Annexure-IV

OBJECTIVES, JURISDICTION & GUIDELINES

The historic city of Delhi has been the Capital of several kingdoms and empires through the ages. Its many magnificent monuments point to its glorious past.

Lutyen's New Delhi is considered to be one of the most beautiful planned garden city Capitals ever built. But after Independence, Delhi was forced to grow suddenly and enormously. This expansion was unfortunately haphazard and ill-planned.

Fortunately, before it was too late, the Government of India set-up a Planning Board to prepare a Master Plan of the Capital for an orderly growth and to maintain the character and quality of the city, thus preserving its heritage.

In 1962, the Delhi Master Plan was accepted by the Government for the future, development of Delhi. A planning and development authority known as the Delhi Development Authority was set-up under an Act for implementing the Master Plan.

In spite of the Delhi Master Plan and the Delhi Development Authority functioning for over a decade, we have hardly made any progress in making Delhi a better place to five and work in, in an aesthetic and functional sense. The Delhi Development Authority and the other two local bodies are essentially concerned with the preparation of two dimensional zonal development plans, land-use plans and enforcement of zonal and building bye-laws, mostly from a functional and engineering point of view.

While developing / redeveloping, maintaining and preserving various parts of the city, there has hardly been any emphasis on the quality of the physical environment and visual character of the city. The aesthetic and visual character of Delhi at least the better part of it leaves much to be desired. In fact certain beautiful areas have been ruined due to sheer negligence and indifference. The need for a high-powered Design Re-view Board/Commission to guide and control the aesthetic quality of urban and environmental design of the city and its cultural values has been felt for some time past.

 

1.1  With a view to preserving, developing and maintaining the aesthetic quality of urban and environmental design of Delhi the Government of India have established the Delhi Urban Art Commission under an Act of Parliamen4 namely the Delhi Urban Art Commission Ac4 1973 (1 of 1974). The Act has come into force with effect from 1" May, 1974.

 

1.2  Objectives of the Commission are

      1. To promote those qualities in the environment which bring value to the community.

      2. To foster the attractiveness and functional utility of the community as a place to live and work.

      3. To preserve the character and quality of our heritage by maintaining the integrity of those areas which have a discernible character or are of special historical significance.

      4. To protect certain public investments in the area.

      5. To prevent bad design and encourage good.

      6. To raise the level of Community expectations for the quality of its environment.

 

1.3  There are two main responsibilities of the Delhi Urban Art Commission:

       1. To advise the Central Government in the matter of preserving, developing and maintaining the aesthetic quality of urban and environmental design of Delhi, and

       2. To advise the local authorities in respect of any project of budding and engineering operation or any development proposal which affects or is likely to affect the aesthetic quality of the surroundings or any public amenity provided therein.

With regard to the functions in (i), the Commission may on its own initiative direct the local bodies and Government organisations to modify or remove any existing street furniture, additions and alterations made in historical monuments / features situated in public gardens, hoardings, sign / bill boards, fountains, etc., which in the opinion of the Commission, are objectionable either from aesthetic considerations or civic / functional design aspect. The Commission shall also advise the Central Government and local bodies on matters of aesthetic quality of urban and environmental design whenever specially referred to it. The Commission may also promote and secure the development / redevelopment or beautification of any area in Delhi in respect of which no proposals on that behalf have been received from any local body (Chapter In-Section 11(3) of the Act).

 

1.4  With regard to the functions at (ii) above, i.e. of advising the local bodies in respect of new projects, the Commission shall scrutinise, approve, reject or modify proposals in respect of building or engineering operations or development / redevelopment schemes which affect or are likely to affect the sky-line or the aesthetic quality of surroundings or any public amenity provided therein. Every local body is required, under the Act to refer to and seek the clearance of the Commission before according approval to any building / engineering operation and development proposal.

