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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
New building bylaws: No map approval for houses of up to 100 sq.m; malls on 18-m roads
Shopping malls can now be built on 18-metre-wide roads and clinics or primary schools on nine-metre-wide roads in the state capital under the new Uttar Pradesh Building Construction and Development Bylaws–2025. (File) Another provision of the new bylaws is no map approval for residential plots of up to 100 sq. metres and for commercial plots of up to 30 sq. metres. The rules also allow for the approval of single residential building maps on government-constructed roads that are less than nine metres wide in residential land-use zones, excluding illegal colonies, stated an LDA note on Wednesday. Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) officials said the move would promote planned development in both new urban areas and densely populated parts of old Lucknow. On Wednesday, the LDA conducted an awareness meeting with builders and traders at a hotel in Chowk, as part of its campaign to familiarise stakeholders with the new bylaws. Officials said the aim was to make the building approval process simpler, transparent, and more citizen-friendly. LDA officials stressed that these relaxations will enable builders to develop large projects on smaller plots, boost investment, create more jobs, and accelerate economic growth in Uttar Pradesh. Key provisions of the new bylaws No map approval required for residential plots up to 100 sq. metres and for commercial plots up to 30 sq. metres; only online registration with a ₹1 token fee Residential buildings up to 500 sq. metres and commercial buildings up to 200 sq. metres will get automatic, trust-based online approval. In cities with over 10 lakh population, shops, offices, nurseries, crèches, or home-stays can function in residential buildings on 24-metre-wide roads; in smaller cities, the limit is 18 metres. FAR (Floor Area Ratio) increased for wide roads, and the limit is removed entirely for roads wider than 45 metres. Height restrictions removed, except near airports and ASI-protected monuments. Additional free FAR for green-rated buildings. Ground coverage restrictions removed; setback rules relaxed for buildings above 15 metres; parking mandatory. NOC requirements scrapped for hotels, hospitals, and paying guest facilities. Structural audits of buildings mandatory once every 10 years.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Multiple heritage sites in Bengal, Sikkim starved of funds for two-years
A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that although footfall and revenue have increased at Archaeological Survey of India sites, at least six districts in West Bengal and important sites in Sikkim received no maintenance funds for ASI-protected monuments in 2022 and 2023. The RTI activists found that conservation funding for West Bengal's ASI sites is significantly below pre-pandemic levels, indicating a continued neglect of heritage sites and buildings. The RTI response, accessed by the Sabar Institute, highlights prolonged gaps in conservation funding in the post-pandemic period, even as public interest and footfall at major sites began to recover. Opinion: A thumbs down for the 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme According to data shared by the ASI in response to the RTI, monuments in the districts including Cooch Behar, Dakshin Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Malda, Murshidabad, and Purba Medinipur saw no expenditure on upkeep over the two-year span. The lack of maintenance has also been felt in neighbouring Sikkim, where prominent sites like Rabdentse and Dubdi Monastery also received no funding during the same two years. Increase in visitors However, the number of visitors has risen post-pandemic, especially to popular sites such as Metcalfe Hall, Hazarduari Palace, Cooch Behar Palace, and the Bishnupur temples. Revenue from entry tickets and filming licences — especially at temples in Bankura and Purba Bardhaman — has also gone up. 'Kolkata has received maximum maintenance expenditure in the post-pandemic era. Many of the major heritage sites received no maintenance after the pandemic,' Annay De, Research Associate, Sabar Institute, one of the people behind the RTI queries, told The Hindu. He also stressed that some of the most significant and culturally rich locations are being affected due to this lack of maintenance and need immediate attention from stakeholders. Decline in allocation Yet the overall maintenance allocations have seen a steep decline. ASI sites in West Bengal received ₹4.73 crore in 2019–20 and ₹4.78 crore in 2020–21. This figure dropped significantly in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic and only marginally improved to ₹3.78 crore in 2022–23 — well below pre-COVID levels. Mr. De added that credit is due to the ASI to a certain extent because they have also managed to raise maintenance expenditure after the sharp decline during the pandemic era. Experts warn that such prolonged neglect could lead to irreversible damage to monuments and historical structures. 'This isn't just about stone and mortar,' said a researcher at the Sabar Institute. 'It's about memory, identity, and continuity. The cost of forgetting is far greater than the cost of preservation.'
