Focus on sustainable housing, says HUA Secretary DS Mishra at Assocham event

DS Mishra, Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, said the Government was focused on sustainable housing and construction and taking various steps, including reforms, in the sector.

He was speaking at a virtual expo on ‘Realty & Sustainability Confluence & Awards 2020’, organised by Assocham in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Assocham GEM, Naredco, CBRE and Hiranandani Group, which kick-started on November 27.

The seven-day event is being held to celebrate the contribution of real estate sector towards the growth and development of the country. The  expo, said a press release issued by Assocham, is aimed at acknowledging success, recognising contributions, appreciating efforts and celebrating growth of the contributors as the real estate industry remains a major contributor to the economic development of any nation worldwide.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Mishra said, “We are moving at a fast pace in our mission of sustainable housing and construction under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi Ji. Under his guidance we have worked on getting the best technology from across the world and have selected six from amongst the initially shortlisted 54.  Now work will soon be seen on these six lighthouse projects and the sector will see the introduction of best technology in the construction sector.”

The HUA Secretary appreciated Assocham for taking a sustainable initiative and starting GEM Green Building Certification programme. “The way the reforms are happening we should be soon counted amongst the top countries in sustainable housing and construction and Assocham GEM Green programme will become a mass movement for the nation in the years to come,” he added.

Niranjan Hiranandani, President, Assocham and Founder & MD, Hiranandani Group, said, “For the real estate sector, which has been a major contributor to climate change globally, the focus should now be on sustainable living and sustainable practices in development. Sustainability is no longer an option but the need of the hour, to conserve the resources and protect the environment.”

Pankaj Dharkar, Chairman, Assocham GEM Green Building Certification Programme and President, Pankaj Dharkar and Associates, said, “the GEM Green Building Certification Programme has been started by Assocham to complement India’s sustainability movement and to create an environment for designing and building green and eco-friendly buildings.”  GEM, he said, is now approved by some state governments and will be a green programme for the nation in the years to come”.

Pradeep Aggarwal, Chairman, National Council on Real Estate, Housing and Urban Development, Assocham, and Founder & Chairman of Signature Global Group, said, “Importance should be given to green zone in affordable housing and for this we at Signature Global are providing green buildings. Recently we launched our seventh IGBC Gold-rated Project. This will ensure that we save our natural resources and residents in our projects get pollution-free life.”

The event has a slew of eminent personalities and experts from the Government, industry and academia who will engage in panel discussions, lectures and talks on pertinent topics. An awards session will also be held to honour stalwarts of the industry.