New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS): The DDA has been directed to include rain water harvesting, and recycling of treated waste water, among other features, in layout plans of plots of the size of 3,000 sq.m. and above, under the green buildings initiative.

The direction was given Tuesday by Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung after a meeting with TERI officials at his residence here. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been directed to finalize the draft regulations for approval by the central government.

The agency has been asked to incorporate green building concepts like promoting optimal utilization of water and energy, effluent treatment plants, waste management, ground water recharge through rain water harvesting etc., aimed at zero effluent discharge.

Provision of cavity walls, atriums, shading devices in buildings will be encouraged to make them energy efficient.

"These incentives shall be based on the rating criteria prescribed by 'Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment' (GRIHA) for green buildings," said the statement.