NDTV Property Awards 2014 honour excellence in Indian Real Estate

NDTV’s Manisha Natarajan, Senior Editor, Business and Real Estate along with Vasudha Sharma and Anjali Istwal, co-anchors of The Property Show, hosted the second edition of the NDTV Property Awards, presented by Parryware and powered by Johnson Tiles. The awards honoured and acknowledged excellence in Indian real estate and recognised real estate leaders whose persistent pursuit of excellence has fuelled India’s journey to the forefront of the world’s economy. The Awards ceremony was held at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai on 13^th March, 2015.

The ceremony was attended by the crème de la crème of the real estate world including Niranjan Hiranandani, Co-Founder & MD, Hiranandani Group; Boman Irani, Chairman & MD, Rustomjee; Rajeev Talwar, MD, DLF; Getambar Anand, Chairman & MD, ATS Infra/ATS Greens & J C Sharma, MD, Sobha Developers; Samujjwal Ghosh, EVP-Marketing, The Lodha Group; Anita Arjundas, CEO Mahindra Lifespace; Irfan Razack, MD, Prestige Group and Brotin Banerjee, MD & CEO, Tata Housing.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Chandra, Group CEO, NDTV said “We at NDTV are proud to announce the second edition of the NDTV Property Awards, a credible and distinguished platform to recognise and honour the most resilient and the strongest real estate leaders of this year. Over the last few years the real estate sector in India has come a long way and is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. It is the efforts of many establishments and individuals in the sector that have marked this growth and with these awards we aim to recognise their contribution to the country.”

R. Ramesh, VP, Sales, Parryware, added “We are the leaders in bathroom and NDTV is a leading news channel. The NDTV Property Awards is thus a natural fit for us to associate with. I have seen lot of real estate development in the recent past and I have seen the nominations as well. It was a race of the first amongst the equals. I am sure the jury members had a tough time deciding the winners. My heartiest congratulations to the winners.”

Jury members for the  awards included Mrs Renu Sud Karnad, MD, HDFC; Mr Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & MD, CBRE; Mr Amit Bhagat, CEO & Managing Director, ASK Property Investment Advisors Pvt. Ltd; Mr Ritesh Vohra, Partner, Real Estate Investments, IDFC Alternatives Limited; Mr Rohit Salhotra, MD and CEO ICICI-HFC; Mr Sachin Sandhir, MD, South Asia, RICS; Prof Dr NeelimaRisbud, Dean of Studies, SPA (School of Planning and Architecture), Delhi; and Ms Manisha Natarajan, Senior Editor, Business and Real Estate, NDTV.

All results were confidentially tabulated and audited by KPMG with PropEquity as the Knowledge Partner and EDS as Knowledge Partner for the Green Awards.

Associate Sponsors for the event were Colliers International (India), Rajnigandha Cables Pvt. Ltd, 99acres.com, Reliance Home Finance with Radio City 91.1FM as the Radio Partner, Laqshya Media Group as the Outdoor Partner and Property For Sale as Print  Partner.

Source: IndianTelevision

Niranjan Hiranandani, Co Founder & MD, Hiranandani Group

Niranjan Hiranandani, Co Founder & MD, Hiranandani Group has virtually revolutionized the real estate industry in the country. A qualified Chartered Accountant, his first spark of recognition in the construction business came with the Group’s project at Versova, Andheri in the mid-eighties. Niranjan Hiranandani is a Business Leader with a combination of qualities like sharp professional business acumen, concerned citizen with social awareness, Industry leader with up to date knowledge, and above all, ensuring that the company gives value to every Customer.

Hiranandani Group’s construction activities were launched in 1981. Their mega projects in Powai commenced in 1987 and in Thane in 1996. Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Hiranandani Estate, Thane & Hiranandani Meadows, Thane are township projects epitomizing architecture marvels embraced with modern infrastructure of concrete roads, water supply, 100% effective sewage systems installed, solar panels, afforestation for eco-friendly township, adequate power supply and high tech communication networks.

Replying to Yash Ved of IIFL, Niranjan Hiranandani says "With increasing ready reckoner rates, the biggest loser will be the government.”

What outlook do you see for real estate sector and for industry as a whole?

We have to think, what growth will be achieved going forward as the Government is planning to achieve 25mn houses by 2022.

