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What is a Structural Audit?
It is the first step in deciding to go for the redevelopment project. This report has to be carried out for all buildings/structures in the society plot. Without the structural reports, society cannot go for the redevelopment process.
A structural audit means that the structural strength of a society building is inspected by an authorized structural engineer. The inspection includes the following points.
- Structural drawing analysis. ( if available)
- On-site inspection.
- Necessary structural stability tests ( if suggested by the auditor)
In a structural audit, the auditor will suggest whether society needs restoration or redevelopment.
When does Society go for a Structural Audit?
- If the building is old for more than 30 years, the building structure is damaged and in an unrepairable condition.
- If a structural audit consultant mentioned the condition of buildings & suggested whether society needs redevelopment.
- Even if a building is less than 30 years old (building lifespan), but the structural report suggests redevelopment rather than restoration, society can choose redevelopment.
Who can do a Structural Audit?
- Experienced structural engineer registered with the competent authority.
- His experience should be not less than 10 years in a relevant field.

UDCPR 2020 Chapter 7 is all about Higher FSI for Certain Uses as per mentioned in the UDCPR
This is Applicable to all Planning Authorities and Regional Plan Areas except Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Other Planning Authorities/Special Planning Authorities/ Development Authorities within the limit of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, MIDC, NAINA, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Hill Station Municipal Councils, Eco-sensitive/Eco-fragile region notified by MoEF & CC and Lonavala Municipal Council, in Maharashtra
Rule No. 7.3 Development/Redevelopment Of Staff Quarters Of the State Government or Its Statuary Bodies or Planning Authority
7.3.1
Construction/reconstruction of staff quarters of the State Government or its statutory bodies or Authority shall be permitted on land belonging to such Authorities which are situated in developable zones such as Residential/Public Semi-public/Commercial Zones, etc. on the following conditions.
7.3.2
The basic FSI specified in these regulations may be allowed to be exceeded as per the following table on the gross plot area solely for the project of construction of staff quarters (hereinafter referred to as - staff quarter project) for the employees of the Government, or its statutory bodies or the Planning Authority (hereinafter collectively referred to as - User Authority), on land belonging to such User Authority, by the PWD of the Government of Maharashtra or MHADA or Maharashtra Police Housing Corporation or Planning Authority or any other Public Agency nominated by the Government for this purpose, which may also include any Special Purpose Vehicle, wherein the Government or a fully owned Company of the Government holds at least 51% equity share (hereinafter collectively referred to as - “implementing Public Authority”).
7.3.3
Road width and plot area | Maximum permissible FSI including basic FSI |
---|---|
18.0 m or above, minimum plot area 4000 sq.m and above | 3.00 |
12.0 m or above but below 18.0 m. | 2.50 |
7.3.4
For the purpose of calculating the FSI, the entire area of the plot, excluding areas under Development Plan roads/Regional Plan Roads and Development Plan Reservations, if any shall be considered.
Provided that, the Development Plan reservations like Government Staff Quarters, Police Housing, Municipal Housing, Municipal Staff Quarters, etc. on lands belonging to Government/Public Authorities/Local Authorities, shall not be excluded, if the scheme is undertaken on the said reservation.
Further, the amalgamation of such Development Plan reservation/s with adjoining lands for the execution of the project under this regulation shall be permissible.
7.3.5
The total permissible FSI under this regulation shall be utilized for the construction of staff quarters and ancillary activities for the User Authority, subject to the following:-
i) The area of staff quarters for various categories of employees shall be as per the norms prescribed by the concerned User Authority. In no case shall the area of staff quarters exceed the maximum limit of carpet area as prescribed therein.
ii a) The Authority may also permit up to 1/3rd of the total permissible FSI under this regulation for the construction of a free sale area (hereinafter referred to as “free sale component”) to be disposed of by the Implementing Public Authority as provided herein. The free sale component shall preferably be constructed in a separate block. Sub-division of plots shall be permissible on the basis of equitable distribution of FSI if construction of a free sale component is permitted by the Authority.
The free sale component may be utilized for commercial use as per the potential of the plot as decided by the following committee. The extent of commercial use, if required, shall be decided by the said committee strictly within the limits specified in these regulations.