United News of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
81 iconic heritage sites form backfor International Yoga Day celebrations
New Delhi, June 21 (UNI) From Adalaj Ki Vav in Gujarat to the Sun Temple in Konark and Red Fort in Delhi, at least 81 architectural wonders served as backdrops for mass yoga participation by people of all ages on International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrated on Saturday. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism embraced yoga at Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, while Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, participated at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Likewise, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution participated in IYD at Group of Temples at Pattadakal, in Karnataka, while other key dignitaries were spotted performing yoga asanas at various locations across the country. In fact, as part of the celebrations, several Union Ministers joined yoga sessions at various iconic ASI-protected monuments, reinforcing the significance of yoga as a national movement which was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, said a statement from the Union Culture Ministry here. It said that in a nationwide grand celebration of International Day of Yoga, 81 heritage sites under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) hosted yoga sessions, organised in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Ayush on the D Day. The entry was free of cost to visitors to encourage their participation. This year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', aims to promote the importance of holistic health and well-being globally. The celebrations were marked by the participation of people from all walks of life, including students, professionals, and families, all coming together to practice yoga and experience its health benefits.
New Indian Express
20-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Delhi CM, L-G hold meet over security, infra crisis at four main hospitals
NEW DELHI: Amid serious concerns over the safety of medical students and doctors, L-G VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday held an emergency meeting to review the condition of Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital (GIPMER), and Guru Nanak Eye Centre. The meeting, convened at the request of the Dean and Directors of these institutions, was attended by senior officers and Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh. Officials flagged a worsening situation involving poor security, acute accommodation shortage, crumbling infrastructure, and severe space constraints caused by encroachments. The Dean (MAMC) informed that while the complex was built in 1958 to house 200 students, it now accommodates over 3,200. Rooms meant for two students now hold 6–7, leaving no space even for a study table. Resident doctors are forced to sleep in corridors and outside nursing stations. PWD's plan to build more hostels has stalled as land meant for expansion is under illegal occupation. Encroachments and nearby ASI-protected monuments have stalled construction. Though ASI granted a repair window in 2023–24, the government did not sanction funds, and MAMC had to resort to crowd-funding for minor repairs. Falling plaster and crumbling walls now pose a grave safety threat. Toilets are few and unusable due to unauthorised use. Sewer lines are choked due to encroacher overuse. A detailed presentation revealed that over 25 acres of institutional land have been taken over by illegal flats, shrines, schools, shops, and four jhuggi clusters. Many retired staff continue to occupy government flats, even subletting them. Authorities warned that these encroachments have become hubs for anti-social elements, illegal liquor, and drug trade, making the complex unsafe—especially for women. Gates remain open as the campus has become a public thoroughfare. Ambulance access is blocked due to illegal parking and hawkers. The L-G expressed shock, while the CM blamed political patronage under the previous regime. The Dean sought permission for a delegation of students and doctors to present their case personally.
United News of India
19-06-2025
- General
- United News of India
INTACH voices concern over low-level flights near heritage sites from BPIA
Bhubaneswar, June 19 (UNI) The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has raised serious concerns over low-altitude flights taking off from the main runway of Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar. Anil Dhir, convenor of the INTACH Bhubaneswar Chapter, has written to the Director of BPIA urging amendments to the existing Standard Instrument Departure (SID) chart for the airport's main runway. Dhir has also brought the matter to the attention of the Superintendent Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Bhubaneswar Circle, as well as the Union Culture Secretary. In his letter, Dhir pointed out that many aircraft departing from runway 14/32 at BPIA make a sharp ascending right turn almost immediately after takeoff — sometimes even before the landing gear is fully retracted. This maneuver brings the aircraft alarmingly close to the ancient Lingaraj temple. Based on a two-month study conducted in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar, where the temple is located, Dhir observed that several aircraft come dangerously close to the temple structure. The temple's main spire stands 180 feet (55 meters) tall, while the aircraft at the point of the turn are often at altitudes of just 1,000 to 1,200 feet. A former trainee pilot, Dhir emphasized that although the current departure pattern adheres to the SID outlined by Bhubaneswar Air Traffic Control, it is avoidable. He suggested that delaying the right turn by merely 10 seconds would ensure aircraft fly well clear of the heritage structure. He warned that low-level flights over such ancient monuments, especially during takeoff when engines operate at full thrust, pose significant risks, including physical damage, intense noise pollution, and structural vibrations that may harm the temple. "The structural integrity of the Lingaraj temple is already in a fragile state," Dhir stated. "Continued exposure to such vibrations could exacerbate existing weaknesses, potentially resulting in cracks, loosening of stone joints, and even partial or complete collapse." Dhir has submitted photographs and video evidence, including recordings taken from within aircraft as a passenger. He identified flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa as those flying closest to the temple. In contrast, several other aircraft departing from the same runway maintain a straight climb, avoiding the heritage zone altogether. Flying over ASI-protected monuments is generally prohibited within designated restricted zones. Even drones or other aerial devices are banned near such sites under current regulations. Dhir reminded that the ASI bears the responsibility of protecting these historical structures and that any aerial activity posing potential harm is in violation of these protective mandates. Citing the recent Air India Dreamliner crash at Ahmedabad Airport, Dhir, a heritage expert, urged authorities to treat this issue with utmost seriousness. UNI DP PRS
