Instead of an environmental clearance, developers will have to get clearances from international agencies such as the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-which will be accepted by the government. The MoEF is already in the process of amending existing EIA norms to allow builders the option of approaching other agencies.
Developers have welcomed the move, but said that constructing eco-friendly buildings in keeping with the norms prescribed by international agencies, are very expensive-one that buyers will have to bear.
A developer who did not wish to be named said: "Such conservation measures do not come cheap." For example, the installation of a sewage treatment plant in the complex-which is a mandatory requirement for a green rating-can set a developer back by Rs 90 lakh to Rs 1 crore, he said. "It all adds up: recycling, water harvesting, solar-powered lights. In fact, Mumbaikars will have to pay eight to 10% more than the real estate market rates,'' he added. Read the full report here.
Source: Viju B and Chittaranjan Tembekar, TNN, Mumbai.
