Innovative Rural Housing and Habitat Development in Kuthambakkam Village

The Trust for Village Self Governance (TVSG) is improving living conditions in Kuthambakkam, a rural village in Tamil Nadu, India. Many villagers, mostly from Dalit and poor communities, lived in unsafe thatched huts with poor ventilation, high fire risk, and health hazards from smoke. TVSG works with the local panchayat (village government) to replace all huts with safe, durable homes using low-cost, innovative materials like compressed earth blocks and granite rubble.
The project focuses on full village development. Along with building 150 houses and facilities like toilets, drains, a community hall, and childcare centres, the programme promotes clean energy with biogas and solar, safe drinking water, and tree planting. Villagers contribute land, labour, and materials, while also gaining skills in masonry, block production, and small-scale industries such as poultry and dairy. This has created jobs for up to 350 people during construction and about 80 ongoing jobs, reducing unemployment and alcohol abuse.
The project encourages social integration. In the Sumathuvapuram extension, Dalit and upper-caste families live side by side, and inter-caste marriages have started. Women and youth are empowered through self-help groups and leadership training. Decisions are made in Gram Sabhas (village assemblies), strengthening self-governance and community ownership.
Environmentally, the project reduces cement use, avoids deforestation and thatch burning, and promotes renewable energy. Socially, it increases confidence, reduces inequality, and inspires nearby villages. Financially, the mix of government funding, community contributions, and small businesses supports sustainability.
Kuthambakkam is now a model for integrated rural development, attracting panchayat leaders from across India to learn and replicate its approach.