Highlights

• A significant 83% of gated communities expressed a supportive stance on the installation of EV charging stations within their communities.
• Safety concerns emerged as the most cited reason for resistance, closely followed by the additional financial burden that such installations might impose.
• 61% felt that all residents should share the cost of EV charging infrastructure, while 18% believed it should depend on the number of EV users.
• A majority of 81% of communites were against charging EV owners a higher maintenance fee, favoring equitable treatment across the community.
• The responses indicate a general openness to EV infrastructure but also highlight concerns that need to be addressed to ensure broad acceptance.

The need for easily accessible charging infrastructure has increased due to the rise in popularity of electric cars (EVs). Gated communities, with their controlled environments and dedicated parking spaces, offer an ideal setting for installing EV charging stations. However, implementing this kind of infrastructure may be difficult.

A recent survey by Mygate highlights the varying attitudes of communities towards this transition.Notably, 83% of resident welfare associations (RWAs) either supported or were neutral about installing EV charging stations within their communities while others voiced resistance due to concerns about infrastructure changes, safety, and space allocation. However Shweta, from Noida shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m very much interested in going green. EV charging installation is a step forward for our community, and it’s something I’ve been looking forward to.”

Resistance often comes from worries about how EV charging stations might shake up the existing setup and the safety risks they could bring. Plus, there’s the classic debate on whether we should all chip in for the costs or if EV owners should foot the bill—matter that requires careful consideration by everyone involved.

There’s also a split in opinion regarding cost distribution. Results say  61% of communities felt that all residents should share the cost of EV charging infrastructure, while 18% believed it should depend on the number of EV users. Anita from Mumbai expressed, “I think it’s only fair that everyone contributes since the infrastructure benefits the entire community, not just the EV owners.” However, her neighbor Sunil countered saying “It makes sense for EV users to bear the cost since they’re the ones directly benefiting from the charging stations.”

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Moreover, while integrating EV charging infrastructure in gated communities presents challenges, it also brings significant benefits. Embracing this change proactively can position communities as leaders in sustainability and enhance their appeal to future residents.

Highlights

• 51% of respondents acknowledge conflicts within their societies, with 14.4% reporting frequent conflicts and 34.6% experiencing them occasionally.
• Non-compliance with community guidelines (32.3%) and defaulted payments (24.7%) are the primary causes of conflicts.
• Among communities without owner-tenant conflicts, 76.9% of respondents attribute the absence of disputes to effective management and community engagement.
• Fines or penalties (39.7%) and verbal or written warnings (29.1%) are the most common measures used to combat issues.
• 13.4% of respondents have remarked that no formal measures have been implemented for conflict resolution.
• Over half (59.4%) of RWAs have separate guidelines for tenants, with 22.8% admitting that these guidelines aren’t strictly enforced.
• 52.9% of respondents state that tenants do not enjoy equal voting rights compared to homeowners, while only 38.2% affirm that tenants have equal voting rights.

Managing a residential community presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining harmonious relationships between owners and tenants. A recent nationwide survey conducted among RWA members provides revealing insights into owner-tenant dynamics, conflict resolution, and community governance, uncovering the often-overlooked tensions that simmer beneath the surface.

“Conflicts with tenants are a real headache. They disrupt the peace and harmony we’ve worked so hard to maintain,” says Priya Sharma, an RWA member from Bengaluru. Her sentiment echoes across numerous communities, with the survey revealing that 51% of respondents acknowledge conflicts within their societies. While 14.4% report frequent conflicts, 34.6% experience them occasionally. The primary culprits? Non-compliance with community guidelines (32.3%) and defaulted payments (24.7%), followed by inter-resident disputes and the misuse of amenities.

“Sometimes it feels like we’re playing referee in a never-ending match,” laments Rajesh Nair, an RWA president from Mumbai. Yet, intriguingly, among communities without owner-tenant conflicts, 76.9% of respondents said the absence of disputes wasn’t due to a lack of tenants. This suggests that factors such as effective management and community engagement are pivotal in maintaining peace.

However many RWAs have turned to strict measures in place to combat the issues, fines or penalties (39.7%) and verbal or written warnings (29.1%) being the most common. Structured strategies such as these provide a path to manage disputes effectively. Among respondents, 13.4% have remarked that no formal measures have been implemented. “We often rely on ad-hoc solutions, which are neither fair nor effective,” admits Meera Joshi from Pune.

