MINUTES OF THE 1727th MEETING OF THE DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION (DUAC) HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023.

A.   The minutes of the 1726th meeting of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 04.10.2023 were confirmed and approved.

SL. No.PROPOSALOBSERVATIONS /SUGGESTIONSDECISIONREMARKS

B.

Action Taken Report in respect of Minutes of 1725th meeting held on 27.09.2023.

  1. Action Taken Report in respect of Minutes of the 1725th meeting held on 27.09.2023 were discussed.
Noted by the Commission.

C. PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1Building plan proposal in respect of Residential Building on Plot no. 4266/3, Gali Punjabiyan, Ansari Road, Daryaganj.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approval (Formal/Completion) taken has been found in the available record of the Commission.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, and the following observations are to be complied with:

a) An incomplete submission has been received at the formal stage, lacking essential drawings such as the Site Plan, Landscape Plan, Parking Plan, Floor plans, Sections and Elevations, Project Report, and Site photographs, among others. A proposal at the formal stage must be complete & comprehensive in every aspect.

b) The Commission observed that the proposal has been received at the formal stage but the subject & address of the proposal has been incorrectly shown in the Performa as:

“…Malkit Singh Model Town 3rd………”

  1. The Commission was unable to review the proposal at the formal stage because it contained an incorrect subject and was found to be incomplete.
  2. The architect is advised to diligently incorporate and respond to all the feedback given by the Commission and present a comprehensive submission for the Commission's review and consideration.
Not approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

2Building plans proposal in respect of 3813, Ward no. IX, David Street, Daryaganj.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the North DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approval (Formal/Completion) taken has been found in the available record of the Commission.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, and the following observations are to be complied with:

a) A discrepancy has been noted in the submission, where the staircase leading to the basement and the ground floor do not match. Since the proposal is at the formal stage, it is necessary to provide a corrected submission for the Commission's review.

b )The building's facade appears quite plain. As this proposal is integral to the Old Delhi cityscape, its elevation should be redesigned to incorporate more robust architectural features, elements, forms, materials, and other aspects that align with the heritage character of Shahjahanabad.

  1. The architect is advised to carefully follow and address all the observations provided by the Commission. It is requested that the architect submit a detailed response, incorporating each point raised by the Commission above in a clear and point-by-point manner.
Not approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

3Building plan proposal in respect of Residential Building on Property no. 4528, Block no. 11 at 7/25 Ansari Road, Daryaganj.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approval (Formal/Completion) taken has been found in the available record of the Commission.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, and the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The Commission has noted that the proposal has been submitted at the formal stage, yet it lacks essential photographs of the vacant site. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the site's actual condition for the review, uncut photographs from all angles must be submitted.

b) Discrepancies have been noticed in the submission received at the formal stage. It appears that the proposed plumbing shaft, extending from the ground to the upper floors, has not been integrated into the stilt floor plan. Given that the proposal is in its formal stage, it is imperative to submit a corrected submission for the Commission's review. The stilt floor plan should show structural columns and shaft in the front portion.

c) The frontage of the building seems rather uninspiring. Since this proposal is a significant part of the Old Delhi cityscape, it should undergo a redesign of its facade to integrate more compelling architectural features, elements, shapes, materials, and other elements that harmonize with the heritage ambience of Shahjahanabad.

d) The planned arrangements for drying clothes on the balconies should be concealed and depicted in the proposed design scheme.

  1. The architect is advised to carefully follow and address all the observations provided by the Commission. It is requested that the architect submit a detailed response, incorporating each point raised by the Commission above in a clear and point-by-point manner.
Not approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

4Completion plans proposal in respect of Residential building at plot no. 206, Golf Links.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the NDMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plans proposal for demolition and reconstruction at its meeting held on June 17, 2021, and also approved the revised building plans proposal at its meeting held on January 27, 2022.
  3. The Commission did not approve the revised building plans proposal at its meeting held on September 27, 2023, specific observations were given.
  4. The proposal for NOC for Completion received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinised along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no: OL-27092324027 dated 03.10.2023. Based on the compliances made, the proposal for NOC for the completion is found to be acceptable.
NOC for Completion accepted.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

5Building plan proposal for additions/alterations in respect of Bikaner House at Pandara Road.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the NDMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plan proposal for the Contemporary Art Centre, Bikaner House at its meeting held on July 26, 2017, specific observations were given.
  3. The Commission did not approve the building plans proposal for additions/alterations at its meeting held on September 14, 2023, specific observations were given.
  4. The revised building plan proposal for additions/alterations {(addition of Cultural & office block, Guest House, Amphitheatre & shops) and (extension of C.M. security block) after demolishing existing office blocks, servant quarters, staff quarters, kitchen and garage} received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised along with replies submitted by the architect in response to observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no: F. No. 24(24)/2023-DUAC, OL-13092324024 dated 20.09.2023.  Based on the replies submitted, and the revised submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The Commission observed that while considering the case for additions/alterations it did not consider and cover the existing built construction at the site. This concerns the proposal for additions/alterations only. The Commission also noted that the “Bikaner House” is a Grade-II heritage property listed at Sr. no. 4 of the heritage list for the NDMC area.

