CO-LIVING WITH SEASONAL MIGRANTS: SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION OF LOW INCOME HOUSING, CHANPARA

Project idea

People from kurigram and Greater rangpur region face a serious seasonal famine called “Monga”. Until 2011, people used to migrate to the urban city to cope with Monga unemployment. But still people migrate on those lean season for better income. As a day labourer, worker can earn up to 1000 taka per day in Dhaka which becomes half in native village. So, seasonal migration is a necessary step for better income, and it should be promoted by government and NGOs. In chanpara, people live with seasonal migrants. They provide a rental system.
The area is close to Dhaka and in the middle of industrial zone of narayngaanj. These are the reasons for seasonal migrants to live there and the rent is cheaper than urban dhaka. But the living condition of existing community is miserable because they do not have proper utility services moreover, the area has extreme drug problem. Government has proposed to build high-rise there. But building highrise is not the ultimate solution because eventually it will exclude and break the whole economy system of the chanpara community.
So, rebuilding the homesteads in a sustainable way with the benefit of seasonal renting system can be the solution. The Drug and illegal activities of chanpara has become so alarming that govt had to take the decision of building high-rise. But it can be shown that without taking this in human decision the problem can be solved even with accommodating some people who are living under the open sky for the lack of proper system.

Project description

This project is primarily focused on the development of a community, addressing the needs of seasonal migrants who lack adequate living spaces, as well as low-income groups, such as those in Chanpara, who face eventual displacement. Every individual deserves a healthy living environment, and this project aims to demonstrate that even those living below the poverty line can have access to proper housing.
By implementing systematic planning and thoughtful design solutions, this project illustrates that the inhabitants of informal settlements can maintain their homes and livelihoods with dignity. The issues faced by these communities are not unique to one region but are prevalent in many growing countries. High-rise buildings are often seen as the go-to solution, but they do not address the root causes of housing challenges.
This approach should be promoted globally to highlight that healthy housing is a fundamental human need. It is crucial for professionals across various fields to collaborate on solutions that provide sustainable and affordable housing without disrupting the economic stability of vulnerable populations. This project stands as a testament to the possibility of creating a better living environment for all, through careful planning and design, proving that equitable housing is not only achievable but essential.

Technical information

Seasonal migration remains a critical livelihood strategy for vulnerable populations, such as those from Kurigram and Greater Rangpur regions of Bangladesh, where “Monga” (seasonal famine) pushes families to urban centers like Dhaka. Migrants can earn significantly more in the city, with daily wages reaching up to 1,000 BDT—double the earnings in rural areas. However, their temporary relocation often lacks systematic support, leading to precarious housing conditions and social instability.
Chanpara, situated near Dhaka and Narayanganj’s industrial zone, exemplifies the intersection of these challenges. The area attracts seasonal migrants due to affordable rents and proximity to job opportunities. However, the community faces dire living conditions, inadequate utilities, and pervasive social problems such as drug abuse. While the government has proposed constructing high-rise buildings in Chanpara to address these issues, this approach risks dismantling the local economy, displacing existing residents, and disrupting their rental-based livelihoods.
A Global Perspective on Informal Settlements and Seasonal Migration
This challenge resonates globally, as many developing nations grapple with the complexities of informal settlements and seasonal migration. High-rise developments, often seen as a universal solution, frequently overlook deeper systemic issues like social integration, economic sustainability, and access to essential services. From Latin America’s favelas to South Asia’s slums, such top-down solutions often lead to further marginalization rather than empowerment.
A Practical, Community-Centric Alternative
Rather than pursuing high-rises, a sustainable and inclusive approach can preserve and enhance the community fabric. For Chanpara, this means upgrading existing homesteads to accommodate seasonal migrants while improving the quality of life for permanent residents. Key strategies include:
1. Affordable Utility Access: Provide clean water, sanitation, and renewable energy solutions tailored to the community's needs.
2. Drug Rehabilitation and Community Safety: Partner with NGOs to address drug-related issues through education, health services, and community policing.
3. Flexible Rental Systems: Develop formalized rental agreements and shared living spaces to benefit both seasonal migrants and landlords.
4. Sustainable Construction Practices: Use locally sourced, eco-friendly materials and climate-resilient designs that blend with the local context.
5. Participatory Planning: Engage residents and migrants in the planning and decision-making process to ensure their needs are reflected in the solutions.
Global Implications and Advocacy
This framework can serve as a replicable model for communities worldwide facing similar challenges. It underscores the importance of integrated solutions that prioritize people over structures. Governments, NGOs, and urban planners must collaborate to ensure that equitable housing is not only a right but a practical reality for all.
3. Methodology
3.1. Data Collection
Primary data will be collected through structured surveys using random or stratified sampling techniques to capture socio-economic conditions, migration patterns, and experiences of individuals and households in urban areas. Secondary data from government reports, academic studies, and published literature will be reviewed to analyze demographic indicators and housing conditions in resettlements. Field surveys will be conducted at sites where seasonal migration is most prevalent, involving direct interviews with inhabitants to understand their adaptability and living conditions.
3.2. Socio-Economic Analysis
Descriptive analysis will identify patterns and disparities in socio-economic indicators such as income and housing. Statistical techniques, including regression and correlation analyses, will explore the relationships between socio-economic variables and the impacts of migration and disasters.
3.3. Impact Assessment
Quantitative analysis will evaluate the impact of host families on seasonal migrants' well-being. In-depth case studies will provide qualitative insights into the experiences and coping strategies of selected households practicing seasonal renting.
3.4. Policy and Intervention Analysis
Existing policies and programs on seasonal migrants will be reviewed. Comparative analyses of successful interventions will identify best practices. Stakeholder consultations with government officials, NGOs, and community leaders will gather recommendations. Findings will guide the formulation of spatial requirements, construction techniques, and facilities in accordance with standards and the BNBC code.
Design Considerations
1) In homestead level:
1.1. The construction system must be as fast as possible so that they do not have to relocate for a long time.
1.2. The privacy must be ensured between main house and rental unit so that the system can scalable.
1.3. The required standard space of one person must be ensured in the design with proper utility facilities even in the small spaces.
2) In Cluster Level:
2.1. The open spaces between the houses are currently in a very abandoned and in a control of local goons. So, these are the sources of drug related activities.
2.2. The orientation the homesteads are doing in a way that the open spaces can be used for the community activities and use as a productive place for the community.
3) Energy Sufficiency: The homesteads are design in the consideration of solar panel and minimal and healthy water services as the area has high sanitation problem.
The project emphasizes that sustainable housing is not merely about providing shelter; it is about fostering communities, empowering individuals, and creating opportunities. Chanpara’s transformation could demonstrate to the world that even the most vulnerable populations can thrive with thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable design.

Documentation

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