Latest news with #Olympic-size
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Chandigarh administration to invest Rs 300cr to upgrade sports infra
1 2 Chandigarh: Hoping to put Chandigarh on the world sports map by creating a world-class sports infrastructure, the UT administration will spend more than Rs 300 crore in the next couple of years. This includes the creation of new sports infrastructure in the Sector 42 sports complex and upgrade of existing facilities in different sports complexes. For example, Sector 18 hockey stadium will be upgraded to international levels by laying astro turf and installing all-weather flood lighting. Other projects include replacing clay courts with synthetic courts for lawn tennis in the Sukhna Lake complex, upgrading the Sector 16 cricket stadium with a new pitch square, new flood lighting, and stadium regressing, and constructing an all-weather swimming pool in the Sector 30 sports complex. All sports complexes will be brought under a single command and control centre, which will be set up at the Sector 42 sports complex. CCTV cameras will be installed in all stadiums and sports complexes, and control rooms will be established to ensure high-level security. Among the multiple projects being undertaken, the biggest is the Rs 210 crore new sports infrastructure project to be created in the Sector 42 sports complex. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New GLP-1 Patch Helps Burn Belly Fat Without Dieting or Exercise LeanPatch Learn More Undo It will comprise an Indoor Multi-Purpose Sports Hall, an Indoor Swimming Pool with a competition pool, diving pool, and practice pool, along with seating and a Girls Hostel. These facilities will be developed on 19 acres within the Sector 42 sports complex. A senior UT official said, "The requirement for the project was made in December last year, and the UT urban planning department completed the proposal in January this year. The entire project is expected to be completed within a span of two years. The UT engineering department has initiated the implementation of the project. We have already hired a consultant to chalk out the detailed project report (DPR) for the project. " The proposed Indoor Multi-Purpose Sports Hall will accommodate 12 sports disciplines: Badminton, Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, Table Tennis, Fencing, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Kabaddi, Netball, and Gymnastics under one roof. "This multi-purpose hall will have a seating capacity of 4,000 persons along with other facilities such as a Physiotherapy Hall, Fitness Hall, Coach Room, Doctor Room, Medical Room, Sports Physiology and Anthropometry Hall, Conference Hall, Recreational Rooms, etc. With these facilities, this Indoor Multi-Purpose Sports Hall can host international and national level events and training camps for elite sportspersons," said the official. The proposed Indoor All-Weather Swimming Pool Complex will comprise an Olympic-size competition pool, diving pool, and practice pool, which can host international and national level events. A Girls Hostel will be constructed in the complex, which will accommodate 300 players and will have facilities like an advanced kitchen, dining hall, recreational room, study room, etc.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Underground tank to prevent flooding in low-lying Jalan Besar area completed
Located next to Rochor Canal, the Syed Alwi Pumping Station is designed to divert storm water from the upstream of Rochor Canal into an underground tank. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO SINGAPORE – The low-lying Jalan Besar area and parts of Little India are now better protected against floods with the completion of a new pumping station with an underground tank along Syed Alwi Road. Located next to Rochor Canal, the Syed Alwi Pumping Station is designed to divert storm water from the upstream of Rochor Canal into an underground tank. The water is then pumped out of the tank – which is able to hold about 9,300 cubic m of water, or about the total capacity of four Olympic-size pools – into a downstream section of Rochor Canal during and after storms. This ensures that storm drains, which collect rainwater run-off from the Jalan Besar area, are not overwhelmed during intense rain when the water level in the canal is high. The completion of the underground tank was announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu in a recorded address at the 2025 Singapore International Water Week Spotlight conference on June 23. 