Chaaya

Project Chaaya is a social design initiative to address the precarious living conditions of Agariya salt workers in the Little Rann of Kutch, India, who rebuild fragile shelters each season at great personal cost while enduring extreme heat, flooding, and poor health outcomes. Developed in collaboration with Hunnarshala Foundation and local artisans, the project co-designs mobile, climate-responsive shelters that are affordable, durable, and easy to assemble. Drawing from community workshops and site studies, the prototype combines locally available materials—mud for thermal comfort, bamboo, reclaimed wood, jute bags, and recycled rubber tubes—to form modular units that can last up to five years, reducing annual rebuilding expenses. A shelter kit and catalog provide flexibility for family needs and can be deployed in 1–2 days without specialized skills. Structured as a non-profit venture, Project Chaaya leverages CSR partnerships with salt industries and NGOs, aiming to empower salt workers with dignity, security, and agency in shaping their habitats.