Regulations relating to Sewage Treatment in India

Author: Sachin Gupta | Find me on Twitter Follow @sach_gupta

These days we come across self sustainable townships with dedicated sewage treatment plants. Sewage treatment is the process of eliminating contamination and pollutants from household sewage by way of chemical, physical, and biological processes. The effluents that are produced after sewage treatment are suitable for discharge or reuse back in the environment.

Local municipal bodies are responsible for carrying out the sewage treatment tasks within a given city. In India, households are dependent on Municipal bodies for sewage management. Through pipes and pumps, household sewage is collected and transported to municipal sewage treatment plant. In semi-urban areas or in villages, septic tanks are used for sewage management.

All solid waste and waste-water treatment is subject to the rules and regulations of the local, State and Central Governments. Municipal Solid Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000 or in other words MSW Rules are applicable to every municipal authority responsible for collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of sewage.

These rules and regulations clearly demarcate the roles of each department within a local body to carry out the tasks of sewage treatment efficiently and professionally.

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SMART HOMES- The Heaven Concrete

In today’s age of information technology, computers, and electronic devices, the world is getting smarter day by day. Not only smart phones, even houses with their structure and architecture are coming out with whole new features aiming at providing a better lifestyle. These ‘Smart homes’ give high quality system of comfort, security, space, and better conditions to live. The main features include advanced LED lighting, customized air tight doors, reflective window, insulated walls, modular kitchens, spacious bathrooms, kids’ rooms etc. An important characteristic of these homes is an interaction of the different parts of a house which not only saves time but also is convenient to suit everyday lifestyle.

Image Courtesy: Wienerberger

A smart home must have a proper scientific and rational design of architecture. The element of this must be proper use of lighting and electrical devices such as air conditioners, coolers, heaters etc. Remotes and touch panels are widely used today to save time. These remote controls help to change the light levels or fan speeds. Thus electricity and lighting can be used on one’s command.

The Blue Print of a smart home is its wall and roof. A house is structured on the support of its roof and wall made of bricks. Wienerberger produced horizontally perforated clay bricks for non-load bearing partition walls or infill masonry will definitely turn your home into something extraordinary. These light weight concrete bricks are of low weight with great thermal insulation and water absorption reducing dead loads, saving costs and helping in faster construction. They also help in building long lasting strong built roofs.

Image Courtesy: Telegraph

Smart kitchens form an integral part of a smart home. Technology is fused with different parts of the kitchen and thus can be controlled easily. Smart tablets or keypads in the kitchen help do more than one work at a time from the kitchen. These speed up cooking and provides user friendly atmosphere. Today’s refrigerators entertain through its innovative features of internet. Induction cook-tops help to save water and electricity. This provides safety and comfort too. There are few appliances which generates cooking tutorials with effective tips and warnings in the form of texts.

Bathrooms must be coupled with relaxation. Controlling of temperature of bath tubs and showers has become easier in one touch, including the proper use of sprays and steam in a Jacuzzi s. Audio and lighting of the shower can be altered with remotes and other devices. Touch less toilets, digital showers, and programming of personalized temperature, wi fi enabled electric heated floor, hand free faucets prevents spreading of germs and water conservation are few innovations for smart bathrooms.

Image Source: Point-dotcom

Bedrooms form the integral part of a house. Smart bedrooms not only enhances the look but also   space and storage facilities. Wall beds, technologically operated drapes, switches controlling the main door from the master bedroom etc. are exciting elements of smart bedrooms.

Few additional characteristics of a smart home are:-

• SECURITY
• Detection of outsiders through CCTV cameras and other devices
• Alarm modes help prevent thefts
• SMS to security control help in faster action
• Motion sensors and door locks builds up strong safety program
• Touch panel screen help to see visitor without opening doors
• Remotes can be used to open doors
• Gas leak detectors and valve controllers help to prevent accidents

Image Courtesy: Ableblogger

• OTHER FEATURES
• Water can be saved with smart water fixtures ensuring better experience.
• Thermostats can be used to control energy and temperature of homes
• WI FI controlled homes can get monthly energy usage reports.
• Passive houses are examples to heat and cool the house according to ones desires 
• Innovative tables  connected to internet offers several facilities
• Automation in each room helps us make the best possible use of technology to have a pleasant stay.

