Concrete Jungles in the Name of Development or Homes in Harmony with Nature?

Today, the word “development” has been narrowly reduced to tall buildings, wide roads, and cement–concrete structures. Whether it is cities or villages, farmlands or hills, the picture everywhere is the same: concrete jungles. But the real question is — is this development beneficial for human health, agriculture, and nature?

Rivers, Streams, and Sand: The Loss of Water’s Natural Health

Excessive construction has almost wiped out sand from rivers and streams. Sand is not merely a construction material; it is nature’s own water filtration system.

When sand disappears, water no longer gets naturally filtered. As a result, in many places today, well water is no longer fit for drinking or even for irrigation. This is not development; this is a collective crime against water.

Bungalows in Farmlands: Not a Need, but a Status Competition

Earlier, a farm was a place of work, and a house was a simple, functional shelter in harmony with nature.

Today, even farmlands demand city-style bungalows. This is not driven by necessity, but by a competition of prestige and display.

The cost of this competition is being paid by nature, agriculture, and future generations.

Natural Homes: Low Cost, Better Health

Traditional homes were built using mud walls, with roofs made of bamboo, wood, and sugarcane waste.

They may not have lasted for centuries, but:

• They were affordable and built without loans.
• They naturally regulated heat and cold, making them healthy.
• Every generation had the opportunity to build its own home, ensuring that hard work was never avoided.

This continuous engagement with labor helped shape responsible and resilient individuals.

Homes for Eight Generations — But Where Is the Motivation to Strive?

Today, houses are built to last eight generations. But if future generations receive everything ready-made, will they still have the motivation to work hard and build their own lives?

A strong house is not a problem. But when a person spends an entire lifetime repaying loans for it, the house becomes a burden instead of a shelter.

Spending 25 to 30 years repaying loans is almost equivalent to spending one’s entire life in debt.

Mud Blocks: They Do Not Consume Land

Brick manufacturing permanently destroys fertile soil. The soil used for bricks is baked and lost forever for agriculture.

Mud blocks offer a powerful alternative:

• The soil is not baked.
• Even if a house is demolished, the same soil can be reused.
• Land and soil are not permanently lost.

This approach is both eco-friendly and sustainable.

Cow Dung and Mud: Forgotten Science of Health

Homes plastered with cow dung are far healthier than tiled or cemented houses.

Walls coated with mud are healthier than those painted with chemical colors, as they allow the house to “breathe.”

Cow dung:

• Acts as a natural disinfectant.
• Maintains thermal balance inside homes.
• Has a positive impact on human health.

Agriculture, Employment, and a Circular Economy

If the demand for cow dung increases:

• The dairy industry will strengthen.
• Farmers can build an additional dung-based economy.
• Biogas production will increase.
• Natural fertilizers will be readily available.
• Dependence on chemical fertilizers will reduce.

As farming costs decrease, agriculture can once again become economically viable.

Even in cities, new employment opportunities can emerge through:

• House plastering
• Wall coating
• Natural roofing work

Modern Construction Is Not Necessary for Everyone

Modern construction is appropriate for toilets, bathrooms, hospitals, and government offices.

But enforcing cement–concrete houses for everyone is unjustified.

Homes made of mud, wood, and bamboo that last 10 to 20 years are sufficient.

For this, we can promote:

• Teakwood plantations
• Bamboo cultivation
• Sugarcane production
• Conservation of wild trees like karanj, neem, and babul

Many of these species are currently on the path to extinction.

Development That Blasts Mountains or Development That Protects Nature?

Concrete houses last long, but they demand new land for new houses. This has led to mountains being blasted, hills flattened, and natural landscapes being destroyed.

Natural homes, on the other hand, can be rebuilt multiple times on the same land, saving space and preserving nature.

Conclusion: Time to Change the Direction of Development

Development that destroys nature is suicidal.

True development ensures:

• Human health
• Protection of agriculture
• Purity of water
• Sustainable employment
• A livable environment for future generations

If we do not change our direction today, tomorrow there may be no world left to change.

Because development should exist for humanity — not humanity for development.

Author: Arun Ramchandra Pangarkar
Labour Revolution – Voice of the Poor