Delhi Urban Art Commission

Core-6A, India Habitat Centre

Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003
 DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION

Chairman

Shri Raj Rewal (Upto 08.10.2014)

Prof. Dr. P.S.N. Rao (14.10.2014 onwards)

Members

Smt. Sonali Bhagwati Upto 08.10.2014

Shri Satish Khanna Upto 08.10.2014
Shri Eric P. Mall Upto 08.10.2014
Shri D Diptivilasa, Addl. Secretary (UD),
Ministry of Urban Development (upto 30.6.2014)

Shri Samir Mathur 14.10.2014 onwards

Smt. Sonali Bhagwati 14.10.2014 onwards
Smt. Sonali Rastogi 14.10.2014 onwards
Shri Durga Shanker Mishra , Addl. Secretary (UD),
Ministry of Urban Development (w.e.f.19.08.2014)

Officers

Shri Vinod Kumar Secretary

Shri Rajeev Kumar Gaur Assistant Secretary (Tech.)
Shri Raghvendra Singh Administrative Officer
 The Delhi Urban Art Commission is an autonomous body
set up by an Act of Parliament in 1973 to advise the
Government of India in the matter of preserving, developing
and maintaining the aesthetic quality of urban and
environmental design within Delhi,
and to provide advice and guidance to any local body
in respect of any project of building operations or
engineering operations or any development proposal
which affects or is likely to affect the skyline or the
aesthetic quality of the surroundings or any public
amenity provided therein.
 Contents

Page
No.

1. Chapter-1 : Overview 44

2. Chapter-2 : Smart City: Site Specific Urban Design Studies 50

3. Chapter-3 : Significant Initiatives 63

4. Chapter-4 : Administration and Organization 72

Annexure I
77
Annexure II
87
 CHAPTER-1

OVERVIEW

Delhi is a City with several unique features. Unlike most other cities,
the centre of the City i.e. New Delhi which is sparsely populated has a
dense green cover and acts as the City‟s lung. The City has innumerable
heritage structures dotting the cityscape comparable only to cities like
Rome. The City is the seat of power for two Governments viz. the
Government of India as well as the Government of the National Capital
Territory of Delhi. Consequently, it has been the focus of attention of both
the Central and State Governments and their regulatory authorities
governing the City.

Planning for Growing Population

With the globalisation of the Indian Economy and being the venue
of two major International Games viz the Asian Games and the
Commonwealth Games, the City has been witnessing a very high influx of
population from different parts of the Country. In terms of the projection
of population indicated in the Master Plan for Delhi 2021, the population
for the city is expected to increase to 230 lakhs by the year 2021.

While the MPD 2021 envisages enhancing the population holding

capacity of the different zones and extension of the urban limits to the
extent necessary, the lateral expansion of the City can take place only to
a limited extent. Consequently, there has been an ongoing debate in
professional circles and the authorities on vertical growth versus lateral
expansion of the City. Needless to say that in the interest of the
conservation of the heritage zones of the City it is important that the
growth of the City takes place in a sensitive and selective manner
without impinging on or upon the City‟s rich heritage.

Role of Delhi Urban Art Commission

 It is here that the role of the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC)
becomes important. The DUAC was set up under the Delhi Urban Art
Commission Act, 1974 with the objective of preserving, developing and
maintaining the urban and environmental design within Delhi. The
Commission‟s primary role has been to balance the growth of the City and
its heritage.

Urban Design Studies

With the need for a holistic, balanced and inclusive growth of the
City, the Commission with the approval of the Government took up site
specific conceptual urban design studies which demonstrate the manner
in which three dimensional planning for different parts of the City could be
done. For undertaking the studies, the Commission created a Hub with all
modern amenities and engaged a very dedicated and talented team of
technically trained manpower for the purpose. The studies comprise of
site specific design for wards, gardens, development along metro
corridors. The reports of the completed studies have been sent to the
authorities for implementation with the expectation that similar studies
would be taken up by the authorities not only in Delhi but other cities of
the Country.

Hi-tech Public Toilet

Another important initiative of the Commission undertaken with the

approval of the Government has been development of prototypes for hi-
tech public toilets based on designs selected through a design competition
organised by the Commission. The first prototype developed by the
Commission and installed opposite Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in the
New Delhi area had a high footfall. Seeing the success of the toilet unit,
the Commission was approached by many authorities from Delhi as well
as outside for meeting the requirements of public toilet units in their
respective areas.

The Commission was conferred with the prestigious award for its
significant contribution in the field by Washroom and Beyond.

Unified Building Byelaws for Delhi

One of the most significant initiatives by the Commission during the

year was to put together a simple, clear and concise version of the Unified
Building Byelaws for the City of Delhi. The Commission in association with
the Delhi Development Authority was entrusted by the Ministry of Urban
Development, Government of India with an exercise to rationalize and
update the Delhi Building Bye-laws-1983 to make them citizen friendly. A
joint workshop was organised by the DUAC and the DDA in the month of
October 2014 in which representatives of various authorities and
stakeholders participated. Suggestions were invited on the draft Unified
Building Byelaws developed by the Commission. Over thousand
suggestions received from various quarters were considered in-depth and
extensively discussed in joint meetings with the stakeholders, virtually on
a day to day basis. The final document on Unified Building Byelaws for
Delhi completed in a record time, has been sent to the Government of
India for notification.

