Sustainability of Housing Conditions in Rural Kerala

Abstract

Housing being an important component of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development is an essential driver in achieving sustainable development goals directly or indirectly. Adequate and affordable housing leads to benefits in health, education and economic opportunities. “Adequate housing means more than a roof over one’s head. It also means adequate privacy; adequate space; physical accessibility; adequate security; security of tenure; structural stability and durability; adequate lighting, heating and ventilation; adequate basic infrastructure, such as water supply, sanitation and waste management facilities; suitable environmental quality and health related factors; and adequate and accessible location with regard to work and basic facilities: all of which should be available at an affordable cost” (UN-HABITAT, 2023). The state of Kerala occupies a unique position not only among the states in India but also among the developing countries as well in its high level of human and social development. Regarding housing, the average size, quality, and investment per house in the state were better than in other parts of the country. Today, housing condition in Kerala is much better when compared to the rest of the country. Kerala has achieved massive improvements in quality of human life. In this context, the present study attempts to examine the sustainability of housing conditions in rural Kerala by analysing the unit level data of NSSO 76th round for rural sector of Kerala based on the criteria for sustainability in housing adapted from the relevant literature in this regard.