Latest news with #AmitPalSharma
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No more building plan approvals needed for small plots in Prayagraj
1 2 3 Prayagraj: Those planning to build houses in Prayagraj can breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks to the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet's approval of the new Building Construction and Development Byelaws 2025, individuals building houses on plots up to 100 sqm will no longer need to get building plans approved. This move aims to simplify the construction process and is set to be implemented across development authorities, including the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA). The new Building Construction and Development Bylaws 2025 will be a huge relief for middle-class families in Prayagraj. They'll no longer have to shell out around Rs 1.25 lakh for map approval fees and go through a lengthy process with multiple clearances. This change will simplify and speed up the homebuilding process, making it more accessible and affordable for many. The new bylaws also allow more flexible use of buildings. For instance, shops can be opened in houses located along wide roads. If adequate parking space is available, professionals like doctors, lawyers, architects and designers will be permitted to operate offices from home. Schools without hostels or dormitories will be allowed to function on roads at least 9 metres wide, and shopping malls can be established on roads 18 metres wide. Group housing projects will also get easier approvals for plots up to 1,500 square metres. However, these changes will not apply to certain restricted areas like Mela zone, illegal colonies, and unauthorised plotted developments. In these areas, construction without map approval will still not be permitted. The new policy will also lead to the de-sealing of previously sealed structures, most of which were built on plots close to 100 square metres. Implementation of the new bylaws is expected to bring a major boost to housing and retail activities, while also increasing revenue for PDA. PDA vice-chairman Amit Pal Sharma said, "Although the Cabinet has approved the new bylaws, an official govt order is awaited. Once issued, the rules will be enforced across the city." "We will have training session of the staff regarding the provisions laid down under the new bylaws and the entire exercise is for the larger welfare of the houseowners and along with the training, the software will also be updated," added Sharma. Meanwhile, Jitendra Singh, the newly appointed town planner for PDA, officially assumed charge on Friday. Previously posted in Jhansi, Singh took over the role in the presence of Sharma and PDA secretary Ajit Singh. The position remained vacant for a week following the transfer of former chief town planner TP Singh.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
PDA proposes Yamuna riverfront to boost tourism and environment
Prayagraj: To promote tourism and environmental protection in Sangam city, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is working on an ambitious Yamuna riverfront project. Under the project, priority will be given to modern urban beautification and greenery. It will include attractive murals, horticulture theme gardens, solar-powered decorative lights, colourful fountains and special signboards. Apart from this, a special plantation campaign will be launched to increase greenery on the riverbank and improve the environmental balance. According to PDA officials, a detailed proposal worth Rs 5 crore has been sent to the govt for approval. According to officials, this riverfront will also present the historical and spiritual significance of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati in a new form. There is a plan to include facilities like seating arrangements on the waterfront, a play area for children and an open gym. "After getting approval from the govt, the DPR of this project will be prepared. The Yamuna riverfront will enhance Sangam city in a new form and will take the tourism map of Prayagraj to new heights," said PDA vice chairman Amit Pal Sharma. In another development, the beautification of Balua Ghat on the banks of Yamuna in has now become a special attraction for tourists. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The tourism department rejuvenated the ghat at a cost of about Rs 3.60 crore. The beautiful structures and modern facilities made on the 58m-long ghat are mesmerising the visitors. A grand aarti is organised every evening at the ghat along with yoga sessions, bhajans and cultural programmes. Authorities have made adequate arrangements for cleanliness, proper seating arrangements, lighting and security.