Sr. No | Municipal Corporations / Metropolitan Authorities | Status | Authorities other than those in column 2 including Regional Plan Area |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
1 | Municipal / Metropolitan Commissioner (of the Municipal Corporation / Metropolitan Authority) | Chairman | Collector of Concerned District |
2 | Police Commissioner / District Superintendent of Police of Concerned District | Member | District Superintendent of Police of Concerned District |
3 | Collector of Concerned District | Member | Chief Officer / Chief Executive Officer of the Authority or Assistant Director of Town Planning of the concerned District in the Regional Plan area. |
4 | Superintendent Engineer (PWD) | Member Secretary | Superintendent Engineer (PWD |
ii-b) If the User Authority requires construction of staff quarters to the extent of full permissible FSI, then the User Authority shall pay the full cost of construction + 5% of construction cost as establishment charges to the Implementing Public Authority.
ii-c) The flats constructed under the free sale component shall be first offered to the Central Government, its statutory bodies, and Central/State PSUs for purchase as staff quarters and if the Central Government or its statutory Bodies or Central / State PSUs do not indicate willingness to purchase the same within the prescribed time limit, such flats shall be sold in open market.
7.3.6
i) Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, no amount shall be charged towards Premium, Scrutiny Fee, etc., for the projects proposed under this regulation.
ii) The provisions of Inclusive Housing, mentioned in these regulations, shall not be applicable for development under this regulation.
7.3.7
For any staff quarters project under this regulation, a development agreement shall be executed between the User Authority and the Implementing Public Authority, which, inter alia, shall authorize the Implementing Authority to dispose of the flats constructed under the free sale component of the project, wherever applicable. Such development agreement shall contain the details regarding the modalities and conditions of transferring such quarters (whether free of cost or on payment/receipt of a certain amount by the User Authority) to the user authority and also conditions, modalities of disposing of the flats under the free sale component by the Implementing Public Authority.
Related Regulations to Rule No. 7
Redevelopment of Existing Buildings in UDCPR 2020
Development of Housing for EWS and LIG in UDCPR 2020
Regulations for Development of Information Technology Establishment, Data Centers in UDCPR 2020
Regulation for Development of Biotechnology Parks in UDCPR 2020
Incentive for Green Buildings in UDCPR 2020
Buildings of Smart Fin Tech Centre in UDCPR 2020

Introduction
Construction in India involves a multitude of different factors. These factors involve the purchase of land, design procedures, permissions, construction, and post-construction operations and maintenance. For any construction project to be successful, the most important aspect is it’s finance. Project/ Construction budgeting is an essential element of a construction project and it’s management.
What is the construction budget?
A construction budget is an estimate of overall costs incurred during the construction of a building. A construction budget involves every cost essential for the completion of a project. The construction budget is the allocation of resources majorly money with other resources such as Man, materials, machinery, and time required for the completion of a project in a specified time.
Why is construction budgeting important?
A budget provides a glimpse of a project’s viability, sustenance and it’s success. Analyzing finances before the start of a project gives an upper hand in terms of overall financial planning, and decision-making regarding the quality and quantity of the project. Here are a few reasons why construction budgeting is important:
- Financial budgeting: Budget creation allows an individual to plan expenses across the timeline of a project and allocate funds accordingly. It helps in setting realistic goals and keeping track of expenses.
- Control over cost: As the budget is decided minutely, one can have control over expenses. One can prevent unnecessary expenses, make informed decisions, and hold onto cost-saving opportunities.
- Prioritising needs and wants: Budgeting will help allocate funds according to priority to the most essential. It helps in understanding the need for certain expenses and getting rid of unnecessary wants according to the budget.
- Avoiding pitfalls: A project spans for longer than a year and there can be certain surprises and expenditures during the construction. A well-planned budget helps to avoid such unexpected costs. It helps to plan the cost of contingencies that may arise during construction.
Steps to create a construction budget
- Project Research: The first step is to analyse the project goals and requirements. Evaluate the project feasibility by checking site conditions, zoning, permit requirements, location, and availability of construction materials.
- Project Scope: Meet with engineers and architects to determine the scope and design options for the project. Create a detailed list of materials that will be needed. Reach out to contractors and suppliers to check with material costs and supply timeline.
- Pre-construction and documentation: Before initiation of construction,
- Meet all the stakeholders to discuss the project, material list, and cost overheads.
- Document these and create an intensive list of items, their costs, supply timelines construction timelines to avoid overruns, and reduce risks during construction.
