Kerala - Kochi   

Living on the edge of cities

The ongoing real estate boom in Kerala is thought to be favourable to the poor landholders living on the peripheries of cities and towns. But, it seems, they are getting more marginalised.

Take the case of Kochi. There are scores of small communities — of fishermen, weavers, minor artisans and small traders — who own small plots, usually five to 20 cents. They depend on the city to eke out a living. Most of them have been living there for generations. Their neighbourhood network acts as a social support mechanism.

Now the scenario is changing. Land brokers offer dream prices for these small plots. Small landowners are naturally tempted. The landowners find, after their land is sold and some financial emergencies tackled, that the money left in hand is not as tidy a sum as expected.

They realise that land costs are high everywhere. They now have two options — live in a small rented house in the same community, or to move to the hinterland and purchase an old house.

Most people choose the second option. But their families, used to the semi-urban life and its comforts, find it difficult to adapt. Their access to the city, crucial for survival, also gets limited. This reduces their income, as they cannot engage in their trade. They badly miss the social support system of their old community and its emotional support. To get back the old life, some try to go back to their old place.

K.P.M. Basheer

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