MINUTES OF THE 1758th MEETING OF THE DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION (DUAC) HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2024

A.   The minutes of the 1757th meeting of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 25.04.2024 were confirmed and approved.

SL. No.PROPOSALOBSERVATIONS /SUGGESTIONSDECISIONREMARKS

B.Action Taken Reports regarding Minutes of 1756th meeting held on 18.04.2024.
  1. Action Taken Reports regarding the Minutes of the 1756th meeting held on 18.04.2024 were discussed.
Noted by the Commission.

C. PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1Completion plan proposal in respect of Aakash Cinema cum Commercial Complex at Naniwala Bagh, Azadpur.
  1. The North-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the layout and building plans proposal at its meeting held on June 29, 2016, and did not accept the proposal for NOC for Completion at its meeting held on August 04, 2022, and October 20, 2022, respectively; specific observations were made.   
  3. The revised proposal for NOC for Completion received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinized, and the replies submitted in response to the previous observations of the Commission were communicated via DUAC Observation Letter No.: OL-17102249012 dated October 25, 2022. Based on the replies submitted, revised submission made, 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.

2Completion plan proposal in respect of Chand Cinema, Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Trilok Puri.
  1. The EDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plans proposal (formal) at its meeting held on March 09, 2019, and did not accept the proposal for NOC for Completion at its meeting held on March 21, 2024, specific observations were made.
  3. The revised proposal for NOC for Completion received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinized, and the replies submitted in response to the previous observations of the Commission were communicated via DUAC Observation Letter No.: OL-20032459002 dated March 28, 2024. Based on the replies submitted, revised submission made, 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.

3Building plan proposal in respect of Building for Mission/Buddh Vihara for Cultural activities situated at Plot no. 2 & 3, EPDP Colony, Chittaranjan Park, for Buddha Tri-Ratna Mission (Regd.)
  1. The SDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission accepted the concept of the building plans proposal at its March 28, 2024, meeting, where specific observations were made.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized, and 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, shall ensure to be installed in terms of 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) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

c) All water tanks, rainwater pipes, 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.

4Completion plan proposal (Part-Tower F) in respect of Redevelopment of GPRO, Nauroji Nagar.
  1. The NDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the proposal for the layout and building plans with respect to the redevelopment of the GPRA colony at Nauroji Nagar at its meeting held on June 14, 2017. The Commission accepted the proposal for NOC for Completion (Part–Towers B, C, D & E) at its meeting held on December 14, 2023, and NOC for Completion (Part-Tower I) held on March 11, 2024.
  3. The proposal for NOC for Completion (Tower – F (up to 7th floor only)) received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinized along with the comments received from the concerned local body, i.e., NDMC. The proposal for NOC for Part Completion (Tower F (G+7 floors excluding two restaurant floors above) is found acceptable. Although the restaurant is not yet complete, the part completion is being given subject to the fact that the safety and security of the users shall be ensured.
NOC for Completion (Part- Tower F (G+7 floors) excluding two restaurant floors above) accepted.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

5Demolition and Redevelopment plans proposal in respect of MEA Housing Complex for Ministry of External Affairs at K.G. Marg.
  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the NDMC (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission did not approve the building plan proposal at its October 16, 2020 meeting. The Commission did not accept the concept of the building plan proposal at its meeting held on January 08, 2020, and June 08, 2023, respectively, but accepted the concept of the building plan proposal at its meeting held on June 30, 2023, specific observations were made.
  3.  The revised building plan proposal (demolition and reconstruction) received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Conceptually Suitable letter no: OL-22062327043 dated 04.07.2023. Based on the revised submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:  

a) The dome-shaped entry to the basement does not need to be finished with a green cover. Alternatively, it can be finished in materials similar to polycarbonate/aluminium/steel to ensure the provision of light and ventilation.

b) The mechanism to ensure that water does not enter the basement to be ensured.

c) The 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 service equipment, water tanks, outdoor air-conditioning units, DG set, DG exhaust pipes, plumbing 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.

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

6Completion plan proposal in respect of residential building at plot no. 27, Golf Links.
  1. The NDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the demolition and reconstruction plans proposal at its August 12, 2021, meeting.
  3. The proposal for NOC for Completion received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinized along with the comments received from the concerned local body i.e., NDMC. Based on the comments received from the NDMC and the submission, the NOC for Completion proposal 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.