'As ground raising is not possible in (Jalan Besar), the dual-purpose storage and pumping station was conceptualised as an alternative solution to enhance flood resilience,' she said in the video, which was aired at the event held at the Singapore Expo. National water agency PUB, which built the $33 million pumping station, said it 'forms part of PUB's diverse storm water management infrastructure to strengthen Singapore's flood resilience as climate change brings about more frequent and intense rainfall'. The fully automated pumping station, which was completed in June, also has floodgates at the Syed Alwi Road drains that shut to prevent backflow of water from Rochor Canal into the Jalan Besar area. Construction of the Syed Alwi Pumping Station began in 2021, with most of the costs covered by Singapore's Coastal and Flood Protection Fund. The fund, which was set up with an initial injection of $5 billion in 2020, received an additional injection of $5 billion from Budget 2025, to fund both coastal protection and drainage infrastructure. Jalan Besar is a low-lying area that experienced flooding from the 2000s to 2010s. The last time it experienced a flooding incident was on Nov 13, 2014, said PUB. Among the efforts made to combat flooding in the area were the upgrading of drains along Syed Alwi Road and raising road levels in 2014. Rochor Canal, which runs along Sungei Road and Rochor Canal Road towards Marina Reservoir, was also widened and deepened in 2015 to increase its drainage capacity. These measures enhanced flood protection in nearby areas such as Veerasamy Road, Hindoo Road and Desker Road. However, expanding drainage infrastructure and raising ground levels are not feasible for all sites, said Ms Gayathri Kalyanaraman, senior principal engineer for drainage planning at PUB's catchment and waterways department. 'The low-lying Jalan Besar area illustrates this challenge,' she said. It is not possible to raise roads and buildings in the area, which has many heritage buildings such as Masjid Angullia and the shophouse at 75 Maude Road. This is where the new pumping station comes in – enhancing the area's flood resilience. Storm water will accumulate in the underground tank, which is 11m high and has the capacity of four Olympic-sized pools and can hold about 9,300 cu m of water. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO When the water level in the tank reaches 4.5m, the pumps will be automatically activated to discharge water into Rochor Canal via two outlets. When the water level is below 4m, the water will be discharged by two other smaller pumps into the canal. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Two other pumping stations, built in the 1990s, enhance flood resilience in the low-lying Tanjong Katong estate. Despite its efforts to enhance Singapore's drainage infrastructure, 'absolute protection is not possible, and building community resilience is key', said PUB. Stakeholders such as building owners and contractors can ensure proper maintenance of internal drainage systems, and implement flood protection measures according to stipulated guidelines to better protect their properties, it added. Meanwhile, the Syed Alwi Pumping Station has brought more verdancy to the Rochor area, with features like a green roof and green wall. Coming up next to it is an open plaza that will provide a recreational space integrated with nearby Build-To-Order development King George's Heights, which is under construction. As part of efforts to protect Singapore's coasts from sea-level rise, the Republic has divided its coastline into eight stretches, and is conducting separate studies on them to determine the most suitable ways to protect each stretch from future rising seas. Where possible, these solutions will be multifunctional, enhancing the environment and supporting better land use, said Ms Fu. She added that PUB will soon launch a risk assessment study to evaluate eight offshore islands' vulnerability to sea-level rise. This is an expansion of the work being done on the mainland, and more details will be revealed in a few days. Additional reporting by Shabana Begum Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Axios
6 days ago
- Climate
- Axios
Austin remains in a drought
Much of Central Texas — including Travis County — remain parched, despite downpours last month. Why it matters: The persistence of this drought might be a window into our new normal as the climate changes. Climatologists tell us to expect longer spells of hot, dry weather, broken up now and then by bursts of rainfall, like the intense storm in late May that led to widespread power outages and flooding. Zoom in: Nearly all of Travis County is experiencing severe drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, out Thursday — and areas to the southwest, including parts of San Antonio, are parched with exceptional drought, the worst level. Yes, but: Areas to Austin's northwest, home to the region's major reservoirs, are suffering mild drought, or none at all. Reality check: Those reservoirs — Lakes Buchanan and Travis — remain contracted, wracked by years of brutal heat and below-normal rainfall. The last time the lakes were full was in July 2019. They are currently 52% full. Stunning fact: In 2024, the Highland Lakes lost about 45 billion gallons of water to evaporation — or enough water to fill about 70,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. Zoom in: The Lower Colorado River Authority, which manages the river and its dams, moved into Stage 2 of its drought response in March, requiring utilities, industries and retail water providers to ratchet down water use. What they're saying:"We're still in the midst of a serious drought," Kelly Payne, senior vice president for water operations at the LCRA, told board members last week. "Rain really needs to fall upstream of the Highland Lakes — ideally a widespread rain over Junction, Fredericksburg or San Saba — to have a chance of making its way into Lakes Travis and Buchanan."
