Ribbon Development: Houses along the highways

Going through the highways, one can see many housings, commercial properties, unorganised residential units along the roads. Such settlement practices are increasing and becoming quite common in various Indian cities. Such houses are not only unsafe to live, they look untidy at the verge of the great Indian roads and highways. Such developments were in vogue in the past, when the traffic at the highways was less, moved with less speed, and the houses were small. There used to be a lesser impact of the passing traffic, hence it was safer to live in such dwellings.

 

Why ribbon development is bad

 
First of all, such buildings are not the planned ones like the 1, 2, 3 or 4 BHK flats in Jaipur, so the amenities are either a scarcity or it takes an effort to provide electricity, water and proper drainage system to such dwellings. If the Govt. plans to expand the highways for better infrastructure, the people living in such houses should be offered an alternative place to live. That puts a negative pressure on the economy of the country.

Moreover, such houses do not limit to the roadside, illegal possession expands to the roads too. This can lead to traffic jams, pile-ups, lack of proper facilities for the people, roads become the playing grounds for the kids which is dangerous, roads shrink and so does the standard of living.
The ribbon development also causes accidents on the roads of populated cities of India. It is costly to maintain the living conditions in such societies; schools, hospitals, job opportunities etc. Since such houses cost less, a particular section of the society is showing interest in these affordable houses.

Why ribbon development occurs
The less prices of the property by the highways keep the ribbon development alive. The prices of the lands are less, the area is easily accessible and thus, the developers are showing a great interest in such lands. Looking from the buyer’s perspective, the houses on the outskirts of the city cost lesser and they are ready to compromise on the location to buy own home at their own price.

What needs to be done
While it is important to get rid of the ribbon development, it cannot be eradicated completely, especially from the cities which are well-established and there is no land to move the people living in ribbon area. Many cities are constructing the highways a notch above the residential area and a green belt is being developed around them. As such, no construction can take place in the immediate vicinity of highways. One more solution to this problem is the construction of the service roads which lead the highway to the residential and industrial units.


Ribbon development is an unfortunate situation but it is the home for a considerate number of people who can be homeless is any reckless move is taken against such practices. The Govt. need to take wise steps to eradicate such problem over a period of time. With the smart city initiative, such practice would come to an end. The future is to be seen. For buying a safe property in Jaipur, do your research well and contact the online property portals to get the right assistance.