Pushpa Rawat

In a recent interactive Hangout session, real estate expert, E Jayashree Kurup, head-Content and Research, Magicbricks and M Arun Kumar, founder and managing director, Casa Grande, discussed about how smart planning initiatives can prevent environmental crisis. Some of the live queries from our consumers addressed during the session were:

What kind of role does the government need to undertake to create a sustainable environment?

The government should plan sustainable drainage system and water lines
The government has to plan proper channelization of water especially in the localities situated in the low lying areas
Channels to be planned via water-sensitive design techniques
Developers should present their concerns and issues to the government
The government should plan and build roads which are reasonably maintained at a level to avoid collection of water unnecessarily during rains
The government should focus on developing a committee in different parts of the city including developers, government and consumers to discuss about simple drainage issues during regular rains to be further resolved
Developers should work with the government to start new development plans like creating better channels or the ditching lines to ensure better passage of rain water

What are the planning initiatives that are a priority today?

Survey: Survey of the city needs to be done at priority to know the depth of water stagnation. Only then will the counselors have clarity on worst hit streets or parts of the city that requires better planning
Master Plan: Once the survey is done, the government should work towards adding overlay of the new survey on the master plan. This way they can easily evolve the streets, roads and subways which possibly had a bigger impact. Also, the new master plan will help in creating better channels and better drain lanes
Less demand for development around eco sensitive zones: As a builder fraternity we should not ask for changes or developments to be made near the eco sensitive zones as ultimately once the work starts, it affects the eco sensitive zone
Strong Governance: The government should be stronger in terms of reallocating the slum dwelling, as majority of them are settled close to the water channels. In order to solve one part of the problem, the government should be proactive in relocating the slums. Once the slums are removed, the water channels will become bigger and it will be able to hold bigger the quantum of water which can be released

What should buyers look at while buying a property?

Good reputation – Buyers should always go for a developer with a good reputation in the market and credibility for delivering the projects timely. A good developer will not violate the rules of government and will offer facilities like well-laid drainage system, drain lines, etc.
Check approvals – Adhere to the approvals of all documents by the developer. Check the documents in prior even with a good developer to avoid last minute hassles
Right Techniques: Builder focusing on the right application techniques like right water proofing materials, logical planning to drain out heavy water in future is one to be trusted