3, brick jali4, cow dung and fly-ash flooring5,

brick corbelling6, etc have been incorporated in the housing projects. Sometimes, these centres develop products such as the hollow concrete block, funicular shells, etc.

Brick Corbelling Brick Lattice

DESIGN AND EXECUTION

The process of design and that of execution onsite overlap to a great degree. No elaborate drawings exist for either of these projects. Most of the construction is based on sketches (and not on pre-determined, elaborate designs) made by Laurie Baker who prefers to also allow for innovations onesite by the labourers. The staff members of Nirmithi Kendra and COSTFORD supervise the onsite development and improvise as and when necessary.

2 Named after the famous architect Laurie Baker who pioneered sustainable eco­friendly architecture with brick and mud; and other local materials.

3 Technique used for repairing through brickwork and masonry.

4 Brick lattice

5 Cowdung flooring refers to flooring with the use of cow excreta. Flyash is defined in Cement and Concrete Terminology as the finely divided residue resulting from the combustion of ground or powdered coal, which is transported from the firebox through the boiler by flue gases. Flyash is a by­product of coal­fired electric generating plants.

6 Brick corbelling is brickwork carried out from the face of a wall in projecting courses for the purpose of supporting a load such as that brought by a wall­plate or the end of a beam.

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Some of the architects who worked here had earlier participated in Laurie Baker's other projects and hence were themselves skilled artisans in brickwork. Some of the labourers who helped build these two colonies had received training at the Nirmithi Kendra in Quilon.

ACTIVITIES OF KESNIK

A wide range of projects which are being by Nirmithi is a proof to the increasing acceptance of CEEF technology which includes projects that span from tribal shelters to the Science Seminar Complexes, Temples, Churches, University buildings, Public Sector office structures etc.

1. Consultancy services

Nirmithi offers consultancy services in the following thrust areas and undertakes total project management in:

• Residential Houses for Low Income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG), High Income Group (HIG).

• Residential villas & Farm Houses

• Universities and Other Institutions

• Seminar and Exhibition Complexes

• Earthquake resistant houses & rehabilitation colonies

• Housing Colonies

• Mass Housing scheme for SC beneficiaries

• Mass Housing project Under Swiss Development Project

• Organizing Training for Artisans & Other Institutions

• Production Centers of CEEF

• Material Testing Laboratories

2. Housing Guidance Centre

The Technical/Consultancy wing of KESNIK has a Housing Guidance Centre attached to every Nirmithi Kendra which provides information on the cost effective and environment friendly (CEEF) construction options to the prospective house builder. The various technology options, the advantages and the cost comparison are explained to the client before the final decisions are taken by the client. All information regarding to construction of houses can be got from this centre.

3. Regional/Rural Nirmithi Kendras

With the increasing demand for cost effective construction, it has become necessary to decentralise the activities of Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra to enable it to meet rural housing demands as well as for the up gradation of rural technologies and locally available materials. With this objective, Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra has set up

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Regional/Rural Kendras in almost all districts of Kerala. These centres fulfil the construction demands of the respective regions besides providing services such as production cum training. The Rural Kendras focus on the training of artisans and unemployed youth in new and emerging cost effective building technologies and awareness generation on alternate building materials.

4. Information and Extension Division

The information and extension division has been set up for the dissemination of CEEF technology through publications including brochures, newsletters, books and literature on CEEF technology, conduct of camps, workshops, seminars, conference etc to reach out to all levels of people, Mobile units equipped with audio visual aids - Nirmithi Vahini to take this message to remote rural areas etc.

5. Production Centres

Production centres, spread all over the state, owned by Nirmithi Kendra produce authentic CEEF building materials on a large scale – Hollow Concrete Blocks, Concrete door, window frames, Ferro cement, water tanks and so on.

Building construction trend in Kerala is ever increasing and so is the cost escalation of construction components. The people below poverty line find it very difficult in fulfilling their dream home. KESNIK was in the lookout for the promotion indigenous and local technology for withholding the construction cost escalation to certain extent.

As a result various Cost Effective Environment Friendly (CEEF) building material products were developed in association with Premier Building Research Institute, NGOs and at our own labs. This enabled us in setting up CEEF building material production units throughout the length and breadth of Kerala. The commonly used CEEF products are Hollow Concrete Blocks, Pre-cast Door / Window frames, Stabilized Mud Blocks, Interlocking Mud Blocks, Rubble Filler Blocks to name a few. These products have become a part of a construction culture and have been widely accepted by the people in general.

