State housing regulator, MahaRERA, has introduced a set of regulations for retirement and senior citizen housing projects. These new rules will apply to all old-age home proposals submitted in Maharashtra.
The new rules emphasize that these requirements should be included in the sale agreement. This will make sure that the developers are responsible for following these standards. To be deemed complete, projects must follow these requirements.
The regulations cover a wide range of factors like building design, toilets, kitchens, green principles, lifts and ramps, staircases, corridors, lighting, ventilation, and safety measures.
One of the main focus is the accessibility of the building. Lifts in these buildings need to be designed with special considerations. It is mandatory for any multi-story structure to have a lift that is wheelchair-friendly. One lift should be capable of transporting stretchers. All lifts should include audiovisual signage for better communication.
The exterior and interior architecture of the building should also guarantee wheelchair mobility. Ramps should be installed wherever necessary. The height of the railing on the stairs has been specified. Additionally, grab rails need to be installed on washbasins, shower rooms, and toilets for added safety.
The regulator has specified that doors should not be less than 900 mm. Sliding doors are recommended for ease of use. Furthermore, all doors must have large knobs with grips for the convenience of elderly residents.
In February, the regulator released a circular and sought comments and suggestions from various stakeholders regarding draft model rules for retirement and senior citizen housing projects.
The elderly people and their associations provided the authorities with a number of helpful suggestions. These inputs, along with the positive feedback received, were added to these regulations.
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