Guidelines on Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ)

After the historic declaration at the Delhi Durbar in 1911 of shifting

the Capital of India to Delhi the work for creation of the Imperial City of
Delhi began. An Imperial New Delhi Plan was made by Sir Edwin Landseer
Lutyens, a British Architect in the year 1912 for the national capital and
the same was implemented and inaugurated in the year 1932.Over the
years with restricted development allowed in the area the existing
buildings have not been able to keep up with the changing requirements
and most buildings have outlived their lives.
 The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, has been
receiving from time to time representations from various residents of the
Lutyen‟s Bungalow Zone (LBZ) of New Delhi, seeking relaxations in terms
of permissions for creating basements, increasing the number of floors,
redevelopment, exemption from the LBZ, etc. Taking cognizance of the
same, the Ministry of Urban Development forwarded the representations
to the DUAC for examination and giving recommendations to the Ministry
for change in boundary and development norms, if any, being proposed
keeping in view the need of urbanization, aesthetic character of Lutyens
Bungalow Zone.

The Commission considered the matter in depth on a priority basis

in several meetings in consultation with other stakeholders‟ .It thereafter
formulated comprehensive guidelines on the aspects of boundary and
development norms for the LBZ area. The report on the LBZ Guidelines
prepared in a record time on the basis of the detailed exercise has been
sent to the Ministry of Urban Development.

Details on the significant initiatives by the Commission have been

mentioned in a subsequent chapter.

Value Addition on Referred Proposals

While the City Level Projects have been the main focus of the
Commission during the year, the Commission made valuable contribution
on the other proposals referred through the local bodies. The
Commission considers these proposals on the basis of its general
guidelines for individual buildings which have been given wide publicity.
In fact an undertaking is obtained from the project proponent/architect on
compliance of these guidelines. Once such an undertaking is received, the
consideration time of the Commission is minimal. After introduction of
these guidelines the Commission has been able to dispose of proposals in
the minimal time.
 In terms of its mandate the Commission is required to meet at least
twice a month. The Commission held 25 number of meetings during the
year 2014-15 in which it considered a total of 184 complete proposals as
per details indicated below:

Abstract of Proposals Considered in 2014-15

S No. Particulars Number of Proposals

1. Approved 153
2. Observations Given 07
3. Returned & Rejected 03
4. Under Process (As on 31.3.2015) 21
Total 184

Particulars of the proposals could be perused at Annexure I.

Abstract of Proposals
Considered(2014-15)
Approved
2% 11%
4% Observatio
ns Given
83% Returned &
Rejected
Under
Process

Consideration Time for Proposals(2014-15)

Within 2
6% weeks
10%
8% Within 3
weeks
50% Within 4
13%
weeks
13% Within 5
weeks
Within 6
weeks
More
than 6
 Despite considerable time devoted on the major initiatives like
Unified Building Byelaws or Policy on Lutyen‟s Bunglow Zone etc., the
Commission has been ensuring that on an average about 7 to 10
proposals are considered in every meeting. Consequently, there have
hardly been any arrears of pendency at any point of time.

Work of Art in Public Buildings

There are guidelines issued by the Government of India that one

percent of the cost of all projects to be spent on Works of Art in public
buildings. As such while according approval on all public projects, the
Commission invariably stipulates the aforesaid guidelines as a pre-
condition in its sanction letter. Also, before according its „No Objection‟ on
proposals for issuance of Completion Certificate the Commission makes it
a point to ensure that the project proponent has complied with the
aforesaid guidelines stipulated by the Government of India.

Ease of Doing Business and Transparency

With a view to facilitate ease of doing business, the Commission in

terms of the guidelines of the Government has initiated action for online
referral of proposals through the local bodies. The online system of DUAC
would be dovetailed with that of the local bodies so that the Commission
is able to communicate its decisions to the concerned local body through
the online system.

To bring about greater transparency in its functioning the

Commission has been uploading the minutes of the Commission‟s
meetings on its website.

Proposal Tracking Programme has been introduced on DUAC website

whereby stakeholders can view the status of their proposal from the time
of submission to its final disposal. The DUAC website was further updated
and redesigned. All significant information pertaining to the activities of
the Commission are duly uploaded in terms of the provisions of the Right
to Information Act.
 CHAPTER-2

Smart City: Site Specific Urban Design Studies

Delhi is a city with both planned and unplanned development. A

large part of Delhi lives in unauthorized colonies and slums. The Master
Plan for Delhi 2021 envisaged incorporating the regularized unauthorized
colonies in the mainstream of urban development by provision of requisite
infrastructure, services and facilities. For slum dwellers the MPD 2021
talks about insitu rehabilitation.