- Make use of technology by having templates made by project management professionals for the creation of a construction budget.
- Construction and close-out: Keep track of the budget during the construction phase. Monitor actual costs against projected costs. Identify any issues and change any deviation according to budget or schedule. Keep track of deliverables from contractors and suppliers to make timely payments and have a closure to the project.
How to do construction budgeting?
There are different approaches to the process of budget making.
- Bottom-up/ Unit cost estimation: In this method of estimation, the work is divided into small work heads. A unit price is established for each piece. The unit price is then multiplied by the required quantity to find the cost of that head. This method provides the most accurate results of projected construction costs.
For example, the cost to build a brick wall can be accurately determined by finding the number of bricks required and estimating all costs related to delivering, storing, staging, cutting, installing, and cleaning the brick along with related units of accessories such as reinforcing ties, weep-holes, flashings.
- Top-down/ Assembly estimation: In this method of estimation, the cost is calculated based on the previous project cost which is similar in nature of construction.
For example, if there is a residential project with piles footing to be done, the cost is estimated by referring to the construction cost of earlier completed similar projects for that head. Usually, this is not much reliable due to different factors like a timeline of both projects, fluctuating material costs, labour cost.
- Parametric estimation: This method of estimation uses historical data to calculate the resources needed. This method uses more project data of similar building types to estimate the construction cost along with specifications of materials with their costs. This estimating method requires the assumption of an approximate gross area for the proposed work and a sufficient historical record of similar building types.
- Square foot estimation: In this method of estimation, the cost of the overall project is calculated based on the square feet area of the project built-up. The estimation requires data from previous similar construction types with proper and sufficient knowledge as well as experience of the construction field.
Factors to consider for construction budgeting
- Property: One of the most important factors is the property. The rate of property varies based on it’s location, project scope, and vicinity. The land value is not just the value of property but also includes the cost of acquisition if there’s any. The property cost is a capital cost that is one-time investment. To calculate the overall budget of the project, the projection of this capital cost plays a very important role.
- Fees and services: A construction project requires a wide range of professional consultations and services. Depending on the scope, size, and requirement, one may be required to hire professionals including architects, engineer, landscape architect, Mechanical Electrical Plumbing consultant, surveyor, project manager, interior designer and many other consultants. Hiring professionals will incur service costs that are to be taken into account while working on the budget.
With service costs, there are also fees that includes registration fees, building permission fees, occupancy certificate fees, No objection certificates, and other government service fees.
It is important to get highly detailed construction drawings for accurate estimation. Depending on the scale of project, the service fees to service provider may increase, and also other government costs may increase as well.
- Design: The cost of project depend on it’s design, soil conditions and use. Based on the design of project, the cost can vary. Like larger span between columns may give you bigger spaces but the steel design becomes heavy. So, finding balance between design and technicality is important.
For example, with extended cantilevers, the steel and concrete design will increase leading to increase in construction cost.
Also, based on soil conditions, type of foundation will be decided which will further affect the cost of construction.
- Material: Material accounts for one of the most significant parts of the construction budget. The material required for the construction varies as per the stage of construction. The list of materials is extensive some heads common for most construction projects and with some heads that are project-specific based on design requirements.
The cost of a few materials is fixed while some materials have fluctuating costs based on market value, it is important to study the trends of that specific material and calculate the average cost for such materials.
Sourcing materials from reputable suppliers ensures quality construction and longevity of the project. Also, the procurement cost of materials depends on the accessibility of location.
Make a intensive list of all the materials from site preparation to beautification of the project including foundation, structural costs, interior finishes and fixtures, external works, and landscaping.
- Labour: Any construction project to be completed, labour is a fundamental aspect. Hire contractors, sub-contractors, labour according to the requirement on site. One of the most challenging aspect of cost estimation is calculating construction labour costs. When calculating labour budget, keep in mind the true cost of human resources, including:
- Hourly wages both for employees and subcontractors
- Workers’ compensation costs and payroll expenses for employees
- Non-productive time and re-work, though these costs can also fall under a contingency budget
RCC contractors charge 10% of the project cost, electrical contractors charge based on square feet area of project, plumbing contractors charge based on number of toilets, Landscape contractors charge based on cost of plants/trees, structural consultant charge between INR 3 to INR 10 per square feet of slab area.
