PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Roorkee The union Minister of State for Rural Development, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, inaugurated the country’s first 3D concrete printed rural house at the Central Building Research Institute (CSIR–CBRI) here on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, Sekhar observed, “From mud walls to 3D printing, India has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to providing safe, strong, and sustainable homes for all. These 3D printed houses are not merely about technology but they represent a future where housing is affordable, adaptable, and environmentally responsible.” Highlighting the achievements of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY–G) the union minister said that 3.85 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.87 crore completed. He informed that independent assessments show a 17 per cent rise in household incomes, 14 per cent decline in hospital visits and 72 per cent houses in the names of women, strengthening women’s empowerment and family well-being. Applauding CBRI’s contributions, Sekhar noted the institute’s 250 region-specific, disaster-resilient housing designs and innovations such as non-erodible mud plaster, low-cost strengthening technologies, and the two-pit pour-flush system that has enabled over five crore rural households to live with dignity under Swachh Bharat Mission. On this occasion, the Minister also released a book titled ‘Rudraksh – Rural Housing in Uttarakhand’, which documents culturally rooted, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing practices of the State. The union minister urged CBRI to pilot 100 cost-effective 3D printed houses to demonstrate scalability for rural India. He also urged the institute to focus on thermal comfort, renewable energy integration, climate resilience, and mason training to ensure scientific innovations directly empower rural families. “Development is not just about building houses, but about creating homes filled with light, dignity, and self-reliance. With CBRI’s scientific excellence aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable rural India,’’ he said. Senior scientists of CSIR–CBRI, faculty of IIT Roorkee, representatives of the ministry of Rural Development, social organisations and students attended the programme.
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