We expect growth in terms of Infrastructure and real estate sector. We will see more change in affordable sector, taxes, policy levels, rental housing schemes and will also see growth in peripheral of cities.

Brief us about your current and upcoming projects in residential, commercial and retail space?

We are looking at two townships, one at Powai and Thane. The company has also launched Hiranandani Zen, 1bhk apartment priced at Rs​ ​1.24 crore.

​        

The new mixed -used township project is commenced at Chennai & Panvel known as Hiranandani Parks, & Hiranandani Hills under the brand name " Hiranandani Communities ". To begin with company has started the commercial establishment of around 2mn sq.ft area at Panvel SEZ mainly focusing on IT & financial services.​ Residential developments has also started at Hiranandani Parks, Chennai.

What is your take on increasing ready reckoner rates?

With increasing ready reckoner rates, the biggest loser will be the government.

Your take on land acquisition norms?

The land acquisition norms will be an advantage for the real estate sector. This bill will also be an advantage for the projects in Ports, Railways segment.

What is your view on real estate prices?

We are looking at increasing real estate prices​ with growth in infrastructure development leading to higher GDP.​

Any plans for IPO?

We are not looking at IPO or any fund raising.​

Our projects are based on self funding method.​

Are you looking to develop realty project in Ahmedabad?

​

Ahmedabad is the next hot spot destination in the land of opportunities, Gujarat. The group has acquired land of about 2,50,000 sq ft in SEZ. ​It will mainly tap IT & financial services companies.

Brief us about the launch of RODAS Enclave?

RODAS Enclave is the latest project launched in the sprawling township of Hiranandani Estate, Thane comprising of 18 buildings. RODAS describe “Swarag” on earth and true to its meaning this niche project is here to recreate the magic. In fact, it is the harbinger of a new era of living and lifestyle in Thane. RODAS Enclave epitomizes the concept of spacious living a formidable shape and new dimension. It’s colossal. It’s elite. It’s grand. It’s breathtaking.

Located in the vicinity of Ulhas River, Rodas Enclave emulates the character and persona of its alma mater - the Hiranandani Estate. Its vista and the expanse are analogous to an era of unlimited luxury, which is limited only by time.

Figuratively, Rodas Enclave is luxury raised to the power of your imagination. Picture this 18 majestic buildings of 18, 24, and 28 floors, lavish 2, 3, 4 and 5 BHK apartments, a floating clubhouse, a magnificent green zone, numerous avenues of recreation and entertainment all of these perched on an elevated podium. All the towers would be built on podium garden; the apartments won't just be smarter in looks but larger in size too. The range of choice begins from 2 BHK to 5 BHK, all bigger by measure than the standard norm.

What will be the advantage with FDI coming in for real estate sector?

Relaxation in the policy for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the construction sector, and it is a welcome move,. The relaxation in policy is easing of exit norms and reducing built-up area and capital needs. This will help attract foreign funds in construction of townships, hospitals and hotels​.​The revised norms in the policy effectively impact the three year lock-in period for repatriation of investment​.

The revised norms relating to Construction Development Sector has been notified by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)​.​Consider that India allows 100 per cent FDI in the sector through the automatic route, and the importance of the revised norm ​will ​become apparent​.​Under the revised norms in the policy, the minimum floor area requirement has been reduced to 20,000 sq mt from 50,000 sq mt earlier.It also brought down the minimum capital requirement to USD 5 million from USD 10 million​ is a welcomed move.The revised norms should result in enhanced inflows into the construction development sector. I expect the measure to be a positive in terms of creation of much needed low cost affordable housing in the country, as also development of smart cities​.​​

Source: IndiaInfoLine

There's no dearth of money ? it always follows innovative ideas, says real estate baron Niranjan Hiranandani

This is the simple story that's probably known to most people, but nonetheless needs to be retold to emphasise the fact that money is not the most important thing in life. And that those who think that it is, are living in a fool's paradise.

When the BJP-Shiv Sena led a coalition government in Maharashtra, it built the Bombay-Pune Expressway as also 35 flyovers over the two Express Highways leading to Bombay city. The total cost of these projects was estimated at Rs. 3,000 crores (Rs. 1,350 crores for the flyovers and Rs. 1,650 crores for the Expressway).

