Shelter for all

Believing in a professional work culture, Lok Housing has been a trendsetter in many respects, feels Lalit Gandhi

SUCHITA PATIL

Operational since 1982, Lok Housing has been in the real estate industry for the past two-and-ahalf decades and has built over 18,000 homes from residential complexes, townships, simple flats to premium and luxury homes. Lalit Gandhi, Chairman and Managing Director, Lok Housing, says, "Lok Housing was started with the principle that any act of the company must serve the masses. Hence the name 'Lok Housing', providing shelter for all."

From giving a corporate outlook to real estate, and venturing into mass housing, the group has introduced the concept of using land development rights as a mode of securitisation for raising finance. "Construction was a family business. We introduced the trend of a professional working organisation," says Gandhi.

The group developed 10-12 singular projects from 1982-86 and then moved into townships. The group has three township projects, Lok Puram, Lok Upvan, Lok Vruksha in Thane, Lok Gram, Lok Ahura, Lok Vatika, Lok Udyan, Lok Surabhi and Lok Ulhas, under construction in Kalyan along with Lok Nagari in Ambarnath. They have projects at Mulund, Khar, Virar, Kalyan, Thane, Andheri, and Ambarnath.

Lalit Gandhi opines, "The demand for affordable housing is tremendous. With the current speed of construction, it is impossible to cater to the demand. There is a need of a professional organisation with proper development of utility schemes like SRA, reconstruction of dilapidated buildings to ensure development in an organised manner. "In addition, efficient use of technology is the need of the hour. We have been using pre-fabricated technology for construction. Use of advanced technologies brings speed, accuracy and quality in construction," he continues.

In order to cater to the growing housing need Gandhi feels, "The development of the city must be planned sectorally. The city should be divided into 300-400 sectors by a corporate Joint Venture company City Planning and Monitoring Company (CPMC) to seek expertise from the government; as well private sector experts to have a holistic approach towards solving housing problems which will progress under Sector by Sector Development Scheme (SSDS). The government should play the role of facilitator. It should see that proper rules and regulation are maintained, development plans are ready in time so that construction activity is speeded up."

Over the years, the buyer has become very selective and wants to enjoy every kind of luxury. Mr Gandhi feels, "Apart from the four walls, the outside ambience also matters. There should be a proper balance between exterior and interior amenities. We give stress on open layouts, green spaces, community halls, auditorium, play area, gardens along with eco-friendly techniques such as waste management, storm water management, use of solar water heater and water harvesting."

The group has also been into social activities. Lok Foundations, registered under Charitable Trust Act has started three schools, which are taken care by the Group, and has donated a hospital that is running through a trust.

Lalit Gandhi is also Chairman of Remaking of Mumbai Federation (ROMF), which works for redevelopment of dilapidated buildings, with open spaces, residential complexes, commercial hubs and retail centers. This will help Mumbai become a world- class city and will be built on extra FSI and costs will be cross- subsidised on profits earned from extra FSI. Gandhi is a visionary and believes in transforming vision into reality.

( Via - Times of India )