Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Township

Near Raghunathpur, in the Purulia district of West Bengal, a new Township is planned for the people who run Phase II of the Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) for Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The aim is a self-sufficient place to live, with homes, a School, civic buildings and open space, close to the plant but with a life of its own. The site lies about six kilometres from Raghunathpur town, next to the plant.

Planning with sun and wind

The Master Plan starts from climate. Buildings are oriented to the sun path and the prevailing winds, so that natural ventilation and passive cooling do much of the work. Homes are laid out in residential crescents, institutional buildings are gathered in clusters, and service zones are kept to one side.

Neighbourhoods around green courts

Each neighbourhood is arranged around a central green court, and no dwelling is more than 150 metres from a recreational space. A clubhouse, playgrounds, sports courts and children's parks are all within walking distance. A School up to Class XII, a town administration block and service yards complete the Township.

Green ground and water

More than thirty per cent of the site is kept as landscaped green, with shaded pathways, bioswales and play areas that keep the microclimate comfortable. Rainwater is harvested, wastewater is treated and waste composted on site, and roofs are ready for solar panels. The Township targets a 3-star green building rating. For the families who live here, the distance that matters most is the short walk from the front door to a shaded green court.