- Equipment and Tools: There are two ways this cost can be calculated. One if the contractor provides equipment and tools, the cost will be considered accordingly whereas if you plan to purchase equipment then the cost of equipment and tools have to be calculated separately. For large-scale projects, heavy equipment can be rented, and rental costs based on location and time should be calculated.
There could be operating costs, and fuel costs for certain equipment which should be taken into account.
- Management & Technology: Construction projects require people who can manage the project technically. These members require their own equipment and supplies to perform their jobs. Salaries, office rent, and utilities have to be included in the construction budget. Security staff, safety supplies, and all other support roles and materials are also part of project management costs.
There are new technologies for project management and construction. Many companies today use project management, accounting and scheduling software. These soft costs aren’t directly related to physical construction, but they are critical expenses you incur to get the job done.
- Utilities & Taxes: As per the scale of the project, utilities have been installed on the project site like water, electricity, sewage, and gas. These utilities have their permit and service fees that must be factored into the overall construction budget.
The construction project will be subjected to local and state level taxes. Tax rates depend on the scope and type of construction, with larger construction investments subject to more tax. Be sure to work with a certified professional accountant who is experienced in construction finance to ensure you’re properly accounting for all taxes.
- Contingency: Even after accurate and technical planning of the budget, there will be surprises and unexpected scenarios during construction. It’s crucial to include a contingency budget in the overall construction budget. A contingency budget is funding set aside to pay for unexpected expenses that arise once the project gets started. A contingency fund isn’t allocated to any particular category of costs.
A contingency budget is usually between 5% and 10% of the project’s total budget.
- Insurance and bonds: Construction projects legally required to carry insurance. There might also be a deposit or bond required as a show of faith that your company is going to follow through and ensure all subcontractors, tradespeople, and suppliers are paid. This is especially true if working on a governmental project.
Things to avoid when planning the construction budget
- Inaccurate estimates: While planning the construction budget, estimates are to be planned according to current market prices. It is important to study the market cost and have accurate costings.
- Poor quality: While estimating, usually one tends to look for the cheapest option. But one needs to be careful of the quality of the material.
- Miscommunication: During the process of making the budget and after, communication plays an important role. The contractors, labour, managers, and suppliers must be in the communication loop for the timely and successful completion of the project.
- Delays: Even after making an accurate construction budget, the cost of a project can go haywire if there are project delays. Natural delays are beyond our control but one must avoid delays due to decision-making, procurement delays.
The construction cost per square foot in India in 2024 is influenced by a multitude of expenses ranging from land acquisition and design fees to material costs, labor expenses, structural elements, interior finishes, and external works. It is important to understand the detailed list of expenses that are involved in construction. Careful planning, budgeting, and managing expenses can ensure the successful completion of their project with their decided budget constraints.
It’s not just about creating a budget; it’s about following it, reviewing it regularly, and amending it when necessary. After all, a comprehensive construction budget is dynamic and must serve as an active financial management tool throughout the span of your project!

UDCPR 2020 Chapter 9 is all about the Requirements of Part of the Building as per mentioned in the UDCPR
This is Applicable to all Planning Authorities and Regional Plan Areas except Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Other Planning Authorities/Special Planning Authorities/ Development Authorities within the limit of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, MIDC, NAINA, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Hill Station Municipal Councils, Eco-sensitive/Eco-fragile region notified by MoEF & CC and Lonavala Municipal Council, in Maharashtra.
Rule No. 9.20 Lighting and Ventilation of Room
9.20.1 Adequacy and manner of provision
i) The minimum aggregate area of opening of habitable rooms and kitchens excluding doors shall be not less than 1/10th of the floor area of the room.
ii) No portion of a room shall be assumed to be lighted, if it is more than 7.5 m. away from the opening assumed for light and ventilation, provided an additional depth of any room beyond 7.5 m. may be permitted subject to provision of proportionate increase in the area of the opening.
iii) A staircase shall be deemed to be adequately lighted and ventilated, if it has one or more openings and an area taken together measures not less than 1.0 sq.m. per landing on the external wall.
iv) An opening with a minimum area of 1.0 Sq.m. in a kitchen, and 0.30 sq.m. with one dimension of 0.30 m. for any bathroom, water closet or store shall be treated as adequate.