6. Kalavara Fair Price Market for building materials

Nirmithi has set up Kalavara fair price markets of building materials at Kozhikode, Kalamasseri(Ernakulam) and Vattiyoorkavu (Thiruvananthapuram) for the sale of building materials mainly to the BPL families and other public. These markets provide quality building materials at affordable price to the BPL families. This venture is aimed to curb the price level of building materials and to make available the same to BPL families at affordable prices.

THE FINANCIAL OUTLAY

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There are different funding programmes at the state level for the implementation of such housing projects:

DST program (Department of Science and Technology): This consists of ten training programmes for masons in order to create an awareness of cost-effective and innovative technology. Three houses are built during each training programme and stand thereafter as demonstration houses. This scheme has been implemented in Trichur, Palghat and Allepey. Thirty houses have thus been erected for the low-income group and the beneficiaries having been selected by the DST.

Laloor housing programme: This programme provided 31 houses; 18 of which were financed through a loan scheme by the Government of Kerala State and built with the help of COSTFORD and Nirmithi Kendra between June 1987 and June 1988. Each of these 18 houses has been built at an approximate cost of Rs 8000; HUDCO programme: This involves the construction of 250 houses in the Trichur District at the cost of Rs 12000 per house. Selection of beneficiaries is made by the District Collectorate in Trichur.

The approach promoted direct involvement of beneficiaries, delinking of development from government rigidities, coordination of the efforts of government officials, voluntary organization sand technologists, and judicious channeling of available resources. Expert help was sought from research and development institutions to adapt cost-effective technologies to the local requirements. To ensure quality, standards and specifications for cost-effective building 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 design etc. Some 30 - 40 per cent of the trainees in the programmes were women and as a result, the gender imbalance in the construction sector was reduced and women participation increased. Print and electronic media, as well 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.

 

METHODOLOGY

The Research Team of OneWorld Foundation selected to study KESNIK on the basis of its effective alternative housing technology in Kerala. The desk research was carried out with the help of online sources and a telephonic interview was conducted with the Project Engineer of Nirmithi Kendra.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

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The Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (KESNIK): Set up in 1989 KESNIK is a pioneering organization in the practice and propagation of Cost Effective and Environment Friendly construction techniques. KESNIK conducts training programmes for engineers, architects and artisans to equip them with skill to practice cost effective and environment friendly building construction. The Kendra has a joint venture with SDC (Swiss Agency for Development Corporation) for a building material project.Started as a pioneering experiment in the district of Kollam, KESNIK now has a wide network throughout the state and its innovative programmes are well sustained by the Public as well as the Government.

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC): In early 2000 the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), recognizing interest and contribution of KESNIK in CEEF technology decided to take KESNIK into a partnership in a Building Materials Project (BMP). The first phase of the project was implemented successfully during July 2000 to June 2002. This was a learning phase in which different models for promoting CEEF technologies were experimented. The objective of the project was to develop strategies to increase the availability and accessibility of building materials technologies that:• are energy efficient and environmentally sound• can augment supply of cost effective building materials• create sustainable livelihoods• improve shelter conditions

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LESSONS LEARNED

It was a challenge to educate people on the CEEF technologies as they were not aware of any of the technologies available in the labs. Various seminars, symposia and workshops were conducted throughout the state to generate awareness on the strength and durability of the new technologies. Demonstration buildings were constructed to get ideas about the cost effective technology. Training programmes were conducted at field level to artisans, engineers and Architects. The organisation has made continuous efforts to orient people with the benefits of this housing technology. Despite such challenges, NK has managed to change the house construction scenario in Kerala and throughout the country.

 School for the hearing impaired at Nagercoil (Source: http://www.nirmithi.kerala.gov.in/gall.htm)

The lessons derived from this governance practice are:

IMPACT

a) Spread of the Nirmithi Movement from one district (Quilon, Kerala) to all districts in the country.

b) Integration of Research and Development, education, training, production and marketing of building materials etc.

c) Technical soundness of the work programmes, quality of works aesthetics etc based on feedback from users.

d) Increasing demand and geographical spread of works.

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e) Overall growth in clientele and volume of works.

f) Increasing awareness among the public, professionals & in the media of the Nirmithi Movement

FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE

KESNIK is registered under Charitable Society Act, and is working with its own resources without depending on any other financial agencies including the Government. The day to day expenditure is met from the profits generated from our various construction projects and training programmes.

