NOIDA: In an effort to improve living conditions for the increasing construction workforce in the city, the Noida Authority is formulating a policy that may mandate developers and contractors to establish labor camps offering hygienic accommodation with essential amenities, such as toilets, clean water, electricity, and waste management systems, prior to commencing any construction projects.
The proposed policy could also include welfare measures, providing access to medical assistance, regular health check-ups, and schooling for children accompanying their working parents.
At present, many workers live in makeshift shelters near construction sites, which often lack safety and hygiene.
“The planning department has been assigned to draft the policy. It aims to hold developers accountable for ensuring safe and decent living conditions for the laborers they employ. This is vital for the workers’ welfare as well as for public health and urban safety,” stated a senior official from the Noida Authority.
Under the new policy, developers will need to seek permission from the Authority for setting up labor camps on designated plots and obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the plot owner.
Recently, several developers proposed plans to erect temporary shelters for workers; however, these requests were denied due to the absence of a formal policy.
A redevelopment policy recently authorized by the Noida Authority’s board, which allows for the reconstruction of buildings older than 30 years, has underscored the urgency for safe and hygienic accommodations for workers, particularly as it may stimulate new infrastructure projects in the city.