In terms of its mandate, one of the important functions of the

Commission is that it may suo-motu promote and secure the
development, re-development or- beautification of any areas in Delhi in
respect of which no proposals in that behalf have been received from any
local body.

In order to give shape to the aforesaid provisions of the Master Plan

the Commission after a detailed interaction with a cross section of experts
sent a proposal to the Government of India some time back for taking up
such site specific conceptual urban design studies to demonstrate
principles on which local area plans could be developed on a three
dimensional plain. The objectives of these studies were as follows:

1. Site Specific „Urban Design‟ interventions for upgrading urban

environment with three-dimensional visualization incorporating
geospatial data.
2. Ecological restoration – Parks, Green Areas, Water Bodies
3. Conservation of Heritage & Enhancement of environment
4. Up-gradation of Social & Civic infrastructure
5. Redevelopment/revitalization of undeveloped areas
6. Up-gradation of Physical infrastructure
7. Solutions for vehicular parking
 8. Creating a more pedestrian friendly environment and prioritization
of non-motorized vehicles in street design
9. Solid waste disposal to achieve zero waste and recycle water at
local level.

The proposal of the Commission was considered by a high level

Project Approval Committee (PAC) in March 2012 which approved the
proposal. The studies approved included the following:

1. Sites specific design for wards in Delhi

2. (a) Rehabilitation of Slum
(b) Rehabilitation Un-authorized colonies
3. Vision of Delhi
4. High rise development proposals along Metro corridors
5. Rejuvenation of Gardens
6. Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi -2015
7. Prototype for Hi-Tech Toilets & Dustbins

The studies were taken up in phases

S. Name of the Project Total Studies Studies Studies

No. Studies to taken up in taken up in to be
be done Phase-I Phase-II taken up
1. Site Specific design for 25 05 06 14
wards in Delhi
2. a) Rehabilitation of Slums 10 02 02 06
b) Rehabilitation of
10 04 04 02
Un-authorized Colonies
3. Vision of Delhi 01 - 01 -
4. High Rise Development 01 01 - -
Proposal along Metro
Corridor
5. Rejuvenation of Gardens 20 05 05 10
6. Unified Building Bye-Laws 01 On going 01 -
for Delhi -2015
7. Hi-Tech Toilets & 01 On going - -
Dustbins

A brief description of the completed studies is indicated below:

Phase I

Studies in the phase-I were completed by early 2014 and formally

launched by the then Secretary (UD), Ministry of Urban Development in
February 2014 in a meeting of heads of the local authorities in Delhi. The
reports were thereafter sent to the concerned authorities for
implementation.

In the first phase, the Commission took up the following studies:-

1. Site specific design for wards in Delhi

1) Kalkaji & East of Kailash (Ward Nos 194 &196)

2) New Ashok Nagar (Ward No.212)
3) C.R. Park (Ward No.190)
4) Chirag Delhi (Ward Nos. 189 & 191 )

The aspects covered as a part of these studies included the urban

fabric, urban graphics, urban transport, waste disposal systems, parking
requirements, social infrastructure present in the area, the norms
stipulated in the Master Plan for the area. The teams doing the studies
interacted with the MLAs, area Councillors, RWAs, Traders Association,
local residents to understand the requirements for these areas and
presenting comprehensive design solutions to identify issues on the site.
Netaji Subash Place

1
1
.
S

M R
Before(left), and After ( Right) I
W
I
N
D G
E

R R
Transit Oriented O O
A
Development – D
A
D
Rajdhani Park to
Mundka

Aerial view of NH-10

(left), view showing
pedestrian , cycle track &
the road
 New Ashok Nagar( Design Scheme)

CR Park

Before After Visuals showing

Rejuvenation of the public
node

2.
Rehabilitation of Slum/Un-authorized Colonies

(a) Unauthorized Colonies

 1) New Ashok Nagar (Ward No.212)
2) Aya Nagar (Ward No.175)
3) Mohammad Pur Village (Ward No.67)

(b) Slums
1) Mohammadpur slum (Ward No.67)
2) Sudhar Camp (Ward No.196)

A survey was done and the work plan was prepared to carry forward
the studies in terms of urban fabric, open space structure, transportation,
building typologies, services like drainage and water supply. Attempt has
been made to address the aforesaid issues and suggest viable solutions in
the recommendations of the studies.

3. Rejuvenation of Gardens

(a) South Delhi Greens primarily comprising of forests at Jahanpanah,

Panchsheel and Tughlaqabad, have been taken up to evaluate and
improve their integration with the surrounding urban fabric. The proposal
aims to establish a system of interconnected greens for the South Delhi
region. Once established this approach could be applied to other such
locations in the City.

(b) Landscape and Pedestrian connections at Netaji Subhash Place Metro

Station, Pitampura, New Delhi: In the best examples worldwide,
pedestrian movement is integrated with landscape and recreation and
informal commercial spaces. Site has been taken up to demonstrate how
this can be made possible by providing proper pedestrian spaces where
there are transport interchanges and also a variety of land uses in the
site.
4. High Rise development proposals along metro corridors

The development of metro in Delhi has had an unprecedented

impact on the Cityscape. It is natural that property development along
 metro corridors intensifies in due course of time. To ensure that such
development takes place in planned manner and not in a haphazard
manner the DUAC proposed preparation of development plans for high
rise development along existing metro corridors in Delhi. The corridor that
was taken up for the study was the stretch on NH-10 viz. Peera Garhi to
Mundka.

