DDA to Set Up Affordable Homes for Senior Citizens
In a first of its kind move in the country, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is setting up affordable housing facilities scheme for senior citizens. These affordable housing units will have all the state-of-the-art facilities for senior citizens aged 60 years and above, so that they can live with comfort and ease. The houses are expected to have all the facilities necessary for a housing community of this sort – they will be wheelchair-friendly, have green open spaces, useful amenities and other simple, yet smart home facilities that can be used by the elderly community in India. These spaces are to be designed in such a way that senior citizens from different backgrounds can live in a community at reasonable costs for good and quality facilities. The DDA wants to attract not only pensioners but also older citizens from rich economic backgrounds.
DDA’s plans for senior citizen homes
The DDA, which put out the proposal in November, saw it approved this month. It plans to upscale these apartments and build at least 2,500 of them. It has located four sites for these housing projects to be developed and is in talks with a few companies for designs on the houses, so that the entire housing complex is suitable for senior citizens and that all amenities are within reach of one another. Security will also be addressed. There will be activities and social gatherings for the elderly, as loneliness is common for senior citizens, no matter which economic background they come from.
There will be ultra-modern designs with exact specifications. The buildings are expected to be built on green concepts, with zero discharge and energy efficient systems. There will be studio apartments that will be self-sufficient. The DDA had earlier located 800 studio apartments for senior citizens in Dwarka sector 26. Now it has shortlisted three more locations, in Rohini, Maidan Garhi and East Delhi near Sanjay Lake.
The idea has been on DDA’s radar for a few months now. Exclusive and wheelchair-enabled, smartly designed homes for older citizens being very scarce today, and the few that exist charge exorbitant rates, with huge rentals and long waiting periods. The senior citizens’ housing scheme by the DDA aims to be cost-effective.
Facilities
These new housing projects will be designed specifically for older people. Ease of use, accessibility and amenities will be provided. There will be medical facilities inside the premises, apart from proximity to a hospital. There will also be a gym, library, jogging tracks and nursing units for senior citizens who require constant nursing care. Allocation of rooms will be for life and upon the demise of a person, will be allotted to the next person in the waiting list. To make sure that hygiene, sanitation and quality are preserved, the DDA will closely monitor the project.
Payment
The DDA is exploring three financial models, including the reverse mortgage system, which will allow citizens or their families to mortgage property and pay for the occupation of the flat. The second idea is to have a payment of a lump sum amount, after which the applicant can occupy the flats. The third is the idea of monthly installments. This system is perfect for pensioners. For reverse mortgage, the DDA is talking to banks to service these mortgage payments.
In November, the DDA had announced plans to set up smart homes in Rohini, Dwarka and Narela, which will be developed into sub-cities. The DDA has plans for 2000 flats built for senior citizens, with 800 in Dwarka and the remaining 1,200 in Rohini and South Delhi. Dwarka will also be zoned out to be a financial hub. It also plans to offer smart home facilities for senior citizens.
The senior citizens’ housing projects are expected to be completed by December 2016.
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