Economic Times
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Economic Times
edition 23-Jun-2025 to 29-june-2025
Lavish living, cramped spaces Loading factor has surged Live Events Same budget, different loading factors Balancing act Housing prices have shot up sharply How to calculate loading factor Get clarity on the loading factor Ask your builder, the exact carpet area you are paying for and compare it with the super built-up area. 'Request a clear breakdown of costs, what portion goes to actual usable space and what is for common amenities,' says Rathod. Compare carpet-to-super built-up ratios across similar projects, thoroughly study floor plans, and, if needed, consult an architect or a real estate adviser. 'Comparing loading percentages across projects can highlight anomalies and offer a strong basis for negotiation, especially if the loading appears excessive,' Purohit comments. Imagine an Olympic-size swimming pool, a swanky multistorey clubhouse, badminton and tennis courts, and landscaped gardens. A few years ago, you would have been picturing a luxury retreat nestled somewhere in the hills. But what was once a dreamy escape is now part of everyday life for many. An oasis of calm, comfort and luxury awaits Indian homeowners within plush housing complexes mushrooming amid the hustle-bustle of its big cities. However, this elevated living comes with a sharp trade-off: homebuyers are paying through the nose for open spaces, while making do with less living you buy an apartment, you do not just pay for the liveable area within its four walls. A portion of the cost also goes toward shared spaces in the housing society—this is known as the ' loading factor '. It refers to the proportionate share of ancillary common areas and amenities added to the carpet area (usable inner home area) and included in the price charged to the buyer. It essentially refers to the difference between the super built-up and the carpet area of an apartment. To put it simply, the carpet area refers to the floor space where you can actually lay a carpet. The built-up area includes the carpet area plus the space taken up by the walls and ducts. The super built-up area includes the built-up area along with a proportionate share of common spaces such as the staircases, lift shafts, entrance lobbies, corridors, parking areas, and amenities. 'In India, property prices are usually calculated based on the super built-up area. While developers market homes based on this figure, the real value lies in the carpet area,' points out Akhil Rathi, Head– Financial Advisory at 1 Finance.A recent report by ANAROCK throws light on the steep premium homebuyers are paying for their lap of luxury. According to the real estate consultancy, the average loading factor in apartments across India's top seven markets has climbed sharply from 31% in 2019 to 40% in January-March 2025. This means that of the total space you are paying for, only 60% is the home interior, while 40% of the cost is for the common areas and amenities. In the past, a loading of 25-30% was the faces highest loading; Bengaluru sees steepest riseHomebuyers' preferences for a certain lifestyle is contributing to this trend. Nowadays, homebuyers covet expansive lounge areas with cafes, state-of-the-art gymnasiums, rooftop decks and multi-purpose utility areas. Experts point out that the loading factor is directly proportional to the amenities in a project. The cost of additional amenities provided by the developer is usually passed on to customers in the form of loading charges. Invariably, loading will be higher for larger projects, where more space is allotted to amenities and common Thakur, Regional Director & Head–Research & Advisory, ANAROCK Group, observes, 'Today, higher amenity loading has become the norm across most projects partly because homebuyers are no longer satisfied with basic lifestyle amenities— they expect fitness centres, clubhouses, park-like gardens, and grand lobbies.' Additionally, regulatory and safety requirements, such as fire escapes, utility zones, and larger elevators, further increase the common areas, thereby adding to the loading, points out Rahul Purohit, Cofounder & Chief Business Officer, Square the flip side is that homebuyers end up giving up on actual living spaces. Buyers often end up paying a premium for homes with less actual living area because the pricing is based on the super built-up area, not the space the residents actively use, Rathi explains. 