The Haryana government has introduced a senior citizen housing policy to create organized and secure living spaces for the ageing population. Permitted exclusively in residential zones, projects will range from 0.5 to 10 acres and include essential facilities like medical rooms, dining halls, recreation areas, 24-hour ambulance service, and nursing care. Security features include CCTV and trained guards, with power backup mandated for critical areas. Projects must adhere to strict guidelines, including a 12-meter road access and a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 225. Monitoring committees and an online grievance portal ensure compliance and transparency. This policy reflects the state's commitment to addressing the needs of senior citizens through modern, secure housing solutions.
Earlier this month, the Haryana government introduced a policy aimed at facilitating organised and secure housing projects for senior citizens in the state. The policy, unveiled by Arun Gupta, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Town and Country Planning Department (DTCP), states that such housing projects will be permitted exclusively in residential zones. The size of these projects will range from 0.5 acre to 10 acres.
The policy was developed in response to the growing trend of smaller family units and an ageing population. It aims to support individuals living alone or in nuclear families. Each housing project must include a dining hall of at least 100 square metres, a medical room, and a recreation room of 500 square metres, with space for a gym, indoor games, and community activities.
Mandatory services within these projects include 24-hour ambulance service, physiotherapy, and nursing facilities. The management of the project is also required to establish a partnership with a nearby hospital for emergency situations. Security provisions will include CCTV surveillance and trained security guards, while power backup will be essential for each apartment, as well as an uninterrupted supply for critical areas like the medical room.
The policy stipulates that each project must be located on a 12-metre wide road. The maximum permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is set at 225, with ground coverage not exceeding 40%. Up to 4% of the total FAR can be allocated to shops offering daily essentials. District-level monitoring committees will be formed to conduct regular inspections, ensuring compliance with the policy's standards and amenities.
An online portal will be created to allow residents to register complaints and access information, with all grievances addressed by the Deputy Commissioner or Municipal Commissioner. A tripartite agreement between residents, developers, and service providers will be required to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of all parties. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, and the Haryana Apartment Act, 1983, will apply to these projects to ensure transparency.
The new policy by the Haryana government aims to provide senior citizens with organised and secure housing that caters to their specific needs. By mandating essential services such as healthcare, security, and community spaces, the policy seeks to create safe and comfortable living environments. The establishment of monitoring committees and an online portal ensures that standards are maintained, while the inclusion of legal frameworks guarantees transparency. This initiative reflects the state's commitment to supporting its ageing population with appropriate and modern housing solutions.