HYDERABAD: Telangana has become the first state in the country to introduce a Cool Roof policy with a vision to make the state more thermally comfortable, heat resilient and bring down energy consumption.
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao formally launched the policy here last week. It became effective from April 1 and is already incorporated with building permissions applications.
The Cool Roof programme is now mandatory for all Government, Government-owned, non-residential and commercial buildings irrespective of the site area or the built-up area. Occupancy certificates will be issued only after ensuring compliance with the policy.
For residential buildings that have plot area of 600 square yards and above, Cool Roof application is mandatory. For buildings that have plot area of less than 600 square yards, it is optional or voluntary. “I have personally got Cool Roof painting done for my house and it is very beneficial,” said Rama Rao while addressing the audience.
The Cool Roof Policy was being launched in the better interest of the people and Hyderabad. “It is a good policy but for effective implementation self regulation is key factor,” Rama Rao said, adding that the cost for cool Roof painting or tiles would be Rs. 300 per square metre.
The Minister further announced Telangana’s modest targets under the Cool Roof policy. In the financial year 2023-24, targets have been set to cover five square km cool roof area in Hyderabad and 2.5 km in the rest of Telangana.