Even though the government had no money, it created a company, the Maharashtra State Roadways Development Corporation (MSRDC), appointed an able IAS officer, Mr. R.C. Sinha, as MD and CEO and asked it to go ahead and implement projects worth Rs. 3,000 crores.

However, there was another roadblock. Bankers insisted that the government would have to put in something to run the show and asked it to come up with some equity. And how much did the government put in? A mere Rs. 5 crores! With that paltry equity, the MSRDC went ahead and, 15 years ago, built the Bombay-Pune Ex- pressway and 35 flyovers over the two Highways in Bombay.

The moral of the story, according to the narrator, Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, the creator of the iconic Hiranandani Complex in the once-barren Powai, is that money is not the most important thing in life.

"Whether it's housing, whether it's re-housing, infrastructure or new concepts, money will follow innovative ideas wherever we can create them, whether in government or the private sector, whether you are putting up a hospital, a building or industry.

"Money is available for any innovative business, good people are not. Leadership is lacking. We do not have the foresight or vision to do things that we want to do. If we put the rest of these components together, we can save lives, we can have the youngest of people deliver, we can get ideas from women who may otherwise not look educated...

Read More: http://www.rotaryclubofbombay.org/Article.aspx?articleid=d5ff6694-ac40-4022-bcc0-4913a11d24bf

Niranjan Hiranandani, Building Blocks Of Success

Hiranandani is a name synonymous with beautiful homes. Homes that combine style with comfort. An architect of his own dreams, Niranjan Hiranandani, head of Hiranandani Constructions, chats with Reema Sisodia about his passion for building communities.

The man is on the move, quite literally too. As I make my way to meet Niranjan Hiranandani, managing director of Hiranandani Constructions Private Limited, I am told that he is on his customary morning round when he meets his staff - right from the shop floor level to the higher executives.

His secretary requests me to wait in his chamber for a few minutes and sure enough he is with me in a few moments. He arrived actively in conversation with one of his project heads as he headed towards his well-designed office, not forgetting however to acknowledge my presence and apologise for the delay.

I overheard the dialogue; he was speaking firmly but clearly about the importance of being a performer and a go-getter, the responsibility that comes with authority and the necessity of being humble while being assertive. This was not, of course, orchestrated because there was no need to and the proceeding interview proved this.

Read More: http://www.businesstravellerindia.com/200602/hiprofile01.shtml

Green Constructions and Design: New Trends in Real Estate

Elite members of the Advisory Board, all of whom profess a dedicated approach to green construction and design, discuss what it means to be green in India today and describe their vision to build an eco-friendly future

Namita Singh: Designing green buildings has always been a major concern for all sensitive and responsible architects. It should and will stay. However the current fad might be a hype created by the media.
Niranjan Hiranandani: Green is nothing but the approach towards self sustainment. This is no doubt going to stay. As one would agree environment and energy go hand in hand. Hence, non-conventional energy, energy conservation and the eco-friendly movement will be the main drivers in near future. Media of course is giving it due importance, but it is very much required, otherwise if we exhaust all our natural resources and fill earth with greenhouse gases future generations will surely curse us. Hence, it makes sense to go green.
Nitin Killawala: Why is this question of ‘green’ becoming more and more fashionable? The answer lies in the question itself. It is not just fashionable but misunderstood and taken casually. The aesthetics of architecture are secondary considerations when it comes to finally stopping the war with nature.

Green can also be financially beneficial. How does this influence your design decisions?
Ashok Butala: There are definitely long term financial benefits to be had by using the green concept effectively. However there is a slight premium one has to be prepared to invest up front in order to reap the benefits in the future. A good practice must always appoint an Environment Sustainable Design consultant right at the start of the concept phase. This helps to understand the areas where the green concept can be achieved and also facilitates an accurate budget.
Conrad Gonsalves: True green products use renewable resources or draw on less energy during their useful life. This would directly translate into lower running and maintenance costs. Other aspects that indirectly can be translated into financial benefits would be minimized health risks both for the installer and the occupants both present and future.
Namita Singh: Any building which is designed with concern and respect for the environment would automatically conserve natural resources and therefore be financially beneficial. I have always believed in designing naturally green buildings and though I may never have calculated future financial savings deliberately, economy is an obvious by product.
Niranjan Hiranandani: We fully appreciate that green over a period will be financially beneficial in the long run. We have experienced that with a sewage treatment plant we have been operating for the last 15 Years. This has changed the face of the Powai area in Mumbai. The skyline as well as the green areas of Powai has changed significantly. We have been incorporating green features like the reuse of recycled water for gardening, flushing and construction activities, rainwater harvesting, the use of fly ash, and the use of energy efficient electrical appliances automatically by default.
Nitin Killawala: Yes, everyone should be concerned with the consumption of energy. In India cost is governed by the land prices not as much for buildings, therefore financial benefits are non-consequential at this stage. However, green should not be equated only with a rating or evaluation system. Even getting carbon credits is not justified because someone can afford to pay a penalty for their sins.
 
