Homeowners base a lot of their buying decisions on the availability of good amenities, car parking being one of the top priority needs. With the proliferation of high-rise buildings, parking spots in residential societies are an everyday battle. The lack of uniform parking laws across the board concerning parking rules in societies has created an epidemic of unwritten rules and indiscriminate behavior by everyone at stake. How does one maintain sanity and ensure fair treatment when there are too many cars and not enough space? This is why societies have bye-laws for parking. Read more to find out the car parking rules in housing society.

Apartment car parking problems & their solutions

1. Unofficial parking

If you own a 4-wheeler vehicle, you’re eligible for a parking space or stilt (usually one or two according to your BHK size) at your apartment car parking. Members park more vehicles than allowed in their allotted space/s. For example, the husband already owns a car and parks in his usual spot. When the wife buys a new one or a relative/friend visits for an extended period, they park theirs in the open space or guest parking without permission.

Solution: If you’ve been allotted a car parking space/spaces (according to your BHK size) which you’re already using, and even if it is big enough to allow an extra two-wheeler parking, consult the MC before permanently parking it. Extra cars/ scooters cannot be parked in spaces not allotted to you unless approved by the MC. You have to pay parking charges for an additional four-wheeler parking. A fine may be placed by society for violation of vehicle parking laws in society.

2. Guest parking

A common occurrence is that even though there’s space inside the building for guest parking, security guards, at the behest of MC or out of their own volition, instruct delivery personnel, guests, and visitors to park their vehicles out on the streets. Sometimes such unnecessary measures lead to vandalism and theft of vehicles.

Solution: A building has to keep at least 25% space for visitor parking as per BMC though it recently dropped it to 5%. Give strict instructions to guards regarding visitor parking rules as per your apartment by-laws.

3. Unmarked spaces

Open parking spaces lead to confusion among members if there is no structure or markings for them to follow. Unabiding members can inconvenience the rest regularly.

Solution: Bye-laws require a society to mark and number parking spaces (for bicycles, 2-wheelers/ 4-wheelers separately).

4. Unfair allotment

In societies with limited parking spaces and where some residents own second and third vehicles, they occupy more parking spaces (albeit while paying for it) even though other owners who may own just the one vehicle are not given a parking space and some are made to park outside the building.

Solution: The MC allows parking on a ‘first-come, first-served basis for eligible members who own a vehicle. If unoccupied spots are at society’s disposal, the same member may be allowed second and third stilts/parking spaces on an annual basis, except there are no other eligible members who haven’t even been assigned one spot.

5. Tenant parking

Tenants are sometimes not allowed to park inside the society premises if there is an excess of permanent resident vehicles.

Solution: If the landlord is already eligible for a parking spot, then the tenant should get access to it legally. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that the tenant gets a spot. Only if the landlord isn’t eligible for parking, the tenant may be asked to pay for parking charges, unless the landlord decides to pay it on his behalf.

6. Limited number of parking spots

Due to the parking space deficit and excess of vehicles (especially 4-wheelers), residents are required to park outside in the building vicinity regularly.

Solution: If there are way too many vehicles belonging to eligible members, the society draws a lot every year. Another option is to provide spots on a rotating basis. Everyone is given an equal opportunity to park inside even though they may have to take turns.

Apartment car parking laws in India

According to RERA Act (2016), covered garage space can be sold separately by the builder, however, open or stilt parking spaces are clearly defined as part of common amenities such as lobby, stairs, elevator, garden, etc. Therefore, it is illegal for a builder to charge a buyer for a separate parking space. These become the property of the society as soon as it’s registered, an Occupation Certificate is issued by the municipal corporation and the builder arranges a handover (http://mohua.gov.in/cms/rera.php)

This is per the Supreme Court decision that upheld Bombay HC’s verdict in 2011 in the case of Nahalchand Laloochand Pvt Ltd vs Panchali Cooperative Housing Society. The builders agreed that they can sell parking spaces to outsiders as independent units, to which the society residents disagreed later. The builder approached the court so that the society members don’t object to 25 stilt spaces sold to buyers who weren’t society residents. (https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1359331/)

Model building by-laws developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs dictate that permissible ECS ( Equivalent Car Space) per 100 sq meter of floor area in residential premises is 2. This can be translated to 1 space per 3BHK and 2 per 4 BHK. Development Control Regulations of every state mandate that the builder provides parking space to buyers albeit parking provisions may vary state-wise. (http://mohua.gov.in/cms/model-acts.php)

Various apartment acts (e.g. Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, Delhi Apartment Ownership Act) allow MC to constitute their own parking rules including a parking fee which is decided in the General Body meeting, varies from types of vehicles, and is to be mandatorily paid by members (https://housing.maharashtra.gov.in/Sitemap/housing/housingactnrules.htm)

Types of parking in apartments

Let’s check the types of parking generally available in residential complexes. Different types of parking which you can choose according to your parking lot construction:

1. Angle parking

When cars are parked at an angle, a technique used in open parking where spreads are manageable. The vehicles usually face the same direction (any one direction) and sliding in and out remains easy if all the vehicles are parked with rules and required spaces between all four sides are maintained.

