Draft policy proposes hsg norms for the elderly

Mumbai: The state housing department has released a draft policy to address the housing needs of senior citizens, as Maharashtra's elderly population is projected to reach 17% by 2036. The policy aims to provide clear definitions of terms related to senior citizen housing and establish specific planning and building regulations in Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations, which are applicable throughout Maharashtra, except for Mumbai.
The draft policy proposes several measures, such as mandatory lifts in buildings with more than one floor, designs that facilitate the free movement of wheelchairs, sliding windows and doorknobs with smooth edges.
A pilot housing project will be undertaken, in which tenements will be allocated to senior citizen households under a certain income category. The site will be near public transportation and a medical facility or hospital.
The policy also allows for redevelopment of old age homes through public-private partnership.