7Completion plan proposal in respect of Community facility building for Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) near Leela Hotel Moti Bagh.
  1. The NDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the layout and building plans proposal (For Type – V, Type VI, and Community facilities) at its meeting on January 18, 2017, and accepted the NOC for Completion (Type-VI tower) proposal at its meeting held on August 12, 2021, and NOC for Completion (Type-V tower) held on December 29, 2022, respectively.
  3. The proposal for NOC for Completion (Part-Community facilities building) received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinized along with the comments received from the concerned local body, i.e., NDMC. Based on the comments received and the submission, the proposal for NOC for Completion (Part- Community facilities building only) is found acceptable. 
     
NOC for Completion (Part-Community facilities building) accepted.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

8Building plans proposal for Regularisation of some classrooms and additions and alterations in respect of Senior Secondary School (Venkateshwar International School) for Sri Venkateshwar Education Society at Sector-10, Dwarka.
  1. The DDA forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the Layout and building plans proposal at its meeting held on October 20, 2000, and accepted the proposal for NOC for Completion at its meeting held on August 17, 2004, respectively.
  3. The building plan proposal for the Regularisation of some classrooms (on the first, second, and third floor), and the addition of a new fourth floor above) received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The Commission observed that while considering the case for additions/alterations, it did not consider or cover the existing construction at the site. This concerns the proposal for additions/alterations (for the Regularisation on classrooms on the first, second, and third floor, and the addition of a new fourth floor above) only.

b) All requisite car parking requirements shall be as per applicable rules/regulations/guidelines etc.

c) The added structure shall be designed so that it withstands weather effects and impacts from calamities like earthquakes, as it is an additional structure added to the existing superstructure. It shall be ensured it is braced firmly to the building and does not impact the safety of the superstructure.

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

e) 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.

f) All water tanks, rainwater pipes, 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.

9Building plan proposal for additions/alterations in respect of Indian Airline CGHS Ltd. at plot no. 3A, Sector-11, Dwarka.
  1. The DDA forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the layout and building plan proposal at its meeting held on March 17, 2004, and accepted the NOC for Completion at its meeting held on January 20, 2010, respectively.
  3. The Commission did not approve the building plan proposal for additions/alterations at its meeting held on February 22, 2024, specific observations were made.
  4. The building plan proposal for additions/alterations (addition/extension of bedrooms, dining room, toilets and balconies, demolition of some balconies, addition of double stack parking) received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized; the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The Commission observed that while considering the case for additions/alterations, it did not consider or cover the existing construction at the site. This concerns the proposal for additions/alterations (addition/extension of bedrooms, dining room, toilets and balconies, demolition of some balconies, double stack parking) only.

b) In one of the replies to the previous observations of the Commission, the Architect has replied that:

"……. It has been analyzed that the use of temporary material in the entire complex is causing a problem. The issue will be resolved by extending the balconies of alternate floors. Currently, the planning includes double-height balconies on alternate floors, which allows sunlight to heat up the space. As a result, people have been resorting to using temporary materials for shading. However, after implementing the proposed solution, the issue will be resolved, and people will no longer need to use temporary materials for shading…..."

Furthermore, upon reviewing the site photographs, it was noted that the outdoor air conditioner units are visible on the external facade, detracting from the visual and urban aesthetics of the area. The architect/proponents to ensure  their commitment to remove temporary extensions, as stated in their response, and to screen the outdoor air conditioning units to preserve the facade's aesthetics. This compliance will be assessed upon receiving the proposal for NOC for Completion.

c) In case any new temporary projections are proposed in future, they shall be submitted for the consideration of the Commission.

d) The design proposal incorporates provisions for double-stack parking arrangements in one of the setbacks 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. It is importance that all parking arrangements adhere to the relevant rules, regulations, guidelines, and other applicable requirements.

e) The added structure shall be designed to withstand weather effects and impacts from calamities like earthquakes, as it is an additional structure added to the existing superstructure. It shall be ensured it is braced firmly to the building and does not impact the safety of the superstructure.

f) The 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.

g) All plumbing pipes, service equipment, rainwater pipes, outdoor air-conditioner units, solar panels, water tanks 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

Building plans proposal in respect of Group Housing Building on kh. no.1279, 1280, 1283, 1284, 1286/2 situated at Extended Abadi Lal Dora of Village Kapashera. (Conceptual Stage)

