The text 2016 INDIA NBC Volume 1 discusses the development and evolution of the National Building Code of India, initiated post the Third Five Year Plan by the Planning Commission to ensure all construction activities, whether in housing, transport, or other sectors, are optimized in terms of safety, use of new building materials, and modern construction techniques. This move was propelled by the need to replace outdated local building bylaws and unify construction regulations across the country. The Indian Standards Institution, renamed the Bureau of Indian Standards, was tasked with creating the National Building Code, which was first published in 1970 after considerable expert input across various fields.
Following its publication, the code was vigorously implemented through state-wise conferences to ensure wide adoption and adaptation by local bodies and construction agencies, enhancing uniformity and modernity in construction practices. The code has been revised multiple times—first in 1983 and then in 2005—to incorporate technological advancements, updated safety norms, and new construction methodologies like the use of bamboo and rainwater harvesting, reflecting contemporary challenges and needs in construction.
Significant updates included development control rules, environmental considerations, earthquake resistance standards, and provisions for different types of buildings and utilities. These revisions aimed to accommodate the rapid pace of urban development and the rising complexity in building designs, ensuring that the building code remains relevant and robust, facilitating sustainable and safe construction practices across India.
