"When I first heard that our long wait was over and we could finally move into stable homes, my heart soared with joy. But that happiness was short-lived. It soon became clear that we had been deceived once more, and our trust had been betrayed…!"
A Beautiful Abode; Still a Dream...!
I am Krishnan, the leader of the Betta Kurumba community in Bokkapuram village, nestled in the Nilgiris. Our homes have always been simple, made of mud and sticks. They provide warmth but collapse under the heavy monsoon rains. Each year, as the rains begin, we anxiously watch our walls crack and roofs leak. For people like us, even our homes offer no real safety. All we dream of is a place where our children can sleep peacefully.
Over the years, I’ve watched my people suffer, hoping for relief from government housing schemes. Our community women’s self-help group (SHG) members took matters into their own hands.
With the help of Mr. Allwin, we wrote petitions, met officials, and begged to be included in the free housing scheme. After months of pleading, we were told that Rs. 2.1 lakhs would be allocated per house for 20 families. From past experience, we knew that houses built with such a low budget wouldn’t last. They fell apart during the rains, leaving us in the same dreadful situation. Determined not to let our efforts go in vain, we pushed harder, demanding Rs. 5 lakhs per house. We submitted more petitions, met more officials, and explained why this amount was necessary. Yet, the response was the same—silence.​
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Despite our doubts, the government approved construction with the insufficient budget. By September 2022, we had no choice but to accept the sanctioned amount Rs. 2.1 Lakhs, knowing it would likely result in poorly built houses.
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In December 2023, a glimmer of hope appeared when the budget was increased to Rs. 4.95 lakhs per house and the work order was issued. We thought this might be the breakthrough we needed for safe, reliable homes. But that hope was short-lived. The contractor hired to build the houses used inferior materials and completed the work hastily. The problems we had feared became reality, and we were left questioning if we would ever be treated with the respect and care we deserved.
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It breaks my heart. We don’t ask for much—just a safe place to call home. With the revised budget of Rs. 4.95 lakhs per house, we have managed to build 22 houses. After all our efforts, we are now considering turning the project over to Nirmaan, who first approached us with a helping hand. This struggle isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about our dignity, safety, and future. We will continue to strive for our rights, raise our voices, and push for the day when our people can live in homes that truly protect them. Our dream for a beautiful abode still stands strong, and we will make it a reality.
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-Allwin R.