2. Perpendicular parking

This is a type of parking in which the vehicles are parked at a 90° angle and perpendicular to the curb up front, similar to angle parking. In this, the driver needs to ensure that the tires are facing straight ahead. This is a commonly used style in garages and parking bays and in apartment complexes with limited spots.

3. Parallel parking

This is what you commonly see on the roads on the side of the curb where the driver parks between two cars, between the one in the front and one in the back. This type is used when a residential complex has a long pathway with enough space to accommodate cars and bikes without obstructing the path.

4. Tower parking system

This is a fully automated car parking system in which come equipped with parking lifts for cars to move up and down to the designated spot. There must be a lift operator along with the entire set-up since this is used in large complexes in urban areas with narrow spaces.

Role of RWA in parking rules in residential areas India

RWA (Residential Welfare Association) is the managing committee that is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This means that if you face a parking issue as a resident of a housing society, they are the ones who could come to your help. Since this association is such an important one, RERA ((Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Act emphasises on establishing an RWA within the first 90 days of when the flats are booked.

However, there are some important factors you would need to be aware of, before booking a complaint. You must know that:

• Any Shared/Common Space in the society belong to the apartment complex/housing society.
• Parking spaces are not owned by the RWA members or residents.
• The MC (RWA) or General Body could allocate parking slots to residents who’ve done their registration, since parking allocation comes under the jurisdiction of the housing society’s managing committee.
• Homeowners, their families and associate members could all be registered members.
• The parking spaces in your area are all numbered using the LOP (Lay-Out Plan) that the civic body has approved.
• If you have a sticker on your vehicle, provided to you by the managing committee of the RWA, you would be exempted from security checks when you enter/drive inside the society premises.

FAQs – Parking issues in apartment complexes

How do I keep a track of vehicles allowed in parking space?

You can ask for a copy of the RC book from members and provide them with parking stickers for each vehicle.

Is the parking area considered as FSI?

Open/Stilt parking, visitor parking, and basement parking are not included in the FSI calculation.

Can I cover my parking space or use it for storage?

According to the apartment acts, you are not allowed to cover or repurpose parking spaces.

How much space is allowed for parking?

As per the National Building Code, one car parking space must not be less than 13.75 sq meters. For a 2-wheeler, it must not be less than 1.25 sq meters.

Can a society sell members parking spaces?

No. But they can allot a space for a fee.

What can I do if society doesn’t abide by parking bye-laws?

An appeal in consumer forum or cooperative court.

Can a builder allot open parking space?

No. Society allots parking spaces.

Can a member sell or transfer parking slots?

According to model bye-laws, a member shall have no right to sell or transfer parking slots allotted by the society.

Can the society collect parking deposits?

No. Bye-laws restrict society to raise such funds.

How much does parking space cost typically?

Most societies charge between Rs 100 and Rs 500 for a single vehicle, increasing with second and third vehicles.

How does a Society finance itself? How does it screen potential members? Why does it bill its members maintenance charges? Where and when does the member voice his concerns or opinions?

These questions must have popped in your head time and again as a member of a housing society. Look no further than the inconspicuous little book of ‘ Society Bye laws ”.

What are bylaws for a housing society?

Society Bye-laws are rules formed by residential societies to self-regulate their activities and to control the actions of its members. Housing society bye laws are provided and approved by higher authorities (government bodies, legislative authorities). Society Laws could vary from one state to another in their particulars, yet the basic framework and nomenclature remain the same. Let’s briefly explore distinctive categories for each component of the functioning of a society. These are broad categories that cover every aspect of housing society rules and regulations, be it holding a meeting, issuing shares to members, collecting dues from them, conducting Elections, allotting parking spaces or putting out a circular on the notice board.

Purpose of housing society bye-laws

The managing committee of an Apartment Owners Association (or Residents Welfare Association) must have bye-laws in order to ensure adequate upkeep of the apartment building and to swiftly and effectively address the problems residents encounter. Escaping the problems is difficult. Convincing the society to accept the chosen laws and regulations is a challenging endeavour. A set of regulations known as the bye-laws provides a solution to all associated problems. The bye-laws are adopted by each apartment building as soon as it registers. The bye-laws are regarded as the apartment complex’s constitution and regulate how it operates on a daily basis.

Why should you know about the model housing society bye-laws?