Phase II

The following studies were completed in Phase-II in December 2014

and forwarded to concerned Authorities.

1. Uttam Nagar (Ward No. 127)

Unregulated growth of city fringes; illegal development over large

scale land acquired by DDA and acute housing shortage have resulted in
the growth of unauthorized colonies (in close proximity to villages) in this
area. The zone is also compromised by lack and access to affordable
housing stock, haphazard small-scale manufacturing units and
commercial enterprises. Area improvement goals include providing for
higher densities for affordable housing and commercial development. Area
improvement goals include: Incentives for redevelopment, creation of
usable open spaces, creating wider roads incorporating for segregated
functions, providing for social infrastructure and opportunities for
improvement of physical infrastructure. The area improvement vision also
provides for a variety of office spaces / incubation hubs for entrepreneurs.
 Uttam Nagar Ward – Redevelpoment proposal for unauthorized colony

2. Punjabi Bagh (Site Specific Design Study Ward Number 103)

Punjabi Bagh has different type of development, within pockets

such as Punjabi Bagh West (Plotted housing), Madipur (Urban Village),
DDA flats, resettlement colonies and slums etc. Due to the difference in
development pattern and socio economic background the planning
approach to these areas vary accordingly. The proposals are related to
slum rehabilitation, redesigning of the streets, identification of feasible
sites for multilevel car parking, community centre, revitalization of
existing greens, rejuvenation of the Nagafgarh Nallah, rejuvenation of
lakes, energy efficiency and management of storm-water, waste water
and solid waste in the ward.
3. Patparganj- Slum (Ward No. 220)
 As per the Shelter Policy of MPD 2021, 50-55% of the 24 lakh
additional dwelling units to be provided in the plan period would be for
the urban poor and economically weaker sections in the form of houses of
two rooms or less. In the existing slum settlements, the threefold
strategy of relocation from areas required for public purpose, in-situ
upgradation and the interim measure of upgradation to minimum
standards is to be followed. Keeping with the above framework the Delhi
Urban Art Commission had undertaken alternative site specific housing
design options for slums in Patparganj.

4. Lado Sarai, phase I (Ward no. 169)

The location of Lado Sarai and its intra-city connectivity has

attracted additional population and intensification of building development
but without adequate infrastructure provision, this has led to congestion
and unsanitary conditions in the village. Planned development, therefore,
needs to focus on improving the environmental conditions of the existing
habitation while encouraging new building development on the vacant
fringe lands to provide facilities which will ease congestion in the village.
An important facility required is for underground parking of motorized
vehicles of residents and others in a planned manner. To make the
underground parking financially viable a mixed use development is
planned to contain retail shopping, commercial offices, and service
apartments in medium rise blocks not higher than the mature trees
existing in the area. Landscaped green areas of varying sizes are planned
between the existing habitation and the new mixed use development. An
important element of environmental structure is the proposal for sunken
pedestrian plazas to cross under the traffic junctions on three sides of the
village to allow safe access to the facilities adjoining Lado Sarai.
Based on the completed study the Commission organized meetings
with the various stakeholders including the authorities, local inhabitants.
The general consensus of opinion at these meetings was that further
 detailed plan for implementation could be taken up under the overall
supervision of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi
(GNCTD). Accordingly, the matter has been taken up with the State
Government.

6. Sunken 11
2. Cultural 3. Nursery + 15.
Court/ 13. 10. 12. Museum 8. Mixed use
Centre vehicular Communi
exhibition Neighborho Extension Communi complex development
road ty park 16.
space 1. Mixed use 5. od park and of ty park
Developmen Banquet Sunken 9. Sunken
4. Private Community existing with
t Hall court court /
Hospital Centre Primary basemen
flower vegetable
School t parking
market market

7. Bus
Stop

14. Bus
Stop

Lado Sarai- Adding urban in fills as social infrastructure and mixed use housing

5. Chandni Chowk and Kashmeri Gate (Ward Nos. Chandni Chowk 80,
Kashmiri Gate 77)

Plagued with problems of traffic congestion, infrastructure

deterioration, unauthorized construction, dilapidated housing conditions
and conversion of residential premises to non residential uses,
improvement of the area is long overdue. The area is in need of an
upgradation so as to provide better urban environment, backed by
shifting of non-confirming activities and uplifting the standards of physical
and social infrastructure and revival of old glory. This study aims at
providing strategies and guidelines for urban renewal of the old city fabric
to rejuvenate itself and for social and cultural life to thrive in the city,
develop guidelines for regeneration of the urban fabric by conservation
approach which retains the overall character of the Walled City.
6. Vinod Nagar : West Vinod Nagar and Mandawali (Ward no 217
and 218)

The selected areas have all the elements of organic growth (very
high density, narrow lanes, small plots, high ground coverage and
structures of about 3-4 floors height, mixed land use and a general
deficiency of infrastructure). The area is a representative example of the
rest of the unauthorized colonies in the City. Despite being an
unauthorized colony, the area is developing fast in violation of the Master
Plan. The issues that are being dealt with at this stage call for following
few interventions that can be explored for the area as upgradation of
services and motivating people to come together and pool in to be part of
better planning control for their area.