UNIQUE APPROACH

Nirmithi Kendra is the only government agency under Housing Department, Kerala which propagates and CEEF. The projects are executed through its 14 Regional Centers and District Nirmithi Kendras spread across the State. It caters to the housing needs of the people all over Kerala including the remote areas.

There are Production Centers and Training Centers attached to each Regional Center where CEEF products like hollow concrete block, concrete door and window frames are produced.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES

More than 3000 labourers have been trained in cost effective building technology and special emphasis has given to the

One day Home for Social Welfare Department, Trivandrum

training of women. Techniques related to masonry, carpentry, building material production are imparted to unemployed youth. Most of the Earthquake rehabilitation projects in Latur, Bhuj and Tsunami Projects were implemented by Nirmithi Kendra. Other rehabilitation projects of Government are executed through Nirmithi Kendra as a part of its social commitment to LIG’s (Low Income Groups). Also Nirmithi has building material fair price units called KALAVARS

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throughout Kerala where building materials are supplied to mainly BPL families at a subsidized rate.

SOCIAL AND GENDER EQUALITY

NKs aim at ensuring active participation of women in all aspects of habitat development. Equal opportunities are given for both men and women and 50 % of the staff is women. In all the trainings, equal priority for both men and women are provided. Trainings are conducted in different skills such as masonry, carpentry, terracotta art, prefabrication, landscaping and other management development programmes which have reduced gender bias and increase women participation in the otherwise male dominated construction sector.

A NEW CONSTRUCTION CULTURE

NK’s contribution to the revival of traditional architecture blending with modern trends in architecture has been widely appreciated.

1. Environment friendly: KESNIK propagates CEEF which ensures minimum damage to environment. Since most of the material used in construction is locally available the usage of resources like water, air, and energy can be reduced.

2. Durability of building materials: The CEEF building materials used in the constructions are being ingeniously produced and are tested in testing labs across the State.

Earthquake Resistant Houses at Lathur in Maharashtra

Also steps are being initiated to start mobile testing labs where building materials can be tested on the site.

3. Fire resistance: Timber usage is reduced by replacing wooden doors and window frames with concrete doors and window frames.

4. Leak proof roofing: Ferro cement roofing is being practiced.

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5. Thermal Comfort : Achieved by using Filler slab technology for roofing and rat trap bond and Hollow block technology for Cavity wall construction.

6. Security: Only High quality materials and labour are used in construction.

7. Cost reduction: Achieved by using Cost effective Technologies in construction like “Nirmithi" CEEF technology (About 30% saving in cost).

CONCLUSION

The Nirmithi model has left a perceptible mark on the housing scenario. They have disseminated popularised and promoted cost effective and environment friendly (CEEF) building technology in the country. With paucity of resources in the country, widening demand- supply gaps in housing and declining investment, the Nirmithi Movement was perceived as, perhaps, the only means to provide an affordable solution to the country's housing problem. The project's ability to perceive and plan for human resources developmental needs of the housing sector was another important factor contributing to project sustainability. Training programmes in different skills (masonry, carpentry), related to CEEF technology, for different target groups (women, handicapped, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes etc.) and educational programmes (Masters and Diplomas in Habitat Technology) organised as an integral part of the project facilitated these tasks.

Strategies such as delinking developmental tasks from government rigidities, networking with likeminded organisations in the country, building awareness camp and demonstrations for bringing about attitudinal changes, establishment of housing guidance centres; and integrating concepts of traditional architecture with the modern were other aspects of the project enabling its success and sustainability. The project is thus an effective model of a practice that can be effectively sustained.

Referenceshttp://www.nirmithi.kerala.gov.in/home.htm

http://www.keralaplanningboard.org/html/Economic%20Review%202006/Chap/Chapter13.pdf

http://www.anangpur.org/nirmithi_kendra.asp

http://www.unhabitat.org/bestpractices/2006/mainview.asp?BPID=1668

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APPENDICES

Questionnaire

1. In what ways are the construction programmes in Nirmithi Kendra different from other private or public construction companies?

2. Who is responsible for designing, planning, manpower management and resources?

3. What is the financial model of Nirmithi Kendra? How are the resources mobilised? Is it financially sustainable?

4. What are the challenges faced during its implementation?

5. What is the impact on of its work on the beneficiaries?

6. How has the following been achieved?

• Durability of building materials

• Fire resistance

• Leak proof roofing

• Thermal comfort

• Security

• Cost reduction

• Ease of maintenance

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