 

1.5  Sections 12,13,14 and 15 of Chapter III of the Act clearly spell out the duties of the local bodies - provision for appeal to the Central Government - power to revise decision by the Central Government and powers of the Commission.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECTS

2.1  The areas and details of projects of items that come under the purview of the Commission have been spelt out in Sub-section (2) of Section 11 of Chapter III of the Act

 

2.2  The Commission has decided to place various projects and items that come under its purview in three categories:

       1. Development / Redevelopment projects of areas for residential complexes, commercial, civic or community complexes, Government Building complexes, Public Parks or Public Gardens.

       2. Individual buildings and engineering schemes, including overpasses/ underpasses/ bridges, water towers, T.V. towers etc.

       3. Statues, street/garden furniture, hoardings / sign or bill boards, fountains, water channels, Master Plan roads which are more than 80' wide which would affect the environment of the area due to felling of trees or proximity of the historical monuments or otherwise etc.

 

2.3  In respect of (A), all development/redevelopment projects for the Following are to be submitted to the Commission for assessment and clearance

      1. District/sub district centres, civic centres, areas earmarked for Government administrative buildings and for residential complexes - both private and public, college or university campuses, public parks and public gardens.

      2. The area within the jurisdiction of NDMC including Connaught Place Complex and its environs, Central Vista, the entire bungalow area of Lutyen's New DcH and any other areas as the Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify.

      3. Areas in the vicinity of Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutab, Humayun's Tomb, Old Fort, Tughlakabad, and of such other places of historical importance as the Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify.

      4. River front and ridge areas.

 

All development / redevelopment projects are to be submitted to the Commission in the following form by the concerned local body / Govt. agency:

      1. Site plan and layout plan of development / redevelopment of the area at a scale of not less than 1:400 (in duplicate).

      2. Iliree-dimensional model showing landscaping, existing monuments, if any, and general traffic system at a scale not less than 1:400.

      3. Photographs (aerial wherever possible) showing existing physical characteristics of the area proposed to be developed / redeveloped um size 8" x 10".

      4. Report explaining considerations / factors that were kept in view while preparing the scheme.

While assessing the projects, the Commission may call the promoter along with the author of the design to clarify any technical points that may not be clear. The promoter, if he so desires, may consult the Commission at the conceptual and preliminary stage.

 

2.4 In respect of (B), the following types of building (either in public or private sector) and engineering projects shall be submitted to the Commission for assessment and clearance

      1. All multi-storeyed buildings (i.e. buildings having more than four floors besides a basement).

      2. All institutional / public buildings including hospitals, hotels, schools, colleges, theatres, cinemas, air / bus terminals, petrol pumps etc. as well as large residential buildings, residential complexes, office buildings and religious buildings.

      3. Major face-lifting or change of facade of buildings mentioned in (i) & (H) above, that is likely to change their architectural expression.

      4. AU over-passes / under-passes / bridges, chimneys, towers, such as water towers, aviation control towers, T.V. or microwave towers, towers with revolving restaurants and power houses.

      5. Buildings in the district / sub-district centres, civic centres, areas earmarked for government administrative buildings and for residential complexes, buildings facing district parks and public gardens, area within the jurisdiction of NDMC, including Connaught Place Complex and its environs, Central Vista, the entire bungalow area of Lutyen's New DCIW, and such other areas as the Central Goveniment may, by notification in die official Gazette, specify.

      6. All monumental buildings.

      7. Flatted factory proposals where the site might be classified as 'industrial'.

 

All building projects are to be submitted to the Commission in the following form

      1. Site plans at a scale of not less than 1:200.

      2. Photographs showing the environs including buildings, if any. Minimum size 811 x 10".

      3. Detailed model at not less than 1:200 for large buildings and 1:100 for small buildings (professional standard). Materials: plastic or wood. Four photographs of model minimum size 8"x 10".

      4. All plans and elevations with sufficient drawings to explain the design and the architectural expression (in duplicate)

      5. Statement of building materials to be used for elevations.

      6. Report explaining the functions of buildings and special factors that influenced the design.

 

The project drawings are to be submitted to the Commission by the local bodies in the above form within a week the drawings are received by them from the promoters/architects. The model photographs and report may be submitted to the Commission direct by the promoter within seven days time from the day plans etc. are submitted to the local bodies.