  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission did not approve the concept of the building plans proposal at its meeting held on February 08, 2024, where specific observations were made. 
  3. The revised building plan proposal received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinized along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Conceptually Unsuitable Letter No.: 30012427004 dated February 13, 2024, and a detailed discussion was held with the Architect on Cisco Web Ex meetings who provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission. Based on the discussion held (online), and the submission made, the following observations are to be complied with: 

a) The Commission observed that unsatisfactory compliances had been given to the previous observations of the Commission communicated via DUAC Conceptually Unsuitable Letter No.: 30012427004 dated February 13, 2024.

b) While the Architect was asked to provide a comprehensive response addressing each observation of the Commission, incorporating every point, such a response was not received. It shall be ensured that each observation is followed for the review of the Commission. 

c) The proforma for development controls (DCR) indicates a permissible FAR of 200, whereas the proposed FAR is stated to be 237.37, exceeding the permissible limit. This discrepancy should be corrected to adhere to the allowable development regulations, and the submission should be revised accordingly.

d) The submission lacks essential details for the EWS block, such as detailed plans, elevations, sections, and 3D views. This absence renders the submission incomplete and unclear. It is necessary to provide these details, including plans, elevations, sections, and 3D views, for the Commission's review.

e) An inconsistency is noted in the submission; while the sections depict stilt parking, no floor plan for the stilt floor is included. This discrepancy needs to be rectified, and the corrected submission should be resubmitted for review by the Commission.

f) The turning radius for vehicular movement at the end of the ramp in the basement parking appears inadequate and incorrect. Additionally, the U-turn proposed in specific areas, with a 6.0m wide road corridor, seems insufficient for vehicle manoeuvring and should be widened to facilitate efficient movement. Accordingly, the parking plan shall be corrected, and the revised parking plan shall be submitted for the Commission's review.

g) An inconsistency has been observed in the parking details; the information in the parking table differs from that in the parking layout drawing. This discrepancy should be rectified, and a coordinated plan should be submitted for thorough review by the Commission.

h) 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.

i) All service equipment, plumbing pipes, rainwater pipes, water tanks, DG sets, DG exhaust pipes, air-conditioning 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.

  1. Overall, the submission received at the conceptual stage has discrepancies, mismatches, and non-compliance to its previous observations. The Architect is advised to address all the above Commission's observations, including those communicated via DUAC Conceptually Unsuitable Letter No. 30012427004 dated February 13, 2024. It is requested that the Architect submit a detailed response, incorporating each point raised by the Commission 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:

1Revised Building plans in respect of Local Shopping Center (ALSC building) at Punjabi Basti, Phase-1, Nangloi.
  1. The North-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission did not approve the building plans proposal (Formal) at its meeting held on October 29, 2018, where specific observations were made.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized, and a detailed discussion was held with the Architect on Cisco WebEx meetings who clarified the Commission's queries. Based on the discussion held (online), and the submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) It was noted that the building block had been designed in a manner that encroaches upon the mandatory setbacks, which is not permissible according to rules and regulations. Consequently, the design must be revised, and the corrected submission should be resubmitted for the Commission's consideration.

 b) The vehicular circulation has been depicted across all setbacks, including the 3.00 m wide setbacks, where manoeuvrability seems impractical, resulting in an inaccurate depiction.

c) Additionally, the necessary parking arrangements for the basement, the surface and stilt areas, and shops on the upper floors have been planned. To enhance crowd management and pedestrian and vehicular circulation in the local shopping area, it is recommended to consider placing shops on the ground floor with parking facilities in the basement (including double stack parking). An alternative option shall be explored, and the revised submission shall be presented initially at the conceptual stage.

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

e) 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.

f) All water tanks, rainwater pipes, 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.

  1. Overall, the submission received at the formal stage has inadequacies. The Architect is advised to address all the above Commission's observations and submit a detailed response, incorporating each point raised by the Commission 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.
2Building plans in respect of Group Housing (The Platinum) at Pkt. 2(B), Block B, Sector-32, Pocket – 2, Rohini.
  1. The North-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized, 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, rainwater pipes, 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.
3Building plans in respect of HPCL Retail outlet (Service Station) at Khasra no. 48/3/1, 48/2/2 & 48/2/1 at Village Kanganheri, Tehsil Kapashera.
  1. The SDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approval (Formal/Completion) taken has been found in the Commission's available record.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized, 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 shall ensure to be installed in terms of 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) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

c) All water tanks, rainwater pipes, 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.
4Building plans in respect of 4697/11, 21, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj.
  1. The SDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approval (Formal/Completion) taken has been found in the Commission's available record.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinized, and 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, rainwater pipes, 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, May 02, 2024, from 11.00 AM onwards:

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