Kozhikode :
When working with the Centre for Water Resources Development Management (CWRDM), P K Pradeep Kumar took on the role of principal investigator for the project ‘Impact of Deforestation on Hydrological Parameters.’ The project threw light on what happens to the environment when even one tree is cut down. After the project, the team recommended that maximum effort should be put to try not to cut down a tree for any developmental project. Once the recommendation was given, it dawned on Pradeep Kumar to try this out himself.
“It is easier for people to preach. I decided to make a practical move on the recommendation and when I started building my house, I made it a point not to use a single piece of wood anywhere in the house,” says Pradeep Kumar, whose house is aptly named ‘Woodnil.’ Nowhere in the house can you see any piece of wood. Everything, from the window sill and doors, to the tables and cots, nothing is made of wood. The construction of the 2311 sq ft house began in 2002 and was completed in 2006. After a letter detailing the extraordinary woodless house was sent to the Central Government, it was appreciated by the Ministry of Environment. He currently holds the Limca Book of Records for constructing a house without a single piece of timber. Pradeep Kumar, who retired from the CWRDM last month, says that building a house without wood has plenty of positive sides. “When it comes to the financial figures, I had a gain of 30 per cent in building this house. It saved a lot of labour charges and time as well. I only took time to finish the house as I had official duties in Lakhshadweep. Once I entered the Limca Book of Records, plenty of people visited the house and many of them are seen trying to reduce the usage of wood in constructing houses.”
‘Woodnil,’ a book giving the details of the house, the construction techniques with illustration and photographs written by Pradeep Kumar, was released on his retirement day. It was published by Poorna Publications. Residing with his family at ‘Woodnil’ near Pavangad, Pradeep Kumar says, “I am not against the usage of wood, but we should try not to cut down trees as much as possible.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Deepthi Sreenivasan / December 12th, 2014