b) During its meeting on September 14, 2023, the Commission made very detailed and specific observations regarding the design proposal. However, it is noted that many of the observations conveyed in the DUAC observation letter (F. No. 24(24)/2023-DUAC, OL-13092324024, dated 20.09.2023) have not been satisfactorily addressed, especially those outlined in items 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 3(k), 3(l), 3(m), and 3(n). Given that the proposal is currently at a formal stage, it needs to be more specific, detailed, and comprehensive to ensure better understanding.

c) Further, the Commission noted that only the replies to its earlier observations have been given. Other, necessary drawings/documentation (block wise-plans /elevations (all sides)/sections/3D views (all sides), parking plan, landscape plan etc.) seems to have been missing in the submission.  A proposal at the formal stage must be complete & comprehensive in every aspect.

d) The landscape plan should indicate the details of the trees planted, existing trees, levels, and types of species on an appropriate scale, (in terms of point nos. Six of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

e) Work of public art of suitable scale, size and material, imparting character and identity to the complex, at an appropriate level, ensure to be installed in terms of the point nos. 14 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

f) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

g) All service equipment water tanks, plumbing pipes, rainwater pipes, service equipment, outdoor air-conditioner units, solar panels, DG set, DG exhaust pipes etc. should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) are available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

  1. In general, because the Commission's previous observations have not been satisfactorily addressed and resolved, and due to incompleteness of the current submission, the proposal received at the formal stage could not be reviewed judiciously by the Commission.
  2. The architect is advised to diligently address all the observations of the Commission, encompassing both the previous and current ones. It is requested that the architect submit a detailed response, incorporating each point raised by the Commission above in a clear and point-by-point manner.
Not approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

6Building plans proposal for additions/alterations in respect of Multiplex Cinemas and shopping mall Cross River at Plot no. 9B & 9C, CBD Shahdara.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the DDA (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the layout and the building plan proposal at its meeting held on September 02, 2004, specific observations were given and accepted NOC for Completion at its meeting held on March 22, 2006.
  3. The Commission approved the building plan proposal for addition/alteration (additions on the third floor) at its meeting held on June 19, 2019, and accepted the NOC for Completion (Part-additions on the third floor) at its meeting held on December 08, 2022.
  4. The Commission did not approve the building plans proposal for addition/alterations (10 small and 10 big kiosks on the ground floor, gaming area on the 2nd floor) at its meeting held on August 17, 2023, July 27, 2023, and July 13, 2023, respectively, specific observations were given.
  5. The revised building plan proposal for additions/alterations (addition of 10 small and 10 big kiosks on the ground floor, gaming area on 2nd floor) received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no: OL-14082322059 dated 21.08.2023. Based on the replies submitted, and the revised submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The Commission observed that while considering the case for additions/alterations it did not consider and cover the existing built construction at the site. This concerns the proposal for additions/alterations (addition of 10 small and 10 big kiosks on the ground floor, gaming area on the 2nd floor) only.

b) The Commission has observed that the earlier recommendations communicated through DUAC observation letter number OL-14082322059 dated August 21, 2023, have not been adequately addressed and met, particularly points 5(c), 5(d), and 5(e). These specific issues require the immediate attention of the architect.

c) It appears that an incomplete submission has been presented, lacking essential elements such as existing site images of the areas undergoing renovation and proposed additions highlighted in distinct colours on layout plans, elevations, and other necessary details. Given that the proposal is at the formal stage, it is imperative to ensure that it is both complete and comprehensive.

  1. In view of the deficient compliances on its previous observations particularly points 5(c), 5(d), and 5(e), the proposal for additions/alterations is not appreciated by the Commission. The proposal being at the formal stage needs to provide all necessary details as desired by the Commission for its judicious review.
  2. The architect is advised to carefully follow and address all the observations provided by the Commission above. It is requested that the architect submits a detailed response, incorporating each point raised by the Commission above in a clear and point-by-point manner.
Not approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

7Completion plans proposal in respect of additions/alterations in the building at plot no. 21 21 A, Janpath, Connaught Place.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the NDMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plans proposal for addition/alteration at its meeting held on March 16, 2021.
  3. The proposal for NOC for completion received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinised and the proposal for NOC for Completion is found acceptable.  
NOC for Completion accepted.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

