THE JOYS OF TOWNSHIP LIVING

With regard to living spaces, Indians have always been a community oriented and socially active people, thriving on extensive social networking for varied reasons, right from discussions on politics, food or just plain gossip.  The question that arises is whether one would prefer to socialize in congested corridors, in cramped common areas, or in drab and uninteresting party rooms? Or would it be ideal in open spaces that nourished your mind as well as health and gave you more ammunition for discussions.

Urban life and the acute stress of city living has led us to seek more open spaces where we can breathe easy within reach of our homes and, in turn, contributes to a healthier mind in a better neighborhood environment. The lack of support infrastructure in our cities and claustrophobic, stand-alone apartment blocks has led to a feeling of discontent and loss of faith in civic administrators, urban planners, designers and builders for creating spaces that lacked facilities that address issues that covered a wider spectrum of healthy living.

In the past, when density of living spaces was not as congested as it is now, we had town halls, community centers, common parks and theatres that helped enhance culture and social interaction. These became scarce due to urban sprawl and out-growth of cities and towns. Community based living can bring in such values which leave a lasting impression for our children and inculcate the spirit of social responsibility and the value of sharing. Amenities that became part and parcel of these large residential townships in many ways filled the vacuum that was created as a result of these urban problems. Club houses, jogging tracks, pools, crèches, cafeterias, guest suites, drivers' accommodation, medical clinics, bank ATMs and many more amenities went a long way to enhance the lifestyle of residents. 24 hour high-speed broadband connectivity made you a global resident!! A lifestyle that would have required time, effort, costs and travel was all made available at your very own location. Could you bargain for more? The community then had the advantage of developing themselves on a unified common platform of understanding each other's lifestyle, cultural and social needs. Neighborhood harmony, common interests that were binding and retaining a strong mental health all followed in quick steps. Social linkages within these townships create more healthy relationships and go a long way in bringing about a harmonious co-existence of neighbors: a very vital and important thread in modern day community living. In any such community-led approach, the advantages of scale of economy play an important factor in the maintenance and upkeep of common facilities within the township and can contribute to reducing per home costs. The cost benefits cover common utilities covering areas of drinking and waste water, solid waste management, water heating, swimming pools, water and sewerage treatment systems, upkeep and maintenance of common areas and gardens/lawns. A cost effective management of these facilities results in service provision of a high standard and in the end, better utilization of available resources. This will also assist better planning in terms of requirements of resources like water and energy. The socio-economic connection is revealed when these economic decisions are taken as a group and directed towards the common good of the residents within the township. A positive aspect of this system is that no external interference can be expected and decisions taken internally are for entire communities self interest. The community is able to identify the most effective and suited infrastructure and utility needs and it is there that obvious cost efficiencies will emerge.

We, at Mir Realtors have always planned that we are, will and always be an active member of the larger, happy family created by us. It is in our interest to see that this family grows and grows in a healthy and happy manner. It is the unity of the group that will forever be our strength. .