Latest news with #Guruprasad
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Risk-based classification key aspect of building byelaws
After a hiatus of more than 15 years, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved the 'Model Building Construction and Development Byelaws and Model Zoning Regulations for Development Authorities of Uttar Pradesh, 2025,' introducing a risk-based classification of construction projects, streamlined self-certification processes and uniform zoning across all urban authorities. Over 200 pages of byelaws and zoning regulations are set to change the urban landscape across the state. Under the new framework, residential and commercial buildings are categorised as 'low, medium or high risk'. Low and medium-risk' structures, from small homes to modest shops, will have to secure online approval through a 'self-certification' system that drastically reduces red tape. High-risk developments, including high-rises, group housing and industrial complexes, will continue to undergo detailed scrutiny. The Housing and Urban Development Department is developing a 'Fast Pass' digital platform to provide automated clearances for eligible projects. According to experts, the new byelaws will enhance the availability of space for commercial units within the state, along with relaxing regulations for mixed land use. These changes will simplify the process for obtaining permits for lower middle-class and middle-class housing, as well as facilitate the establishment of industries in rural areas. P. Guruprasad, Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for the Uttar Pradesh Government, speaking to The Indian Express explained, 'These bye-laws have been developed after extensive research, considering not only current challenges but also future implications. We have analyzed the bye-laws from nine different states and incorporated insights from a central task force on re-regulations, which was led by the Cabinet Secretary in 2016. The new bye-laws operate on a trust-based system designed to reduce unnecessary burdens on authorities, allowing them to focus their efforts on high-risk areas.' He added, 'To manage commercial mixed use, we have capped it based on the area's population, ensuring it remains below and above 1 million, to prevent traffic hazards and clearly define road widths. The new laws also introduce Model Zoning Regulations for the first time, standardizing zoning across the state, which previously varied by Development Authority.' Sources noted that a significant change is the correction of land use inconsistencies; for example, Prayagraj had 45 types while Lucknow had only 18. Under the new bylaws, each Development Authority will now have 16 uniform land uses. Regarding the 'Fast Pass' system, Guruprasad explained that new software is being developed to provide automated clearances, evaluating applications based on the bylaws for instant approvals in select cases. Key takeaways from the new Model Building Construction and Development Bylaws include a 'risk-based classification' system for building approvals, emphasizing self-certification for 'lower risk and middle risk' buildings. Under the new byelaws, small residential and commercial structures are now classified as 'low risk' and require minimal oversight. Owners of plots up to 100 square meters for homes or 30 square meters for shops simply register online with a nominal Rs 1 token fee, self-certify their title, plot size and floor details, and may proceed without further permission or even a completion certificate—except in mela grounds or unauthorised colonies. 'Medium risk' buildings on plots up to 500 square meters (residential, excluding mixed-use units) or 200 square meters (commercial) must submit a plan drawn and certified by a licensed technical professional. Once fees and documents are filed, approvals are issued instantly online, with liability shared between the owner, applicant and certifying professional. Larger ventures, high-risk projects such as high-rises, group housing, multiplexes, community facilities or industrial structures on bigger or unplanned plots, follow a unified application process through a web portal and undergo full verification before clearance. The byelaws also standardise zoning across all development authorities, reducing Prayagraj's 45 land-use categories and Lucknow's 18 into 16 uniform types. Mixed-use permissions are capped by local population thresholds and road width requirements to prevent future traffic woes. Industrial estates and master-plan zones no longer need separate land-use change, and temporary tent cities for religious or industrial events under three months are exempt from permits. To protect the Ganga's banks, only the repair or renovation of existing structures is allowed within 200 meters, with new monasteries, ashrams or temples permitted at 35 percent ground coverage and 1.5 FAR, provided no drainage enters the river. Departments are now set to issue NOCs within ten days (PWD, NHAI, Urban Development) or 15 days (Forest, Fire, Railways, Metro, Irrigation), and routine works—plastering, re-roofing, flooring, whitewashing, disaster repairs or hand-pump installation—no longer demand permits. An online system will automate checks and further hastening clearances under these new byelaws.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Housing dept notifies new building byelaws
Lucknow: The new building byelaws that govern construction activities in key cities of the state were notified by the housing department on Friday. Going forward, the 29 housing development authorities and UP Housing Board (Awas Evam Vikas Parishad) will implement and enforce the provisions mentioned in the new building byelaws that were notified by the state. Principal secretary of the housing department, P Guruprasad, in his order, also mentioned that the 20 previous rules and regulations framed by the state in the past are now ineffective, and the new byelaws are to be adhered to. While allowing construction activity within the regulated areas under their jurisdiction, the development authorities will approve the building plans and maps as per the 2025 Uttar Pradesh Building Construction and Development Byelaws. Guruprasad said that the new laws will promote vertical development and also result in increased economic activity and revenue generation for the state.
