PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) will strictly implement the standards related to rainwater harvesting and green buildings. MDDA vice chairman Banshidhar Tiwari issued this and other instructions while chairing a meeting here on Saturday. Considering the rising temperatures in Dehradun, the meeting held by Tiwari with the architect and draftsman association, map cell and senior officials was part of the authority’s efforts to focus on greenery, improving the groundwater level and other aspects.
Tiwari said that it is often seen that the maps passed by the MDDA contain rainwater harvesting provisions on paper but this rule is not being followed by many people on the ground. He asked the architect and draftsman association to raise public awareness on this issue to prevent the groundwater level from dropping further. The construction of the recharge pit must be ensured along with rainwater harvesting in order to bring about the desired improvement in groundwater level, he said.
The MDDA vice chairman further said that special focus should be laid on greenery in all new projects with priority being accorded to planting as many fruit and shade trees as possible. The use of solar power should be maximised for street lights and other electrical equipment in such projects to also enable energy conservation. Those who are constructing new buildings should be encouraged to leave as much open area as possible and use interlocking tiles which will also help in conservation of groundwater.
The MDDA vice chairman also sought the cooperation of the builders and architects for tree plantation of no-man’s land. Tiwari said that the green buildings approved by the MDDA in the city receive special relaxation, adding that the observance of green building standards must be ensured without fail. He directed officials to establish coordination with other departments concerned for this purpose. Strict action will be taken against those violating the green building standards, he added.
MDDA secretary Mohan Singh Barniya, joint secretary Gaurav Chatwal, chief engineer SC Rana and other officials were also present in the meeting.