'While such facilities may enhance the community living experience, they also reduce the size of individual units, resulting in tighter bedrooms or smaller living spaces,' he says. Jayesh Rathod, Co-Founder and Director of The Guardian Real Estate Advisory, asserts, 'Homebuyers are increasingly paying a significant portion of their total home cost for shared spaces rather than actual liveable space.''While high loading doesn't automatically lower resale prices, it may narrow the pool of interested buyers due to perceived space inefficiency", says Akhil Rathi, Head – Financial Advisory, 1 to the ANAROCK report, Mumbai Metropolitan Region continues to see the highest loading among the top seven cities, with 43% in January-March 2025. Bengaluru has seen the highest percentile jump in average loading over the last seven years–from 30% in 2019 to 41% in January-March 2025. The ANAROCK report suggests this dovetails with the increasingly higher saturation of modern amenities that developers now include to cater to the higher lifestyle ask in the IT hub. Chennai, on the other hand, has the least average loading rise in January-March 2025 with 36%, aligning with a city-specific demand profile where homebuyers prefer to pay more for usable space within their homes rather than for common areas. In 2019, Chennai's average loading percentage was 30%.Knowing the loading factor helps assess homebuyers, the loading factor of an apartment is critical when evaluating projects with extensive amenities and open spaces. It is indicative of the functionality of the house. It also reveals the real value behind the price tag. Loading ratio tells you how much space you get for the money you spend. If the ratio is higher, it implies that you are paying a higher price per square foot than the advertised cost. Homebuyers can effectively compare relative value proposition of different projects. For example, if two apartments—Unit A and Unit B—each have a super built-up area of 1,000 sq ft and are priced atRs.75 lakh, but their loading factors are 25% and 33% respectively, it means Unit A offers more liveable space at 800 sq ft compared to Unit B's 750 sq ft. This trade-off between amenities and functional space begs careful consideration.'This trade-off, paying more for less private space, has become a growing concern among urban homebuyers, especially in cities where affordability is already a challenge,' says Rathi. Individual preferences may differ, so buyers should evaluate offers accordingly.'Higher amenity loading has become the norm across most projects partly because homebuyers are no longer satisfied with basic lifestyle amenities," says Prashant Thakur, Regional Director & Head -Research & Advisory, Anarock.'For buyers who value access to curated amenities and community experiences, the premium associated with such projects can be well worth it, even if it means a slightly smaller functional space,' avers Purohit. Conversely, for those who prioritise maximum carpet area and functional layouts over lifestyle features, choosing a project with minimal loading and fewer amenities might be more suitable, he may also impact the resale value of your house. It can bolster or dilute the appeal of the tenement, depending on buyer preferences in the secondary market, experts has seen highest jump; Mumbai commands biggest premium.'On one hand, projects with premium amenities and lifestyle-driven features often appeal to a certain segment of buyers looking for comfort, convenience, and community living. However, if the functional space feels significantly compromised, it could limit the resale pool or affect price appreciation over time,' contends Purohit.'Higher loading may affect the resale value in some cases, particularly when similar properties in the vicinity or even nearby locations offer more usable space at the same price,' Thakur must verify charges to avoid overpaying for less super built-up area is 1,000 sq ft and carpet area is 750 sq ft:Older or more thoughtfully designed homes with minimal loading and better space distribution often attract greater interest during resale, Rathi points if a new project is developed by a well-known builder and offers premium amenities, some buyers may still find value in the overall lifestyle offering. 'So, while high loading doesn't automatically lower resale prices, it may narrow the pool of interested buyers due to perceived space inefficiency,' Rathi homebuyers, clarity on the loading factor and actual living area is essential. Unfortunately, the practise of 'loading' in real estate is shrouded in a web of secrecy. Developers conveniently do not mention the loading factor in their glossy sales brochures. Regulations do not mandate developers to disclose this figure either. This leaves homebuyers in the dark about the value they are getting. To be sure, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, requires developers to mention the total carpet area provided to homebuyers. But not all states enforce the law. 'In most cases, buyers across cities, except in Maharashtra, are unaware of how much they pay towards the overall usable space within their apartment,' avers there is no law that currently limits the loading factor in residential housing. It is left to the discretion of the developers, who justify higher loading for the amenities provided. In the absence of any regulation, some developers charge loading as high as 50% or more for their projects, experts point onus is on buyers to remain vigilant. Here's what you can do:
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rising prices for shrinking houses: How lavish lifestyle comes at the cost of higher loading factor; check this before you buy