The answer to any question you have about the functioning of your society can be found in the model bye-laws of housing society . They may seem verbose or cumbersome, but they should be on your ‘essential reading list’ as they are your ‘set in stone’ legal chaperones that cannot be refuted by any society under any circumstances. As part of a society, you’d be remiss if you are not aware of your basic rights and duties, your society’s foundational policies, its management and the guidelines that dictate its decisions. A lot of homeowners harbour an approach of ‘we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it’ with respect to the rules of a society, thinking all is accomplished once they have occupied their residence inside it. Be that as it may, to avoid being misinformed or manipulated by dishonest committee members, to stop the violation of your rights, or simply to be aware of the workings of the community you’re part of, familiarising yourself with model bye-laws of housing society is necessary. Cooperative society bye-laws are easily available online to peruse in your own time. Otherwise, as a member you have the right to ask for a copy from your society.

List of housing society bye-laws

1. Preliminary- name and address

This section informs us about the procedure for naming, change in name, classification, address change procedure and exhibiting the Name Board of the society.

2. Interpretations

The meaning of the nomenclature, i.e the exact definition of commonly used terms (common areas, sinking fund, active member) is given so as to legally distinguish common usage of words in the context of a housing co-operative.

3. Area of operation, objectives, affiliation

To define the locality of the society within a municipality and to define the main objects of the society as well as declare it as Member of the Co-op Housing Federation of the District / Ward / Taluka, the District Central Co-operative Bank of the district.

4. Raising of funds and their utilisation

Cooperative society bye-laws lay down rules on modes of raising money such as issuing shares, taking loans, voluntary donations & deposits, etc. and explains how to issue shares to members and limit of liability for the society. The ways in which the funds are utilised are also described, such as reserve fund, repair and maintenance, emergency fund and training fund.

5. Rights & duties of a member

This section describes the eligibility, conditions, and procedure of obtaining membership in a society distinguishes between active, non-active, associate, and nominal members. The rights of members elaborated under bye-laws of the society include the right to inspect records, get a copy of RWA bye-laws, right to Occupation of Residence, conditions for and acceptance of Resignation by Members, procedure for Nomination by a Member and its revocation / revision, procedure and requisite documents for Transfer of Shares and interest from a member to another in the Capital/Property of the Society, Transfer of Shares and interest of the deceased Member, and rules on Exchange and Sub-letting of residences.

6. Responsibilities and liabilities of members

This section details the duties of the member, including applying for permission to make additions and alterations in a flat, allowing examination of flats and report about repairs, not to cause inconvenience to other members. It also entails the grounds for expulsion from the society and its procedure, circumstances under which a person ceases to be a member and the follow-up action taken by the society, rules on holding multiple flats, liability limited of members to unpaid amount on shares.

7. Society charges

Bye-laws of society describe the composition and break-up of the society charges, including Property Taxes, Water Charges, Common Electricity Charges, contribution to Repairs and Maintenance Fund, expenses on Repairs. Operation and Maintenance of the lifts contribution to the Sinking Fund, Service Charges, Car Parking Charges, Interest on the defaulted charges, Repayment of the Loan, Installment and Interest, Non-occupancy Charges, Insurance Charges, Lease/Rent, Non-agricultural Tax, Education and Training Fund, Election Fund, and any other charges.

8. Duties and powers of the society

These are rules specific to the common seal and incorporation of the society as holding the power to acquire, hold and dispose of the property, to enter into contracts and other legal proceedings. It also pertains to having a charge on the shares and/or interest of a Member, policy for allotment of flats and cancellation of flats, handing over possession of flats, society’s duty to carry out Structural Audit, allotment of parking lots and its restrictions, marking of parking lots and their eligibility, along with payment of charges for parking of vehicles.

9. General meetings (first general meeting, annual general meeting & special general meeting)

This section gives detailed and specific rules on how to conduct society meetings, including general, annual and special body meetings. Rules regarding the agenda of the first general meeting, the duties of provisional committee and its handover to newly elected committee, the functions of the annual general body meeting, rules for special general body meeting, period of notice and quorum of a general body meeting, voting rights of members, recording of the minutes of meeting, holding of the adjourned General Body Meeting, among others are explicitly stated.

10. Management of society affairs

Rules under this category include opening up of bank account for operations, strength (in numbers) of the Managing Committee, guidelines for Election, First Meeting of new committee, duration of holding office, conditions for cessation of membership of the Committee, and Resignation of Committee Member/Office bearer. There are detailed lists of all the required functions of the Managing Committee, Chairman and Secretary of the society.

11. Book-keeping

Detailed lists of maintaining books of accounts, records and registers are specified, including but not limited to cash books, ledgers, Sinking Fund, Investment, Nomination, Loan Registers, Minutes Books, Applications for membership, resignations, correspondences received from within the society or from external agencies related to property tax, conveyance, electricity, vouchers and counterfoils of share certificates and issued cheques, periodical statement of accounts, audit memos, election papers, service staff payment records.

12. Profit distribution

Rules on how to distribute funds (after paying interest on loans/deposits and after making such other deductions) are prescribed clearly in the bylaws of the cooperative society . The allocation includes a percentage of the amount to be deposited in the Reserve Fund, in dividends of shares to shareholders, compensation paid to office-bearers, and towards Common Welfare Fund.

