C. M. Paul
Kolkata, April 8, 2025: The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDOC), the social service arm of the Salesian Province of Calcutta, has reached a significant milestone, handing over the keys to its 500th low-cost house for slum dwellers in Kapali Bagan, Tengra, Kolkata.
In a heartwarming ceremony held on April 5, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta blessed and presented the keys to a deserving family, marking the culmination of six years of dedicated effort by DBDOC. The event saw the inauguration of 40 more newly constructed homes, bringing the total number of houses built by the organization to 500.
Established in 1997, DBDOC is committed to uplifting underprivileged communities by tackling poverty, ignorance, and malnutrition. This low-cost housing initiative aims to provide a dignified living space for families residing in the challenging conditions of Kapali Bagan slum.
Kapali Bagan, located in the Tangra area of Kolkata, is home to numerous families living precariously along a major drainage canal. Residents often reside under makeshift shelters of plastic sheets and bamboo poles on the canal banks. The area is also characterized by its proximity to dumping grounds, where many locals earn their livelihood by scavenging for recyclable materials.
The low-cost housing scheme was initiated by Fr. Mathew George, former Assistant Professor at Salesian College Sonada and Siliguri, during his tenure as Secretary of the Kolkata Provincial. Recognizing the dire need for safe and stable housing, the Don Bosco Development Society embarked on this mission six years ago.
The provision of these low-cost houses offers them a much-needed secure and decent dwelling, a significant step towards a better quality of life.
The simple yet moving ceremony, attended by community members and representatives of the Don Bosco Development Society, underscored the impact of this long-term project in transforming lives and offering hope to vulnerable families in Kolkata.
DB DOC plans to continue the construction of low cost houses as there are several hundreds of families that are in need of houses.
Kudos to Don Bosco Development Society (DBDOC), the social service arm of the Salesian Province of Calcutta, on completion of 500 low-cost house for slum dwellers in Kolkata. May it successfully continue in its mission. What is cost component of each low-cost house? What are the basic facilities it offers? It will be very enlightening to know this.