The Living Lab Alleppey has officially begun its journey for Kuttanad, under the leadership of IIT Bombay. The initiative was inaugurated by District Panchayat President, K.G. Rajeswari, marking a new chapter in building climate resilience and sustainable development in the region.
The Living Lab is designed to serve as a knowledge and action platform—bringing together insights from IIT Bombay’s research and ongoing fieldwork to provide innovative, scientific, and locally relevant solutions for Kuttanad’s pressing challenges. From disaster management and safe drinking water solutions to waste management, infrastructure, and livelihoods, the Lab will support local self-governments with evidence-based tools and strategies. The initiative is financially supported by the Tata Centre for Technology and Design (TCTD), IIT Bombay.
As part of the launch, a seminar and exhibition showcased the threats of climate change in Kuttanad, focusing on agriculture, drinking water, education, and sanitation. Key presentations included:
- Climate Change & Protection of Paddy Fields – Akshay H. (Research Assistant, IIT Bombay)
- Employment Guarantee Schemes & Bund Construction – Sulaikha Beevi S. (Research Assistant, IIT Bombay)
- Education in Kuttanad – Survival Strategies – Jasna Sattar (Research Assistant, IIT Bombay)
- Drinking Water Solutions for Kuttanad – Sheethal S. (Research Assistant, IIT Bombay)
- Sanitation Technologies for Kuttanad – Chikku Mariam John (Research Associate, IRTC)
A panel discussion brought together experts including Monish Jose (Assistant Professor, KILA), Chinthumol (Hazard Analyst, KSDMA Alappuzha), Dr. N. Sunil Kumar (Professor, Civil Engineering, CUCEK), Tomy K.J. (Joint Program Coordinator, MGNREGA), Haran Babu K.P. (Deputy GM, KIIDC), Dr. V. Kurien Baby IAS (WASH Expert), Abraham Varghese (Executive Engineer, KIIFB), Praveen K.S. (Director – Liquid Waste Management, Suchitwa Mission), Latha Raman (Architect), and Sribash B. (District Coordinator, Suchitwa Mission).
The inaugural session was chaired by A. Shobha (Chairperson, Development Standing Committee, District Panchayat), with a welcome note by Rohit Joseph (Research Assistant, IIT Bombay). The keynote address was delivered by Prof. N.C. Narayanan (Head, Ashank Desai Centre for Policy Studies, IIT Bombay). Distinguished guests included Dr. Jiju P. Alex (Member, State Planning Board), Dr. P.V. Unnikrishnan (Member Secretary, K-DISC), Dr. Joy Elamon (Director General, KILA), and Dr. K. Rajesh.
Local leaders including M.C. Prasad (President, Kainakary Grama Panchayat) and Mini Manmadhan (President, Nedumudy Grama Panchayat) offered their greetings. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Drishya Vishwan (Research Associate, KILA).
The Living Lab Alleppey for Kuttanad will act as a bridge between community knowledge, academic research, and local governance, creating replicable models of resilience that address climate challenges at the grassroots.