7. Hari Nagar Greens ( Ward No. 111)

„Hari Nagar greens‟ aims to re-establish the role of these green

spaces as a connective tissue. The proposal aims to establish an
interconnected green belt system for West Delhi region. Once established
this approach could be applied to other such locations in the City. It also
aims to establish local shopping centres at different locations in
neighbourhood to cater to daily needs of the people. The focus of the
greens in west Delhi is Hari Nagar Lake as it acts as a local centre of
attraction. The proposal comprises of three approaches which includes;
recharge of Hari Nagar Lake, connect the nearby bus stops/Metro Stations
with the greens with localized e-rickshaw network to cater visitors to the
greens and thirdly, linking the potential greens through continuous
pedestrian/cycle trail by defining connective nodes between greens.

8. Movement Corridors; Vision for Delhi (South Zone, Zone F)

The City and its streets have been taken over by vehicles pushing
aside the right of the people to walk. Due to traffic loads the pedestrians
suffer frequent road fatalities. Delhi pedestrians constituted 455 of total
1,820 road accidents in 2013-14. (Delhi Traffic Police Statistics).
 The project aims at making the city accessible, allow pedestrians/
cyclists the right to walk/access their city through exploring alternate
layers of the City. The study attempts this through developing existing
natural and man-made elements into network systems. The goal of
Movement Corridors was to create an interconnected zonal and local
system of paths and trails to make Delhi pedestrian friendly city through
green lungs (city greens) and movement corridors for non-motorized
vehicles. This would provide safe and convenient access between parks,
natural systems and recreational facilities connecting them with
residential areas, civic institutions and businesses.

9. Nicholson Cemetery and its precincts ( Ward No. 77)

The design proposal demonstrates how the historically significant

places can be efficiently part of the pedestrian system along with the
transit nodes as the potential generators of the people on foot. The
presence of transit nodes and heritage monuments and historical gardens
gives opportunity to bring back this lost legacy into public life for greater
benefit of the society. Articulating the pedestrian needs with appropriate
pedestrian widths, auxiliary amenities for the pedestrian walks, the design
proposal authenticates these essential urban spaces as anchors, making
them dynamic, useful and attractive to people.
10. Yamuna Bank Development

Today, with the abysmal state of drainage and solid waste

management of the City, Yamuna has become a huge drain carrying the
waste of this mega City. Some efforts have been made by various
agencies in order to clean the river, but a lot more is required to be
done. The spaces around the river are also rather „lost spaces‟ with either
agricultural fields, derelict power stations, stadiums and memorials.

Yamuna can act as a large public space in this megacity, where with
the very high densities in residential areas, slums, and unauthorised
colonies, there is a major dearth of open spaces. It can in turn reconnect
the city to the river not only metaphorically, but also physically and help
in the upkeep of the river.
Chapter-3
Significant Initiatives
Hi-tech Public Toilets

In India it is estimated that on an average about 60% of the

population have no toilets in their homes. The number is still higher in
rural areas at about 72%. The condition of the
limited number of existing public toilets being
pathetic people prefer to defecate in the open
thereby compromising themselves to dreadful Prototype First opposite RML Hospital ,New Delhi

diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis,

jaundice etc. According to a study , one of the
significant reasons for stunted growth in children in India is because of
open defecation. Open defecation releases certain virus which enters the
body leading to stunted growth.

Lack of public toilets for women is a big problem. It is estimated

that there are above 25 lakh women in Delhi who go for their necessary
functions before dawn every morning in the open fields putting their lives
to risk in view of the high level of crimes against women.

The Commission has always believed that adequate civic amenities

help in enhancing the aesthetics of a city. In view of the unsatisfactory
situation relating to public toilets in the city of Delhi, the Commission felt
that it is high time that an initiative be taken for developing high tech self
sustaining public toilets which could be put up in slums, unauthorised
colonies, market places and in other places like gardens and parks where
foot fall is high. After receiving approval from the Government in the year
2012 on a proposal mooted by it ,the Commission on the basis of a design
competition developed a prototype for a low cost self sustaining High-
Tech Public Toilets which has been installed opposite RML Hospital, Gate
No.6, Old R.K. Ashram Marg, New Delhi-110001.
 The first prototype developed has the following key features:-

 Aluminium Honey Comb panel structure with stainless steel

veneers.
 Use of Bio Digesters developed for environment friendly waste
disposal.
 Solar panels with LED lighting.
 PLC (Program Logic Controller) aided working for better
efficiency.
 Ample Light and cross ventilation.
 Resistant to tampering and vandalism.
 Tough and heavy duty water saving fixtures in stainless steel.
 Advertisement panels for revenue generation.
 Design for easy cleaning and maintenance.

