Mapping the spatial and social changes in Tamil migrant communities in Vathuruthy, Ernakulam

Abstract

In recent years, Kerala has witnessed an inflow of migrant labourers from various parts of the country. With rapid urbanisation and booms in the real estate markets in Kerala, the state’s economy has seen an increase in the construction sector, which indirectly brings more migrants as a part of growing urbanisation. The research has its focus laid on Vathuruthy, which is believed to be the largest Tamil migrant settlement in the city. This research critically analyses how the area increased in its urban sprawl and also compares the housing situation of these migrant communities in view of their actual housing typology. The outcomes of the research suggest that there exists a housing prototype that has been evolved from the concepts of mixed-use and flexible spaces. A co-relation of housing typology and various other physical parameters was found which had similarities to the housing typology that the migrants had back in their native hometown. Due to the rapid increase in the inflow of these migrants and their settlement in Vathuruthy, the state government has taken initiatives in the betterment of their community like providing basic infrastructure facilities. With the increase in rapid urbanisation and the possibility of a much larger inflow of immigrants, the research stands as a strong base to how the migrants have adapted to their living spaces in view of factors like liveability and adaptability. The research will highlight a study that looks into how the migrants have adapted and converted their households based on their aspiration ladder.