8Building plans proposal in respect of Extension of Central Reference Library, North Campus, Delhi University.
  1. he proposal was forwarded by the CPWD (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the layout Master plan in respect of Delhi University, North Campus at its meeting held on January 06, 2010.
  3. The Commission did not approve the building plans proposal for additions/alterations in respect of Central Reference Library at its meeting held on September 21, 2023, specific observations were given.
  4. The revised building plan proposal for additions/alteration {alterations in the existing (G+1 floor) building and addition of a new proposed building blocks (Basement+Ground+3 storied) building} received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no: F. No. 62(18)/2023-DUAC, OL-15092362018 dated 26.09.2023 respectively. Based on the replies submitted, and the revised submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The design proposal incorporates provisions for double-stack parking arrangements to meet the necessary parking requirements. Nevertheless, the architect or proponent must ensure the proper implementation of these arrangements on-site, which will be examined during the proposal's completion stage.

b) Work of public art of suitable scale, size and material, imparting character and identity to the complex, at an appropriate level which is also visible from outside, ensure to be installed in terms of the point nos. 14 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

c) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

d) All plumbing pipes, service equipment, outdoor air-conditioner units, solar panels, DG set, DG exhaust pipes etc. should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

Approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

9Building plan proposal in respect of the Construction of Auditorium for NCERT at Aurobindo Marg.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the CPWD (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the layout/master plan at its meeting held on June 04, 1986, specific observations were given.
  3. The Commission did not approve the building plans proposal in respect of the Auditorium for NCERT at its meeting held on March 02, 2023, specific observations were given.
  4. The revised building plan proposal in respect of the Auditorium for NCERT at Aurobindo Marg received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no: OL-27022362001 dated 09.03.2023. Based on the previous observations, and the submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) Work of public art of suitable scale, size and material, imparting character and identity to the complex, at an appropriate level which is also visible from outside, ensure to be installed in terms of the point nos. 14 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

b) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

c) All service equipment, outdoor air-conditioning units, water tanks, DG sets, DG exhaust pipes, solar panels etc. should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of point nos. 10, 11 & 12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

Approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

10

Revised Layout and Building plan proposal in respect of Himachal Niketan- State Guest House at Plot no. 1 & 2, Sector-19, Dwarka. (Conceptual Stage)

  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the layout and building plans proposal in respect of State Guest House (Himachal Pradesh) on Plot no. 2, Sector 19, Dwarka at its meeting held on October 14, 2021, specific observations were given.
  3. The Commission did not accept the concept of the revised building plans proposal at its meeting held on September 27, 2023, specific observations were given.
  4. The revised layout and building plans proposal in respect of Himachal Niketan-State Guest House at Plot no. 1 and 2, Sector 19, Dwarka received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised along with replies submitted by the architect in response to observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no: OL-26092327005 dated 30.10.2023. Based on the replies submitted, the revised submission made, and the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The Commission took note that the work on site is in process based on previous approval given by the Commission at its meeting held on October 14, 2021.

b) It was observed that one of its previous observations communicated vide DUAC observation letter no:  OL-26092327005 dated 30.10.2023 indicated at sr. no. 3(c), and 3(h) have not been adequately addressed.

c) It is again reiterated to re-evaluate certain features such as sloping surfaces, beams, and roofs included in the elevational facade. Additionally, the absence of dimensions for the projected portions were found to be missing in the submission.

d) Adequate care should be taken while designing tapered false projections so that the alignment is maintained, and no sagging of structural members happens.    

e) The area accommodating the DG set shall be suitably screened, including DG exhaust pipes, using appropriate architectural mechanisms so as not to remain visible, and mar the aesthetics of the complex.

  1. The architect is advised to carefully follow and address all the observations provided by the Commission above. It is requested that the architect submits a detailed response, incorporating each point raised by the Commission above in a clear and point-by-point manner.
Not accepted, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

D. ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

1Building plan proposal in respect of Residential building on plot no. IX/1915, situated at Turkman Gate, Mohalla Qabristan.
  1. The proposal was forwarded by the North DMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plans proposals at its meeting held on August 24, 2023, specific observations were given.
  3. The revised building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Approval letter no: OL-18082323063 dated 31.08.2023. Based on the previous observations, and the submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

b) All water tanks, plumbing pipes, service equipment, outdoor air-conditioner units, solar panels etc. should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of point nos. 10, 11 & 12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

Approved, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

The following were present at the Meeting of the Commission held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 11.00 AM onwards:

  1. Prof. Dr Mandeep Singh, Member, DUAC
  2. Shri Ashutosh Kumar Agarwal, Member, DUAC
  3. Smt. Nivedita Pande, Member, DUAC