Would Building Codes Raise The Quality Of Homes In Noida?

Governments and urban local authorities often enforce building standard norms to ensure that dwelling units are fit for habitation. In Noida, Rama Raman, the chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Noida Authority, has proposed forming a committee of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) professors to monitor building construction in Noida and Greater Noida. The Noida Authority wants to make sure that buildings are structurally stable, and that builders are not using sub-standard material in construction.

What could be the possible implications of this? Will property in Noida become beyond the reach of many people?

• It is true that uniform standards, if enforced, will improve the quality of dwelling units. But, there will always be people who would not be able to afford these units. Living in sub-standard dwelling allows many to set aside a larger fraction of their income for serving their other fundamental needs.

• It is reasonable to suggest that buildings should follow certain norms, especially when the lives of inhabitants are at risk, or if the conditions are unhygienic. However, strictly enforced building codes have unintended consequences. Building codes discourage home ownership and encourages renting because many people would not be able afford to build homes that comply with such regulations. Apartments in Noida are likely to become more expensive. 

• In many cases, following regulations on structural stability does not have any immediate effect on the lives of people. For instance, during an earthquake, many settlements may collapse, if they are not structurally stable. But, as this is highly unlikely, many people find their homes becoming unnecessarily more expensive. This restricts upward mobility because low-income migrants would find property in Noida forbiddingly expensive.

• In many cases, building codes enforce norms that have a good track record in more developed countries without paying attention to how different cultures evolve. In the early 20th century, building codes insisting that everyone should have indoor plumbing was considered very successful in the New York City. This coincided with growing affluence. Many households were suddenly able to enforce them, and even without a government directive, they would have valued such amenities. In the same period, if similar norms were enforced in Mumbai, most people would not have been able to buy homes. 

• Building codes are generally not followed in any city in the world. When this happens, governments and local authorities can deal with the situation in either of these ways:

A.  Demolish buildings that do not comply with the regulations

B. Allow sub-standard buildings to exist

C. Allow greater government subsidies for superior quality buildings.

D. Tolerate different standards for households of different income levels.

Authorities typically follow all the four strategies to varying degrees in all cities across the world. Noida's fate is unlikely to be different.