13. Writing off dues

This section prescribes the conditions under which the Society is allowed to write off its irrecoverable charges due from the members, the expenses incurred on recovery and the accumulated losses.

14. Society accounts audit

The basic procedure for conducting an annual financial audit of the society is described in detail, including the appointment of a registered Auditor/CA, the timeframe to conduct the audit and the steps for completing an Audit Rectification Report before Annual General Meeting.

15. Conveyance, redevelopment and repair/maintenance

This section gives details of getting the deed conveyance under society’s name through an advocate and proceeds to list rules on renovation and repair. Member’s contributions towards repair are stated, along with the procedure of inviting tenders from architects/ developers, and a step-by-step guide to the entire redevelopment process is given. Guidelines on emergency planning schemes, disaster management and response machinery are prescribed as well.

16. Other miscellaneous matters

Minor yet important rules regarding day-to-day operational activities are mentioned in the bye-laws of residential society . These include sending and displaying notices on general meetings and their resolutions, how to fix the Notice Board and what to display on it, penalty amounts for member breaches against the society, regulating the services, amenities as per members’ convenience, fixing timings and rules for use of common areas such as parks, staircases, etc, making available spaces for members to install solar energy electrical systems, making copies of the documents required by the members and the charge per page.

17. Committee redressal of member complaints

Based on the complaint type, the society bye-laws give a list of relevant authorities to approach. They describe the types of complaints handled at the Society’s General Body Meeting. Other than that a variety of complaints are handled by the Registrar, Co-operative Court, Civil Court, Municipal Corporation/Local Authority, Police or the District/State Federation, depending on the nature of the grievance.

Differences between old & new housing society bylaws

Do I have to adopt a new set of housing society bylaws if my society is newly registered? True, your society would adhere to the old model bylaws. If it was previously registered, the year is 2009. Bye-laws have been newly modified following the 97th Constitutional Amendment and the MCS Amendment Ordinance, 2013. This includes cash on hand limits, active member provisions and duties, maintenance rates, AGM, society election tenets, and so on.

Several MCs look for the procedure for adopting new bylaws, while others simply look for bylaw amendments.

When dealing with buying or selling property, the possession certificate of that property is extremely important. It is essential that the seller of the property hands over the possession certificate to the buyer of the property, which will state the date of possession. In rural areas, the possession certificate is usually issued by the Tahsildar. In urban areas, the possession certificate is issued by the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer).

The possession certificate has many uses besides confirming the ownership of the property and the date of possession. It is used as proof when securing a home loan from a bank. It is also important when entering the property in the land revenue records.

Without the proper issuance of a possession certificate, it becomes unclear whether the possession of a property has in fact been transferred from one party to another. This can lead to complicated legal issues regarding possession and ownership.

If you are planning to buy property, it’s essential you know how to obtain a possession certificate, what it contains and all the documents required to obtain it to ensure your purchase is hassle-free.

What is a possession certificate?

A possession certificate is a legal document that hands over the possession of land from the owner to the buyer. Once the land has been bought by the buyer for a sum of money, the possession certificate is given to the buyer by the previous owner to signal the transfer of the property.

The possession certificate is extremely important when it comes to buying a home or property as it proves that the property has been sold legally to the buyer and that they (the buyer) own all the rights to the concerned property.

When it comes to buying property from a builder or developer, the possession certificate is usually issued within 30 days. It is important that a resident obtains it as, without a possession certificate and registration documents, the buyer cannot prove to have rights to the property and the builder still owns it by law. This is problematic as the builder can then vacate the buyer (resident) lawfully.

The possession certificate will be issued only if the building has been constructed according to the proposed plans and adheres to the design rules and fire safety rules. It will also need to have a certificate of completion. The laws regarding this may vary from one state to another so it is best to check with your local authorities about how to go about getting the possession certificate in your area.

What are the contents in a possession certificate?

The possession certificate indicates the change in ownership – it is issued by the buyer. The ownership certificate will show that the property ownership has been given to the buyer. This ensures that the buyer has full interest in the property. Both parties have to register for the property. So, the developer has to sign the declaration that the property is no longer his and the buyer signs to take over the property. The possession certificate also includes the additional features of the property (parking area, garage, etc) that have been mentioned in the sales agreement.

What is a conditional possession certificate?

A conditional possession certificate or a conditional possession letter is a document that is used when the buyer of a property is not completely satisfied with the conditions of the property.
For example, reasons for dissatisfaction could include things such as repairs needed, low-quality construction, the wrong materials used or even a delay in the occupancy certificate. When the buyers are not happy with certain aspects of the property, they can send their concerns to the seller or builder along with the possession letter so that the seller or builder makes the needed changes that we agreed upon.

If the project happens to be delayed, the buyer can also ask for compensation from the builder for the losses incurred due to the delay.