For all engineering projects mentioned in (iv), the presentation to the Commission shall be in the following form -

      1. Layout/site plans, elevations at a suitable scale, adequate to explain the project (in duplicate).

      2. Photographs showing the environs - minimum size 8" x 10".

      3. Model - preferably at a scale of not less than 1:200.

      4. Exterior finishing materials to be used.

      5. A short note explaining the salient features of the project.

In the case of projects sponsored by the local bodies/Government agencies, the project drawings and model etc. shall be submitted to the Commission by these organisations. In regard to projects received from private or institutional promoters, the procedure for submission of drawings and model etc. applicable to building projects shall be followed.

 

2.5  In respect of ( C ), all local bodies, registered societies and Government agencies will be required to submit to the Commission all new proposals of items listed there in die following form

     1. Layout plan showing the exact location of installation (in duplicate).

     2. Design and visual expression of all street furniture and hoardings.

     3. Photographs of location and environs. um size 8"x 10" (for statues & fountains).

     4. Sketches, perspective and models to explain the concept clearly.

The type and scale of presentation will depend on the character and size of the scheme or item. Standard design for various street and garden furnitures should be got approved from the Commission. The approved design will remain valid for three years.

Outdoor Publicity: Sign Board - Bill Board - Hoarding

3.1  Outdoor publicity includes all publicity material intended to advertise merchandise, to, give information regarding persons, places, public performance, government announcement etc. These are in the form of :- Sign Board, Directional Sign Board, Bill Board, Hoardings, Neon signs, Illuminated sign boards, Bus 'Q' Shelters, Balloons, vehicles and Banners.

     1. Sign Board: - A board fixed to a building, a wall, a fence, a lamp-post a tree, etc., which announces the part, name of a building, store, establishment professional person, street etc.

     2. Directional Sign Board A sign board fixed to a building, wall tree, fence, or on the ground which displays the direction and announces the name of a new shop, professional person, school cinema theatre, etc.

     3. Bill Board :- A board on which placards posters or programmes of entertainment etc., are pasted.

     4. Hoarding :- A large board supported on concrete, steel or wooden staging, kept free-standing along roadside, a piece of ground or building, or fixed on structures specified in sub-para (a) containing advertisements painted or pasted, on it.

     5. Neon Signs :- Signs on or without sign boards which announce park, name of a building store, establishment commodity etc.

     6. Illuminated Sign Boards :- Sign boards on synthetic sheets which illuminated from the back displaying the name of a shop, profession, store, establishment.

     7. Bus 'Q' Shelters, Kiosk and Pedestals, Police Information Booth, Pan-Thada.

     8. Balloons :- Balloons floated in air near crossing, in exhibitions etc. announcing the name of a product etc.

     9. Vehicles :- Stickers, sign boards fixed to the vehicles and completely or partially painted vehicles which announce the name of a product, a film, exhibition or shop.

   10. Banners :- Cloth banners strung across the streets which announce some events, meetings, gathering, function, shop advertisements and sales etc.

 

3.2  With regard to the above, the following are the Commission's guidelines -

(1) No Commercial hoarding, neon signs, or bill boards shall normally be allowed to be displayed by the local body / public agency in the following areas, buildings and structures

     1. Residential areas including major roads passing through residential areas.

     2. Near road intersections or roundabouts.

     3. In the vicinity of or on public buildings, (railway stations, bus terminus, airports and institutional buildings etc.)

     4. Central Vista, including the entire bungalow area of Lutyen's New Delhi and other areas under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Committee.

     5. Near or in front of parks and public gardens.

     6. River front and ridge areas.

     7. Near or on all monumental buildings, archaeological monuments and religious buildings and buildings of National importance.

