SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
LAKHNU PROJECT
Where is Lakhnu?
The village of Lakhnu is located in rural India in the district of Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. It is about 150km south east of Delhi and 40km north east of Agra. The population is around 4000 (around 500 dwellings) and the nearest town with medical facilities is Hathras at a distance of 9km. Relying on an agricultural economy, the village lacks public infrastructure (electricity, drainage and a sewage system) and few homes in the village have latrines. The literacy rate (especially for females) is very low (average literacy rates in rural India is 55%, 43% for women). The subject site sits within the food bowl of India among a river plain and is at risk of flooding during monsoons.
Why Lakhnu?
Research conducted by Curtin University has highlighted three key issues that resonate with the residents of Lakhnu, reflecting its current stage. These three areas are Sanitation, Education and Environment & Health. Open defecation in rural India is very common, particularly in Lakhnu where the majority of households remain without hygiene or latrine facilities. Open defecation is associated with numerous health implications as well as environmental issues. Improving the general sanitation and hygiene facilities in Lakhnu is paramount to improving the general health of its residents.
Primary education has been identified by the UN as a universal right. Despite this the drop-out rates of primary school students in rural India exceeds 30% of all enrolled students. Issues identified as essential to address are gender discrimination, cost of education, parents inability to technically support their children (i.e. homework), better uses for children (e.g. at home or on farm) or young marriage. Another prevalent issue in rural India, identified across a wealth of literature, is the health implications of poorly built homes. Given the high cost and unavailability of electricity (and the danger of impromptu connections), many households still run off bio-fuel cooking stoves in poorly ventilated homes. Evidence has also shown increased instances of cataracts or blindness associated with smoke from indoor cooking, as well as the impacts of smoke on pulmonary function. In addition to these key areas, a large heritage building has been identified early in the project not only as a potential rehabilitation project but also as a potential site for an education and training centre and/or extension of the existing school.