MINUTES OF THE 1814th MEETING OF THE DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION (DUAC) HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 08, 2025.

A.   The minutes of the 1813th Delhi Urban Art Commission meeting held on 01.05.2025 were confirmed and approved.

SL. No.PROPOSALOBSERVATIONS /SUGGESTIONSDECISIONREMARKS

B.

Action Taken Report in respect of Minutes of 1812th meeting held on 24.04.2025.

  1. Action Taken Report in respect of Minutes of the 1812th meeting held on 24.04.2025 was discussed.
Noted by the Commission.

C. PROJECT PROPOSALS:

1Completion plans proposal (Part) with respect to the Engineering block (Index no. 99c) at IIT Delhi Campus, Hauz Khas.
  1. The SDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plans proposal at its meeting on January 23, 2015, and approved revisions at its meetings on May 24, 2017; specific observations were made.
  3. The Commission did not accept the NOC for Completion at its meetings held on January 2, 2025; 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-27122458045, 58(45)/2024 dated 09.01.2025, and a discussion was held with the architect on Cisco Webex meetings, who provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission. The Commission noted that the Engineering Block (99c) has been divided into two parts (Part 1 & 2), and the current proposal for Part NOC for Completion is for Part 2 only.  Based on the submission made, drawings, photographs submitted, and discussion held online, the proposal for part NOC for completion (Part-2 only) is accepted.
Part NOC for completion (Part-2 only) accepted.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

2Completion plans proposal in respect of Plot No. 11, CBD Shahdara.
  1. The East-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission had earlier approved the layout and building plan proposal for (3B+G+6 floors) in its meeting held on November 22, 2007. Subsequent submissions for additions/alterations-(3B+G+7 floors) in 2010 and (3B+G+8 floors) in 2014-were returned by the Commission due to incompleteness, as conveyed vide DUAC letter no. 22(16)/2010-DUAC dated March 09, 2010, and 22(23)/2014-DUAC dated December 01, 2014, respectively.
  3. The Commission approved the proposal for additions/alterations (replacement of façade material on upper two floors from cement board to ACP in beige & grey colour, provision of a 2.0 m wide staircase up to the third floor as per fire requirements, an additional area of 492.69 sqm. on the ground floor with a terrace garden on the first floor, provision of a public toilet under the Swachh Bharat Mission) at its meeting held on October 20, 2022, specific operations were given.
  4. The proposal for NOC for completion received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinised, and based on the drawings, documentation, and photographs submitted, the following observations were given:

a) The proposal is for NOC for Completion is for a building with 3 basements + G + 8 floors.

b) The Commission noted that the proposal's documentation is incomplete. For example, site photographs of basement areas, terrace (showing the provision of air conditioning and solar panels), works of art, and public toilets are missing from the submission. To ensure the proposal is reviewed at the Completion stage, complete documentation must be submitted, including updated uncut photographs of all above-mentioned areas from all sides.

c) Only three photographs of the site at a distance have been shown, which do show the required façade and do not seem adequate. It shall be ensured that updated photographs, including completed work of public art, of the portions required NOC are submitted from all four sides and including the terrace level, showing details of completed work at the site, including the boundary wall and entrance gate.

d) The structure at the boundary wall, in front of the porch is not understood as the photograph is not clear, and also scaffolding is visible at the structure. Clear and unobstructed photographs of all areas including boundary wall and any other structures, shall be shown in the revised submission.

e) Approval received from DUAC (at the formal stage) shall be superimposed on the plans/elevations/sections, etc., over the actual built structure on the site, existing and proposed changes made in the design from the approval (by DUAC), to understand the extents of internal deviations as well as external changes made with respect to the sanctioned plan, if any.

f) The architect must provide ‘Before’ images (3D views submitted during the DUAC's formal approval) alongside ‘After’ images (current photographs of the built structure) for better understanding.

  1. Overall, the proposal received at the Completion stage is incomplete and lacks clarity, and thereby, the Commission could not appreciate it judiciously. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations and furnish a pointwise incorporation and reply.
NOC for Completion not accepted, observations given.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

3Building plans proposal with respect to a residential building at plot no. 105, M.P. No. 4889, Khasra no. 230/139, Ansari Road, Daryaganj.
  1. The South-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approvals(formal/completion) taken from the Commission has been found in the Commission's available record.
  3. The building plan proposal received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, and the following observations are to be complied with:

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

b) The solar panels shall be integrated into the design at an appropriate clear height, ensuring that the space beneath can be effectively utilised as well as increasing potential panel area to edge of or beyond footprint. This will help for easier maintenance, increase generative capacity, help for reducing heat load by enhanced area shaded, while most importantly improving the aesthetic by ensuring structure to support panels are better designed and integrated.

c) The Sustainability features shall be as per point 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, 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.