Regarding tenant guidelines, over half (59.4%) have separate guidelines in place, with 22.8% admitting that these aren’t strictly enforced. “Without stringent rules in place, misunderstandings are inevitable,” says Anil Verma, a resident from Chennai. Establishing clear guidelines could help reduce conflicts and foster community cohesion.

The survey also uncovers disparities in voting rights, with 52.9% of respondents stating tenants do not enjoy equal voting rights compared to homeowners. Only 38.2% affirm that tenants have equal voting rights, while 8.8% note variations depending on the poll.

The findings highlight the effectiveness of clearer guidelines, efficient conflict resolution, and equitable governance to foster harmonious and inclusive living environments. By addressing these areas, RWAs can enhance the overall living experience within their communities, ensuring peace and stability for both owners and tenants.

The treasurer of a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) holds a pivotal position, entrusted with the management of the community’s collective funds. This role demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of financial regulations. Unlike other RWA board members, the treasurer is responsible for handling substantial sums of money. This involves a wide range of tasks, from timely invoice generation and debt collection to budgeting and bank account management.

To make things simpler to manage, following a few ground rules usually helps.

In this blog, we are going to talk about those basic ground rules, and that is about the number of RWA bank accounts you should have for managing your Community funds.

Managing RWA Finances: Streamlining Bank Accounts

When taking charge of supervising the finances of a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) as a Treasurer, Board Member, or Community Manager, the first question you should ask is:

How many bank accounts does the Association hold?

Ideally, the answer should be no more than 1-3 per Association.
If your Association feels that multiple bank accounts are necessary, there should be a compelling reason for it. Managing numerous RWA bank accounts can be challenging and inefficient. Here are key considerations for maintaining multiple bank accounts:

1. Structuring of Operating Fund and Reserve Fund
2. Possible Diversification against Bank Defaults

Typically, you can manage with just two RWA bank accounts:

1. Operating Account: This account handles the day-to-day operations and expenses of the homeowners association or RWA.
2. Reserve Fund Account: This account is for the community’s savings, used for large future projects or unexpected major expenses (e.g., building painting, new play area construction, significant repairs due to natural calamities).

Some RWAs end up opening multiple bank accounts to manage various segments, such as different types of reserve fund requirements or different operating expenses. Additionally, some may open multiple accounts to take advantage of various benefits or offers from banks. However, creating too many segments can lead to complications in managing the accounts. It’s best to keep things simple and streamlined with just two accounts unless there are strong reasons for more.

Challenges of Multiple RWA Bank Accounts

Maintaining multiple bank accounts for an RWA can introduce several complexities:

1. Increased Administrative Burden: Each account requires regular reconciliation with financial records, a time-consuming process even for inactive accounts.
2. Operational Challenges: Whenever the RWA board changes, updating signatory details across multiple accounts can be cumbersome and error-prone. Overlooking a single account can freeze its funds.
3. Potential for Misuse: Less frequently used accounts may receive less scrutiny, increasing the risk of financial irregularities.

So, the first day in office for a Treasurer should be to take stock of the Bank Accounts! Sunset redundant Bank Accounts, and ensure any new Bank Account opening follows a Due Diligence process – Passing a Board Resolution is just one of them.

Bengaluru’s water problems are no secret. Over the years, the city’s seen more and more contaminated sources, leading to a spike in waterborne diseases. Gated communities, which make up a major chunk of the city’s water demand, can actually play a huge role in tackling this.

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is more than just an eco-friendly initiative. It offers practical, long-term benefits for both residents and the city at large. These include:

• Reducing collection and distribution costs

• Improving water quality, especially in areas with poor groundwater

• Minimising urban flooding and controlling non-point source pollution

• Extending the lifespan of home appliances by reducing scale build-up

• Cutting down water bills

• Ensuring water availability during summer shortages.

Recognising these advantages, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has outlined specific guidelines for housing societies to set up efficient RWH systems. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know.

Standard setup requirements 

For effective rainwater harvesting, BWSSB recommends a combination of storage and recharge methods. The guidelines are as follows:

• For rooftop areas, provide a storage/recharge capacity of 60 litres per square metre.

• For paved open spaces, allocate 30 litres per square metre.

Recharge wells should be at least 3 metres deep and 0.9 metres in diameter. It’s important to keep these wells open—avoid filling them with jelly or sand. Instead, use RCC rings layered with different sizes of jelly (40 mm to 6 mm) to support effective water infiltration.

Core components of a rainwater harvesting system

1. Catchment surface
The rooftop and open areas of your society serve as the primary catchment. Water quality will depend on roof material and nearby surroundings. Sloped roofs should be fitted with gutters and downpipes to guide water efficiently into the storage tank.

