MINUTES OF THE 1569th MEETING (ONLINE) OF THE DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION (DUAC) HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2020

A.   Minutes of the 1568th Meeting (online) of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 04.12.2020 were confirmed and approved.

SL. No.PROPOSALOBSERVATIONS /SUGGESTIONSDECISIONREMARKS

B.Action Taken Report on Minutes of 1567th meeting (online) held on 27.11.2020.1.  The Action Taken Reports on minutes of the 1567th meeting ( online ) of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 27.11.2020 was discussed.Noted by the Commission

C. PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1Building plans in respect of residence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi at 6 Flag Road, Civil Lines, Delhi. 
1. The proposal was forwarded by the PWD ( GNCTD ) ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.
2. The Commission did not approve the building plan proposal at its meeting held on November 06, 2020 specific observations were given.
3. The revised proposal at formal stage received ( online ) was scrutinised and a detailed discussion was held with the architect on Cisco WebEx Meetings, wherein the architect explained the overall design intent and provided clarifications to the queries related to the elevational features on the façade etc.  However, based on the detailed discussion, replies and the revised proposal submitted, the following observations were given:
a. The proposed office block, staff, security blocks and boundary wall are very much part of the overall complex, and shall have an aesthetic and visual impact on the complex. However, the detailed 3D views and elevations clearly indicating the architectural features, materials to be used have not been provided to comprehend the proposal.  The estate office and the office building may be redesigned to be same in size and elevation. 
b. A sufficient number of self-explanatory, annotated 3D views ( at least 6 in numbers including Arial views ) of the complex at various angles, clearly showing the proposed design scheme with proper annotations and corresponding to proposal drawings may be submitted.
c. It was observed that British architectural elements and style has been used extensively in the design proposal which was not appreciated.  Instead, it was suggested to explore a regular simple design approach to be adopted to represent a contemporary Indian/Delhi representative style. 
d. The right side elevation seems to be more appropriate ( more institutional ) than the front elevation ( more ornate ). The front elevation shall also be designed in consonance with the right side elevation. The curve at the top front elevation may be removed. The architectural elements/features/style used in the columns on the façade should have taken inspiration from Indian architecture. Also the design of the main building shall be kept minimal and symmetrical to ensure harmony in design. 
e. The baithak should be designed to have natural light and ventilation and not borrowed from other spaces in the house. 
f. It is suggested to provide connection between lounge and library on the ground floor. No part of the site shall have chamfered edges; it being a building of prime importance shall be designed with linear geometry and no negative spaces. 
g. The drop-off point shall have covered porch till the entry i.e. the trellis would not act as a covered entry and the same shall be replaced with a more permanent roofing element. 
h. The design of the boundary wall shall be made more subtle with minimal elements and light design. Presently, it is gaudy.
i. Local native species shall be planted and the existing tress shall be retained as far as possible. The landscape plan should indicate the details of the trees planted, existing trees, levels, types of species on an appropriate scale, (in terms of the point nos. Six of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org to be ensured.
4. The architect was advised to adhere to the above observations and furnish a pointwise incorporation/reply.

Not approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

2Proposed building plan proposal in respect of Plot no. 93, Sunder Nagar, New Delhi.

1.  The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.  The Commission accepted the concept of the building plan proposal at its meeting held on November 13, 2020 specific observations were given.

3.  The building plan proposal received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised and following observations were given:

a. The entire proposal shall adhere to all the applicable statutory provisions, and norms/regulations of the prevailing Lutyens Bungalow Zone ( LBZ ) guidelines.

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.

c.  All service equipment at the terrace should be properly camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA ( Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval ) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org.

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

3Revised layout and Building plans proposal in respect of Group housing at Okhla industrial area Phase-I, for Godrej Veastmark, Delhi.
1. The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.
2. The Commission approve the layout and building plan proposal at its meeting held on May 07, 2018 specific observations were given.
3. The revised layout and building plans proposal ( for Tower-1, Club house and swimming pool ) received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised and following observations were given:
a. All shops, office shall have uniform architectural controlled signages, so as to maintain uniformity and enable facade control to ensure they do not mar the aesthetics.
b. The air-conditioners would be an eye-sore to the building façade. To avoid the same, provision shall be made in the design to accommodate the outdoor units, at this stage, to ensure they do not mar the aesthetics.
c. Innovative architectural mechanisms shall be used to screen the dish antennas and drying of clothes in the balconies.
d. 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.
e. All service equipment at the terrace should be properly camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA ( Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval ) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org.

Approved, observations given.Shri Samir Mathur, Member, DUAC recused himself during the consideration of the proposal.


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


4Completion plans in respect of ISTE Building at IIT Delhi Campus Hauz Khas, New Delhi. 

1.  The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.  The Commission approved the extension ( Block-B ) to the existing building ( Block-A ) proposal at its meeting held on October 27, 2010 and specific observations were given.

3.  The Commission did not approve the NOC for the completion plan proposal for both the buildings ( Block-A & Block-B ) at its meeting held on August 21, 2020 specific observations were given 

4.  The Completion plan proposal received again ( online ) for both the buildings ( Block-A & Block-B ) was scrutinised along with the replies submitted by the architect, on the observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC observation letter no: OL-14082058008 dated 26.08.2020 and following observations were given

a.  It was clearly evident from the replies submitted by the architect and the record available with the Commission that no previous formal approval for Block A had been taken from the Commission and it had already been constructed at site without the necessary approvals of the Commission.

b.  However, required formal approvals for Block B had been taken from the Commission. It was, accordingly, decided to give NOC for completion to Block B only.

c.   So far as the NOC for completion to Block A is concerned, the Commission observed that since the Block A had been constructed without the necessary formal approvals from the Commission, therefore, it has no comments to offer on Block A, at this stage and decided that the matter may be seen by the concerned local body i.e. South DMC as per applicable rules/laws for such matters.