     8. Over / under bridges (railway, pedestrian or vehicular) water tanks and communication towers or transmission towers.

Provided that the Commission may, however, allow Hoarding etc. to be put up in these areas in exceptional cases under a special appeal on the basis of a complete street picture prepared of these areas by the local body or the public agency concerned and submitted to the Commission for permission.

Proposal if any, for allowing Hoardings in these areas, buildings or structures may be considered on the basis of a complete street picture prepared by the local body or the public agency concerned, and submitted to the Commission along with a location plan, drawn to a scale of 1:5.

Sign/Bill Boards and free-standing commercial Hoardings of standardised sizes and specifications may be permitted by the local bodies (without referring to the Commission) in the following areas:-

The height of the sign board is not more than 75 cm. In the cases of shops, restaurants and commercial establishments.

1. Industrial areas.

2. On highways and roads outside the urbanisable limits.

3. Areas under wholesale trade and storage, etc.

4. Dumping areas, and

5. Commercial areas - Bus Terminal, Bus Depot & Airport (as specified in the Master Plan).

No approval of the Commission shall be required by the local bodies for issuing licence / permission to fix sign / bill boards if the standards specified above are followed.

Local Bodies while awarding advertisement Hoarding sites should ensure that advertisements are of a good quality as graphic designs. Any advertisement deemed to be vulgar should be removed on being asked by the Delhi Urban Art Commission and an subsequent replacements should be subject to scrutiny.

The Commission should approach the Delhi Administration as per the Delhi Urban Art Commission's Act to present appearance of all advertisement considered undesirable in public interest.

(b) The height of the sign board is not more than 75 cm. and the area not more than 2.25 sq. mtrs. For Government / Semi-Government buildings, construction sites, land or buildings for sale.

(2) No balloons or banners shall be permitted by the local body or public agency without the prior and specific approval of the Delhi Urban Art Commission. Such proposals should be submitted in the form and manner spelt out under para (h) of outdoor publicity stating clearly the time for which the permission is sought.

(3) On the vehicles, standardised hoardings may be allowed by the D.T.C. only at the back leaving the canary yellow portion of the buses free and one long panel of standard size on the right side of the bus.

(4) Advertisements inside the bus may be permitted freely. No other advertisements should be allowed to put on the exterior of the bus, and all concerned should refrain from the painting full truck, delivery vans, bus bodies with advertisements.

4. The Commission shall endeavour to communicate its assessment of the projects under (B) & ( C ) and suggestions, if any, to the promoters within 60 days which shall be counted from the day complete material relating to the project is received by the Commission. Time taken for assessing other items shall be fixed by mutual agreement with the promoters. While assessing either building or engineering projects, the Commission may call the promoters along with the designer to explain the concept if necessary. The promoter may consult the Commission if he so desires at the conceptual and preliminary stage (for which the Commission may charge a suitable fee). In case the Commission rejects the project or suggests major modifications, the promoter will be required to submit a fresh or modified scheme to die Commission for final approval. One set of the approved drawings shall be returned to the local body. The other set together with the approved model or its photograph shall be retained in the Commission's office. The model may be taken away by the promoter after submitting four copies of its photographs (8" X 10") to the Commission for record.

DESIGNS OBTAINED THROUGH ARCIHTECTURAL COMPETITION

When the Commission is associated in the assessment of an architectural competition, the project need not be referred to the Commission unless major changes are made in the final scheme while submitting the project to the local bodies.

REVIEW & EVALUATION

While evaluating any design, the Commission will see that its aesthetic and visual quality will each the overall environment. As one of the main objectives of the Commission shall be to prevent bad design and promote good one, the Commission will endeavour to ensure that the project or scheme fits in harmoniously with the surroundings and does not become jarring or an eyesore. Sometimes ' even a beautiffi4 designed building or engineering project would be inappropriate in a particular site or out of scale with its close neighbours. The Commission will be willing to interact with promoter (both government and private) and designer, and seek assistance of advisers in understanding the totality of problems in its task of evaluating projects. The aim behind the whole process is to ensure qualities in environment congenial to community's need and organic growth - particularly its aesthetic and visual character. It is because of such a need that the Commission would require three dimensional studies of every proposal to assess overall totality of every proposal.

