The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has finalised its plan for development of an Old Age Home for retired government servants. With the increasing number of senior citizens as well as the predominance of nuclear families, there is a huge requirement of quality accommodation for the elderly, without the necessity of purchasing property. The model conceptualised by DDA would provide ideal living for the elderly which would be on rental rather than ownership basis. The facility would also provide living within a homogenous societal group which people get accustomed to during their lifetimes.
The Indian Navy had requested DDA for allotment of land for an old age home for its retired personnel. Since, if land was allotted to the Indian Navy at the approved rates, the price of land itself would have made the project unviable, DDA has instead thought of the joint venture between Indian Navy and DDA for the project. Approximately 12 acres (48,000 sq m) land has been identified at Sector-16, Dwarka on which about 1550 studio apartments measuring around 550 sq ft each would be constructed. Ten per cent of the constructed area (approximately 96,000 sq ft) would be let out for related commercial facilities. The facility would be constructed within a period of about four years.
The proposed facility would have metro connectivity and will be completely self-contained with facilities for retail, recreational and healthcare facilities, including nursing and ambulance services. The facility would be architecturally designed specifically for the elderly with features such as anti-skid flooring, especially in bathrooms and toilets, hand rails, ramps and so on.
Dwelling units would be allotted with lifelong tenancy rights. If the allottee dies, his/her spouse can use the unit during his/her lifetime. However, the allottee would not be allowed to transfer or sell the unit to anyone else and the ownership shall always vest with DDA. The project would be a unique endeavour allowing the elderly to live together in dignity and freedom and also enjoy quality life in their sunset years. If implemented successfully, it could become a role model across India and could be replicated by other state governments and private bodies.