LDA building sealing, file pic
The issue gained momentum after Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) in April floated a proposal inviting architects to get empanelled, arguing that the step would improve the efficiency of building plan approvals and strengthen compliance with building rules. However, professional bodies contend that empanelling architects who are already registered with Council of Architecture (COA) adds an unnecessary additional layer and risks creating arbitrary barriers to practice.
Uttar Pradesh has more than 1.24 lakh registered architects, making the implications of any change statewide and potentially far-reaching.
Architect Dr KK Asthana, former chief architect of UPRNN representing eight North Indian States in CoA through Indian Institute of Architects said architects registered with COA have long been practising and securing approvals from development authorities without any separate empanelling requirement. “There is no need to add another layer to the process since background and credentials of a practising architect can be easily verified,” Asthana said. Chairman Sandeep Kumar Saraswat said that if LDA has concerns about misconduct by some professionals, it should first consult stakeholders, registered associations and prominent architects. “Otherwise, we would be forced to seek legal remedies,” he said. “Any ammendments regarding scope, charges and services of architects have to be according to the guidelines of Council of Architecture (COA). We would request LDA honour the guidelines laid by the COA,” he said.
COA, a statutory body enacted by Parliament in the early 1970s under Ministry of Education, has written to the state govt opposing amendments to the existing working framework. He urged LDA to roll back the empanelling decision, adding that the COA is the apex body governing the profession.
LDA Officer Advocates for Stricter Compliance Measures
A senior officer from the Local Development Authority (LDA) has defended the recent decision to empanel compliance regulations. The officer highlighted that previous failures to adhere to professional conduct and unreported violations of building byelaws often emerged late in the process.
The officer asserted that implementing this empaneling system would ensure that compliance is taken seriously. Additionally, they noted that similar measures are being adopted by various agencies and urban local bodies in other states, indicating a broader trend towards stricter oversight in urban planning and development.