Namsachin is a new sustainable community development currently under construction in India. It aims to provide environmentally-friendly housing, infrastructure, and amenities for residents. The town is located in the Namsachin district of Maharashtra state. When completed, it will have the capacity for around 25,000 residents.
Overview
Namsachin is being developed with sustainability and community in mind. The town utilizes green building techniques, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and organic agriculture. There is an emphasis on walkability, green spaces, and shared community facilities. The goal is to create an ecologically-responsible town with a high quality of life for residents.
Guiding Principles
The Namsachin project has several key guiding principles:
- Environmental sustainability
- Affordable housing
- Quality infrastructure
- Community focus
- Self-sufficiency
Following these principles, the town aims to demonstrate that sustainable community living is possible, even on a large scale in India. The hope is that Namsachin can serve as a model for future developments across the country and beyond.
Location
Namsachin is located in the Namsachin Taluka region of Maharashtra. It sits about 125 miles northeast of Mumbai. The site spans approximately 1,000 acres of land. It was selected specifically for its access to water resources and proximity to the town of Namsachin which can provide additional services to residents.
Housing
A key focus at Namsachin is providing environmentally sustainable and affordable housing. When complete, the town will have around 8,500 housing units total. Housing options aim to serve a diverse population, with varied unit sizes, amenities, and price points.
Green Building
All homes utilize green building principles and sustainable materials. This includes:
- Passive solar building orientation
- Energy efficient construction
- Renewable building materials
- Water conservation fixtures
- Waste reduction considerations
Some specific examples are high efficiency HVAC systems, low flow plumbing, insulated windows, and low VOC paints and adhesives. Units also utilize smart meters to track energy and water usage.
Affordable Options
There are provisions to ensure affordable housing access. Approximately 20% of units are designated as below market rate housing. These units are interspersed throughout the community, not concentrated in specific areas. Affordable units match the aesthetics and quality of market rate units. This helps avoid an institutional feel.
Diverse Options
Housing choices are designed to serve singles, couples, families, empty nesters, and seniors with different needs. Units range from 500 sq ft studios to over 2,000 sq ft 4 bedroom units. Higher density housing is focused around community areas. Larger lots and single family homes extend into quieter residential neighborhoods.
Infrastructure
Namsachin features purpose-built infrastructure designed to meet the needs of a sustainable community.
Transportation
The community is designed for walkability to reduce automobile dependence. Sidewalks and paths connect all areas. Convenient bike storage is provided at major buildings. A free community shuttle system provides carbon-free transportation around town and to the nearby railway station.
Water Systems
Water conservation is a priority. Low flow plumbing reduces consumption. Rainwater harvesting systems capture runoff for landscaping irrigation. Advanced filtration and greywater recycling provide additional water supply.
Power Systems
Electricity is provided by a mix of solar PV, wind turbines, and biogas generators. Smart microgrid technology manages the power supply and optimizes renewable generation. Battery storage helps balance intermittent solar and wind resources.
Waste Management
There are comprehensive organic and conventional waste management systems. This includes a methane capturing anaerobic digester for food waste, composting, and a recycling / recovery facility.
Digital Infrastructure
Leading broadband internet and cellular data coverage is available town-wide to support connected living and remote working. Public wifi hotspots provide free wireless access in community areas.
Amenities & Facilities
Namsachin is designed for convenient community living with amenities and facilities located centrally within walking and biking distance of homes.
Mixed Use Town Center
This is the hub of the community, providing:
- Retail stores and restaurants
- Professional offices and co-working spaces
- Entertainment venues
- Community events plaza
Schools
There are K-12 schools located close to residential areas. The curriculum incorporates sustainability principles and community-based learning programs.
Healthcare
A full service community hospital and wellness clinic provide comprehensive healthcare. Preventative care and healthy living programs are emphasized.
Public Services
Conveniently located public services include parks, pools, recreation centers, libraries, post office, banks, and a community college satellite campus.
Local Food Systems
Community gardens, urban farms, farmers market, and community supported agriculture allow residents to grow and access healthy local organic produce.
