The state government’s plan for the housing sector should make you turn green. The ministry of environment has proposed to give a boost to the construction of ‘green’ buildings by giving tax benefits or by granting extra floor space index (FSI).
A ‘green’ building is the one that uses an optimum amount of energy, consumes less water, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and creates spaces for healthy and comfortable living as compared to a conventional building.
In a befitting gesture on the occasion of World Environment Day on Tuesday, Sachin Ahir, the minister of state for environment, who proposed this idea to chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, explained the need for such incentives. “Installing solar heaters and solar power plants, harvesting rainwater, recycling water, and using high-grade construction material with good insulation require a lot of investment. If a seven-storied building needs Rs2 crore for construction, the same building with all green measures will require at least Rs3 crore. The cost discourages people from coming up with a ‘green’ plan. If we would provide an incentive in the form of tax benefits or extra FSI, people would be encouraged to make green buildings.”
The proposed incentive for such buildings will be in addition to development tax cuts granted by civic bodies for the use of green technology.
Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar also showed keen interest. “The idea is good. We will take a call on this soon,” he said.
Chavan, who was the chief guest at the function, pressed for the need to adopt solar and wind energy to generate power. He insisted on striking a balance between development and protecting the environment in the Konkan region. He announced that all government schools, colleges and buildings will be fitted with green technologies. He urged colleges offering architecture courses to include chapters on simple environment-friendly measures like installing double glass windows which not only illuminate homes more but also provide a cooling effect. He added that the state will come up with an action plan to enforce environment laws strictly.
