Pratibha Patil stresses on proper housing for construction workers

President Pratibha Patil today called for minimum housing facilities for workers engaged in construction of houses.

New Delhi, Dec 13 : President Pratibha Patil today called for minimum housing facilities for workers engaged in construction of houses.

Patil said that these labourers are rendered homeless the moment the construction work in completed, it imperative that these labourers should be provided with alternate dwelling units.

"Once the building is completed, no provision is made for their (slum dwellers) housing. It is our duty to ensure minimum standards of habitation, health and education for all such disadvantaged groups," Patil said while releasing a special cover to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

"One of the greatest anomalies of growing cities is the co-existence side by side of massive modern structures and sprawling urban slums," she said.

She also emphasised on the need of "good education for all, particularly the girl child, slum dwellers and children of workers' engaged in building construction."

Drawing attention towards vulnerability of natural disasters to certain cities, Patil said: Experience has demonstrated that technical intervention in planning, designing and construction of urban infrastructure can reduce vulnerability of societies to natural hazards."

"It should be the endeavour of city planners of Delhi to build earthquake resistant buildings," she added.

Patill also urged city authorities to construct energy efficient buildings by eco-friendly practices.

"Plantations of trees and preserving green zones are also important in this context. Cleaner fuel in vehicles and industries should be used, while promoting energy and water conservation measures," she added.

Patil also said that every one could do his or her bit to make the city a better place to live.

"Public - Private partnerships like the Bhagidari Scheme of the Delhi Government with the concept of - "My Delhi - I Care" is an example of everyone working together for a better city," she said.

ANI