United News of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- United News of India
Dr Guruprasad expresses confidence in docking of Shukla's spacecraft
Bengaluru, June 25 (UNI) Dr BR Guruprasad, Senior Scientific Officer at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium here, has exuded confidence that Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his crew with the International Space Station (ISS) will have a successful docking tomorrow evening. Speaking to mediapersons shortly after the launch today, Dr Guruprasad said, 'The spacecraft carrying Shubhanshu Shukla and three others is now independently orbiting the Earth at a height of about 200 kilometers and at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour. Over the next 24 hours, it will continue this orbit before attempting the docking maneuver with the ISS.' He acknowledged that the docking process is intricate and demands high precision. 'It is a technically involved operation. While there are always unknowns in space, these procedures are extensively rehearsed and planned. With the experience of NASA and SpaceX, I am confident that the Crew Dragon will dock safely with the ISS.' Dr Guruprasad emphasised the importance of this phase. 'The next 24 hours are crucial. The astronauts must remain inside the relatively small Crew Dragon spacecraft until the docking is completed. But compared to earlier spacecraft, Crew Dragon is far more comfortable and reliable.' Describing the spacecraft as a well-tested system, he said, 'Crew Dragon has been designed to accommodate seven people, though only four are typically onboard for such missions. This conservative approach enhances safety and comfort.' He added that once docked, Shukla and his crewmates will spend about two weeks aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments and experiencing life in microgravity. 'With this mission, Shubhanshu joins the elite ranks of space travelers, and we hope for a successful docking and a safe mission overall,' Dr Guruprasad said. UNI BDN SSP
The Print
25-06-2025
- Science
- The Print
Claps, cheers & countdown—students witness Axiom-4 liftoff from Bengaluru's Nehru Planetarium
From the live stream, the screen briefly changed to an earlier recorded version of astronauts collecting their boarding passes. As the students curiously watched the screening, the room witnessed another batch of schoolchildren, much younger than the previous group, stream in. In a matter of minutes, the empty seats in the auditorium filled with kids from BBMP School in the city. Some students scrambled to get the right seat to grab the perfect visuals. Bengaluru: Around 20 minutes past 11 this morning, a group of school students walked into the Vishveshwara Auditorium in Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore. In front of them played on a giant screen the livestream of Axiom-4 astronauts seated inside the spaceflight, ready for a historic liftoff. About 20 minutes into the stream, the volume level was tuned down as JNP director B.R. Guruprasad walked on the stage to give a running commentary in English and Kannada. About 20 minutes were left for Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his team of Axiom-4 mission astronauts to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the front row seats of the auditorium, a much older crowd was seated including officials from the planetarium. 'Enjoying the video?' asked Guruprasad. The crowd responded with a joyful yes followed by claps. The Axiom-4 mission's launch faced multiple delays and postponements, and the audience was finally happy to see the launch. Eight minutes before the lift-off, Guruprasad gives a live commentary on the long awaited favourable weather conditions. The screen soon goes into a close-up of the launch vehicle, with white thick smoke around it. 'Only three minutes left,' said Guruprasad. As a former scientist at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Guruprasad explained to the students that delays happen in such cases. But now he was super confident the launch will go as planned. The countdown As the countdown came to final moment, the students joined in with a collective '10, 9, 8, 7…'. At 12:01 pm Indian Standard Time (IST), the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off with a full thrust on the ground. The students cheered in delight. Another huge round of claps was let out when the first booster separation happened and the flight proceeded to the second stage. 'There was no problem. We are happy that we could live stream the launch,' said Guruprasad. Four minutes into the flight, the rocket had travelled almost 200 kilometers, moving at a speed of 8,000 kilometers per hour and successfully passing the first stage. 'In our country, we should make space travel accessible,' Guruprasad added. Raj N., who was among the audience at the auditorium, said, 'When I was 11 years old in 1984, we saw Rakesh Sharma go to space. I still remember even the logo of that launch—a chariot going to the sun.' Interestingly, he is at the screening with his 11-year-old son Dhruva. 'It's not just about the rocket launch. There are scientists who built the rocket and also people who are monitoring the rocket all the time,' Dhruva said, his excitement palpable on watching the screening. Santha, a woman in her late 60s, also joined the screening, eagerly seated in the front row with curiosity in her eyes. 'This is my first time attending such event.' (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Axiom-4: IISc mentor roots for Shubhanshu Shukla. Tells him, 'Come back safe, thesis still pending'
United News of India
17-05-2025
- Science
- United News of India
Guruprasad explains EOS-09's 24/7 earth observation
Bengaluru, May 17 (UNI) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch EOS-09, an advanced Earth observation satellite equipped with radar technology that can monitor the planet day and night, regardless of weather conditions, including through clouds. This breakthrough capability will greatly enhance applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and other civilian sectors, officials said. Dr B R Guruprasad, former ISRO scientist and current Director of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, told reporters that the radar sensor onboard EOS-09 enables it to function continuously, unlike traditional Earth observation satellites which rely on optical cameras and are limited by daylight and clear skies. "This radar sends out radio waves and measures the reflected signals to build images of the Earth. Because it does not depend on sunlight, the satellite can observe the Earth both day and night, and in all weather conditions, including cloudy skies," Dr Guruprasad explained. EOS-09, weighing approximately 1,700 kilograms, will be launched aboard the 63rd mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), specifically the PSLV-C61 variant, from the Sriharikota spaceport. The launcher used for this mission is the heaviest version of PSLV, known as the PSLV-XL. According to Dr Guruprasad, ISRO has a history of launching radar-based Earth observation satellites, with the first such satellite launched as early as 2011. The upcoming EOS-09 mission continues this tradition and represents a significant upgrade in radar imaging technology. "The satellite is primarily designed for civilian use, with applications including agriculture, forestry, disaster management, urban development, cartography, and weather monitoring," he said. 'The radar capability makes it particularly valuable in sectors that require reliable, timely information regardless of environmental conditions.' ISRO's launch of EOS-09 is expected to strengthen India's capacity for resource management, disaster response, and scientific research, contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life. UNI BDN SS