4Completion plans proposal in respect of plot no. 111, Sunder Nagar.
  1. The South-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plans proposal at its meeting on November 17, 2022; specific observations were made.
  3. The proposal for NOC completion received (online) at the completion stage was scrutinised. Based on the submission, including documentation, drawings, and photographs, the proposal for NOC completion is accepted.
     
NOC for Completion accepted
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

5Buildings plans proposal for addition and alterations in respect of Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri.
  1. The NDMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approvals(formal/completion) taken from the Commission has been found in the Commission's available record.
  3. The building plan proposal for addition and alterations received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, and a discussion was held with the project proponent and the architect in person, who made a presentation and provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission. Based on the submission made and presentation made by the architect, the following observation is to be complied with:

a) The proposal is to add two new building blocks, namely, staff quarter (G+2) floors and cultural centre (G+1) floors, along with modifying/treating the existing facades of the Consulate, Embassy, and Ambassador’s residence. Some changes, like changing doors/windows, etc., have been proposed in diplomatic villas.

A. Staff quarter building:

a) The projection at the first-floor level spans a large area, and thus, it would be difficult to maintain as it cannot be accessed. It is suggested to convert the projection into a balcony on the first floor to ensure that it is accessible for maintenance and does not gather dust, water, etc.

b) The purpose of the railing at the ground floor level is not understood. Instead, it can be replaced with a toe wall to ensure defined movement and avoid trespassing into green areas.

c) The function of the wall in passage/ verandha at the ground level is unclear; it shall be removed to ensure smooth movement to common areas like the kitchen and laundry.

d) Outdoor air conditioner units could be an eyesore on the building façade. To avoid this, the design shall make a provision to accommodate the outdoor units at this stage so as not to mar the aesthetics. Their screening mechanism shall be clearly illustrated in the respective floor plans and 3d views to provide clarity about their functioning.

B. Cultural centre:

a) The Commission observed that parking is proposed at the surface, which it discourages. Instead, it is suggested to provide parking in the basement/stilt to accommodate the parking provision (current and future) and to utilise the remaining area for open, landscape greens to avoid environmental issues like urban flooding.

C. Miscellaneous:

a) The proposed 3d views shall be annotated with details of materiality to make the proposal self-explanatory.

b) To explain the proposed modifications, i.e. additions/treatments of the existing facades of the Consulate, Embassy, and Ambassador’s residence, the architect shall submit side-by-side images, i.e. photographs, and 3d views for better understanding.

c) The respective floor plans should show a typical furniture layout arrangement to explain the effective functioning of the designed areas in both proposed blocks.

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

e) Work of public art of suitable scale, size and material, imparting character and identity to the complex, at an appropriate level, 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.

f) The solar panels shall be integrated into the design at an appropriate clear height, ensuring that the space beneath can be effectively utilised as well as increasing potential panel area to edge of or beyond footprint. This will help for easier maintenance, increase generative capacity, help for reducing heat load by enhanced area shaded, while most importantly improving the aesthetic by ensuring structure to support panels are better designed and integrated.

g) The Sustainability features shall be as per point 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

h) All plumbing 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 is incomplete and lacks clarity, and thereby, the Commission could not appreciate it judiciously. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations and furnish a pointwise incorporation and reply.
Not approved, Observations given
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

6Proposal in respect of 40 Nos. Type-II Quarters, Training Complex, Aquatic Training Facility & K9 Shelter at NSG Campus, Samalkha.
  1. The CPWD forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approvals(formal/completion) taken from the Commission has been found in the available record of the Commission.
  3. The building plan proposal for Type-II Quarters, Training Complex, Aquatic Training facility & K9 Shelter received (online) at the formal stage was scrutinised, and a discussion was held with the architect, who provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission.  Based on the submission made and the discussion made with the architect, the following observations are to be complied with:

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

b) The utility balconies need appropriate screen mechanisms for drying clothes so as not to spoil the aesthetics of the facade.

c) The solar panels shall be integrated into the design at an appropriate clear height, ensuring that the space beneath can be effectively utilised as well as increasing potential panel area to edge of or beyond footprint. This will help for easier maintenance, increase generative capacity, help for reducing heat load by enhanced area shaded, while most importantly improving the aesthetic by ensuring structure to support panels are better designed and integrated. 

d) The Sustainability features shall be as per point 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

e) All plumbing pipes, service equipment, water tanks, outdoor 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.

