Union minister to see IIT-Madras's low cost housing technology

Premier technical institution Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) Thursday will showcase its low-cost housing technology using gypsum to union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir.

According to IIT-M officials, gypsum is available in huge quantities with the Indian fertiliser companies to whom it poseda disposal problem.

The low cost housing technology developed by them can be a solution to the central government's ambitious scheme "Housing for All by 2022".

"Tomorrow (Thursday) IIT-M officials will make their presentation. I will then take it to the government for further action under the Housing for All by 2022 scheme," Ahir told IANS over phone.

He said he will also chair a review meeting of Madras Fertilisers Ltd, Thursday.

As proof of its technology, IIT-M has already constructed two storeyed apartment demonstration building of the institute constructed with glass fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRG).

Officials at IIT-M told IANS that the technology is ideal for mass housing, hostels and other similar buildings, and eight to ten storey buildings can be constructed with this technology.

The officials said the construction cost is much lower than what would be spent under conventional construction mode.

While gypsum panels have been in use for walls, IIT-M team decided to have it on floors and staircases.

The Kochi based FACT-RCF Building Products Ltd supplied the GFRG panels for the demonstration building.

During his visit, Ahir will also inspect the demonstration building.