For a green house

After Pune, which is reaping the benefits of an eco-housing scheme launched last year, Mumbai now can do the same. The decks stand cleared for the launch of an eco-housing scheme in Mumbai, which offers financial incentives to both builders and consumers.

Prepared by Pune-based Science and Technology Park and recently adopted by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (mcgm), the scheme will certify green residential complexes, both new constructions and retrofitted buildings.

"This scheme has been tailor-made keeping in mind Mumbai's local conditions. It is for the first time that a separate criteria for rating of residential buildings in India have been listed. Till now the thrust was more on commercial buildings," says Rajendra Jagdale, director general of Science and Technology Park.

mcgm has now requested the state urban development department to suitably amend the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, after which this eco-housing scheme can become operational. Rajesh Tope, minister of state for urban development told Down To Earth that the act would be amended soon.

Read more