What are the commonest eco-friendly demands you receive from clients?
Ashok Butala: The common questions from clients are always cost related with regards to the eco-friendly products and their authenticity behind the product marketed.
Conrad Gonsalves: Green as understood by most is the inclusion of a few systems like water recycling or rain water harvesting or solar heating or energy saving devices. The aspects of evaluating the underlying impact of materials on the built environment throughout its life cycle are an aspect that users are not aware of.
Namita Singh: Rather than specifying some particular products clients are now generally more aware of the need for green buildings and are willing to go the extra mile to get a green rating for their buildings.
Niranjan Hiranandani: As mentioned above, we are providing green features to our clients. There are no specific demands from clients but this might come up in future as awareness increases. But I think we are already fulfilling all the green requirements.
Nitin Killawala: By and large clients are not adequately enlightened for eco-friendly products. As such we as consultants do not have enough options to offer.
What green projects have impressed you the most over the last year or two?
Ashok Butala: There are several sustainable projects being constructed all around the world. I think all buildings in India with a functioning green strategy have impressed me as every project demonstrates that sustainable design is becoming a part of the value system in design.
Niranjan Hiranandani: We have constructed Hiranandani BG House which is the first platinum-rated green building in Mumbai awarded by the United States Green Building Centre. Now we are constructing Hiranandani CRISIL House which is being registered with the Indian Green Building Council.

What green developments, trends or products have impressed you the most over the last two years?
Ashok Butala: The India Green Building Council has been actively promoting green architecture amongst professionals and key stake holders. The LEEDS rating provided by the Council is one step forward towards a sustainable built environment.
Conrad Gonsalves: Efficient lighting systems and photovoltaic solar electricity are some. More important are the efforts of architects and designers to evolve solutions that first and foremost use natural methods of illumination, heating of water and cooling of the interior environment.
Namita Singh: Solar resistant glass is one material that has impressed me since it gives the freedom to create transparency in the building without generating a greenhouse effect.
Does designing on a green theme mean having to sacrifice in other areas of your work?
Ashok Butala: Sustainable design is not about sacrifices. It’s about using consciously a common sense approach while looking for the best design solution. Historically, Indian architects have always designed structures which are environment friendly. The use of natural ventilation, natural light, shading techniques and insulation methods and the use of local materials are a few practices which have stood the test of time.
Conrad Gonsalves: A designer has to work within given local conditions. Green design must be the norm. Design skills must incorporate all these aspects into a design. The only features that may need to be kept out of the programme are design elements and materials that do not conform to the green norms and this is no sacrifice.
Namita Singh: No. Designing intrinsically green buildings only enhances the buildings.
Niranjan Hiranandani: Sacrifice per se is very relative term. It is nothing but a mindset that goes in during the planning stage which makes the difference. I am proud that whatever we give to our customers is nothing less than the best. It is our objective to be working ceaselessly in providing all our stakeholders with superior value on a continuous basis.
Nitin Killawala: There is no sacrifice when a space is well utilized for the purpose for which it is designed.

