By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN 6 Jun: Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has initiated strict action against those submitting layout plans and group housing project maps with incomplete information. Vice Chairman of MDDA, Banshidhar Tiwari has issued clear directions to the Architects Association and Draftsmen Association, stating that all the layout plans and group housing maps submitted in future must mandatorily contain complete details of trees existing on the site, hydration lines, drains, railway lines and other pre-existing structures.
According to a letter issued by Tiwari, most of the maps being submitted to the authority merely indicate green areas, while failing to provide details regarding the number and species of trees present on the site, as well as information relating to hydration lines, drains, railway lines and other existing structures. He noted that the absence of such information makes it difficult to accurately assess the actual condition of the site.
MDDA has clearly directed that all future proposals must clearly mention the number and species of trees existing on the land. In addition, group housing and layout plans will be required to show provisions for plantation in parking areas located on both sides of roads and access routes. Wherever necessary, proposals for additional plantation will also have to be incorporated as an integral part of the submitted plans.
The authority has further warned that after receipt of the plans, its officers and staff will conduct site inspections to verify the details furnished in the maps. If any discrepancy is found between the information provided in the plans and the actual conditions at the site during inspection, the concerned map will be cancelled with immediate effect.
MDDA has also made it clear that persons responsible for submitting incorrect, misleading or incomplete information may face further action, including being declared ineligible to submit maps before the authority in future.
The move if implanted sincerely and strictly can become a significant step towards strengthening environmental protection and ensuring greater transparency in development projects. With the new directions in place, architects and draftsmen may face serious consequences for concealing facts or furnishing incomplete information in layout and group housing proposals. It however, remains to be seen, how strictly these orders are taken by the builders, contractors and the architects and above by the MDDA officials themselves.
