THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: People who construct houses with more than 2000 sq feet should plant saplings in the area. The building construction norms will be amended to include this provision.

This does not apply to those who build a small house or building on very little land.

The Central Government has also decided to include the provision of tree planting in the regulations to ensure environmental protection while constructing buildings. The state law will be amended with amendments based on the draft notification of the Union Ministry of Environment. Officials from the respective departments will meet soon for this, informed the Home Minister's Office.

The Center has directed that at least 10 per cent of the premises should be planted with trees while constructing houses or commercial buildings with an area of ​​more than 5000 square feet. This provision also applies while making repairs or renovations.

The draft notification contains the recommendations of the Expert Committee constituted in January 2021 by the Union Ministry of Environment to submit proposals to facilitate the construction of the buildings.

Instructions

One tree every 80 feet for buildings over 5,000 square feet.

Rainwater harvesting tank to collect at least one day's rainwater

Separate tap for clean water and treated water.Pure water should be used for drinking, bathing and cooking.

Treated water should be used in the toilet and for other purposes.

Construction will not be permitted in wetlands and reservoirs.

Permission of Central Groundwater Board is required to use groundwater for construction.

‌Screen cover to prevent dust, smoke and air pollution in construction.

''The tree saplings will be made available by the forest department when the new law is implemented. There is a condition that new trees should be planted instead of felled trees during the construction.", said A.K. Sasindran, Minister of Forests