Documents required

If you need to get the possession certificate of a property, you need the following documents:

• Sale deed agreement copy
• Identification proof of the applicant
• Signature proof of the applicant
• Encumbrance certificate
• Registered sale agreement copy

What are the rights of the holder of the possession certificate?

The person who has the possession certificate has certain rights with regard to the property. These are listed below.

• It gives the purchaser complete authority on the property. They can decide to do as they wish with the property.
• They have the right to sell the property.
• The purchaser can do enhancements to raise the value of the property.
• They have the right to rent out the property and take the rent money.
• The seller of the property has no rights and cannot claim any benefits regarding the property.
• The buyer has rights to the details of the property plans by the regulatory authorities in charge, as well as the schedule, the structure plan and other documents that may be relevant.

Differences between possession certificate, occupancy certificate & completion certificate

1. When are each of these certificates issued?

Possession certificate: After the initial paperwork has been submitted and a down payment has been made.

Occupancy certificate: The builder applies for this document (the occupancy certificate) after obtaining the completion certificate.

Completion certificate: The completion certificate is issued when the property has been constructed and is by the state’s regulations and norms.

2. Which authority issues each certificate?

Possession certificate: The possession certificate is issued by the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) in urban areas. In rural areas, it is issued by the Tehsildars.

Occupancy certificate: The municipal body of the area where the property is in will issue the occupancy certificate.

Completion certificate: The authority that is in charge of declaring that the construction process of the property has ended will issue the completion certificate of that property.

3. What are the key contents of each certificate?

Possession certificate: It includes all the timelines that the new owner has to adhere to regarding making the final payments of the property.

Occupancy certificate: It states that the property follows all the necessary building codes and is ready to be occupied.

Completion certificate: It will state that the project has been finished according to the building plans that were submitted. It also states that the property adheres to the state norms and lists the clearances that the property has.

4. What does each of these certificates signify?

Possession certificate: It shows that the property rights have been transferred from one party to the other party.

Occupancy certificate: It signifies that the property can be occupied by the buyer.

Completion certificate: Completion certificate implies that the property is constructed fully according to the building plans that were proposed and agreed upon.

Checking the status of the possession certificate online

It is easy to track the status of the possession certificate of your property online through these ways:

1. E-district portal

Go to the E-District portal from the state you are from. Click on “Transaction History” and enter the application number. You can then see the status of your possession certificate.

2. Meeseva portal

You can see the status of the possession certificate of your property on the Meeseva portal. Log in to your Meeseva account. Click on the option to track your application status – this will be on the homepage. Fill in the application number and click “Track Application Status” to see the status of your application.

If your society’s basement turns into a swimming pool every monsoon, you’re not alone. Urban flooding is no longer an occasional inconvenience, it’s a recurring problem across major Indian cities. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), while natural causes like extreme rainfall and storms play a role, most urban floods are driven by human factors such as poor drainage systems, encroachments, and lack of maintenance.

For societies, the basement is often the first space to flood. Water creeps in, damages vehicles, affects electrical systems, and weakens the structural integrity of buildings. So while the city works on large-scale flood prevention, here’s what you can do as a resident or RWA member to protect your basement from flooding.

1. Installing and maintaining a sump pump

A sump pump is your most reliable ally when it comes to basement flooding. It works by collecting water in a pit (or sump) and pumping it out through a pipe to a storm drain or soak pit. In India, especially in flood-prone zones like Mumbai, Chennai, or Gurugram, sump pumps are common in newer buildings.

Choose an automatic sump pump with a battery backup, so it keeps running even during power cuts. Regular maintenance is a must—clean the pit, remove debris, and ensure the valve and float switch aren’t jammed. You can also add a water level sensor or alarm to alert security in case water starts accumulating.

2. Choosing the right waterproofing method

If your society hasn’t waterproofed its basement, it’s time to act. One of the most widely used techniques is box-type waterproofing. This involves laying limestone slabs (often Shahabad stone), grouting, and sealing joints with integral plasticizers. It typically costs ₹25 to ₹40 per square foot and takes 7 to 15 days for proper curing.

Other options include crystalline waterproofing, which grows water-resistant crystals within the concrete, and liquid membrane waterproofing, which is applied with a brush or roller. Some societies also waterproof exterior walls to stop moisture before it enters the structure.

3. Adding a backwater valve to prevent sewage backup

One of the most dangerous forms of basement flooding happens when rainwater overwhelms city drains and causes sewage to flow backward into homes. To prevent this, a backwater valve can be installed on the basement drainage line. It automatically closes when water tries to flow the wrong way, keeping your basement free from contaminated water.

This is especially useful for older societies where the sewer system isn’t separated from stormwater lines.

4. Keeping your drainage system clean and functional

Flooding often starts with something as simple as a blocked drain. Make it a routine to clean roof gutters, stormwater outlets, and basement floor drains at least twice a year—ideally before and after the monsoon. Ensure downspouts and drainpipes are not clogged with dry leaves or waste.

