CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 ABSTRACT

Affordable housing is a major issue in Delhi, as the city is one of the most expensive places to live in India. However, there are some initiatives taken by the government and private organizations to make affordable housing available for the people.

The Delhi Development Authority is the primary agency responsible for the development of affordable housing in Delhi. They have launched various schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and there are a few initiatives taken by the State government and private organizations to promote affordable housing using alternative construction technology in Delhi. The Delhi government has launched a program called Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, which aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. Under this scheme, the government is promoting the use of green building technology and prefabricated housing to reduce the construction cost and improve energy efficiency.

Moreover, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a non-governmental organization, has been working towards promoting CSEBs in Delhi. The CSE has demonstrated the use of CSEBs in various construction projects, and they have also conducted training programs for masons and engineers to promote the use of CSEBs.

While there are some initiatives taken by the government and private organizations to promote affordable housing using alternative construction technology in Delhi, more efforts need to be taken to make it accessible to everyone. It is essential to create awareness among the people and encourage the adoption of these technologies to address the affordable housing problem in Delhi. This study to understand various housing technologies and evaluate the Energy efficiency criteria that are used to choose an appropriate technology.

1.2 KEYWORDS

Affordable housing, PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), Alternative construction technology, Energy Efficiency, BMTPC.

1.3 BACKGROUND

Housing is a fundamental human need and a key determinant of living standards. Affordable Housing (AH) is a critical social and political objective in democratic countries, aiming to ensure that every family has a suitable shelter. In India, the pressing issue of inadequate housing has prompted the exploration of alternative options for Affordable Housing. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2013, approximately 1.77 million people in India lack proper housing, with around 10 million houses in a dilapidated state and approximately 7 million people living in uninhabitable conditions (MHA, 2011).

To address this challenge, it is crucial to prioritize energy-efficient housing construction techniques without compromising on quality. Additionally, closely monitoring the construction costs of housing projects is essential. This dissertation aims to thoroughly examine various alternative technologies in the housing sector, with a specific focus on Affordable Housing projects in Delhi. The research will evaluate the relative significance of energy efficiency in achieving sustainable housing solutions.

1.4 ISSUES IN THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SECTOR

● Land expenses are the primary cost factor in housing projects. It is crucial to ensure that land costs are reasonable to facilitate the transfer of benefits to end-users in affordable housing construction. In urban city centers, land costs tend to be significantly high, often exceeding 50% of the total project expenses for developers. This situation poses a major challenge for affordable housing projects as it renders them financially unfeasible.

● Stringent regulations on construction volume in centrally located areas of large urban centers have resulted in a shift of development towards peripheral regions that lack adequate infrastructure facilities. This situation arises due to excessive control and restrictions imposed on the extent of construction activities in highly accessible and prime areas. As a consequence, developers are compelled to seek alternative locations on the outskirts of urban centers, where infrastructure provisions may be insufficient or underdeveloped.

● Construction costs can pose a significant challenge for affordable housing projects, as they can disproportionately impact the viability of such initiatives. In comparison to the construction costs, the profit margins for developers tend to increase exponentially when evaluating projects across different segments, ranging from affordable to mid-segment and premium to luxury. Therefore, it becomes crucial to exercise control over these costs to ensure that housing projects remain affordable. By managing and minimizing construction expenses, the overall affordability of housing projects can be maintained, making them accessible to a broader range of individuals.

● The process of land use conversion, building approvals, and construction permits in India often spans a lengthy period of 18-30 months. This extended duration can significantly contribute to increased project costs for developers, primarily due to additional cost escalation resulting from the prolonged holding period.

● The absence of available and marketable land parcels in crucial areas presents a challenge for affordable housing developments. Large tracts of land owned by public entities, such as railways, remain unutilized or underutilized. These land holdings often go unmonitored and are susceptible to the formation of slums and squatter settlements. This situation not only hinders the timely development of these land holdings but also introduces potential delays or obstacles in utilizing them for affordable housing projects.

● Individuals belonging to the Low Income Group (LIG) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) face limited access to organized financial services. A significant proportion of these individuals work in the unorganized sector, which often leads to a lack of proper documentation such as proof of address or salary slips. Consequently, they are considered a high-risk category by financial institutions, making it difficult for them to secure financing for purchasing homes. This limited access to formal finance further exacerbates the challenges faced by the LIG and EWS segments in obtaining affordable housing.

1.5 AIM

Aim of this Research to understand the various alternative construction technologies suitable for affordable housing under PMAY(U).

1.6 OBJECTIVE

● To understand the different alternative construction techniques in Foreign and Indian scenarios for affordable housing.

● To estimate and analyze the energy efficiency of alternative construction techniques under PMAY(U) using energy efficient Tools and to evaluate the criteria that are used to choose an appropriate technology.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

● The study was carried out within Delhi. The region was selected for the study because it has the highest need of affordable housing which is a resultant of rural-urban migration.

● Estimation and analysis of the energy efficiency aspects of affordable housing to be built under PMAY-U only.

● Simulation done only with some technologies which U-value was given.

● The study is limited to the available data and information on affordable housing.

1.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

Alternative construction technology (ACT) is a term that refers to the use of innovative and sustainable methods and materials for building affordable houses. ACT aims to reduce the cost, time and environmental impact of construction, while improving the quality, durability and performance of the houses. ACT is especially significant for affordable housing in Delhi, where there is a huge demand for housing due to rapid urbanization and population growth. Moreover, Delhi faces various challenges such as land scarcity, high land prices, pollution, climate change and natural disasters. Therefore, ACT can offer various benefits for affordable housing in Delhi, such as:

● Enhancing the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of the houses by using passive design strategies such as optimal orientation, shading devices, natural ventilation, daylighting, etc. These strategies can reduce the heat gain, improve the indoor air quality and lighting levels, and lower the energy consumption for cooling and lighting . The factors affecting these strategies include building orientation, window placement and size, shading devices, built form and shape, settlement pattern, and locally available materials.

● Increasing the resilience and disaster resistance of the houses by using durable and robust materials and techniques, such as reinforced concrete, steel frames, prefabricated modules, etc. These technologies can withstand earthquakes, floods, fire and other hazards .

● Promoting social inclusion and empowerment of the local communities by involving them in the design and construction process, providing them with skills training and employment opportunities, and ensuring their participation and ownership of the houses.

Thus, Alternative construction technology can play a vital role in addressing the social, economic and environmental aspects of affordable housing in Delhi, and contribute to the sustainable development of the city and the country.