ENFORCEMENT

7.1  Local bodies shall not release the plans for construction for the projects referred to the Commission till the Commission has given its approval

7.2  The local bodies will be directed by the Commission to withhold completion certificate in case any deviation in architectural concept or details has been made during construction with regard to the projects approved by the Commission.

N.B. The Commission usually meets twice a month - first and third Wednesday of each month. Projects received minimum five days before each meeting shall be scrutinized by the Commission, and projects not submitting in the manner spelt out in the guidelines shall be returned to the local bodies without being scrutinized. (If a member happens to be associated with a project in any capacity, either as the architect or promoter, he normally leaves the meeting of the Commission when that project is taken up for consideration by the Commission).

No. 1(2)/82-DUAC

NOTICE

Sub.: Landscape plans of the proiects-

The Commission in its meeting held on 28.8.85, while considering the various projects, felt that landscaping, site development and provision of street furniture are important elements which affect the environment. It was decided to advise the Architects to submit proper landscape plans as per the guidelines earlier approved by the Commission including the garbage disposal system. In this connection, the relevant extract of the guidelines, as published in the Seventh Annual Report of the Commission is reproduced below for guidance and necessary action.

"Building drawings of proposals covering areas more than 1/2 acre should be accompanied by landscape plans, identifying clearly the soft areas and hard areas for parking, play areas for children in different age groups, sites for planting trees and the particular tree species, the street furniture and external fight fittings, surface drainage system and the design of the boundary walls along with location of gates and their design.'

In view of the above, it may please be ensured that the above details are also furnished by the Architects in their plans before the same are submitted to the Commission for its consideration.

Sd/- (G. D. Mathur)

Secretary

MEMORANDUM DT. 7TH JULY 05

No. 1(2)/82-DUAC July 07, 2005

The Commission at its meeting held on June 15, 2005 has decided that the functions of the Commission shall cover the following :-

1. Development of district centers, sub district civic centers, community centers areas earmarked for Government, administrative buildings and for residential complexes, public building/complexes on more than 2 hectares in area or abutting 24 mt. wide road (excluding within residential colonies/areas) or taller than 26 mts. in height;

2. Re-development of the Connaught Place Complex and its environs, Central Vista, the entire bungalow area of Lutyen's New Delhi, historic areas of the City including Shahjahanabad, Civil Lines, Mehrauli and such other areas as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify;

3. Architectural expressions and visual appearance of new buildings in the centers, areas, parks and gardens specified in clauses (a) and (b) including selections of models or statues and fountains therein;

4. Re-development of areas in the vicinity of Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutab, Humayun's Tomb, Old Fort, Tuglakabad and of such other places of historical importance, as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify;

5. Conservation, preservation and beautification of monumental buildings, heritage, public parks and public gardens including location or installation of statues or fountains therein;

6. Street furniture and hoardings;

7. (i) Location and plans of infrastructural proposals like power houses, water towers, television and other communication towers and other allied structures;

(ii) Transport corridors including major roads, metro rail including metro stations, Railway Stations, Airports, flyovers, bridges etc. ;

8. Any other project or lay-out to beautify Delhi or to add to its cultural vitality or to enhance the quality of the surroundings thereof at the discretion of the Commission.