Image Courtesy: Nebulabot

The jaw dropping success of technology and internet today has gifted us with smart living with the help of smart homes. They not only are convenient in our everyday life but also don’t let us compromise on our comfort and safety. 

This is a guest post by Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director,Wienerberger India, wienerberger.in

To submit your guest posts, contact us at nirrtigo@nirrtigo.com

What are the fire safety requirements for building types and heights in India? Which are the organizations and institutions involved in fire safety in India?

Author: Sachin Gupta | Find me on Twitter Follow @sach_gupta

While buying an apartment from a real estate developer, we come across payments towards Fire Fighting Charges (FFC). Normally, the FFC is charged by a developer on pro rata basis, i.e. 50 Rs/sqft or 100 Rs/sqft. Why do real estate developers charge their customers for FFC? Well, all builders need to provide for safe environment to the home seekers. And protection from fire is an integral part of the whole package of the building safety.

In India, Fire prevention and fire fighting is a state subject. However, the Ministry of Home provides technical advice to States/UTs and Central Ministries on Fire Protection, Fire Prevention and Fire Legislation. The National Building Code's Part 4 deals with fire and fire safety. Different states/UTs and local bodies in India have their own firefighting provisions, guidelines and regulations. Fire safety department of each area also issue fire safety guidelines to ensure safety of buildings and their occupants. For example, the Delhi Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 1986 is applicable in the Union Territory of Delhi.

So, what are the fire safety requirements for building types and heights? Which are the organizations and institutions involved in fire safety in India? Find out in below document:

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2015 will showcase high demand for luxurious homes in India

What does the real estate market hold in store for potential buyers and investors in the year 2015? Can consumers expect high returns on investment from luxury properties, apartments, and luxurious homes in India? There are numerous questions that may puzzle the consumers and it is crucial to make the right choice. Read further to discover how luxurious homes in India are set to elevate the real estate sector in 2015.

• Real estate seen as a commodity

It has been known that the real estate and infrastructure sector has been the backbone of the Indian economy and a significant contributor to the economic growth of the country. Earlier, housing was seen as a form of luxury and lifestyle purchase. It was barely perceived as a commodity. During 2012-2014, investors and other buyers scooped up undervalued homes and took advantage of short sales, boosting overall sales volumes of luxurious homes in India. Real estate has become speculative because products have become short-term commodities. Buying second properties without the intent of flipping is not an easy task. There were many who bought luxury properties because they believed that earning high returns on investment in real estate was easy.

• Rental market shows high demand

The 2014 apartment construction boom will lead to more supply in 2015, since multi-unit buildings take about a year to build. The NDA government aims to develop ‘smart cities’ across the nation and provide housing for all. Though a large number of buyers will be seen as homeowners, there would be an enormous number of interested buyers who will enter the market as renters. These days, the standard of living has progressed and people prefer renting luxurious homes in India.

• The rise of nuclear families

Some may argue that joint families are still prevalent. No doubt, they still exist, but they have reduced in number. Young adults who are earning decent salaries plan households, which is another cause for the boom in real estate sales. The availability of loans in the market, both individual as well joint loans, makes it easier and less troublesome for interested buyers.

• The supply and demand relationship

Today, there is high speculation about the demand and supply. When people wish to purchase or sell luxury properties, they do so, on the basis of speculation. You may have seen how the internet is constantly buzzing with the speculation of property rates. Real estate agents add to the buzz by predicting if the market will crash or rise. This speculation has enhanced volatility in the market and made it more unpredictable. So potential buyers who wish to buy luxurious homes or moderate budget homes in India should keep a track of the supply and demand levels.

• Fear of the rising interest rates

Can you imagine buying a house when the interest rates are sky high? Real estate developers have figured out that people rush to purchase homes with the fear that interest rates on home loans may shoot up. Buyers need to focus on tangible and concrete factors while making a purchase. They need to ensure that they are not extending their financial abilities in the quest for home ownership.