Also, check where your basement drains lead. Some are connected to the sewer system, while others might link to a sump pit. Either way, regular maintenance is the best preventive step.

5. Redirecting rainwater through harvesting and landscaping

Rainwater harvesting not just recharges groundwater but also helps prevent flooding. By redirecting rooftop runoff to soak pits or recharge wells, you reduce water pressure around the building foundation.

In your society premises, you can also design swales or rain gardens. These shallow, landscaped depressions help absorb rainwater and reduce surface runoff. You can connect the roof or terrace downspouts directly to them, or extend the piping away from the basement to these collection zones.

6. Creating gentle slopes and adding flood barriers

Many societies retrofit their parking areas and basement entries with flood prevention features. This can include small ramps or flood humps that create a barrier at the entry point. These can deflect rainwater or reduce the volume that enters.

Additionally, check that the surrounding landscape gently slopes away from the building so water naturally drains outward.

7. Taking preventive steps to protect your car

Cars parked in flooded basements often suffer long-term damage. One basic way to reduce this is by disconnecting the battery and elevating the car on a jack if water starts seeping in. Cover the vehicle with a tarpaulin sheet to prevent water from reaching the engine and interiors.

If your society regularly faces this issue, consider adding parking platforms or raised concrete pads. Some societies have also installed wheel ramps with a central flood hump to protect multiple vehicles.

8. Inspecting and repairing weak spots before the rains

Don’t wait for water to enter your basement to look for cracks and leaks. Before the monsoon, get a structural inspection done. Look out for cracks, mold, damp spots, peeling paint, rusted steel, and signs of water seepage on walls and floors.

It’s best to have a professional conduct this inspection so you don’t miss weak points like the rooftop, building corners, or pipe junctions. Catching and repairing these early reduces the chance of structural damage later.

9. Understanding your insurance coverage

Most homeowners and RWAs in India are not aware that standard property insurance often doesn’t cover flood damage unless specifically added. Make sure your personal home insurance includes flood or water damage clauses.

RWAs can also purchase society-level building insurance that includes basement areas, electrical panels, and common amenities. This can make a big difference in post-flood recovery costs.

10.Knowing when to call the professionals

If your basement does get flooded, especially with water mixed with sewage, don’t attempt to clean it yourself. Such water may contain pathogens, bacteria, and chemical residue. Instead, alert your municipal water department or call a licensed flood restoration contractor.

Also, ensure that the electricity to the flooded area is switched off before anyone enters.

Your quick checklist to stay flood-ready

• Install and test sump pumps with battery backup

• Clean drains, spouts, and floor traps before every monsoon

• Waterproof basement floors and walls

• Add a backwater valve to prevent sewage backup

• Build gentle slopes and flood humps at basement entry points

• Create rain gardens or recharge pits for excess rainwater

• Check and repair structural damage early

• Raise parked vehicles or install flood barriers

• Confirm insurance covers flood-related damage

• Avoid entering flooded areas and always call professionals

Elevator accidents don’t discriminate; rich or working class, they can happen anywhere. In January 2020, the managing director of PATH India, an industrialist, died in a negligently maintained elevator that crashed from a height of 70 feet. In February this year, a lift technician was killed while repairing a residential elevator in Mumbai. Last year, a young man died in Gurugram due to faulty elevator equipment.

Although elevator deaths are rare, they are entirely possible without proper vigilance and foresight. It is disturbing to think how an absolutely useful tool for transportation can claim lives unexpectedly when not maintained and used with proper care. While mishaps cannot always be avoided, we can at least exercise appropriate caution when using elevators for our safety and that of our neighbors and loved ones.

elevator safety tips for residential use

1. Always adhere to the overload warning; overloading the lift can cause serious malfunctions.
2. Never press the stop button unless instructed by maintenance personnel.
3. Do not try to stop the door from closing by inserting your hand or any object; use the buttons provided instead.
4. Avoid allowing water to enter the lift while cleaning the shaft, interiors, or adjacent lobby, as it may cause short circuits and damage electrical components.
5. If trapped inside, do not panic. Press the emergency call button or use the emergency phone inside the panel.
6. Do not pry open the door to exit; this can be extremely dangerous. Also, avoid trying to escape through the safety hatch on top, as it is meant only for trained engineers.
7. A trained building manager or watchman should assist trapped persons or immediately call professional help. Untrained volunteers should avoid risking their own safety.
8. Report any jerky movements, unusual noises, or other suspicious elevator behavior to the maintenance team immediately.
9. Do not allow children to play inside or around the elevator.
10. Avoid using elevators during power outages (even if emergency power is available) or during fire or other emergencies.

Elevator maintenance guidelines

Safety measures aside, regular maintenance is critical to keep apartment elevators accident-free. The main reasons for lift breakdowns are improper use, intentional vandalism, poor servicing, and lack of budget for repairs and maintenance.