(Dina Nath) 
Secretary

 

1. The Secretary, M/o Urban Development, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

2. The Joint Secretary (D&L), M/o Urban Development, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

3. The Director (DD), M/o Urban Development, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

4. Chief Town Planner, TCPO, I.P. Estate, New Delhi.

5. Director General (Arch.) CPWD, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

6. Additional Director General (Arch.) CPWD, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

7. Engineer-in-Chief, PWD (GNCTD), Curzon Road Barracks, New Delhi.

8. Vice Chairman, DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi.

9. Commissioner, MCD, Town Hall, Delhi.

10. Chairperson, NDMC, Palika Kendra, New Delhi.

11. Commissioner (Plng.) DDA, Vikas Minar, I.P. Estate, New Delhi.

12. Chief Town Planner, MCD, Nigam Bhawan, Kashmere Gate, Delhi.

13. Executive Engineer (Bldg.) HQ, MCD, Town Hall, Delhi.

14. Director (Bldg.) DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi.

15. Chief Architect, NDMC, Palika Kendra, New Delhi.

16. The Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, NBCC Place, Bhisham Pitmah Marg, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi-03.

17. The Chief Engineer, DTTDC, 10th floor, Mayur Bhawan, Connaught Place, New Delhi

 

Copy to:

1. Chairman, DUAC

2. Members, DUAC

3. Notice Board

4. Website

5. All concerned in the office

MEMORANDUM DT. 7TH FEB. 06

No. 1(2)/82-DUAC February 7, 2006

In supersession of memorandum of even number dated July 7, 2005, the Delhi Urban Art Commission at its meeting held on January 25, 2006 has decided that its functions shall cover consideration of proposals pertaining to the following:-

1. Development of district centres, sub district civic centers, community centers, areas earmarked for Government, administrative buildings and for residential complexes, public building/complexes on more than 2 hectares in area, or taller than 26 mts. in height, or having plot area more than 1000 sqm abutting 24 mt. or more wide road.

2. Re-development of the area within the jurisdiction of New Delhi Municipal Committee including Connaught Place Complex and its environs, Central Vista, the entire bungalow area of Lutyen's New Delhi, historic areas of the City including Shahjahanabad, Civil Lines, Mehrauli and such other areas as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify;

3. Architectural expressions and visual appearance of new buildings in the centers, areas, parks and gardens specified in clauses (a) and (b) including selections of models or statues and fountains therein;

4. Re-development of areas in the vicinity of Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutab, Humayun's Tomb, Old Fort, Tuglakabad and of such other places of historical importance, as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify;

5. Conservation, preservation and beautification of monumental buildings, heritage, public parks and public gardens including location or installation of statues or fountains therein;

6. Street furniture and hoardings;

7. (i) Location and plans of infrastructural proposals like power houses, water towers, television and other communication towers and other allied structures;
(ii) Transport corridors including major roads, metro rail including metro stations, Railway Stations, Airports, Flyovers, bridges etc.;

8. Any other project or layout to beautify Delhi or to add to its culture vitality or to enhance the quality of the surroundings thereof at the discretion of the Commission.

Sd/-
(Dina Nath)
Secretary

 

1. The Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

2. The Joint Secretary (DL), Ministry of Urban Development, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

3. The Director (DD), Ministry of Urban Development, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

4. Chief Town Planner, TCPO, I.P. Estate, New Delhi.

5. Director General, CPWD, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

6. Additional Director General (Arch.) CPWD, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.

7. Engineer-in-Chief, PWD (GNCTD), Curzon Road Barracks, New Delhi.

8. Vice Chairman, DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi.

9. Commissioner, MCD, Town Hall, Delhi.

10. Chairperson, NDMC, Palika Kendra, New Delhi.

11. Commissioner (Plng.) DDA, Vikas Minar, I.P. Estate, New Delhi.

12. Chief Town Planner, MCD, Nigam Bhawan, Kashmere Gate, Delhi.

13. Executive Engineer (Bldg.) HQ, MCD, Town Hall, Delhi.

14. Director (Bldg.) DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi.

15. Chief Architect, NDMC, Palika Kendra, New Delhi.

16. The Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, NBCC Place, Bhisham Pitamaha Marg, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi-03.

17. The Chief Engineer, DTTDC, 10th floor, Mayur Bhawan, Connaught Place, New Delhi

 

Copy to:

1. Chairman, DUAC

2. Members, DUAC

3. Notice Board

4. Website

5. All concerned in the office