NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has instructed authorities to undertake a thorough survey of all buildings situated near the city’s heritage sites to ensure compliance with established regulations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia recently directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to conduct this survey while addressing several petitions highlighting potential violations surrounding heritage structures throughout the capital.
The court acknowledged that the petitions raised significant issues regarding the preservation of the character and integrity of heritage properties. It pointed out that construction activities near these sites can often alter their visual and structural integrity, leading to defacement of the heritage buildings.
Petitioners claimed that the MCD frequently ignored mandatory bye-laws and the guidelines set by the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) when approving building plans. They asserted that developers and occupants near heritage sites often deviated from approved plans, resulting in irreversible damage.
In light of these concerns, the High Court mandated a physical survey of all buildings located near heritage properties, particularly in areas like Mehrauli and Hauz Khas.
The objective of the survey is to ascertain whether the constructed buildings adhere strictly to sanctioned plans and applicable norms. To ensure adequate oversight, the court required that the MCD survey team include a representative from the Heritage Conservation Committee, designated by the committee’s chairperson.
The court instructed that detailed survey reports for each heritage property should be prepared and submitted, with copies provided to the petitioners’ legal representatives, allowing them the opportunity to respond to the findings by the next hearing.
Furthermore, the court clarified that the term “heritage building/structure/properties” in its order refers solely to those listed in the relevant heritage notifications. The survey is to be completed within three months, with the petitions set for hearing in May.
