The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced the Standardized Development and Building Regulations 2023, aiming to unify and simplify building norms across India. The 350-page model building regulation, a result of studying the National Building Code 2016 and international standards, covers areas like fire safety and plumbing. The regulations provide flexibility for states to align their norms with the model, addressing variations across regions. Designed for clarity, the document includes visual aids and standardized numbering for multilingual understanding. Particularly beneficial for tier II and III cities, the model regulation addresses potential oversights in the extensive NBC-2016, emphasizing the need for nationwide adoption for enhanced safety and modern concepts integration.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) announced the release of "model building regulations," a standardized set aimed at simplifying and streamlining building norms across the country. The newly introduced Standardized Development and Building Regulations 2023 have been crafted after a comprehensive study of the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 and existing national and international building standards.
Madhurima Madhav, Joint Director of the Civil Engineering Department at BIS, highlighted the inherent variations in building regulations from state to state, emphasizing the need for a unified approach. "The model regulation simplifies those regulations for uniform adoption," Madhav stated during an interview with PTI. The regulations cover key aspects such as fire safety, plumbing services, and comfort conditions, with states now having the flexibility to revise their regulations in line with the model.
The 350-page document, known as the model building regulation, is designed in a simple language to eliminate ambiguity, ensuring seamless adoption. BIS has incorporated visual aids, including illustrations and flowcharts, to enhance comprehension. Explanatory notes underscore key aspects, and standardized numbering has been introduced to facilitate translation into different languages, as per BIS's official statement.
Madhav emphasized that the model building regulation is not only beneficial for major cities but is particularly advantageous for tier II and III cities facing a shortage of architects and building professionals. She pointed out that the comprehensive NBC-2016, a 2,500-page document, may lead to certain critical regulations going unnoticed, which the model regulation aims to address.
"The model regulation has been prepared taking into account the views of state governments and Union Territories. The states should now come forward and adopt," Madhav urged. Additionally, the model regulation incorporates modern concepts such as EV charging stations, wind electricity generators, transferable development rights, transit-oriented development, high-security areas, and retirement homes.
In India, building regulations have traditionally varied by state and jurisdiction. However, common building regulations, designed to ensure the health and safety of occupants and the environment, are enforced across the country. The National Building Code-2016, a revised and latest version, focuses on significant changes to guidelines, prioritizing building and occupant safety, maintenance, and sustainability.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
