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What Exactly is that makes a city smart

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Smart City – What it means

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Cohesive, Integrated, Resourceful- A smart city is all this and much more

What is a Smart City

‘Smart City’ – we have often heard many references to this term recently and the ensuing developments are being enthusiastically tracked by everyone. The announcement made by the government to create 100 smart cities across India by 2022 is being looked upon with anticipation and much curiosity.

It has led to the obvious interest and inquisitiveness as to how different a ‘smart city’ would be as compared to the one we are currently living in. After all, the present city we reside in does provide housing, employment opportunities, traffic management and energy resources; so how exactly would one benefit from a ‘smarter city’. Let’s attempt to find some answers to these facts.

Smart Answers

So what exactly comprises a smart city? Among many intelligent features, a smart city is one which uses digital technology solutions to enhance the quality of life of the citizens while simultaneously aiming to reduce the cost and consumption of resources.

The need for a city such as this has arisen out of the glaring need to handle the large scale urbanization and massive population boom. Experts predict the world’s urban population would double by 2050 and this obviously means an added pressure on resources and calls upon an organised, structured way of life for citizens.

Cities would need to get ‘smarter’ in order to find new ways of managing complexities while concurrently increasing efficiency. In fact, the basic premise of a smart city is to make urban living convenient and in tune with the needs of the Gen-Y. Imagine if our cities could give us live, real-time updates on traffic conditions, pollution, parking spaces and energy usage, we would be able to re-shape our economies and largely improve environmental health of the city for residents as well as visitors.

On the threshold

As India now steps towards the direction of creating smart cities, there are numerous examples of cities around the world which have invested considerably in this technology to reap the benefits of this digital transformation. Top smart cities around the world include Barcelona (environment and smart parking), New York (street lighting and traffic management), London (technology and open data metrics), Nice (cohesion between different agencies and environment) and Singapore (creative use of technology).

Characteristically, smart cities evolve towards a strong integration of all dimensions of human intelligence, collective intelligence and lmj9-ok partificial intelligence within the city. Technologies such as ultra-low power sensors, wireless networks and web and mobile based applications are the key drivers of this revolution.

Implemented across the world

Santander city in Spain has 20,000 sensors connecting buildings, infrastructure, transport, networks and utilities providing an opportunity to monitor the levels of pollution, noise, traffic and parking. This is a typical example of an ‘online collaborative sensor data management platform’ which is an on-line database services. This service allows sensor owners to register and connect their devices to feed data into an on-line database for storage and allows developers to connect to the database and build their own applications based on that data.

Amsterdam, for instance, began the initiative way-back in 2009 and it involved a collaborative effort of projects between local residents, governments and businesses. A similar interconnected platform was devised to enhance the city’s real-time tracking and decision making capabilities.

Mobypark, a resident developed application allows owners of parkingplaces to rent them out to fellow residents for a fee. This data in turn is fed into the central platform to determine parking demand and traffic demand in Amsterdam. Another project facilitated upgrades of street lamps to allow municipal councils to dim lights based on pedestrian usage.

India- Looking ahead

India and U.S. signed up three memoranda of understandings (MOU) to developing the three cities – Ajmer, Allahabad and Vishakhapatnam for its significant contribution to tourism and trade. On a national scale, the cabinet recently cleared the government’s flag-ship schemes – 100 smart cities and an urban rejuvenation program for 500 towns and cities. Under the smart cities scheme each city selected through a “city challenge” competition would get central assistance of Rs. 100 crore per year for five years.

According to reports, the evaluation criteria for stage-1 of the competition within the state/UT involves points system, such as existing service levels (25 points), institutional systems and capacities (15 points), self-financing (30 points) and past track record (30 points).

There will be special focus on adequate and clean water supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient transportation, affordable housing for the poor, power supply, robust IT connectivity, e-governance, safety and security of citizens, health and education.

Working towards the goal
Judicious investment in the right kind of technologies and priorities will help the country get on the fast track towards the objective of Smart Cities. The creation of cities that are not only smart, but also sustainable and efficient can only be achieved if the public and private bodies join hands and work towards it hand in hand.

 

 

Sembakkam – Buying a flat here is a brilliant investment

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sembakkam-apartment-life

If you ask anyone a question about what they would like to do in order to bring more peace in their lives, chances are they would probably say a serene home, a comfortable lifestyle and happiness and health for the family. Surely, each of us attempts to bring in more elements of tranquillity and serenity in this already hectic world.

This is why a home is considered a personal sanctuary, an abode where the pace and peace, both are within your control and your control alone. Homes at Sembakkam have become much sought after due to this very reason, there is perfect harmony of peace and an equal measure of pace here. Sembakkam is a quiet, consecrated municipal suburb in Kancheepuram district, located within the south side of the ever so bustling city of Chennai. It has of late been in the public eye because of the rapid real estate developments taking place.