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Prayagraj Master Plan 2031: PDA pushes for reservoirs, rainwater harvesting systems
In a bid to combat groundwater depletion and rising water demand, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is implementing large-scale rainwater harvesting initiatives as part of the Prayagraj Master Plan 2031. As per the plan, water reservoirs in an area more than 100 acres will be developed, with a 10-foot wide green park around each. A detailed action plan for linking these reservoirs, drains and lakes with the rain water harvesting system will also be prepared while drafting the zonal development plan for the future. The master plan has been prepared to meet the challenges of water requirement and recharging of groundwater in the same proportion in future. (For representation) According to PDA vice-chairman Dr Amit Pal Sharma, presently hectic efforts are being made to ensure that every building, including residential as well as official structures constructed on a land area of more than 100 square metres, have rainwater harvesting infrastructures in place. The master plan has been prepared to meet the challenges of water requirement and recharging of groundwater in the same proportion in future, he added. 'All six zonal officers of the PDA have been strictly instructed to ensure that no new building map on a plot size more than 100 square metres is passed without the mandatory rainwater harvesting element incorporated in it. Also all the zonal officers and their subordinate staff will ensure presence of rainwater harvesting on existing buildings, both domestic and commercial, built on plot sizes more than 100 square metres in their respective jurisdiction,' Sharma said. As per reports, presently, only 285 residential and commercial buildings owned by businessmen, industrialists, etc have got the mandatory rainwater harvesting infrastructure installed at their establishments in the district. Focus on ponds, lakes and recharging zones: The master plan also underscores protection of existing natural water bodies. All ponds, lakes, and reservoirs over one acre, regardless of their designated land use in housing schemes, must be conserved. Zonal and layout plans are required to list and make space for their protection. Additionally, all projects over 20 acres must allocate 5% of land for construction of recharge ponds, while rainwater collection from rooftops and open areas is mandatory in group housing projects covering 300 square metres or more. 30-40 ponds encroached upon: Urban expansion has taken a toll on city ponds. While 148 ponds are listed in official records, field surveys suggest 30 to 40 of them have vanished, often replaced by buildings or shops. Notably, in areas such as Arail, Naini Dadri, Chak Bhatai, Kazipur, Harwara and Fatehpur Bichchua, several pond lands bearing official land numbers exist only on paper. In some cases, the 'area' column in RTI replies remains blank, indicating a lack of data due to encroachments. Environmentalists like Kamlesh Singh argue that municipal agencies are often unaware of the actual size or status of many water bodies due to unregulated development. Groundwater under stress in 10 blocks: The latest report from the groundwater department paints a grim picture. Of Prayagraj's 23 development blocks, two (Chaka and Sahaso) are in the 'critical' category and eight others are 'semi-critical', due to overuse of groundwater without matching recharge. The city itself has been declared 'over exploited'. According to Ravikant, incharge of the groundwater department in the district, over-exploitation of groundwater without recharging in the same proportion is leading to decline in groundwater level in city area as well as in 10 development blocks comprising rural belt of the district. As per set standards, if 70% of the recharged groundwater is used in any area, it is considered as normal, while if the same is consumed between 70% to 90%, the situation is tagged as 'semi-critical'. Further, if the recharged water is consumed between 90% to 100%, the situation is tagged as 'critical'. However, if the usage is more than 100% of the recharged quantity in that particular year, the area is tagged as 'over exploited'.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Over 1,000 plots freed from land mafia in 3 months
Prayagraj: Adopting a zero-tolerance policy against mafia and criminals, joint teams of police, administration, and the Prayagraj Development Authority have bulldozed around 1,000 beegha of land being grabbed by land mafia in the past three months. After razing illegal plots, the joint teams of police, administration and PDA not only intensified its vigilance but also lodged over 70 FIRs against mafia and land grabbers in the same period. After the killing of mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and demolition of his economic empire, the alleged henchmen, land grabbers, and sympathisers of the slain mafia made futile attempts to grab the freed lands. However, the PDA foiled their attempts. Vice-chairman PDA Amit Pal Sharma said, "The PDA authorities have taken stern action against such land mafia and demolished more than 1,000 plots in the past three months." He, however, added, "We have been intensifying vigilance on freed land and actions are continuing." The state govt took stern action against the land mafia, following which organised crime came to a halt and mafia empire was eradicated. The police administration also broke the financial backbone of Atiq Ahmed and the members of his interstate gang through 'Operation Giraffe and Operation Octopus.' The joint teams of district administration, PDA, and police attached and bulldozed Atiq Ahmed's properties worth Rs 1,600 crore, while properties worth Rs 500 crore of Atiq's henchmen were also confiscated. Few months back, slain Atiq Ahmed's close associates and henchmen started raising their heads again. However, the administration initiated corrective measures and lodged the FIRs with different police stations to foiled their attempt of plotting on freed lands.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Corporator submits memorandum over incomplete construction of roads, drains
Prayagraj: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and corporator Kiran Jaiswal on Monday submitted a memorandum to the vice chairman of Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA), Amit Pal Sharma, regarding the irregularities being committed during the construction of roads and drain tracks in the old city area. "During the Maha Kumbh Mela, the drain construction work on Shankar Lal Bhargava road and Triveni road was left incomplete and as a result, water is currently stagnant at many spots, creating a risk of infection, she asserted. The corporator further alleged that the drain track was to be constructed from Hatia Police Booth Square to ADC Square and from Kotha Parcha Dot's bridge to Cemetery Road. However, PDA authorities left the construction of the drain incomplete at many places and drain water remained stagnant, leaving local residents puzzled. She also said that the drain outlet was around one-and-a-half feet above the road, and pipes were laid down in the track to let water release into the drain. Due to this, water will fill the road in the coming rainy season. The BJP leader mentioned that the electricity work was also incomplete. Sharma, after listening to the entire matter, ordered the chief engineer and zonal officer to immediately rectify the work and assured that all the incomplete works would be completed with good quality. Besides, Vivek Agrawal, Rajesh Kesarwani, and others were present during the meeting.