What do you think India’s eco-architectural world will look like in five years time?
Ashok Butala: ‘Think globally, act locally’ must be everyone’s responsibility. The Indian architectural and design world must learn from the mistakes made in the West and use appropriate techniques and methods which are relevant to our climatic conditions to achieve a sustainable built environment. With the India Green Building Council and active participants from professionals the coming five years look positive and promising within the built environment.
Conrad Gonsalves: India has the largest possible resources of energy in the form of wind and the sun. Developing technologies and design innovations that will use these renewable sources will shape the future of design innovation  in India. Green is not an option. It has to become the norm. A utopian sort of dream could be that instead of a project announcing its green initiatives, there could be time when it would need - like the health warning on nicotine - to indicate the design, engineering and materials areas which are hazardous to the environment and the occupants.
Namita Singh: Unless a serious rethinking is done by the architectural fraternity, the current trend is heading towards a very superficial approach fuelled by the ‘green building consultants’ and vendors of so-called green but expensive materials and products.
Niranjan Hiranandani: There are some committed players and it will surely change the way the world sees India.
Nitin Killawala: Green architecture is not so much about architecture as it is about survival. Moreover we have the challenge to create structures which are easy to maintain apart from its functionality and affordability.

Niranjan Hiranandani to take over as Chairman of Priyadarshni Academy on 19 september 2013

Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder & MD Hiranandani Constructions, will take over Chairmanship of Priyadarshni Academy, one of the most prominent NGOs in Mumbai, effective September 19, 2013. 
Mr. Nanik Rupani, its Founder, and Chairman for the past 29 years will be its Chairman Emeritus, devoting more time to publishing books containing ancient Indian wisdom, in order to reach an international audience.  This has been his passion for some time.
Priyadarshni Academy, a non-profit, socio-cultural and educational non-governmental organization was set up in 1985. The Academy believes that service to mankind is the best work of life and has successfully met its goals consistently since its inception. It provides educational assistance to deserving and needy students, promotes opportunities to talented artistes in the fields of classical music and dance, and encourages literary activities in a few regional languages.
Under Mr. Nanik Rupani’s Chairmanship, the Academy's Biennial Global Awards Function has become a very significant event which puts India on the map of the world as it honors national and global dignitaries for their outstanding contribution to society.

Read More: http://www.indiantelevision.org.in/release/y2k13/sep/seprel86.php

Green Wave- Developing an eco-friendly India

Eco-friendly green buildings come with their own rainwater harvesting, solar panel system, and water recycling system. Last year, Maharshtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan announced that the government would soon announce a "green code" to encourage eco-friendly buildings. He had said it would have mandatory as well as optional aspects such as creation garden and green spaces on roofs, rainwater harvesting, soil preservation, water efficient fixtures, etc.
With the alarming environmental state today, environment- friendly construction is a necessity. Currently there are 315 green buildings in India (they would be registered with Indian Green Building Council), including 250 commercial. They include IT parks, hospitals, airports and educational institutions.

Vikas Gupta, the director of Earth Infrastructure Ltd, which is building some green commercial projects in Noida and Greater Noida, says, "As consumers have now started demanding 'greener' projects, the industry has also begun planning and developing eco-friendly and green buildings, While commercial real estate has always been the frontrunner in developing green buildings, residential real estate is also catching up fast with the increased demand."
Sunil Mantri of Mantri Realty admitted that getting the certification was a challenge. Pointing out that lack of awareness about the government sop could be the reason for the poor response, he said, "I did not know about the incentive even though I have three ongoing green-certified projects in Mumbai. Even green projects have to go through proper channel."
Mr. Navin Raheja, CM of another premier group in northern India is a staunch environmentalist. He made it a point to embark on environmental friendly construction from the very first project. The Raheja Group has incorporated many practices, which make their constructions conducive to the environment. All projects follow Eco-friendly construction techniques to save the environment.
Focusing on the Green Wave brought about in Mumbai, Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani who own several projects in Powai area of Mumbai is of the view that using resources judiously is the first step into bringing about the green wave. He said, “The energy used to heat and power our buildings leads to the consumption of large amounts of energy, mainly from burning fossil fuels - oil, natural gas and coal - which generate significant amounts of carbon dioxide, the most widespread greenhouse gas. Reducing the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions produced by buildings is therefore fundamental to the effort to slow the pace of global climate change. Something as simple and considered as insignificant as the demolition/construction debris also put in to the release of greenhouse gases in more than one ways.”
India is seeing the new revolution and if this wave is adopted all over India, it will become easier for the country to cope up with the problems being faced on the environmental front.

Niranjan Hiranandani: Indian billionaire in real estate business

Niranjan Hiranandani has achieved immense success as a real estate entrepreneur at his own stance