Place of Peace

Sembakkam has many temples such as the Chandra Mouleeswarar temple, the Jambulingeswarar temple- a temple of lord shiva and Akilandeswari amman. The exquisite Skandasharamam temple has been built recently with lord murugan, pancha muga Vinayagar, Shiva lingam and Goddess Mahalakshmi.Besides these there are many other temples in and around the area. The Guruswamy Nagar temple is believed to be one of the more pristine and well-maintained must-visit temples here.

The area has become hugely popular among home buyers because of the multitude of temples and the many options for recreation. The Sembakkam park amenities such as a library, water fountain, orchids, lawn, shuttle ground, walking path are very well maintained and it is highly frequented by families.

Place of Pace

The Velachery-Tambaram main road has assumed great significance and there are many large corporations and shopping centres around this road. There has a massive spurt in real estate development in surrounding areas because of the rapid urban  station in this stretch. Sembakkam is located a stone’s throw away from the bustling Velachery-Tambaram main road. By virtue of being located in close proximity to Velachery, Sembakkam has become a much sought after location.

About Velachery

Today, Velachery is transformed from the sleepy farm land it once was. The widening of the Bypass Road in 2005 to a six-lane road gave a big push to this locality and the areas surrounding it. There are many supermarkets, parks such as Rajakilpakkam Park, international fast food joints and schools such as the Christ King Girls high school along the Velachery-Tambaram main road. Velachery is surrounded by IIT Madras in the north-east, Taramani in the east, Adambakkam in the northwest and Pallikaranai Marshland in the south.

Akila Heights- Lofty homes for a fulfilled living
Introducing homes that have been built keeping ‘pace and peace’ as two prime components of modern living, Asvini’s new project Akila Heights has been designed meticulously and thoughtfully for the modern family. Located at Sembakkam, on the Velachery Tambaram Road, Akila Heights is positioned in the prime area connecting GST Road and OMR. The project is in close proximity to educational institutions and IT companies on OMR and Porur. Residents here are guaranteed great connectivity via the many wide roads, besides quick accessibility to the airport and railway station. The Chennai airport is just 11 kms away, the Tambaram railway station (east) is 4.8 kms and the Tambaram bus depot (west) is 5.2 kms away. Sholinganallur is merely 9 kms away from the project.

Residents of the location are afforded with easy access to public resources such as schools, hospitals, recreational zones and parks. All major schools and renowned educational institutions such as the Alpha Matriculation School (which is directly opposite to the site), MAV School and BVM Global at Perumbakkam among others are close by. Colleges such as Prince Shri Venkateswara Arts & Science College and B S Abdur Rahman University among many others are easily reachable from Akila Heights.

Healthcare facilities and well-known hospitals such as Hindu Mission Hospital, Global Hospital and Kamakshi Memorial Hospital are nearby. Besides, the recreational facilities such as The Phoenix Mall, Coromandel Plaza Mall/ AGS Theatre and the Vandalur Zoo are close-by and are major attractions for our customers.

Elements of Pace and Peace in total synchronicity
Akila Heights aims to please our target customers namely IT executives, teachers and faculty belonging to the educational sector and healthcare professionals. Commercial behemoths are located within a short distance and many of our clients are employed at Mepz Tambaram, Cognizant, HCL, Wipro, Infosys, Chennai One and Tidel Park – all of which are located within a short distance at OMR, Porur and GST Road.

The project is planned as a green oasis and is dotted by trees and water features besides thoughtful features such as the pedestrian pathway and seating area with water feature, alfresco dining, Senior citizens nook, Club house, Party lawn and the beautiful Gazebo above waterbody. Outdoor enthusiasts delight in the dedicated Cricket net area, Badminton court, Basketball post, outdoor fitness area and children play area. Besides this, the project is replete with power back up and an on-call departmental store.

Our customers are a bunch of happy people, here’s what they have to say about us

 

I am quite happy on buying a property from Asvini Foundations. 2 Years before when I was looking for a 3BHK flat with a limited budget but a number of specifications in mind, I could find all my requirements satisfied only at Asvini.
It’s not just the quality of the product; people at Asvini foundations have always treated us in an excellent manner. I never felt that my concerns are not getting heard or there is a delay in responding to the queries. Their commitment to treat customer right is praiseworthy. Overall, I am very happy that I bought my first property from Asvini Foundations. Thank you.

Vivek Khare

We appreciate the team at ASVINI FOUNDATION, CHENNAI for construction of my villa in Coimbatore and my flat in Chennai. Being an NRI we never felt the necessity to be present in India during the construction either to follow up or inspect the quality of works. This is due to your ownership commitment to your customers. We convey our heartfelt thanks to the commitment and services provided by one and all in your organization and wish you all the best in all your future projects.