9.20.2 Ventilation Shaft
For ventilating the spaces for water closets & bathrooms, if not opening on front, side, rear & interior open spaces, these shall open on the ventilation shaft, the size of which shall not be less than the values given in the table below :-
Table No.9-C - Ventilation Shaft | |||
---|---|---|---|
Sr. No | Height of Buildings in m. | Cross-section of Ventilation shaft in Sq.m. | Minimum one dimension of the shaft in m. |
(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
1 | Upto 10 | 1.2 | 0.9 |
2 | Upto 12 | 2.4 | 1.2 |
3 | Upto 18 | 4.0 | 1.5 |
4 | Upto 24 | 5.4 | 1.8 |
5 | Upto 30 | 8.0 | 2.4 |
6 | Above 30 | 9.0 | 3.0 |
Note :-
a) For buildings above 30.0 m., a mechanical ventilation system shall be installed beside the provisions of the minimum ventilation shaft.
b) For fully air-conditioned residential/other buildings, the
9.20.3 Artificial Lightning and Mechanical Ventilation
Where lighting and ventilation requirements are not met through daylighting and natural ventilation, they shall be ensured through artificial lighting and ventilation in accordance with the provisions of Part 8, Building
Related Regulations to Rule No. 9
Habitable Rooms as Requirements of Part of Building in UDCPR 2020
Basements as Requirements of Part of Building in UDCPR 2020
Ramp as Requirements of Part of Building in UDCPR 2020
Balcony as Requirements of Part of Building in UDCPR 2020
Provision of Lift as Requirements of Part of Building in UDCPR 2020
Compound Wall and Other Requirements of Part of Building in UDCPR 2020

Parking standards, parking dimensions, parking size –
Parking spaces
Wherever a property is to be developed or redeveloped, parking spaces at the scale laid down in these shall be provided. When additions are made to an existing building, the new parking requirements shall be reckoned with reference to the additional space only and not to the whole of building, but this concession shall not apply where the use is changed. The provisions for parking of vehicles shall be as given in Table No. 1
General parking space requirements
(a) Types of parking: The parking spaces mentioned below include parking spaces in basements or on a floor supported by stilts, podium or on upper floors, covered or uncovered spaces in the plot and / or lock up garages. The height of the stilt shall generally be allowed up to 3 m. and shall not be less than 2.5 m. from bottom of beam. More height may be allowed in case of shopping mall, hotels etc. as per requirements.
(b) Size of parking space – The minimum sizes of parking spaces to be provided shall be as shown below in Table. No 2.
Bus Parking Dimensions, Bike Parking Dimensions, Standard Car Parking Dimensions
Standard
Parking Size – Table No 2
Type of Vehicle | Area of parking space |
---|---|
Motor vehicle | 2.5 m X 5 m |
Scooter, Motor Cycle. | 1.0 m. x 2.0 m. |
Bicycle | 0.50 m x 1.4 m. |
Transport vehicle | 3.75 m. X 7.5 m. |
Note – In the case of parking spaces for motor vehicle, up to 50 % of the prescribed space may be of the size of 2.3 m. X 4.5 m.
(c) Marking of parking spaces: Parking space shall be paved and clearly marked for different types of vehicles.
(d) Maneuvering and other ancillary spaces: Off street parking space must have adequate vehicular access to a street and the area shall be exclusive, aisles and such other provisions required for adequate maneuvering of vehicle.