Imagine an Olympic-size swimming pool, a swanky multistorey clubhouse, badminton and tennis courts, and landscaped gardens. A few years ago, you would have been picturing a luxury retreat nestled somewhere in the hills. But what was once a dreamy escape is now part of everyday life for many. An oasis of calm, comfort and luxury awaits Indian homeowners within plush housing complexes mushrooming amid the hustle-bustle of its big cities. However, this elevated living comes with a sharp trade-off: homebuyers are paying through the nose for open spaces, while making do with less living space. Lavish living, cramped spaces When you buy an apartment, you do not just pay for the liveable area within its four walls. A portion of the cost also goes toward shared spaces in the housing society—this is known as the ' loading factor '. It refers to the proportionate share of ancillary common areas and amenities added to the carpet area (usable inner home area) and included in the price charged to the buyer. It essentially refers to the difference between the super built-up and the carpet area of an apartment. To put it simply, the carpet area refers to the floor space where you can actually lay a carpet. The built-up area includes the carpet area plus the space taken up by the walls and ducts. The super built-up area includes the built-up area along with a proportionate share of common spaces such as the staircases, lift shafts, entrance lobbies, corridors, parking areas, and amenities. 'In India, property prices are usually calculated based on the super built-up area. While developers market homes based on this figure, the real value lies in the carpet area,' points out Akhil Rathi, Head– Financial Advisory at 1 Finance. A recent report by ANAROCK throws light on the steep premium homebuyers are paying for their lap of luxury. According to the real estate consultancy, the average loading factor in apartments across India's top seven markets has climbed sharply from 31% in 2019 to 40% in January-March 2025. This means that of the total space you are paying for, only 60% is the home interior, while 40% of the cost is for the common areas and amenities. In the past, a loading of 25-30% was the norm. Loading factor has surged MMR faces highest loading; Bengaluru sees steepest rise Homebuyers' preferences for a certain lifestyle is contributing to this trend. Nowadays, homebuyers covet expansive lounge areas with cafes, state-of-the-art gymnasiums, rooftop decks and multi-purpose utility areas. Experts point out that the loading factor is directly proportional to the amenities in a project. The cost of additional amenities provided by the developer is usually passed on to customers in the form of loading charges. Invariably, loading will be higher for larger projects, where more space is allotted to amenities and common areas. Live Events Prashant Thakur, Regional Director & Head–Research & Advisory, ANAROCK Group, observes, 'Today, higher amenity loading has become the norm across most projects partly because homebuyers are no longer satisfied with basic lifestyle amenities— they expect fitness centres, clubhouses, park-like gardens, and grand lobbies.' Additionally, regulatory and safety requirements, such as fire escapes, utility zones, and larger elevators, further increase the common areas, thereby adding to the loading, points out Rahul Purohit, Cofounder & Chief Business Officer, Square Yards. But the flip side is that homebuyers end up giving up on actual living spaces. Buyers often end up paying a premium for homes with less actual living area because the pricing is based on the super built-up area, not the space the residents actively use, Rathi explains. 'While such facilities may enhance the community living experience, they also reduce the size of individual units, resulting in tighter bedrooms or smaller living spaces,' he says. Jayesh Rathod, Co-Founder and Director of The Guardian Real Estate Advisory, asserts, 'Homebuyers are increasingly paying a significant portion of their total home cost for shared spaces rather than actual liveable space.' 'While high loading doesn't automatically lower resale prices, it may narrow the pool of interested buyers due to perceived space inefficiency", says Akhil Rathi, Head – Financial Advisory, 1 Finance. According to the ANAROCK report, Mumbai Metropolitan Region continues to see the highest loading among the top seven cities, with 43% in January-March 2025. Bengaluru has seen the highest percentile jump in average loading over the last seven years–from 30% in 2019 to 41% in January-March 2025. The ANAROCK report suggests this dovetails with the increasingly higher saturation of modern amenities that developers now include to cater to the higher lifestyle ask in the IT hub. Chennai, on the other hand, has the least average loading rise in January-March 2025 with 36%, aligning with a city-specific demand profile where homebuyers prefer to pay more for usable space within their homes rather than for common areas. In 