21 May 2013
Green housing has been undergoing rapid growth in Mumbai as developers take advantage of a new fast-track permission regime.
The state government last year announced a scheme to speed environmental clearances for development plans accredited by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
Previous waiting times of up to a year have been shortened to one month, according to India’s Daily News & Analysis.
The Indian megacity registers a quarter of the country’s 2 billion square feet of green construction projects, most of which are residential.
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link connects central Mumbai with its western suburbs. Higher-priced green residences are gaining popularity in the capital. (Credit: Woodysworldtv/Wikimedia Commons)
Fifty-one projects (20 million sq ft) are currently certified in the capital and a further 83 (72 million sq ft) are at pre-certification stage, according to the IGBC.
The green buildings are characterised by rainwater harvesting, solar power systems and water recycling and are said to be between three to eight per cent more expensive than regular buildings.
The IGBC has over 1,400 members country-wide and provides developers with programmes and workshops promoting the green building movement.
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