(e) Ramps for Basement parking: Ramps for parking in basement should conform to the requirement of Regulation no. 18
Occupancy | Car | Scooter | Cycle | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Residential | 150 sq.m.& above | 3 | 2 | 2 |
i) Multi-family residential | 80 – 150 sq.m. | 2 | 2 | 2 |
two units | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
40 – 80 sq.m. | ||||
two units | 1 | 4 | 4 | |
0 sq.m – 40 sq.m. | ||||
ii) Lodging tourist homes, hotels with lodging accommodation. | 5 guest rooms | 3 | 4 | 4 |
iii) Restaurants grade 1,2,3 | For 50 sqm | 2 | 8 | 4 |
carpet area | ||||
iv) 4 star / 5 star hotels | 5 guest rooms | 3 | 6 | 4 |
2. Institutional (Hospital, Medical Institutions) | For 10 beds. | 3 | 12 | 10 |
b) Multiplex | For 40 seats | 6 | 16 | 4 |
d) Community hall and club house in layout open space | For 100 sq.m. area | 1 | 4 | 2 |
3. Educational | 100 sq.m admin area | 2 | 4 | 4 |
a) Schools and the administrative as well as public service areas therein | For 3 class rooms | 2 bus | 10 | 60 |
b) College and administrative as well as public service area therein. | 100 sq.m admin area | 2 | 20 | 10 |
For 3 class rooms | 2 | 90 | 30 | |
c) Coaching Classes / Tution Classes/ Hobby Classes | For 20 students | 1 | 5 | 10 |
4. Government or semi public or private business buildings. | For 100sq. m. | 3 | 15 | 4 |
a) Mercantile (markets, department al stores, shops and other Commercials users) including wholesale markets | For 100sq. m | 3 | 9 | 3 |
b) Whole sale shop | For 100sq. m | 2 | 4 | 2 |
c) Hazardous building | For 100sq.m. | 1 | 4 | 4 |
d) Office and I.T. Building | For 200sq. m. | 5 | 12 | 4 |
5. Industrial | For 300sq. m. | 4 | 12 | 4 |
6. Storage (any type) | For 300sq. m. | 1 | 4 | 8 |
Two-wheeler Parking Rules in Society
Notes below table:-
1) For plots up to 100 sq. m. as in the case of shops, row houses parking space need not be insisted.
2) Fraction of parking unit need not be provided. However, in case where proportional number of vehicles is less than 1 (i.e. fraction) it will be rounded to the next full number.
3) In case of independent single family residential bungalows having plot area upto 300 sq. m., parking space need not be insisted separately.
4) In case parking as per above norms is not feasible due to site conditions, Mechanical /Hydraulic Parking shall be permissible at different level subject to satisfaction of all technical norms as per site conditions.
5) Independent building proposed only for parking may be permitted within the same premises but only after leaving the required marginal distance.
Parking Standards –
i) Off street parking space shall be provided with adequate vehicular access to a street, and the area of drives, aisles and such other provisions required for adequate manoeuvring of vehicle shall be exclusive of the parking space stipulated in these regulations.
ii) To meet the parking requirements as per these regulations, common parking area for group of buildings, open or multi-storeyed, may be allowed in the same premises.
iii) In addition to the parking spaces provided for building of Mercantile (Commercial) like office, market, departmental store, shopping mall and building of industrial and storage, loading and unloading spaces shall be provided at the rate of one space for each 1000 sq.m. of floor area or fraction thereof exceeding the first 200 sq. m. of floor area, shall be provided. The space shall not be less than 3.75 m. x 7.5 m.
iv) The space to be left out for parking as given in this Regulation shall be in addition to the marginal distances left out for lighting and ventilation purposes. However, those spaces may be used for parking provided minimum distance of 3 m. (6.0 m. in case of special building) around the buildings is kept free of any parking or loading and unloading spaces. Such parking area may be allowed to cover on top by sheet roofing so as not to infringe the marginal distances to be kept open.
v) In case of parking spaces provided in basements, at least two separate ramps of adequate width and slope for entry and exit at opposite ends or one ramp with 6.0m. meter width shall be provided (as per Regulation No. 18.11) where parking of motor vehicles is envisaged.
vi) Mechanical/Hydraulic parking may be allowed over and above required parking

UDCPR 2020 Chapter 13 is all about the Special Provisions for Certain Buildings as per mentioned in the UDCPR
This is Applicable to all Planning Authorities and Regional Plan Areas except Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Other Planning Authorities/Special Planning Authorities/ Development Authorities within the limit of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, MIDC, NAINA, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Hill Station Municipal Councils, Eco-sensitive/Eco-fragile region notified by MoEF & CC and Lonavala Municipal Council, in Maharashtra.
Rule No. 13.3 Rain Water Harvesting
The provision for Rain Water Harvesting shall be made as under :-
a) All the layout open spaces/amenity spaces of housing societies and new constructions/reconstruction/additions on plots having an area not less than 500 sq.m. shall have one or more Rain rainwater harvesting structures having a minimum total capacity as detailed in Schedule.