Governance & Community
Namsachin utilizes an innovative governance model focused on resident participation and social cohesion.
Community Co-Management
Residents share responsibility in decision making and community management. An elected resident council represents the community. Co-management groups oversee different domains like infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, culture, and human services.
Social Architecture
The physical community design encourages social interaction and connections. Compact mixed use areas, community facilities, public spaces, front porches, and walkable layouts bring people together.
Inclusive Culture
Programs nurture an open, diverse, and multigenerational culture. Community events, clubs, co-housing, mentoring programs, skills sharing, forums and conflict mediation foster bonds between residents.
Economic Model
Namsachin utilizes a self-sustaining economic model and circular systems approach.
Resident Livelihoods
There are diverse employment, entrepreneurship, co-working, and skill building opportunities. Many residents work in Namsachin at local businesses, trades, agriculture, services, and cottage industries.
Affordability
Housing costs are kept affordable through compact footprints, owner-building programs, locally sourced materials, and resident labor contributions. Food, goods, and services are also affordable since many are produced locally.
Local Production & Exchange
Systems are designed to meet basic needs locally. This includes food production, renewable energy, waste recycling, manufacturing of basic goods, skill exchange, services, and sharing programs that optimize resources.
Import Replacement
The community aims for import replacement by producing as many basic goods and services internally as possible. This improves self-reliance and keeps money circulating locally.
Ecological Systems
Environmental sustainability is woven throughout Namsachin’s systems and infrastructure.
Zero Waste Systems
Comprehensive organic and conventional waste management includes recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy systems. Over 80% of waste is diverted from landfills.
Water Conservation
Water saving fixtures, greywater reuse, and rainwater harvesting provide significant water savings compared to conventional towns and cities.
Renewable Energy
Solar, wind, and biogas energy meets over 70% of power demand. Battery storage smooths intermittent solar and wind resources.
Green Buildings
All homes and buildings utilize passive solar design, energy efficiency, renewable materials, water conservation, and waste reduction features.
Organic Agriculture
Community gardens, urban farms, edible landscaping, food forests, and organic waste recycling support local food production without chemicals.
Habitat & Biodiversity
Half the town area is reserved for greenbelts and open space. These areas utilize native landscaping and restored habitat to support biodiversity.
Project Status
Namsachin is currently under development with the first phases scheduled for completion by 2025. Current status includes:
- Site preparation and infrastructure installation underway
- 500 housing units completed
- Community facilities in design phase
- First residents scheduled to move in by Q3 2023
The town aims to grow in phases over 10-15 years until reaching its full planned capacity of around 25,000 residents by 2040.
Challenges
Developing a sustainable community like Namsachin comes with considerable challenges including:
Upfront Costs
There are significant upfront costs associated with the infrastructure and technology needed to enable sustainability features.
Behavior Change
Residents have to adopt more sustainable behaviors and lifestyles. This may require unlearning unsustainable practices.
Patient Transition
It takes time to develop local economic and production systems. The town may rely on outside resources during the transition period.
Resident Buy-In
Getting resident buy-in and participation in community decision making and management. Some may expect a more traditional town structure.
Future Vision
If successful, Namsachin hopes to be a model for similar developments across India and internationally. Some ways it could influence future communities include:
- Demonstrating feasibility of sustainable community living
- Highlighting effective green technologies and systems
- Validating compact walkable urban designs
- Proving economic viability of local production and exchange
- Inspiring creative governance models
With India’s rapidly growing population, sustainable and scalable community design will become increasingly important. Namsachin aims to show this future is possible if we have the courage to build it.
| Year | Population | Housing Units |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5,000 | 2,000 |
| 2030 | 15,000 | 6,000 |
| 2035 | 20,000 | 8,000 |
| 2040 | 25,000 | 10,000 |
Conclusion
Namsachin represents an ambitious and much needed development model for India. By embracing sustainability, local economic circulation, participatory governance, and social cohesion, it hopes to create a thriving ecosystem and strong community. The project faces considerable challenges but also enormous potential if it succeeds. Namsachin aims to be a bold demonstration site for sustainable living and development in India and beyond.