2. Gutters and downpipes
Gutters, typically made of PVC, vinyl, or aluminium, collect rainwater from the roof. They should be slightly sloped so that water flows towards downpipes. Downpipes usually 75–110 mm PVC carry this water to the storage tank. In RCC buildings, these components are often integrated into the existing drainage infrastructure.

3. Storage rank
This is the most critical and most expensive part of the system. The tank size should match the catchment area, rainfall pattern, and projected usage. Durability and accessibility for cleaning are important factors in choosing the right tank.

4. Filtration system
A filtration unit removes physical impurities. Sand bed filters are commonly used, incorporating layers of sand, charcoal, gravel, and pebbles.

• Wall-mounted filters work for rooftop areas up to 250 sq. m. For larger catchments, multiple units may be needed.

• A first-rain separator is essential for rooftops above 500 sq. m. It captures the first 1 mm of rainfall, usually the most contaminated, and stores it separately. A bypass valve allows residents to choose when or whether to harvest water during heavy rains.

Bengaluru often experiences rainfall intensities of up to 60 mm/hour, so the filtration system must be designed to handle this flow rate. Use filter materials like coarse sand, charcoal, and varying sizes of jelly stones, depending on your water quality requirements.

5. Delivery system
Once filtered, water must be channelled efficiently through pipes to the intended storage or distribution point. These pipes should be regularly checked for leaks and cleaned to maintain a consistent supply.

6. Water testing and treatment
Although rainwater appears clean, it’s essential to test it periodically, especially if it is intended for potable use. Treat the water using appropriate methods based on test results to ensure safety.

Ongoing maintenance guidelines

Maintenance plays a crucial role in the long-term success of your rainwater harvesting system. Here are the key practices to follow:

• Keep rooftops and nearby areas free of debris. Do not let scrap materials or detergent-rich water enter drains.
• Use perforated RCC slabs over drains for easy access and cleaning.
• Display signage within the society to raise awareness and promote good practices.
• Train support staff to maintain filters, clean drains, and manage recharge wells.
• Clear silt and debris from filter beds regularly.
• Ensure domestic wastewater does not mix with the recharge system.

RWH for paved areas

Most housing societies prefer paved surfaces for ease of access and maintenance. However, conventional paving can hinder water absorption. To allow for infiltration:

• Use porous pavements made with coarse aggregate.

• Lay a geotextile fabric beneath the paving to direct water into the soil.

• Opt for pre-cast tiles with holes, set on a sand base, to allow water to seep through.

The role of green cover

Incorporating greenery into your society’s landscape can significantly enhance rainwater absorption. Plant native trees at varying heights to slow down rain impact, improve water retention, and prevent soil erosion. Leaf litter also enriches the soil with humus, aiding moisture retention. A strong green cover complements your RWH system naturally.

To dive deeper into each specification and ensure your society meets all BWSSB standards, check out the downloadable PDF.

With the rise of electric vehicle usage in the city, the need for EV charging stations in your community becomes crucial. But what are the guidelines and regulations that one must adhere to set up an EV charging station in your community?

In 2019, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs amended building codes to require EV charging stations in new private and commercial buildings. The Maharashtra EV Policy 2021 designates these charging stations as an ‘Amenity,’ directing the Urban Development Department and local bodies to identify locations for charging infrastructure, including at existing fuel stations, and reserve amenity spaces in City Development Plans. Housing societies must incorporate these provisions to ensure adequate EV charging infrastructure.

Setting up private charging stations at residences is permitted, with distribution companies (DISCOMs) facilitating the process. Urban local bodies are encouraged to offer property tax rebates for private charging infrastructure within residential premises. Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) must be type-tested by a reputable authority. Private car batteries can be charged using domestic charging points, with billing typically included in home/domestic metering.

At the Building premise levels (for various building types)

• Private charging infrastructure (non-commercial use) for individuals.
• For all commercial modes of charging EVs, at least 1 PCS, as per the minimum specifications laid under the MoP guidelines.
• Standalone Battery Swapping Stations may be added to the PCs.