Provided that the Authority may approve the Rain Water Harvesting structures of specifications different from those in Schedule, subject to the minimum capacity of Rain Water Harvesting being ensured in each case.
b) The owner/society of every building mentioned in the (a) above shall ensure that the Rain Water Harvesting System is maintained in good condition for storage of water for non-potable purposes or recharge of groundwater at all times.
c) The Authority may impose a levy of not exceeding Rs.1000/- per annum for every 100 sq.m. of built-up area for the failure of the owner of any building mentioned in the (a) above to provide or to maintain Rain Water Harvesting structures as required under these regulations. Failure to provide a Rain Water Harvesting System shall deemed to be a breach of the conditions on which the development permission has been granted.
Schedule
Rainwater harvesting in a building site includes storage or recharging the groundwater by rainwater falling on the terrace or any paved or unpaved surface within the building site. The following systems may be adopted for harvesting the rainwater drawn from a terrace and the paved surface.
i) Open well of a minimum of 1.0 m. diameter and 6.0 m. in depth into which rain water may be channeled and allowed to filter for removing silt and floating material. The well shall be provided with ventilating covers. The water from the open well may be used for non-potable domestic purposes such as washing, flushing and for watering the garden etc.
ii) Rain Water Harvesting for recharge of ground water may be done through a bore-well around which a pit of 1.0 m. width may be excavated up to a depth of at least 3.0 m. and refilled with stone aggregate and sand. The filtered rainwater may be channeled to the refilled pit for recharging the bore well.
iii) An impressive surface/underground storage tank of required capacity may be constructed in the setback or other open spaces and the rainwater may be channeled to the storage tank. The storage tank shall always be provided with ventilating covers. It shall have draw-off taps suitably placed so that rainwater may be drawn off for domestic, washing, gardening and such other purposes. The storage tank shall be provided with an overflow.
iv) The surplus rainwater, after storage, may be recharged into the ground through percolation pit trenches or a combination of pits and trenches. Depending on the geomorphological and topographical conditions, the pits may be of a size of 1.20 m. width X 1.20 m. length X 2.0 m. to 2.50 m. depth. The trenches can be of 0.60 m. width X 2.0 to 6.0 m. length X 1.50 to 2.0 m. depth. Terrace water shall be channeled to pits or trenches. Such pits or trenches shall be backfilled with filter media comprising the following materials :-
a) 40 mm stone aggregate as the bottom layer up to 50% of the depth.
b) 20 mm stone aggregate as the lower middle layer up to 20% of the depth.
c) Coarse sand as upper middle layer upto 20% of the depth.
d) A thin layer of fine sand as a top layer.
e) Top 10% of the pits/trenches will be empty and a splash is to be provided in this portion in such a way that rooftop water falls on the splash pad.
f) Brick masonry wall is to be constructed on the exposed surface of pits/trenches and the cement mortar plastered. The depth of the wall below ground shall be such that the wall prevents lose soil from entering into pits/trenches. The projection of the wall above ground shall at least be 15 cm.
g) Perforated concrete slabs shall be provided on the pits/trenches.
h) If the open space surrounding the building is not paved, the top layer up to a sufficient depth shall be removed and refilled with coarse sand to allow percolation of rainwater into the ground.
v) The terrace shall be connected to the open well/bore-well/storage tank/recharge pit/trench by means of HDPE / PVC pipes through filter media. A valve system shall be provided to enable the first washing from the roof or terrace catchment, as they would contain undesirable dirt. The mouth of all pipes and openings shall be covered with mosquito (insect) proof wire net. For the efficient discharge of rainwater, there shall be at least two rainwater pipes of 100 mm. dia. for a roof area of 100 sq.m.
vi) Rain Water Harvesting structures shall be sited so as not to endanger the stability of the building or earthwork. The structure shall be designed such that no dampness is caused in any part of the walls or foundation of the building or those of an adjacent building.
vii) The water so collected/recharged shall as far as possible be used for non-drinking and non-cooking purposes. Provided that when the rainwater in exceptional circumstances is utilized for drinking and/or cooking purposes, it shall be ensured that proper filter arrangement and a separate outlet for bypassing the first rainwater has been provided.
Provided further that, will be ensured that for such use, proper disinfectants and the water purification arrangements have been made.
The structures constructed under this provision shall not be counted toward FSI computation.
Related Regulations
You can visit our other blogs related to Regulations 13 through the below-mentioned links:
Solid Waste Management in UDCPR 2020
Grey Water Recycling And Reuse in UDCPR 2020
Provisions for Barrier-Free Access in UDCPR 2020