Elevator maintenance contracts generally come in three types: full service, partial service, and oil and greasing contracts. It is essential to ensure your maintenance contract covers repairs, preventive maintenance, breakdown assistance, and part replacements by a registered, experienced, and credentialed company with highly trained professionals.

The managing committee should provide the maintenance agency’s action checklist along with the AMC documents to the building manager, who must ensure every item on the checklist is serviced. Maintenance varies by contract but typically includes:

• Monthly to quarterly tasks: Inspect doors, alarms, buttons, pump units, relief valves, starter contacts, car guide shoes, emergency phone, switches, grease governors and pulleys, clean ropes, oil brakes, check and adjust traction ropes, door motor brushes, dust panels, indicator lamps, and voltage of rectifiers.
• Biannual to annual tasks: Includes all above plus inspection and replacement of safety circuits and gears, oil buffers, cleaning and greasing sheaves and counterweights, checking wear on guide shoes, cleaning wire connection boxes, inspecting cables for fraying, cleaning and painting the hoistway, elevator pits, machine rooms, and checking firefighter operation modes (Phase I and Phase II).

Partial maintenance contracts exclude repairs and breakdown assistance, which are billed separately. Oil and greasing contracts only cover lubrication.

After each visit, a detailed report should be provided, documenting serviced and repaired components. A contract with comprehensive preventive maintenance is ideal for long-term safety and cost savings. The managing committee should budget for elevator AMC during annual financial planning and seek General Body consensus as it is an essential safety expense, not optional.

Emergency power systems and electrical safety

Many modern elevators come equipped with emergency power systems or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that allow limited elevator operation during power outages. While this enhances safety, it is still advisable not to use elevators during blackouts unless necessary.

Regular electrical safety audits should be conducted alongside mechanical inspections. Faulty wiring or electrical components can cause malfunctions or fires and must be promptly addressed.

Firefighter operation mode

Elevators in residential buildings are often equipped with firefighter operation modes, known as Phase I and Phase II operations, designed to facilitate safe evacuation and emergency response during fires. These modes allow firefighters to take control of the elevator, override normal functions, and prevent use by residents during emergencies.

The maintenance team should ensure these functions are tested regularly as part of biannual or annual inspections, complying with local fire safety regulations.

Training for building staff

It is crucial to provide periodic training for building managers, watchmen, and other staff members on elevator safety and emergency protocols. Trained personnel can assist trapped residents safely, coordinate with maintenance teams, and respond effectively during emergencies.

This training reduces panic and improves overall safety in elevator-related incidents.

Legal and regulatory compliance

Various state lift acts, such as the Bombay Lift Act and Delhi Lift Rule,s mandate that government-appointed Inspectors of Lifts visit buildings once or twice a year to verify that elevator operations comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines.

These inspections check maintenance records, safety systems, and ensure compliance with safety standards. The managing committee must cooperate with these inspections and keep records updated.

Selecting the right elevators for your residential building

The typical lifespan of an elevator is around 15 years, but with full maintenance and depending on the quality, it can last 10 years longer. Builders are required to install elevators according to the National Building Code of India and state Development Control Regulations, in cooperation with electricity boards.

Factors determining elevator type include building height, load capacity, energy efficiency, speed, number of stops, and shaft size. It is advisable to select reputable manufacturers with strong brand reputations to ensure safety and durability.

Modern residential elevators typically carry around 680 kg (6-8 people) and aim to provide eco-friendly, smooth transportation of residents and goods.

All’s not well with the world like the movies and motivational quotes would have you believe. Basic sanitation is unavailable to 2.3 billion people worldwide, while 785 million live without safe drinking water.

Back in India, the grass is surely not ‘greener’. McKinsey projected that by 2030, India’s urban population will rise to 590 million, with more people living in cities than villages in at least five biggest states. This will make scarce the most basic resource for survival, water.

Government’s NITI Ayog think tank reported in 2018 that 21 cities in India will run out of groundwater in 2020 and by 2030, 40% of Indians will have no drinking water available.

Another major challenge would be healthy sanitation systems. For all that we Indians consume, will also be released, except not with the ease and the infrastructure of developed nations. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), 77% of sewage generated in India is untreated and dumped in water bodies like lakes, rivers, making it toxic and diseased.

At this point, you’re probably slightly alarmed but comforted at the thought of environmental technologists, eco-conscious philanthropists and green entrepreneurs who would have thought of ingenious solutions to such challenges by now…and you’re right.

One such solution is the Omni Processor technology.

What is Omni Processor technology?

It is a self-sustaining technology that turns human waste into electricity, potable water (and a little ash); quite literally, transforming human excreta into a valuable commodity. The Proof of Concept model was funded and spearheaded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. OP technology was designed to improve sanitation in poor and developing nations. It is a portfolio of technologies that is capable of processing fecal sludge from various sources, hence ‘omni’. Instead of a single trademarked technology, the idea is to use different approaches for community specific needs, such as pyrolysis, supercritical water oxidation, electro-catalytic oxidation, double membrane treatment, combustion, among others.

