Localised actor roles in post-disaster housing recovery: A case study from Kerala

¹ School of Environmental Sciences, MG University Kottayam, 686560, Kerala, India
² Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering & Technology, Christ University, Bengaluru, India.

^* Corresponding author: meghannair1998@gmail.com

Abstract

The effectiveness of post-disaster housing reconstruction (PDHR) is increasingly being challenged by the frequency and complexity of climate-induced disasters. In the Indian state of Kerala—particularly the highland regions of Kottayam and Idukki—landslides and floods have caused significant housing losses in recent years. While the government initiated housing recovery interventions after the 2021 landslide event, multiple civil society actors, including faith-based organisations, political parties, and professional groups, also participated in reconstruction efforts. This study examines the actor-specific approaches to community consultation in PDHR and their impact on beneficiary satisfaction. Using a qualitative case study design, the analysis identifies variations in participation across planning, design, and construction stages, and maps these to outcomes such as reconstruction speed, satisfaction levels, and community cohesion. While some actors offered comprehensive engagement strategies, others limited their consultation, resulting in mismatches between needs and outcomes. Findings suggest that community consultation remains uneven and often symbolic, with beneficiaries perceiving external aid as benevolence rather than entitlement. The study underscores the importance of meaningful participation in PDHR, especially in the context of localized climate events. These insights offer practical implications for designing inclusive recovery frameworks and enhancing community resilience in hazard-prone regions.