Part Completion for Block-B Approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

5Completion plans proposal in respect of Research centre at C-8, Qutab Institutional Area, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi. 

1.  The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.  The Commission approved the additions to the existing building on an adjoining vacant land area at its meeting held on February 05, 2020 specific observations were given. However, no information on the previous approvals taken, if any, for the existing building was provided.

3.  The completion plan proposal for the existing building received ( online ) was scrutinised and following observations were given:

a.   From the record available with the Commission it was evident that no previous formal approval seems to have been taken from the Commission and the building had already been constructed at site.

b.   Also, the Work of Public art is missing in the submission. Since the project is at completion stage, the work of art suitable scale to the context to be installed at site 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.

c.   The Commission observed that since the building had already been constructed at site without the necessary formal approvals from the Commission, and no documents have been furnished to substantiate the approvals taken from the concerned local body. The Commission decided that it has no comments to offer at this stage and decided that the matter may be seen by the concerned local body i.e. South DMC as per applicable rules/laws for such matters.

NOC not approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

6Building plans in respect of commercial building and office at 13-B, Rajendra Park, Shankar Road, New Delhi.

1.   The proposal was forwarded by the North DMC ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.   The building plan proposal received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised and following observations were given:

a.  The stilt plan shows that the circulation is not workable i.e. the turning radius is not enough to make the entry/exit functional effectively.

b.  The parking plan of the basement is incomplete. The vehicles shall be clearly marked in the plan including their movement in the parking area.

c.   The drawing shall be complete in all aspects to make the design scheme self-explanatory.

d.  Air-conditioning shafts shall be such designed that they conceal all the services. Also, they shall be appropriately screened to ensure the services are not visible on the façade.

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

f.    Work of Art is missing in the submitted design scheme. Public art of suitable scale to the context 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 need to be made.

g.   All service equipment at the terrace should be properly camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA ( Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval ) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org.

Not approved, observations given.The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

7Building plans proposal for (additions/alterations) in respect of Office-cum-Commercial Complex at plot no.14 at Jasola for NHCC, New Delhi. 

1.  The proposal was forwarded by the South DMC (online) for consideration of the Commission.

2.  The Commission approved the building plan proposal at its meeting held on July 07, 2006 and the NOC for Completion plan proposal was accepted on July 29, 2009. The concept of the additions/alterations was accepted at the meeting of the Commission held on November 06, 2020 specific observations were given.

3.  The building plan proposal for additions/alterations received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised and following observation was given:

a.   All service equipment at the terrace should be properly camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA ( Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval ) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org.

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

8Layout & building Plan for Additions /Alterations ( for society office ) in Rudra CGHS, Plot No. 12, Sector-6, Rohini, Delhi.

1.   The proposal was forwarded by the DDA (online) for consideration of the Commission.

2.   Earlier, the Commission approved the building plan proposal at its meeting held on January 10, 1997 and the proposal for additions/alterations was approved at the meeting held on December 12, 2018.

3. The addition/alteration proposal ( for addition of society office only)  received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised and found acceptable.

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

9Permission for the installation of a Bust of Late Shri Arun Jaitley at Shri Arun Jaitley park, New Delhi.

1.   The proposal was forwarded by the DDA ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.   The formal proposal for installing bust received ( online ) was scrutinised and following observations were given:

a.  It was observed that the bust is placed in the centre of the park, and thus a lot of space is wasted. Also the location is such that it does not get good sunlight. Thus, it was suggested to move it further 4 to 5 meters closer to the tree line for better location, viewing angles and better aesthetics. The bust should be South facing so that sunlight falls on the statue.

b.  Also the plantation around the bust should be reduced as it is distracting from the main figure. 

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

10Revised building plans proposal in respect of Residential building at 7 Hailey Road, New Delhi.

1.  The proposal was forwarded by the NDMC ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.  The Commission approved the building plan proposal at its meeting held on August 31, 2016 and the revised plan proposal was approved on February 15, 2017.

3.  Now, the revised building plan proposal received ( online ) was scrutinised and following observations were given:

a.   Location of existing trees, as shown on the building plans, shall be retained.

b.   All service equipment at the terrace should be properly camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 &12 of the CPAA ( Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval ) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org.

Approved, observations given.Shri Abhimanyu Dalal, Member, DUAC recused himself during the consideration of the proposal.


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


11Building plans proposal in respect of Dispensary-Cum-Diagnostic Centre for Employees State Insurance Corporation at Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Delhi.

1.  The proposal was forwarded by the CPWD ( online ) for consideration of the Commission.

2.  The Commission did not approve the building plan proposal at its meeting held on November 06, 2020 specific observations were given.

3.  The revised building plan proposal received ( online ) at formal stage was scrutinised and following observations were given:

a.  The parking shown as P2 shall be suitably relocated behind the area available in P1 parking lot so as the space is freed for consolidated greens. The space shall then be appropriately landscaped.

b.  All service equipment at the terrace should be properly camouflaged (in terms of the point nos. 10, 11 & 12 of the CPAA ( Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval ) available on DUAC website at www.duac.org.

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

The following were present at the Meeting ( online ) of the Commission held on Friday, December 11, 2020, from 02.30 PM onwards: 

1. Prof. Dr P.S.N. Rao, Chairman, DUAC 

2. Shri Samir Mathur, Member, DUAC

3. Shri Abhimanyu Dalal, Member, DUAC