MINUTES OF THE 1847th MEETING OF THE DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION (DUAC) HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025.

A.   The minutes of the 1846th meeting of the Delhi Urban Art Commission held on 11.12.2025 were confirmed and approved.

SL. No.PROPOSALOBSERVATIONS /SUGGESTIONSDECISIONREMARKS

B.Action Taken Reports in respect of Minutes of 1844th meeting and 1845th meeting (Extraordinary) held on 03.12.2025 & 08.12.2025 respectively.
  1. Action Taken Reports in respect of Minutes of the 1844th meeting and 1845th meeting (Extraordinary) held on 03.12.2025 & 08.12.2025 were discussed.
Noted by the Commission.

C. PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1Building plans proposal in respect of Residential building on Plot no. 435, Situated at Chitla Gate, Chawri bazar.
  1. The North-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal 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 plans proposal for residential building (comprising of G+3 floors) received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations, etc.

b) All plumbing pipes, rainwater pipes, service equipment, water tanks, air-conditioning units, solar panels, etc., should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of points nos. 10, 11, and 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.

2Layout and Building plans proposal for additions and alteration in respect of Krishnan CGHS Ltd. on plot no. 19, Pocket no. 6, Dwarka.
  1. The DDA forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. Earlier, the Commission approved the layout and building plans proposal at its meeting held on February 24, 1995. The Commission did not approve the building plans proposal for additions and alteration at its meeting held on November 27, 2025; specific observations were given.
  3. The building plans proposal for additions and alterations (proposed extension of bedroom, toilet, extension of living/dining, balcony, fire staircases, addition of public toilet and ATM) received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC letter no. OL-18112522117 dated 03.12.2025. Based on the replies submitted and the 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 and alterations only.

b) Since the building involves an addition to an existing superstructure, a significant amount of live and dead load is also being added; the concerned local authority must ensure structural safety.

c) All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations, etc.

d) All plumbing pipes, rainwater pipes, service equipment, water tanks, air-conditioning units, solar panels, etc., should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of points nos. 10, 11, and 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.

3Layout and Building plans proposal for additions and alterations in respect of Chopra CGHS plot no. 8, Sector-23, Dwarka.
  1. The DDA forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. Earlier, the Commission approved the layout and building plans proposal at its meeting held on October 17, 1997 and subsequently accepted the NOC for completion plans proposal at its meeting held on December 11, 2013.  
  3. The building plans proposal for additions and alterations (addition to drawing room, bedroom and balcony to each flat) received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised. Based on the submission made, including drawings, documentations, and photographs, 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 and alterations only.

b) The building blocks indicated in the submitted site photographs of block 2 and 4 appear to pertain to the same block. Consequently, an incomplete submission has been received by the Commission. It shall be ensured that the annotations are corrected and that site photographs of all blocks from all sides seeking approval within the complex are submitted, along with a key plan clearly indicating the direction of the photographs.

c) The submission at the formal stage lacks clarity, as the submitted 3D views are not of adequate quality. Further, the views do not convey details of materiality and fail to clearly indicate elements such as slab depths and the provision of overhangs/chajjas for weather protection, thereby rendering the submission incomplete. It shall be ensured that improved, high-quality 3D views are submitted, addressing and resolving the above-mentioned deficiencies to ensure clarity and completeness of the proposal.

d) The proposed 3D views do not correspond with the submitted drawings, resulting in a mismatch in the submission. It shall be ensured that coordinated and updated 3D views, duly matching the submitted drawings, are provided.

e) As the proposed addition/alteration is also intended to enhance the urban aesthetics of the building façade, it shall be ensured that the elevations are suitably improved to uplift the façade, while duly addressing considerations of urban design and environmental aesthetics.

f) The proposed design scheme does not include provisions for screening outdoor air-conditioning units, drying clothes on balconies, or concealing plumbing pipes and service shafts. A comprehensive screening strategy should be developed for all these service elements within each block to preserve façade aesthetics and prevent adverse impacts. To enhance understanding, detailed large-scale drawings, such as plans, elevations, sections, and 3D views, of a typical block should be provided. 

g) Since the building involves an addition to an existing superstructure, a significant amount of live and dead load is also being added; the concerned local authority must ensure structural safety.

h) The Commission emphasised that, to obtain the NOC for completion, the building must properly screen all exposed pipes, designate screened spaces for outdoor air conditioning units, and remove all temporary balcony coverings.

i) All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations, etc.

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

  1. Overall, the proposal received at the formal stage lacks clarity, has discrepancies, and needs improvement. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations and provide a point-by-point incorporation and response.
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 the Commercial complex at plot no. 4, Sector-12, Dwarka.
  1. The DDA forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The proposal was deferred.
Deferred
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

5

Proposal for additions and alterations/modifications in respect of Commercial Complex at Plot No- CSC / OCF-1, Sector-25, Rohini (Conceptual Stage)

  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. Earlier the Commission approved the Building Plans proposal at its meeting held on 19.01.2023.
  3. The Commission did not approve the completion plans proposal at its meeting held on November 27, 2025; specific observations were given.
  4. The building plans proposal for additions and alterations/modifications of the Commercial complex received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised, along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC letter no. OL-24112549024 dated 03.12.2025, and a detailed discussion was held with the architect (online) on Cisco Webex meetings, during which clarifications were provided to the Commission’s queries. Based on the replies submitted, the submission made, and the discussion held (online), the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The Commission noted that five options were presented. Among these, Option 5 was found to be most suitable with the inclusion of an awning on the longer side.

