THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Observing that an architect builds not just houses but also fulfills people’s hopes and dreams, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here today lauded Habitat Technology Group for building 1,000 homes under the LIFE mission project.
“Nearly five lakh families are without a home in the state and LIFE Mission is envisaged as a complete rehabilitation package to directly benefit the homeless and landless in Kerala. Over the next five years, the project will see a number of worthy agencies and institutions, including Habitat, work with the government to fulfill the potential of this com
prehensive housing scheme,” the Chief Minister said.
He handed over a memorandum to Habitat Chairman Padma Shree Shankar G. to mark the commitment. Habitat will collaborate with a number of partners, including SNDP Yogam, to fulfill the mandate.
The Chief Minister was inaugurating the valedictory function of HabFest-30, a four-day exhibition conducted as part of Habitat’s 30th anniversary celebrations to spread the message of low-cost, eco-friendly architecture methods and traditional building techniques.
“On Mother’s Day, it must be remembered that every person associates their sense of home and belonging with their mothers. People remember those who helped make them a home. That is way architect of the poor Laurie Baker is still remembered today. It is commendable that Habitat has taken the message of cost-effective, green homes forward,” he said.
The Chief Minister then presented the National Habitat awards for Green architecture to W.R. Reddy, Director General of National Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, COSTFORD Director T.R. Chandradutt, Asset Homes Managing Director V. Sunil Kumar and T. Rameshan, President of Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS).
The function, which was presided over by Dr Shashi Tharoor MP, saw in attendance O. Rajagopal MLA, eminent poetess Sugathakumari and cine icon Manju Warrier as well as Poojapurra councilor Dr Vijayalakshmi.
“Habitat has closely followed the pioneering efforts of Laurie Baker, whose birth centenary falls this year. Together, they have championed the message of sustainable architecture and environmental consciousness across the state and beyond,” Dr Tharoor said.
In his welcome address, Rajagopal lauded Habitat’s efforts to address the housing shortage in Kerala and expressed hope that there would be sufficient political consensus and bureaucratic will to bring about a lasting solution to the issue.
The function, which also saw felicitations by Sugathakumari and Manju Warrier, also marks the start of a year-long programme of activities by Habitat. Over the next year, Habitat will undertake several national level construction projects on behalf of Central and State governments and institutions.
