INDIA: In the heart of Pune, a transformative journey begins for residents like Lata Ratan Misal and Janardhan Gopal Jadhav as Shelter Associates, led by architect Pratima Joshi, brings hope and change to slum settlements. Joshi’s pioneering mapping solutions have touched the lives of thousands, revolutionizing the way slum dwellers access sanitation, housing, and water.
A Dream Realized in Indira Vasahat
For Misal, the dream of having a toilet inside her home became a reality in 2021, thanks to Shelter Associates. Meanwhile, in Parshiwadi, Thane, Jadhav and others witnessed the construction of their home toilets, addressing a long-standing need for better sanitation infrastructure. Joshi’s vision, formed three decades ago, remains steadfast — to uplift slum settlements through a community-centric approach.
Architect Turned Social Changemaker
Pratima Joshi, with an architectural background, chose an unconventional path dedicated to social development. Influenced by her master’s course in London and driven by a desire to contribute to the less privileged, Joshi founded Shelter Associates in Pune in 1993.
The Power of Data
Joshi identified a critical missing piece — data. In the late ’90s, she pioneered the use of GIS to gather and analyze geographic data, providing valuable insights into census information, infrastructure, and access to facilities. This commitment to data, often ridiculed initially, became the cornerstone of Shelter Associates’ success.
Mapping for Change
Shelter Associates’ mapping initiatives gained momentum with Google Earth’s launch in 2005. Satellite-backed maps formed the basis for projects like providing slum homes with unique ‘plus codes’ and digital addresses. Today, over 87,500 homes benefit from this innovation, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond Chaos
Joshi envisioned maps not just to bring order but to answer crucial questions about water connections, community toilets, and more. Surveys conducted on the ground helped Shelter Associates understand the dynamics of slum clusters, leading to projects like ‘One Home One Toilet,’ impacting over 27,000 homes.
Breaking Stereotypes with Data
Joshi emphasizes how data debunked stereotypes about slum dwellers, revealing their desire for in-home toilets and their willingness to share costs. Over 5,00,000 slum dwellers have been positively impacted by Shelter Associates’ initiatives.
A Comprehensive Approach
Shelter Associates’ projects extend beyond sanitation, including initiatives for menstrual hygiene, solid waste management, and slum rehabilitation. The NGO’s work is not just about providing housing but ensuring residents actively participate in the design process.
A Vision for the Future
As Joshi looks ahead, her focus remains on further rehabilitation projects, like the one in Kanpur, setting a template for other tier-two cities. With dreams of improved standards of living for slum dwellers, she acknowledges the challenges ahead but reflects on the invaluable lessons learned during Shelter Associates’ initial years.
Architect Pratima Joshi’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact one person can make by combining vision, data, and community engagement to bring positive change to the lives of thousands in India’s slum settlements.
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