Andhra Pradesh Adopts ‘IndoSwiss Energy Efficient Building Technology

In a step towards adopting the ‘IndoSwiss energy efficient building technology’ in construction of the proposed 28 lakh houses in the state, the housing department in coordination with the AP State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) is conducting a national seminar on Eco-Niwas Samhitha (energy conservation building code for residential buildings) in Vijayawada. The BEEP, a bilateral cooperation project between the Union Ministry of Power and the Swiss government, is being implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in coordination with APSECM. The BEEP is conducting training on Eco-Niwas Samhitha to around 13,000 engineers and employees in housing and village/ward secretariat departments in a phased manner. Special Chief Secretary for housing department Ajay Jain conducted a review with officials. He said that the state government is committed to implement global energy efficiency measures in 28.3 lakh houses with the support of Indo-Swiss BEEP. “Utilising the energy efficiency building designs in construction of houses is only an option, but not mandatory for the beneficiaries. The energy efficient designs are expected to help to save 20 per cent energy in houses,” said Ajay Jain. As per the estimates, about Rs 33,000 crore will be spent on the creation of permanent infrastructure in YSR Jagananna Colonies that includes roads, drains, water supply, electrification, underground internet cabling, etc. The electrification works alone need about Rs 7,080 crore. Ajay Jain discussed the Indo Swiss programme with the managing director, housing, Narayan Bharat Gupta, and special secretary, Rahul Pandey. Jain said that the state government has taken up construction of 15.6 lakh houses in the first phase with an estimated cost of Rs 28,000 crore. “Works have begun on 10.72 lakh houses in 10,055 layouts. In order to promote construction, 245 godowns will be set up at major housing layouts to make materials easily available for the beneficiaries. Already 11 godowns have been set up across the state,” said Jain.