This upgrading project is located in the city of Bhubaneshwar, which is the capital of the state Orissa, in east India. Orissa some of the lowest social and human development indicators in India, with over 47% of the population living below the poverty line.

To implement the project SPARC Samudaya Nirman Sahayak (SSNS) worked in partnership Reall and local NGO’s, including the Urban Development Resource Centre, Orissa Slum Dwellers Federation and local Mahila Milan (Women’s Federation) groups. By drawing on subsidies provided by the Indian central government under an urban renewal initiative, this project was able to complete 249 houses within three existing settlements.

The units constructed covered a plot size of 25 square metres each, and were provided with household water, sanitation and electricity. By building within existing settlements the community networks were able to be maintained and strengthened, with additional improvements of pathways drainage, sewerage and the construction of a new community centre.

This project was significant in that it was the first of its kind to be implemented in Orissa, and could therefore be used as a pilot project for further urban development practices and advocacy within the region.