R K Raman,
Managing Director Al Atheel United Muscat.
Al Atheel Technical Services Dubai

Asvini Foundations is 15 years old today and I hold the pride of being the First Customer of Asvini Foundations. No matter how many year passes by, this pride of mine cannot be grabbed by anyone. I own it and will continue to cherish it.
A small establishment started 15 years ago has come a long way. It has grown today, far and wide, in the service of providing, not just shelter, but a shelter with such a standard, which can outlive generations and suit the needs and taste of the generations to come. I am happy to be associated with Asvini and that’s the reason why I bought a flat again from Asvini. I am sure I will be blessed by the almighty with enough resources to keep buying more and MORE, and Asvini will be my first choice always.

Shanmuga Velayudam
Deputy Vice President & Cluster Head
– HDFC BANK Coimbatore

How to get home loans for first time buyers

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How to get home loans for first time buyers

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Purchasing your home can take a long time and you may have to be patient until you find just the right one. However, if you’re planning to take a home loan, it is always better to know beforehand what you may require for a successful application of a home loan and save valuable time when you actually proceed to purchase your home.

Gone are the days of patiently collecting sufficient funds to purchase a home; a home which would remain in the family for decades to come. The times, they have changed and how. Nowadays, banks are prepared to give on the spot approvals on home loans and there are previous tie ups with builders in order to process a speedy loan process. A home can be purchased in a few weeks and there have been cases where people have moved into their dream home within a few days of obtaining their loan. The need of the hour has become speed, be it in purchase of a home or in the sanction of a loan.

Home loans have become one of the most sought after financial instruments and have become the reason of happiness for millions of people in India. Banks and financial institutions ensure a smooth, hassle free process for getting loans and it is estimated that 70-80% of salaried class employees and 15-20% of self employed people avail of finance through banks and financial institutions.

It is important to understand that while taking a loan may seem easy, it also means that you are taking a financial obligation for a long time; in some cases loan tenures extend upto 20-25 years. Read below to understand certain nuances of a home loan and ensure that you take the right steps in the right direction towards purchasing your dream house.

First, put your documents in order and assess if you qualify

As a home buyer, you would have already armed yourself with preliminary knowledge about requirements for a home loan. So, it is recommended that first-time home buyers should know before hand their own expenses and incomes and decide how much they can afford to spend on the loan. This should be done before the bank or lender tells you how much you qualify for. You can even determine your loan eligibility by utilizing the online loan eligibility calculator.

Before you approach a lender, ensure that you have all your salary slips, bank statements, income tax receipts and other vital documents in perfect order. You must be prepared with a good idea of what can be afforded, in terms of down payment and Monthly EMI’s. Calculate the debt-to-income ratio and consider beforehand down payments and taxes.

Study the home loan amount, the tenure and the monthly installments diligently

Pay your installments leisurely over a period of 20 years or more—that’s what the typical sales person of a financial institution is likely to say. Usually first time borrowers make this cardinal error and assume that the longer the duration for repayment the more financially viable it will be. However, opting for a long loan tenure also means that you may end up paying higher interest to the bank, over an extended period of time. Not vice versa as it may seem to be.

Consider how much of money you can allot for the monthly installments and try to limit your total EMI by setting it in the average range of 50-65 % of your net salary. Enquire with the bank about the most ideal tenure and opt for one which is comfortable to pay and doesn’t take years to foreclose.

Many people opt to increase their loan eligibility by adding an earning member of their next of kin as a co-applicant on the loan. You can even improve your loan amount eligibility by getting your fixed income from sources other than the basic salary; consider avenues such as rent or the interest accrued from fixed income securities. These can be used to calculate your net income.

Figure out your down payment

These are the two words that any first time home buyer might dread. Buying a home is not easy and putting together the money for the down payment can be quite tedious.

Speak with the banks when you’re starting the process and simultaneously enquire with friends, colleagues and acquaintances to find out the best financial institutions which they may have associated with in the past. Enquire before hand about the process and the steps that first-time home buyers must consider.

Check your credit

Chances are you will be closely watching this before you apply for the loan. In case you haven’t yet done so, consider it to be among the first few things that you must do in order to qualify for a loan. Make the reports your constant companion and check for mistakes, unpaid accounts or collection accounts. Don’t assume that your credit rating will be stable and consistent, check your credit utilization ratio thoroughly; the lower it is the higher your credit score will be. Begin the process at least a few months before you start looking for your home.

Fixed or floating rate of interest

Determine which type of an interest will suit your needs. It is ideal to consider fixed rate loans when your fixed monthly cash flows work on a tight rein. If you feel you will not be able to manage any erratic changes in the interest rates and the corresponding rise in installments, it is best to consider a fixed rate of interest. Remember, that fixed interests have a higher rate of interest than floating rate loans. For someone who has additional amounts of income coming in from different sources, it is recommended to opt for variable rates. However, do read the fine print of home loan agreements judiciously and think carefully before determining which one suits you best.