7Completion plans in respect of Commercial Complex at Netaji Subhash Place Metro Station, Opp. Wazirpur District Centre, Pitampura.
  1. The DDA forwarded the proposal (electronically) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission initially approved the building plan proposal for (2B+G+9) in its meeting held on October 31, 2012. A revised proposal for (2B+G+3) was subsequently approved on January 18, 2019, with specific observations. The latest revised proposal for (2B+G+4) was approved by the Commission on October 13, 2022, also with specific observations.
  3. The proposal for NOC for completion received (electronically) at the completion stage was scrutinised, and a discussion was held with the architect on Cisco Webex meetings, who provided clarifications to the queries of the Commission. Based on the submission made, including documentation, drawings, and photographs and the online discussion the proposal for NOC for completion is accepted.
NOC for Completion accepted.
The Commission decided to take action in the matter without awaiting the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting.

8

Buildings plans proposal in respect of Residential Group Housing at plot no. 2A, khasra no. 247, 248 and 251 at khata no. 192/538-534, Old Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road. (Conceptual stage)

  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2.  The building plans proposal received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised, and the following observations are to be complied with:

a) The proposal is to build three blocks with two basements + G + 27 floors.

b) 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 along with the Authorization from the owner appointing the architect for the project 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.

9

Building plans proposal for additions and alterations in respect of Kailash Deepak Hospital at plot no. 5 & 6, Karkardooma Institutional Area. (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 plan proposal at its meeting on January 23, 2015, and accepted the NOC for completion at its meeting on July 07, 2022, observations were given.
  3. The Commission did not accept the building plans proposal for additions and alterations at its meetings on February 27, 2025 and March 13, 2025.
  4. The building plans proposal for additions and alterations received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised, along with the replies submitted by the architect in response to the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no:  OL-11032527016 dated 19.03.2025. 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 proposal mural on the building façade to be removed and instead, installation of sculpture/painting in lobby areas to be considered. Work of public art of suitable scale, size and material, imparting character and identity to the complex, at an appropriate level, 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.

c) The solar panels shall be integrated into the design at an appropriate clear height, ensuring that the space beneath can be effectively utilised as well as increasing potential panel area to edge of or beyond footprint. This will help for easier maintenance, increase generative capacity, help for reducing heat load by enhanced area shaded, while most importantly improving the aesthetic by ensuring structure to support panels are better designed and integrated.

d) The Sustainability features shall be as per point 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.

e) All plumbing 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. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations in the next submission (formal stage) and furnish a pointwise incorporation and reply.

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.

D. ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

1Revised Building plans proposal for additions and alterations in respect of building at property no. 1038 to 1046 and 969 Chhota Chipiwara, Ward no. IV, Bazar Paiwalan, Jama Masjid.
  1. The North-DMC forwarded (online) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
  2. The Commission approved the building plan proposal for additions and alterations at its meeting on October 24, 2024.
  3. The revised building plans proposal for additions and alterations received (online) was scrutinised, 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, which will be examined during the proposal's completion stage. All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations.

b) The solar panels shall be integrated into the design at an appropriate clear height, ensuring that the space beneath can be effectively utilised as well as increasing potential panel area to edge of or beyond footprint. This will help for easier maintenance, increase generative capacity, help for reducing heat load by enhanced area shaded, while most importantly improving the aesthetic by ensuring structure to support panels are better designed and integrated.

c) The Sustainability features shall be as per point 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, 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.
2

Building plans proposal for Additions and alterations in respect of Office building on plot no. 11-A, Rouse Avenue. (Conceptual stage)

  1. The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
  2. No previous record of approvals(formal/completion) taken from the Commission has been found in the available record of the Commission.
  3. The Commission did not accept the Concept of the building plan proposal for additions/alterations (addition of a new block) at its meeting held on April 9, 2025 and specific observations were given.
  4. The building plans proposal for additions and alterations (addition of a new block) received (online) at the conceptual stage was scrutinised, along with the previous observations of the Commission communicated vide DUAC Observation letter no:  OL-05042527021 dated 11.04.2025. Based on the previous observations, and 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 along with the Authorization from the owner appointing the architect for the project 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, May 8, 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