2019, Chennai's average loading percentage was 30%. Same budget, different loading factors Knowing the loading factor helps assess value. Balancing act For homebuyers, the loading factor of an apartment is critical when evaluating projects with extensive amenities and open spaces. It is indicative of the functionality of the house. It also reveals the real value behind the price tag. Loading ratio tells you how much space you get for the money you spend. If the ratio is higher, it implies that you are paying a higher price per square foot than the advertised cost. Homebuyers can effectively compare relative value proposition of different projects. For example, if two apartments—Unit A and Unit B—each have a super built-up area of 1,000 sq ft and are priced atRs.75 lakh, but their loading factors are 25% and 33% respectively, it means Unit A offers more liveable space at 800 sq ft compared to Unit B's 750 sq ft. This trade-off between amenities and functional space begs careful consideration. 'This trade-off, paying more for less private space, has become a growing concern among urban homebuyers, especially in cities where affordability is already a challenge,' says Rathi. Individual preferences may differ, so buyers should evaluate offers accordingly. 'Higher amenity loading has become the norm across most projects partly because homebuyers are no longer satisfied with basic lifestyle amenities," says Prashant Thakur, Regional Director & Head -Research & Advisory, Anarock. 'For buyers who value access to curated amenities and community experiences, the premium associated with such projects can be well worth it, even if it means a slightly smaller functional space,' avers Purohit. Conversely, for those who prioritise maximum carpet area and functional layouts over lifestyle features, choosing a project with minimal loading and fewer amenities might be more suitable, he adds. Loading may also impact the resale value of your house. It can bolster or dilute the appeal of the tenement, depending on buyer preferences in the secondary market, experts say. Housing prices have shot up sharply Bengaluru has seen highest jump; Mumbai commands biggest premium. 'On one hand, projects with premium amenities and lifestyle-driven features often appeal to a certain segment of buyers looking for comfort, convenience, and community living. However, if the functional space feels significantly compromised, it could limit the resale pool or affect price appreciation over time,' contends Purohit. 'Higher loading may affect the resale value in some cases, particularly when similar properties in the vicinity or even nearby locations offer more usable space at the same price,' Thakur remarks. How to calculate loading factor Buyers must verify charges to avoid overpaying for less space. If super built-up area is 1,000 sq ft and carpet area is 750 sq ft: Older or more thoughtfully designed homes with minimal loading and better space distribution often attract greater interest during resale, Rathi points out. However, if a new project is developed by a well-known builder and offers premium amenities, some buyers may still find value in the overall lifestyle offering. 'So, while high loading doesn't automatically lower resale prices, it may narrow the pool of interested buyers due to perceived space inefficiency,' Rathi adds. Get clarity on the loading factor For homebuyers, clarity on the loading factor and actual living area is essential. Unfortunately, the practise of 'loading' in real estate is shrouded in a web of secrecy. Developers conveniently do not mention the loading factor in their glossy sales brochures. Regulations do not mandate developers to disclose this figure either. This leaves homebuyers in the dark about the value they are getting. To be sure, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, requires developers to mention the total carpet area provided to homebuyers. But not all states enforce the law. 'In most cases, buyers across cities, except in Maharashtra, are unaware of how much they pay towards the overall usable space within their apartment,' avers Thakur. Besides, there is no law that currently limits the loading factor in residential housing. It is left to the discretion of the developers, who justify higher loading for the amenities provided. In the absence of any regulation, some developers charge loading as high as 50% or more for their projects, experts point out. The onus is on buyers to remain vigilant. Here's what you can do: Ask your builder, the exact carpet area you are paying for and compare it with the super built-up area. 'Request a clear breakdown of costs, what portion goes to actual usable space and what is for common amenities,' says Rathod. Compare carpet-to-super built-up ratios across similar projects, thoroughly study floor plans, and, if needed, consult an architect or a real estate adviser. 'Comparing loading percentages across projects can highlight anomalies and offer a strong basis for negotiation, especially if the loading appears excessive,' Purohit comments.