After installation of the proto type for the high-tech public

toilet fabricated the DUAC has been receiving queries from various
quarters in Delhi as well as outside indicating requirements in their
respective areas for large number of such toilet units.

DUAC receiving award for its significant contribution in the field of sanitation by Washroom and Beyond
The Commission was conferred with the prestigious award for its
significant contribution in the field of sanitation by Washroom and
Beyond.
 Prototypes being developed based on new designs

The Commission is in the process of developing more prototypes based

on other designs selected through design competition. The new protypes
being developed would use alternative material which are cheap, durable,
resistant to vandalism and pilferage and conducive to Indian conditions.

Unified Building Byelaws for Delhi (UBBL)

The proposal of simplification of Unified Building Bye-laws for Delhi

was taken up by the Commission in-house in terms of a sanction letter
earlier received from the Ministry of Urban Development with the
following objectives:-
(1) To simplify the procedure for getting the sanction/permit for
construction of buildings.
(2) To consolidate the definition/listing of the
relevant documents.
(3) Simplification of applicability aspects.
(4) To stipulate the competence and
responsibilities of different professionals and
the owner.
(5) To put together a simple, clear and concise
version of bye laws which can be easily
followed by both professionals as well as the
owner.

Accordingly, the Commission prepared the Unified

Building Byelaws for Delhi (UBBL) and presented it to the Ministry of
 Urban Development in February 2013. In terms of a decision by the
Ministry of Urban Development at a meeting Chaired by the Secretary
(UD) on 07.10.14 the Unified Building Byelaws for Delhi were uploaded on
the websites of the Ministry of Urban Development, the DUAC and the
DDA together with a public notice inviting suggestions on the subject up
to 17.11.14. In terms of another decision at the same meeting a
workshop was organized jointly by DUAC with the DDA on the topic on
21.10.14 to facilitate finalization of the Byelaws which was attended by
110 participants

and several suggestions received from the participants. As decided at the

Workshop, an Advisory Stakeholders Group comprising of 23 major
stakeholders in Delhi had been created to provide their inputs on the
Unified Building Byelaws.

A meeting of the Advisory Group was held on the 26.11.14 wherein

valuable inputs were received from the participants. Also, a 9 member
Core Group comprising representatives of DUAC, DDA and the other local
bodies and local authorities was constituted as decided by the
Commission at its 1367th meeting held on 05.11.14 which held eight
meetings in which it considered 1000 plus suggestions received on the
Unified Building Byelaws from various quarters. Simultaneously, a four
member Drafting Committee headed by the Chairman, DUAC was
constituted for carrying out necessary modifications in the Unified
Building Byelaws based on accepted suggestions which met on almost a
daily basis for long durations including on weekends to complete the
assignment in hand on an emergent basis.

On receiving the modified draft UBBL, the Ministry of Urban

Development organized a Workshop on the 08.01.2015 in which it invited
stakeholders. Based on the suggestions given at the Workshop and
subsequently received, the Commission again held a series of meetings
with the authorities and the other stakeholders, further modified the draft
UBBL in a record time which has since been sent to the Ministry of Urban
Development in March 2015 for notification.

Some of the salient features of the proposed UBBL for Delhi 2015
are as follows:

1. Procedure and documentation for „Saral‟ Scheme for Small

Residential Plots up to 105 sq.m in size located in approved
layout throughout Delhi by furnishing an undertaking for
intimation of construction start. The construction has to be
completed in five years. After construction has been completed
an intimation of completion of construction is to be submitted
to the authority.
2. Provision for constitution of Grievance Redressal Committee
especially for appeals/clarification/difficulties and redressal of
complaints for general public related to building bye laws. The
constituted committee shall meet at least a month and its
decision shall be final and binding.
3. For plots above 105 sq.mt. to upto 10,000 sq. mt. (for
residential) Specific time schedule (30 days) have been
stipulated for according approvals by the various concerned
bodies.
4. Provision of a High Powered review and monitoring committee
to fast track approval and building plans for plots above 10000
sq. m or above (for residential) and minimum plot area of
5000 sq.m in case of commercial and industrial, single window
clearance has been proposed. Provision for scrutiny by various
authorities/ agencies/ parastatal bodies within a time period of
weeks.
5. Simplification of fees structure for different categories of
localities across Delhi for getting building permit enabling
uniformity across all agencies.
6. Redundant practices/ affidavits/ procedure have been done
away with.
7. Mandatory provisions of public washrooms in public buildings
under “SWACHH DELHI” with plot area more than 4000 sq.
mt. free of ground coverage and FAR. It will be the
responsibility of the owner to provide direct easy access to
public from the main street.
8. Guidelines for integration of Art in all public buildings with the
purpose to achieve aesthetic environment for the city.
9. New chapter providing for addressing High Rise Buildings in
Delhi, in terms of general building condition and incorporation
of features like safety from fire etc.
10. New Chapter providing for Structural Safety, Natural Disaster
& Fire has been incorporated
11. Consolidation of general building requirements and provisions
in tabular form for various building components.
12. New Chapter providing for incorporation of green building
features like rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling
 etc. have been made mandatory for new constructions above
105 sq.m for inclusive and sustainable green urban
development.
13. New Chapter providing for differently abled persons for easy
access and their specific needs, children and senior citizens.
14. Competence of various professionals like Engineers, Architects,
and Town Planners, Structural Engineers, Geotechnical
Engineers, Supervisors etc. has been clearly laid down.
15. Enabling citizens to obtain development control regulations for
individual plots for ease in getting information in respect to
planning requirements like coverage, FAR, Basement, Setback
etc. under Bulk Characteristics clause.