How does it work?

We have described below a few examples of popular OP technologies used for fecal sludge treatment.

Janicki OP: A combustion based incinerator style plant, this OP burns wet sludge at 100°, separating dry solids and water vapor, which are then incinerated to produce high-pressure steam that powers the OP while producing electricity. Steam is also purified and distilled enough times to make drinkable water.

US-based Sedron Technologies (formerly Janicki Bioenergy), who was commissioned by Gates Foundation, developed a Janicki Omni Processor in 2014 and launched a pilot plant in Dakar, Senegal in 2015. The company is planning to ship their J-OP to commercial markets in the future.

SCWO: Supercritical Water Oxidation technique (notably used by Duke University researchers), completely destroys pathogens in septage, fecal/animal waste, biosolids inside a small shipping container-sized treatment unit which is scalable, eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Organic compounds in wastewater are oxidized at temperature and pressure conditions above the water’s critical point, producing water with minerals that can be used as fertilizer and later distilled to render clean drinking water.

Pyrolysis-based fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP): This process thermally decomposes sludge at high temperature, creating byproducts like biochar to increase soil fertility and produce water.

The problem of fecal waste disposal

City-dwellers take sanitation as a basic amenity and take waste disposal for granted, unless they see staggering numbers that proclaim otherwise.

A 2018 Landscape Report titled ‘India: Market Insights for the Omni Processor’, yielded following summary:

“While 86% households in urban India have access to individual toilets, only one-thirds of them are connected to a sewerage system.”

“From the waste generated in these sewers, only two-fifth is treated due to very few Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) across India.”

“While a higher percentage of households are connected to a septic tank (38%) compared to sewers, almost none of the septage collected was being treated.”

Untreated fecal waste dumped in landfills or water bodies causes diseases like diarrhea, malaria, typhoid fever, among others. India is known for an inhumane practice called ‘manual scavenging’ or manual cleaning of human excretions. Hundreds of manual scavengers die in India each year cleaning sewers. Some sewer cleaners die by ingesting methane in clogged residential septic tanks.

The government was mostly focused on providing toilets to solve the open defecation problem, but now it has started considering Fecal Sludge and Septage Management seriously. Under the Swachh Bharat umbrella, and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), pilot FS treatment plants were built in Devanahalli (Karnataka), Warangal (Telangana), Leh (Ladakh), Wai, Sinnar (Maharashtra), Narsapur (Andhra Pradesh).

Why use Omni Processors?

The Omni Processor technology is a ground breaking solution to recycling fecal waste without the need for sewage systems and can go a long way in aiding the government’s initiative of dealing with fecal sludge in environment-friendly ways. Two private companies in India are at the cutting edge of OP technology, Vadodara’s Ankur Scientific (Ankur OP) and Bangalore’s Tide Technocrats (Tide OP).

Regular sewer networks are centralised, unsustainable and unfeasible financially in developing countries. Omni Processors are essentially innovative, decentralized, scalable, and leave no environmental impact. Capital investment required is less than traditional sewer systems or FSTP set-up.

At Reinvent the Toilet expo in Beijing a few years ago, Bill Gates sipped water distilled from human feces, a feat he has repeated on Jimmy Fallon and Trevor Noah shows as well. He has successfully removed the stigma and disgust around OP generated water even though public perception may not change that easily. The fact of the matter is growing urban areas cannot afford to spend years waiting for FSTP treated water while freshwater availability dwindles due to high demand. FSTP markets are ripe for growth in India in the coming years with 2000 plants being planned in the next five years. Yet there’s a space for Omni Processor technology to fill the gap between the need for clean water and fecal sludge management in the meantime for smaller, private or residential areas. As a matter of fact, they can also be a sustainable addition to government funded FSTPs.

OP technology for housing societies

Residential societies in urban areas often face water shortage and have to pay for individual water tankers when civic bodies reduce water supply. Societies outside of corporation limits pay for water all by themselves.

If a number of residential societies pool together its resources and invest in an Omni Processor, it can indeed pave the way for a truly sustainable future. Janicki OP can cost around $1.5 million with additional operational costs but can pay for itself quickly in terms of providing 86,000 litres per day to be used for around 40,000 people, while producing 100-200 kw electricity per day. Whether your sanitation system is connected to a septic tank or sewer system (which may be linked to a dysfunctional STP that cannot bear the load), urban sprawl and waste is so enormous that it cannot be treated free of cost and you may have to pay extra for sewage cleaning of your building complexes frequently.

Bank loans are available for building STP for residential areas, so you might want to consider investing Rs 10 to 15 lakh in an Omni Processor that will save you monthly water and sewage cleaning bills. Omni Processors don’t require electricity or water and have a 20-year life expectancy, thus they are a more sustainable option than regular STP. They also treat gray water, digested/undigested sewage sludge, biosolids and residential septage.