Regulatory Provisions for Safety of Residential Buildings Shortcomings and Modifications for its Role in 21st Century

The Rules and Regulations and its existence is the support system of the existences of Life on earth and part of natural instinct to control the happening of activities in the surrounding. Its need was felt to ensure and safeguard life, property and the very existence of all resources and ecosystem that supports life. Residence is another aspect which plays a very vital role in the Life Cycle of a living being and in particular a Human Being as he is considered to be most intelligent living being on Planet Earth. Humans evolved over a period of time from primitive stage to the modern world of 21st Century after undergoing a lot of change in their requirements, way of living and rules and regulations governing them. Rules and Regulations is a must to maintain discipline and safe performance of any act for a desired output. They changed over a period of time as the requirements changed and need felt. Those who framed and strictly observed the implementation of regulations were able to build a better and safe society and are called as Developed Countries. Development can happen and sustain on strict enforcement of set down rules by Rulers and proactive approach by Residents in implementation of rules. It helps to build a safe and better society. Building a safe society starts from building safe residences and in turn towns and cities which are governed by Development Control Regulations (DCR) for that region. DCR is guideline and can be amended to suite the changing requirements of region. In spite of the available rules and regulations and enforcing agencies it is observed that there is rampant practice of flouting the rules and regulations by developers, builders, and constructors. There is lack of responsibility towards the mankind and its Safety. In present world Monetary Gains prevail over value of life of Human being, resulting in worst construction practices. The construction activity in India is governed by Development Control Regulations of States, local bodies and other documents accepted as regulatory provisions, such as National Building Code, IS Codes, Fire Safety Acts etc. Safety aspect has been studied extensively based on the accidents encountered and experience gained over a period of time. Technological advancement has given an edge to enhance the safety of people in much better way. In present situation there is huge gap in demand and supply of residence for low income group people. This gap has resulted in rampant unregulated construction of low cost residential buildings with the land owners developing and constructing the buildings on their own. The involvement of non technical personnel in construction is proving to be dangerous as quality of construction is not taken care to required standards, and this is happening as there are no strict laws governing the process of construction and accountability for sub standard construction done.