Lutyen’s Bunglow Zone (LBZ) Guidelines

An Imperial New Delhi Plan was made by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, a
British Architect in the year 1912 for the national capital and the same
was implemented and inaugurated in the year 1932. With rapid
urbanization after Independence, the need for conservation of the central
part of Delhi started assuming significance. With a view to conserve the
unique character of Imperial Delhi the Government in the year 1988
brought out guidelines to regulate the construction activity of this area
which was termed as Lutyen‟s Bunglow Zone (LBZ). The boundary of the
LBZ was also defined which has undergone change in the year 2003.

The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, has been

receiving from time to time representations from various residents of the
Lutyen‟s Bungalow Zone (LBZ) of New Delhi, seeking relaxations in terms
of permissions for creating basements, increasing the number of floors,
redevelopment, exemption from the LBZ, etc. Taking cognizance of the
same, the Ministry of Urban Development (MOUD) forwarded the
representations to the DUAC for examination and giving recommendations
to the Ministry for change in boundary and development norms, if any,
being proposed keeping in view the need of urbanization, aesthetic
character of LBZ, etc.

The Commission considered the matter in depth on a priority basis

in 07 meetings. To obtain a wider perspective and a comprehensive view
on the issue of boundary and development norms it also set up a
committee of stakeholders and experts which held detailed discussion on
the topic in 03 meetings.

The methodology adopted was as follows:-

a) Identifying and reviewing all earlier documents on Lutyens Delhi/ LBZ

b) Visual study by physical field visits to different parts of the LBZ
c) Preparation of various maps based on the Geo Spatial Data Limited
(GSDL) survey.
d) Study of various aspects viz. zoning, landuse, building heights,
building type, plot coverage, building styles, open spaces,
monuments, etc.
e) Discussions with various stakeholders viz. CPWD, DDA, NDMC,
National Monument Authority, ASI, INTACH, etc.
f) Comparison with several international examples around the world.

Based on the detailed deliberations, the report on LBZ guidelines,

the first of its kind since 1988 was prepared in a record time of 04
months. The recommendations are based on the concern for modern day
progressive development, without compromising on the heritage and
aesthetic character of the Lutyens Capital which is an integral part of our
national history. In sum, this report proposes a synergy between
development and environment so as to achieve sustainability. The report
has been sent to the Ministry of Urban Development.
 Chapter-4
Administration and Organization

The Delhi Urban Art Commission is one of its kind of body which has
been playing a vital role in the development of the city of Delhi for the
last over four decades.

Staff Position

The Secretariat of the Commission has a total strength of 30

officials. Secretary is Chief Executive Officer and is assisted by the
Assistant Secretary (Tech.) and the Administrative Officer for day-to-day
functioning. The Secretariat of the Commission has also been entrusted
with the added responsibility of functioning as the Secretariat of the
Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) which is headed by the
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, Government
of India and the Secretary DUAC is the Member-Secretary of the
Committee. The post of Urban Designer, Architect Planner and Deputy
Architect which lapsed several years back are yet to be revived thereby
putting added responsibility on the existing officers. No new posts were
created during the year. The list of employees could be seen at
Annexure II.

Finance

DUAC is a non-commercial, non-earning body which functions in

public interest. The Commission does not have any revenue generation of
its own. The entire financial requirement is non-plan in nature and is met
by grant-in-aid from the Central Government.
 For the year 2014-15 the Budget outlay (BE) of DUAC as approved
by the Government was Rs. 300 lakhs and Revised Estimate (RE) was
also Rs. 300 lakhs. The grant received from the Government was
Rs.258.77 lakhs. The total funds available including miscellaneous
receipts, bank interests earned was Rs.264.65 lakhs. Against this the
expenditure during the year was Rs.263.42 lakhs. The Commission had till
the year 2011-12 been maintaining its Annual Accounts on accrual basis
except for salary. As per advice of Audit, the Salary component is also
being now maintained on accrual basis from the year 2012-13.

The Commission was sanctioned Rs.15.50 crores for undertaking

City Level Projects by the Project Approval Committee (PAC) in the year
2012 of which Rs.10.74 crores were released upto the year 2014-15. Of
this a sum of Rs.6.77 crores was utilised for the purpose sanctioned upto
the year 2014-15.

Official Language Policy of the Govt.

