Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This paper focuses on the concept of sustainable development, a concept that has been defined and refined since it was created 20 years ago. The purpose of the study is to collect and analyse the inhabitants’ view of local resources and development in a small village in south India, Kallankuthal, about 20 kilometres north of Madurai. The material on which the study is based, was collected during a visit to India in 2004 through semistructured interviews, focus groups and observations.

Among the results of the interviews are: the economy is growing quickly; giving a better situation also for the poorest – i.e. the ones living in Kallankuthal. Many are unemployed and most who have jobs are employed "on a daily basis".

The main positive changes are a substantial increase in education and a decline in fertility. The main negative changes are too small, and sometimes damaged houses, health problems and no medical care at night.

Female vulnerability and high dependency on their male relatives is also a problem where women marry too young, live shorter lives and are victims of prenatal sex determination.

Environmental resources are important and appreciated. The weather leads to generally good biological conditions for agriculture. A lot of herbal plants and medical plants for diseases like head pain and jaundice are available in the area. The village has a bore well and washing place. Some households in Kallankuthal have equipment that produces biogas but other then that, waste management needs to be amended.

Kallankuthal has every incentive to move towards broad sustainability. During this process there is a need to involve more people in the discussion on where India is going. Sustainable development could be used as a forum - for a broad discussion on finding the right road forward. Politicians, researchers and inhabitants need to be involved in this process.