Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had initiated an ‘ideal housing society scheme’ ; under the scheme a society which undertakes measures such as garbage segregation, rainwater harvesting, water recycling, tree plantation, installation of LED lights and clears 100% water tax and 90% property tax by June 30 next year, will be given awards and tax concessions.
The scheme has been divided into two categories. The first category comprises housing societies which have up to 100 flats, bungalows, row houses, while the second category comprises over 100 flats. One housing society each would be chosen from the eight zonal offices in the city. A total of 16 housing societies would receive the award.
A team of two civic officers, an NGO representative and a newspaper reporter from each zonal office would examine each ideal housing society premises. Marks would be given under various categories based on the environment-friendly measures taken.
Altogether 30 marks would be allotted for garbage segregation, 20 marks for water recycling, 15 marks for installation of solar panels and LED lights, 20 marks for tree plantation and landscaping and 15 marks for innovative environment-friendly schemes.
The housing societies would have to receive between three and five star ratings. Five star ratings will fetch them between 86 and 100 marks. Those that receive between 76 and 85 marks will receive four star ratings.
To receive three star ratings, housing societies need to get between 66 and 75 marks. The ratings will help them seek tax concessions. However till date this scheme has met with lukewarm response.
Referencs- TOI