An inspection by the high level Parliamentary Committee on Official

Language on compliance of the provisions of the Official Language Act by
the Commission in its day-to-day functioning was last conducted in
September 2011. Active steps have been taken for implementation of the
recommendations of the Committee including adoption of a bilingual logo
for the Commission and implementation report sent to the Ministry of
Urban Development on all recommendations. With a view to increase the
use of Hindi for official work quarterly Karyashalas (Workshops) were
arranged during the year. Besides this the officers/employees of the
Commission attended Karyashalas arranged by other organizations.
Vigilance Activities

The Secretary of the Commission functions as its Chief Vigilance

Officer. In its day-to-day functioning the Commission takes due care to
observe the provisions of the vigilance manuals and other guidelines
pertaining to purchases etc. brought out by the Central Vigilance
Commission.

To bring about transparency in its functioning the Commission has

been uploading the minutes of its meetings on the DUAC website. Further,
to facilitate the stakeholders they can now view the status of their
proposal on the DUAC website (www.duac.org) from the date of reference
to its final disposal. The stakeholders can also view the status of their
proposal vis-à-vis other proposals referred to the Commission.

During the year 2014-15 no case of corruption or any other

vigilance matter was registered.

In terms of the guidelines prescribed by the Government, the

Commission organized a Vigilance Awareness Week in the month of
November 2014. The week started with the Pledge administered by the
Chief Vigilance Officer to the other officers and staff of the Commission.
Banners and posters on vigilance awareness were displayed, lectures
organized on Conduct Rules and vigilance awareness in general.

Redressal of Public Grievances

The Commission has minimal direct dealing with the public. It

receives very few grievances/complaints from the public. However,
Commission has already appointed its Secretary as Nodal Officer for
receiving the complaints from the public and acknowledge the same
within 48 hours. These are promptly disposed off.
Citizen’s Charter
 The Citizen‟s Charter of DUAC is available on its website
(www.duac.org). It contains information as required to be displayed in
terms of the Right to Information Act.

In terms of guidelines of the Prime Minister‟s Office to implement

good governance model in Government organizations a self-assessment
was carried out by the Commission. The proposal was accepted by the
Ministry of Urban Development.

Right to Information

The Private Secretary to the Chairman has been designated as the

Central Public Information Officer of the Commission. Secretary of the
Commission also acts as the First Appellate Authority for the purpose of
RTI Act. During the year 2014-15 the Commission received 55 RTI
applications. Of these replies were sent in all cases in time. There were 01
number of First Appeal which was also disposed off in time. There was no
second appeal.

Swachh Bharat Mission

The Government‟s top most priority programme “Swachh Bharat

Mission” was launched by the Hon‟ble Prime Minister on the Gandhi
Jayanti, 02nd October 2014. As a part of the cleanliness campaign the
DUAC organized various activities in support of the campaign. The
campaign was initiated with a pledge “Swachhta Shapath” administered
by the Secretary to the employees. Thereafter, a cleanliness drive was
launched for cleaning the premises as well as the surrounding areas. The
officials were motivated to contribute towards cleaning of their residential
neighborhoods as well involving their family members and others in this
noble mission to bring about an attitudinal and behavioral change and
contribute towards making their City a better place to live.
Other Activities
 Upgradation of the DUAC website has been an ongoing process. The
DUAC website was upgraded to CMS system so that it also becomes
accessible on mobile phones, ipad etc. To facilitate accessibility and make
the website more appealing it was redesigned.

The Results Framework Document (RFD) of DUAC for the year

2014-15 was finalised and uploaded through RFMS of the Cabinet
Secretariat in terms of guidelines issued by the Government.

Anti-Terrorism Day was observed on 21.5.2014 and Sadbhavna Diwas on

20.08.2014
 Annexure II

DUAC Secretariat

S. No Name/Designation
1. Vinod Kumar, Secretary
2. Rajeev Kumar Gaur, Asst. Secy. (Tech.)
3. Raghvendra Singh, A.O.
4. V.K. Tyagi, Private Secretary
5. Uma Bhati, Architectural Assistant
6. Nishi Sachdeva, Architectural Assistant
7. Manju Anjali, Architectural Assistant
8. Sidharth Sagar, Architectural Assistant
9. Alka Dhir, Sr. Stenographer
10. Kalpana Dewani, Hindi Translator
11. Gopal Singh, Assistant
12. Indu Rawat, Sr. Stenographer
13. Ravinder Kumar, Jr. Stenographer
14. Renu Bassi, UDC
15. Rajbir Singh, Hindi Typist
16. Sunita Rani, LDC
17. Deepak Chandra Bandooni, LDC
18. S.K. Singh, Daftry
19. Panna Lal, Peon
20. Sri Ram, Peon
21. Daya Ram, Peon
22. Shiksha Devi, Peon
23. Manoj Kumar, Chowkidar
 Acknowledgement

The Commission would like to place on record its thanks to its

Advisors, Officers of Government Departments, the Delhi
Development Authority, the Municipal Corporations
of Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council and practicing
architects who have unhesitatingly given their time
and assistance to the Commission in the
performance of its functions.