• Think before you act

Acquiring a house is a big decision and should be taken seriously, especially if you are planning to buy luxurious homes in India. You can be impulsive while buying a pair of shoes, but you cannot be the same while house hunting. Sometimes, predictions may state that the real estate prices will fluctuate in the short term and shoot up in the long term. But that does not mean you blindly follow predictions. If you wish to buy luxury properties as a long term investment, then take a look at the rental income that you can receive. See if it covers your expenses and provides a good profit margin.

• Luxurious homes in India available at decent prices

Can you imagine living in a luxury apartment that you grabbed at a reasonable rate? House of Hiranandani (HOH), which is one the renowned builders in the country, has developed high-quality constructions and are making them available at moderate prices in the country. They believe that people from all walks of life are entitled to taste luxury and developing luxurious homes in the metropolitan cities of India.

Buying a house is entirely your choice and House of Hiranandani believes that you deserve the best. So, look out for their luxury properties in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Purchase exquisite and luxurious homes in India that are designed to meet your comfort needs.

This is a guest post by Deepak Yewle

Happy Holi 2015

NirrtiGo Wishes all stakeholders (customers, investors, real estate developers, housing finance companies, banks, brokers, architects) in real estate sector a Happy Holi 2015.

Hits and Misses of Budget 2015 for Real Estate Sector in India

Author: Sachin Gupta | Find me on Twitter Follow @sach_gupta

Leading up to 28th February 2015, Budged 2015 was the most talked about event among business circles. Real estate developers, housing finance companies, banks, consultants were banking on reforms to boost the real estate sector. Did the sector get its due? Or there still is uncertainty looming large? We find out:

• Allocation of Rupees 14000 Crores (2015-16) for National Housing Mission:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about housing for all by 2022. As per the recent figures, there is need to build about 2 crores houses in urban areas and 4 crores houses in rural areas. National Housing Mission will be prepared by ministries of rural and urban development. This mission will subsume existing housing schemes. 60 Lacs houses will be built yearly for next seven years in rural areas.

• Tax benefits for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs):

Mr. Jaitley in his budget 2015 speech rationalized capital gains tax regime for the sponsors of newly-created business structure REITs. At the same time, the Budget also proposed that the rental income arising from real estate assets directly held by the REIT would be allowed to pass through and to be taxed in the hands of the unit holders of the REIT.

"I therefore propose to rationalize the capital gains regime for the sponsors exiting at the time of listing of the units of REITs and INViTs, subject to payment of Securities Transaction Tax (STT). The rental income of REITs from their own assets will have pass through facility," Mr. Jaitley said.

• No incentives to affordable housing sector:

The real estate industry was expecting that government would grant infrastructure status to affordable housing sector; however, budget 2015 disappointed them on this count. With infrastructure status, the cost of borrowing would have decreased for developers as well as home seekers.

• Hike in service tax:

The service tax has been hiked from 12.36% to 14%. In other words, the cost of home will now go up. With this hike, the property value will rise by 0.41% of the old property value (when service tax was 12.36%).

• Introduction of Benami Transaction Bill:

Mr. Jaitley announced the introduction of Benami Transaction Bill in his speech. The whole idea behind this bill is to curb black money in the property market. Prohibition of acceptance of an amount of more than Rs 20,000 in cash for any property deals is also part of the bill. However, will this bill have any impact on the realty market? Some feel, while the intent of government is good, but this may result in investors exiting the market.

• Fiscal Prudence (Which means EMI may start to come down soon):

While the budget 2015 was a dampener for most real estate stakeholders, however, they all looked at the surface and did not scratch it. Most important factor has been missed by all Pundits looking at the real estate sector. Mr. Jaitley’s focus on fiscal consolidation will go down well with RBI. What it means? Well, the interest rates may start to come down soon. A reduction in interest rate will be good news for home loan consumers and those planning to take a loan to buy houses and cars. Sector revival is expected once interest rates begin to come down.

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