Some of the main features of standards for rural housing in India recommended by National Buildings Organization are mentioned below.
Density - The residential density of 60 dwelling units per hectare is recommended. The houses are to be built in cluster of 20 to 40 so that proper layout of the area could be developed along with essential services like sanitary latrine, bathing platform, a well, community hall, etc.
Area of plots - The minimum size of plot proposed for the landless labourers is 6.0.m x 14.0.m. This will allow an open space of 2.40 m in the front and 3.3 m at the back. The house design allows for construction of another room of 4.5 x 2.4 m at a later stage. The rear courtyard provides an open space as well as space for cattleshed. A washing platform l.5.m x 1.30 m and a detached sanitary rural type latrine 1.2. m x 0.9. m has also been recommended.
Coverage - not more than 50 per cent of the plot area.
Set-back - A front 3.0 m with minimum of 2.4 m side set back minimum 1.2 m at least on one side to give a 4.5 m open space between two houses.
Roads - 4.5 to 6.0 m wide internal roads and 9.0 to 12 m wide main village road.
Open spaces - 1.20 hectares open space for a village with 200 houses, the provision of open space should be suitably increased depending upon the size of the village.
Essential services - For ensuring quality of life, minimum standards conforming to local conditions should be stipulated with regard to water supply, sanitary latrines, drainage, etc.
Water supply: In case where adequate supply of drinking water is not already available, a covered masonry well fulfilling sanitary requirements may be provided to serve a cluster of say 20-40 houses.
Sanitary latrines: Built-in latrines in individual houses need to be provided and sanitary method of disposal of excreta adopted to prevent environmental pollution. The latrine should be of the dug-well type with water seal.
Drainage: Surface drainage in village habitation should be provided and kept in running condition through proper maintenance for disposal of rain water, waste water emanating from kitchen, bathroom etc. This should not be allowed to flow on to the streets and lanes thus preventing insanitary conditions. Thus, building bye-laws should adequately cater to provision satisfactory drainage system in the village.
Participants