Residential Buildings (plotted house)
Table 1: Charging Infrastructure requirements for individual house/ self-use

Building Type	Plotted House
Ownership of Station	Private (Owner)
Connection and metering	Domestic meter
Type of charger	Slow chargers as per the owner’s specific requirement
Norms of provision	Min 1 SC and additional provisions as per the owner’s individual

Any PCS installed in Public/Private areas or building premises of any category that caters to the commercial mode of charging of EVs shall be deemed as a Public Charging Station and shall have to install the minimum requirements of chargers as specified in the guidelines dated 14.12.2018 of the Ministry of Power (refer to Annexure IV for MoP
Guidelines. However, to provide sufficient charging points for the EV share in for all vehicles, the ratio of types of chargers is recommended in the table below –

Building Type	Any building type
Ownership of Station	Service provider
Connection and metering	Commercial Metering and Payment
Type of charger	As per minimum requirements specified in the MoP Guidelines
Additional chargers	PCS service providers shall install an additional number of kiosks/chargers beyond the minimum specified requirements to meet the ratio of charging points as prescribed below (by the type of vehicle)
Norms of Provisions for Charging Points	4Ws 1SC – each 3 EVs 1FC – each 10 Evs
	3Ws 1SC – each 2 EVs
	2Ws 1 SC – 2 EVs

Based on the occupancy pattern and the total parking provisions in the premises of the various building types, charging infrastructures shall be provided only for EVs, which are currently assumed to be 20% of all ‘vehicle holding capacity’/’parking capacity’ at the premises. Additionally, the building premises will have to have an additional power load, equivalent to the power required for all charging points.

For the safe and effective Functioning of the EV Charging Stations (EVCS), the following guidelines must be followed:

1. Charging stations installed by Housing societies, provided that such stations meet the technical, Safety as well as performance standards and protocols laid down by the Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity of the Distributed Generation Resources) Amendment Regulations 2019 and Central Electricity Authority (Measures related to Safety and Electric Supply) Amendment Regulations 2019) Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006 and Directives issued from Urban Local Bodies Time to time.
2. All the electrical installation work for the charging station shall be carried out by the Licensed Electrical Contractor approved by the state government of Maharashtra.
3. Where multiple chargers are in use, there should be clear and prominent notices at each charging point indicating for which equipment or vehicle(s) i.e., AC or DC it is suitable.
4. Where rapid charging points – known as DC fast charge and operating at 500V DC – are provided, they should be differentiated from conventional charging points because of the hazards associated with the direct current. Measures should be taken to ensure that signs and labels associated with these chargers are not removed or defaced.
5. Where charging points are to be provided in multistorey car parks, consideration should be given to locating these in the open air at roof deck level to minimize the potential for fire spread within the structure.
6. All electric vehicle charging points shall be installed so that any socket-outlet of supply is at least 800 millimeters above the Highest Flood level.
7. The electric vehicle parking place shall be such that the connection to the vehicle when parked for charging shall be within five meters from the electric vehicle charging point.
8. The charging point should be child-proof and preferably installed away from any children’s play area.
9. Charging bays should be signed and marked prominently on the ground to allow vehicles to park close to the charging point and prevent the stretching of charging cables. The length of charging cables should be sufficient to allow their use with the intended equipment without risk of damage.
10. Charging points should be protected against mechanical damage by vehicles. They should be installed above ground level and be located on a raised island, or be protected by Krebs, bollards, or metal barriers. Charging points should also be protected against the ingress of water and foreign objects.
11. The parking of other vehicles in charging areas should be prohibited. In some cases, the introduction of barriers or other physical measures to prevent charging bays from being used as conventional parking spaces may need to be considered.
12. Where it is not practicable to provide this degree of physical separation of a vehicle
    charging area within a building, as mentioned above (and outside the premises), no charging should be undertaken within 10m of any combustible materials: be they waste materials, stock, or combustible elements of the structure. Similarly, no charging should be undertaken within 15m of hazardous installations such as transformers, flammable liquid stores, and liquefied petroleum gas tanks.
13. All chargers and associated equipment should be installed, used, and maintained by the manufacturer’s instructions. Servicing and maintenance should be carried out by a competent licensed electrician.
14. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) shall be type tested by an agency /lab accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) or any other regulatory authority for this purpose from time to time.
15. Where the connection point is installed outdoors or in a damp location, the equipment shall have a degree of Ingress Protection Code following IEC 60529.

The Karnataka Cooperative Societies Act (1959) has written the model bylaws that pertain to cooperative housing societies.
Bylaws benefit residents and Resident Welfare Associations by ensuring orderly and harmonious community living.

These regulations establish clear guidelines for property use, setbacks, and green spaces, contributing to a well-planned environment that enhances the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal. By promoting these standards, bylaws help maintain property values and ensure that developments complement the existing community fabric. They also provide a framework for resolving disputes related to land use and property boundaries, fostering a peaceful and cohesive community atmosphere.

Read more.