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Growing flat culture in Jammu
5/29/2016 9:51:25 PM
Dr. Pragya Khanna

The increase in high-rise buildings is noticeably altering the landscape of traditional city of Jammu and also bringing about lifestyle changes in its wake. There were days when a bungalow was considered an embodiment of wealth and luxury. People always dreamt to own a bungalow and if they failed to build one, they settled for a smaller independent house with at least a small patch to call a lawn. Things have changed a lot compared to the past; I still remember during my childhood days people used to say "Flats ka kya fayada ...na roof aapki na land" which resulted in low price of the flats. Today, the scenario has changed altogether. Even the well-heeled and affluent classes prefer living in apartments or flats. The flat culture is blooming because it has several advantages over an independent house or a bungalow. Besides a range of facilities available in housing complexes like parking, 24-hour security, water and power back-up, playgrounds, stylish interiors, LPG connections, health club, intercoms etc. they present an easy opportunity for vacations wherein you can simply lock the flat up and enjoy a long trip without any fear of theft. Whether you face a problem with your bathroom tap or some electricity problem, you just need to inform your security guard to send the plumber or the electrician to fix it up. "I couldn't leave my elder parents alone at home in that independent house as my job involves a lot of travel. Now I have shifted in a nice flat in a society building where we have no security issues and lots of close neighbours to interact", says Anoop, a railway officer.
"If I had been in an independent house in some colony I would have to run around and get things fixed", says Sunil Sharma, a 50 year old consultant. So we can clearly see the difference! The apartments or flats are pretty cost-effective as well in comparison to the independent houses or bungalows. Imagine life amidst rich greens in a pollution free environment where a walk through the green stretches revitalizes you and well planted pathways and jogging tracks make you feel closer to the nature. For some, life in such luxurious flats means comfortable and fine quality lifestyle with attractive infrastructural facilities, architectural ingenuity and hi-tech innovation. The fashionable tiles match up with elegant ceramics, granite counters and graceful bath fittings. Moreover, the lively and animated colours of the walls bring a remarkable sense of aesthetics. People like to calm down and engage in fun activities at the lavish community club after an uptight day's work, visit the gym or take to the jogging trail to burn those extra calories or just stroll in the sprawling lawns while the kids play.
According to Sushil, a 39 year old CA, "Society flats are secure and a lot of facilities are there to make your life comfortable. They are a far better choice than independent houses in the city where there are power cuts for hours, the irregular water supply and threat to security".
Besides the advantages of living in flats there are also some shortcomings that need to be looked into. For instance, the cost of maintenance or the maintenance fee needs to be paid every month for electricity usage in public places, elevators, cleaning public areas, the cost of security, sanitation and others. This fee is usually calculated per square meter of area of apartment units owned. Also living in flats is not as free as to stay in an independent house; in some places there is prohibition to bring pets and that causes a lot of trouble to pet lovers. For those of you who love plants, you cannot freely plant in the absence of land. The flats that are not too large may not be preferable for those who have been accustomed to live in traditional spacious houses.
In addition, there is one more aspect while living in flats in multi-storeyed buildings, whether you stay at the ground floor or higher up. The ground-floor living gives you more flexibility in your everyday activities than any other floor in an apartment building. Meanwhile, the ground-floor occupant's peace and quiet is at the mercy of his or her upstairs neighbours and their lifestyles. You may live below hard-partying college students, a family with mischievous children, treadmill-addicted workout freaks or, if you're lucky, a quiet single person who is never home except to sleep. You'd be surprised at the variety of noises that can trouble you from upstairs. Depending on the construction of your building, you may be discontented by your upstairs neighbour's bathroom habits or television preferences. It is imperative to know before moving in a ground-floor flat that living below another resident will require some tolerance and lenience on your part.
The biggest advantage to living in a ground-floor apartment is the ease it offers. You are close to the parking lot, building entrance, mailboxes and laundry facilities. You have a straight admittance to your building's veranda or garden and it can often unofficially be considered the downstairs occupant's domain. Plus you'll have an easier time moving in and out, carrying in groceries, doing laundry, taking garbage to the garbage bin and even simply getting to your car to go to work each day. If you own a dog, taking it out will be as easy as if you owned your own home. However, you may experience a good deal of foot traffic outside your doors and windows that can increase the noise level in your living environment.
Last, but not the least the main reason for the apartment or flat culture to flourish so rapidly is because land is a limited natural resource and the demand for residential properties has also soared high due to the increasing costs. Not just the government authorities, but private builders have stepped ahead to provide comfortable and affordable housing in the form of apartments and flats. But the mushrooming of flats has led to civic problems related to waste management and that needs to be looked into. "Nowadays most people are buying flats/apartments in Jammu. I keep worrying that if I go in for one it will take me 20 years to finish my housing loan. For a 25 Lac rupees flat I have to spend approximately 65 lacs when I'm completing my loan. After 20 or 25 years will my flat be worth enough?", says Arshad, a 42 year old educationist. This is really a question to ponder over; however, if you are planning for a new house you have a number of options available for a decent and plush living, nevertheless, plan well for a wonderful living ahead!
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