b) It shall be ensured that the proposed railing design is developed in a manner that it blends harmoniously with the overall architectural language of the building, including the jaali design, to ensure visual coherence and consistency.

c) All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations, etc.

d) The 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) and Memorandum dated October 07, 2025 available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in. Any deviations in the artwork from the approved design must be submitted to the Commission for prior approval before the commencement of construction, to ensure compliance and facilitate final approval upon project completion.

e) The installation of clear-story solar panels on a well-designed structural frame, integrated with the building design, is suggested to ensure the effective utilisation of the space beneath, subject to feasibility as per building bye-laws. This placement also facilitates easy maintenance, reduces heat load through increased shading, and improves aesthetics. The sustainability features shall be as per Point 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.​​​​​​​

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

  1. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations and provide a point-by-point incorporation and response in the next submission (formal stage).

Found conceptually suitable (not limited to these observations).

‘The conceptual suitability is only with reference to the mandate of the Commission. However, it would be reassessed at the formal stage based on the 20-point criteria as available on the DUAC website.  It would not be a substitute for formal approval of the proposal referred through the concerned local body in terms of section 12 of the DUAC Act, 1973.

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

6

Building plans proposal in respect of South African High Commission Chancery and High Commissioners Official residence at 28A, Dr. Jose Rizal Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri (Conceptual Stage).

  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission did not approve the building plans proposal of South African High Commission Chancery & Office Block and High Commissioners official residence at its meeting held on November 6, 2025; specific observations were given.
  3. The building plans proposal for South African High Commission Chancery & Office Block (B+G+3) floors and High Commissioners official residence (B+G+01 floors) received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised, along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC letter no. OL-31102524033 dated 11.11.2025. Based on the replies submitted and the submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations, etc.

b) The 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) and Memorandum dated October 07, 2025 available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in. Any deviations in the artwork from the approved design must be submitted to the Commission for prior approval before the commencement of construction, to ensure compliance and facilitate final approval upon project completion.

c) The installation of clear-story solar panels on a well-designed structural frame, integrated with the building design, is suggested to ensure the effective utilisation of the space beneath, subject to feasibility as per building bye-laws. This placement also facilitates easy maintenance, reduces heat load through increased shading, and improves aesthetics. The sustainability features shall be as per Point 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

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

  1. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations and provide a point-by-point incorporation and response in the next submission (formal stage).

Found conceptually suitable (not limited to these observations).

‘The conceptual suitability is only with reference to the mandate of the Commission. However, it would be reassessed at the formal stage based on the 20-point criteria as available on the DUAC website.  It would not be a substitute for formal approval of the proposal referred through the concerned local body in terms of section 12 of the DUAC Act, 1973.

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

7Building plans proposal in respect of JJV Nikunj Hotel Complex at Plot no. 1, NH-8, Samalkha. (Conceptual Stage)
  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. Earlier the Commission accepted the Conceptual proposal for the existing block at its meeting held on June 12, 2019; specific observations were given.
  3. Subsequently the Commission approved the proposal for addition/ alteration at its meeting held on July 24, 2019; specific observations were given.
  4. The building plans proposal for JJV Nikunj Hotel Complex at Plot no.1, NH-8, Samalkha received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised.  Based on the submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) During its meeting on October 17, 2024, the Commission issued specific guidelines through memorandum no. 1(2)/82-DUAC dated October 29, 2024, for the conceptual proposal under review. It was noted that the architect's COA certificate was missing from the checklist. As the proposal is at the conceptual stage, it is imperative to provide accurate and complete documentation, adhering to the requirements specified in the checklist for conceptual proposals (available on the OPAAS login page under "Steps to Submit Proposals for Conceptual Proposals"). This will ensure that the Commission appropriately considers the proposal.

  1. The Commission did not consider the proposal due to a lack of information at the Conceptual stage (as per the checklist available on the DUAC website). Thus, the architect is advised to provide complete and correct information to ensure consideration of the proposal.
Not accepted, Observations given
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

8

Building plans proposal in respect of DAPL Nikunj Hotel Complex at Plot no. 2, NH-8, Samalkha (Conceptual Stage)

  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (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 plans proposal for DAPL Nikunj Hotel Complex at Plot no.2, NH-8, Samalkha received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised.  Based on the submission made, the following observations are to be complied with:

a) During its meeting on October 17, 2024, the Commission issued specific guidelines through memorandum no. 1(2)/82-DUAC dated October 29, 2024, for the conceptual proposal under review. It was noted that the Authorisation from the owner appointing the architect and the architect's COA certificate was missing from the checklist. As the proposal is at the conceptual stage, it is imperative to provide accurate and complete documentation, adhering to the requirements specified in the checklist for conceptual proposals (available on the OPAAS login page under "Steps to Submit Proposals for Conceptual Proposals"). This will ensure that the Commission appropriately considers the proposal.

  1. The Commission did not consider the proposal due to a lack of information at the Conceptual stage (as per the checklist available on the DUAC website). Thus, the architect is advised to provide complete and correct information to ensure consideration of the proposal.
Not accepted, 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, December 18, 2025, 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