Is Your Apartment Built Following These Model Building Bye-Laws?

Developers are expected to build their projects keeping in mind the code prescribed by the Model Building Bye-Laws. While these rules act only as a model and are not compulsory in nature, showing any disregard for these may get a developer into trouble. However, the same is true for homebuyers, too. These laws are put in place to ensure every building is constructed keeping in mind all the safety measures — the very objective of buying a house.

This is why every homebuyer must make sure the project that they have chosen is built following the rules prescribed under the Model Building Bye-Laws.

Here are some of the key features prescribed under the code:

Safety measures

A building must be structurally safe and have a disaster- management system in place. Homebuyers must check in the developer's building approval plan whether he is following the rules in this respect. For instance, is the building earthquake resistant? What are the arrangements to deal with the situation in case a fire breaks out?

Barrier-free environment

Buildings should have provisions for differently-abled, elderly and children. Efforts should be made to incorporate access paths, walkways, parking, stairs, elevators, toilets, drinking water facilities that are suitable for usage by differently-abled and elders. There should also be parks and playing zones for children. Your developer might try to sell you these facilities as additional amenities while the truth is that they are expected to keep these provisions in their projects.

Environmental concerns

We are living in times when deteriorating levels of environment are a prime concern.  Among other things, construction activities play a major role in polluting the environment. To keep the damage to the minimum, buildings are expected to follow green practices and have provisions for rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse and recycle and installation of a solar rooftop.

Keeping it clean

In line with the Central mission of making India clean, all buildings are required to provide adequate toilet facilities. Under the revised guidelines, every building must have adequate toilet facilities for women. Special sanitation facilities should be provided for visitors in public buildings. These include all government buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, commercial building, etc.

Effects of technology

Today, we work like machines, using machines. However, these machines emit radiations that are harmful not only our health but also for the environment.  To minimise the impact, buildings should try to mitigate electromagnetic radiations in built spaces by identifying emission appliances and sources. 

Also Read: Going Online: How Govt Is Using Technology To Govern Better