Kalam advocates low cost technology for mass housing

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam today stressed the need for a low cost and reusable construction technology to meet the demand of increasing population and deal with migration from rural to urban areas.
Kalam said the goal is to provide about 20 million houses over seven years under the government's 'Housing for All by 2022' scheme.
"In such a scenario, we have to evolve the low cost technology for overcoming the present day challenges in construction," Kalam said while addressing the National Construction Conclave organised by the NBCC.
Referring to the smart city concept, he said, "Smart habitation is an integrated area of villages and a city working in harmony and where the rural and urban divide has reduced to thin line."

Emphasizing on the use of clean energy, the former President said a smart habitation is one which is built and designed to minimise emissions leading to a carbon neutral habitation.
Kalam also advocated eco-freindly transportation, green buildings and eco zones for future cities of the country.

He also suggested 10 missions for the NBCC such as maximum use of solar energy, rain water harvesting and water recycling, quake-proof design, disabled-friendly access, use of fly ash bricks and other recycled materials in its projects.
Addressing the conclave, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the government is going to launch three mega urban projects on June 25.

He said urbanisation is increasing rapidly as many people are coming to cities from villages looking for jobs and better prospects.
"It is a gigantic task to provide affordable houses under the Houses for All by 2022 programme. We seek cooperation from every quarter to make it success," he said.