Paperwork grounds lifts in DDA buildings - Express India

Paperwork grounds lifts in DDA buildings - Express India

New Dehi, April --22--2008 Though the Delhi Development Authority

 (DDA) had agreed last month that lifts can be installed in 

DDA buildings more than 15 metres high,

 that enterprise is yet to get off the starting block because 

the authorities are still fine-tuning the guidelines for the venture.

This decision comes in the wake of a barrage of applications 

from Resident Welfare Associations or RWAs of DDA flats.

 As reported by Newsline, the Lieutenant Governor’s office 

had cleared the project immediately. But a month later, 

the prized ‘go-ahead’ is yet to reach residents.

A resident of an apartment in Alaknanda said:

 “I have made several trips to the DDA to acquire

 permission for a lift in our building but no concrete

 measure has been taken as yet.”

RWA president in Alaknanda’s Narmada Apartments,

 R P Dhawan, said: “We just want the DDA to tell us

 what these guidelines are so that we can get on with the 

necessary work. The authorities had earlier asked us to pay 

for the land where we wished to install the lift. We refused 

because the cost of all extra space — such as gardens

 and thoroughfares — was computed in the cost of

 flats at the time of purchase.”

The DDA, for its part, said the guidelines have been

 conveyed to those who wish to install lifts. A DDA

 spokesperson said: “The DDA grants permission for

 installation once all criteria are met with.”

The DDA insists all applications should be sent

 through RWAs. A senior official explained:

 “Individuals should apply through the proper channel —

 the RWAs.” The guidelines specify that RWAs should

 first identify the location for the lifts, then avail proper

 certification for the technical and safety aspects from

 manufacturers and technical experts.

The DDA has also clarified if the request for

 installation is from individuals, then they are

 required to pay for the space. “However, if the lift

 is for common use, there will be no cost levied for

 use of space within the premises,” the DDA spokesperson said.

A resident of Alaknanda said lifts are being installed

 in most buildings to cater to those living on the 3rd 

and 4th floors. It is, therefore, unlikely that all residents

 will pitch in for the cost of installation and maintenance. 

“According to a preliminary calculation, the cost of purchase

 and installation will be Rs 6 to Rs 7 lakh. Rs 8,000 is required

 for maintenance every year,” R P Dhawan said.

The DDA has also advised RWAs to ensure that the proposed

 site for installation does not in anyway “affect light and air.”

 A ‘No Objection’ certificate from a licensed engineer is also mandatory.

ANOTHER ARTICLE ON THE SAME ISSUE FROM INTERNET

DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

(OFFICE OF THE ENGINEER MEMBER)

                                                                                               

POLICY CIRCULAR FOR INSTALLATION OF LIFTS IN RESIDENTIAL FLATS BUILT BY DDA.

            The DDA Flat-owners/allottees shall approach the Housing Department of D.D.A., i.e. Director(Housing), Agency Cell at Vikas Sadan, I.N.A., New Delhi after complying with the following:-

1.         The request for installation of lifts shall be forwarded after obtaining necessary consent from Registered R.W.As. (Residents’ Welfare Associations) or from the owners/legal representatives of the effected flats due to installation of lifts.

2.         The request for installation of lifts shall accompany the recommendations of lift manufacturing agency with regard to technical/safety apects (in triplicate)..

3.         The application shall also be accompanied by three copies of necessary architectural and structural drawings of the lift well, arrangement for installation of lifts. These drawings shall be got prepared from an Architect registered with Council of Architecture and a qualified Structural Engineer. The drawing shall contain necessary architectural details and appropriate structural drawings duly signed and stamped by the said Registered Architect and qualified Structural Engineer, with their contact address and telephone numbers.

4.         For common lifts, no charges shall be levied. However, in case of individual lifts, the space requirement for the lift will be charged as calculated by the Housing Department of D.D.A. provided the entire land cost has not been charged from the residents.

5.         The applicant shall submit a proposal for maintenance of lifts, its operational aspects, safety requirements and shall also be responsible for obtaining necessary clearances at their end from Local Bodies and Electricity Regulatory Authority with regard to the load requirement.

6.         The correctness and safety aspects for installation of lifts, execution of entire work relating to installation of lifts and its maintenance shall remain the responsibility of the applicant. The applicant shall remain responsible to the R.W.A. and other residents affected by installation of lifts.

…..2……

7.         The proposal shall be prepared by the applicant in such a way that light/ventilation to the flats in respect of lower floors do not get affected and it does not become a hindrance in circulation/movement.

8.         It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to shift and restore the services, if any, after obtaining approval of the concerned Authority. The services, if and when affected shall be coordinated with the concerned Engineering Department of D.D.A. or the concerned unit of Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

9.         After examination of the proposal including technical aspects, Director(Housing), Agency Cell of D.D.A. will issue a ‘No Objection Certificate’ for installation of lifts by the applicant at its own cost.

            The above policy is approved by the Vice-Chairman, D.D.A