Keeping in mind the specific needs of senior citizens, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has announced a draft order outlining model guidelines for housing projects targeted towards retirees and senior citizens. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring the well-being and safety of this often overlooked demographic in the housing market.
The draft order, which is open for public suggestions until February 29, 2024, lays out detailed guidelines across various aspects of building design and construction. These include:
Accessibility:
- Mandatory elevators in buildings exceeding one floor.
- Wheelchair-friendly design for both interiors and exteriors, including ramps, wider doorways (preferably sliding), and easy-to-grip door handles and hinges.
- Well-lit corridors free of steps, with ramps provided where necessary.
- Boldly colored markings to highlight changes in floor levels.
- Strategically placed grab bars along walls for support.
Safety and Security:
- Gas leakage detection systems in kitchens.
- Bathrooms equipped with grab bars, non-slip flooring, and outward-opening doors.
- Backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted electricity.
Building Design:
- Staircase width of at least 1500 mm with handrails on both sides.
- Limitation of staircases to a maximum of 12 steps and avoidance of open, circular designs.
- Audio-visual systems in elevators to aid accessibility.
- Verwendung von leichtgewichtigen, robusten Möbeln ohne scharfe Kanten.
These guidelines aim to address the unique needs of senior citizens, promoting their independence, comfort, and safety within their living spaces. Maharera’s initiative is particularly noteworthy as it is the first of its kind in India, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
The draft order comes in response to concerns about misleading advertisements targeted towards retirees and senior citizens. By establishing clear guidelines, Maharera intends to ensure that these projects genuinely cater to the intended demographic and fulfill their specific requirements.
This initiative is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible housing market in India. By incorporating the feedback received during the public consultation period, Maharera can finalize a comprehensive set of guidelines that will significantly improve the living experience for retirees and senior citizens in housing projects across the state.