Expedite Drone Survey Permissions for Heritage Assessment in Chandigarh: Punjab and Haryana High Court

Court mandates prompt actions and adherence to deadlines for IIT Roorkee’s evaluation project amid red zone restrictions and bureaucratic delays.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has mandated expedited actions concerning the drone survey for the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) in Chandigarh. The directive, issued on May 28, 2024, emphasizes the need for swift permissions and strict adherence to project timelines by IIT Roorkee, highlighting the importance of evaluating the city’s historical architecture amidst bureaucratic delays and red zone complications.

Project Status and Delays: The court reviewed a status report from IIT Roorkee’s Registrar, Prashant Garg, detailing the progress and challenges faced in conducting the necessary assessments. The report noted that visual evaluations and preliminary site visits had been completed, and non-destructive testing (NDT) activities were underway for multiple buildings. The final reports for these evaluations are scheduled for completion by July 2024.

Drone Survey Challenges: A significant point of contention was the delay in obtaining clearance for a drone survey, crucial for acquiring Geographic Information System (GIS) data needed for the HIA report. Despite an application submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on May 25, 2024, permissions remained pending due to the site’s red zone designation. The proposed drone operations initially scheduled for late May were postponed, further affecting the project timeline.

“The clearance to fly drones in the site due to red zone implications is stated to have not been received,” the court observed, stressing the need for immediate action. The court also emphasized the importance of coordination among various authorities, stating, “We direct the Senior Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh, to issue necessary instructions to all concerned so that necessary permission is granted.”

The court underscored the project’s significance, highlighting the balance between bureaucratic processes and timely project completion. The judgment emphasized that delays in the drone survey directly impacted the HIA, a critical component for future preservation and development plans in Chandigarh. The court mandated the Ministry of Civil Aviation and local authorities to expedite the necessary permissions and provide a clear timeline for the project’s completion.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directive aims to accelerate the Heritage Impact Assessment project in Chandigarh, addressing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring timely completion. This judgment underscores the importance of heritage conservation while navigating the complexities of modern regulatory frameworks. The court’s emphasis on prompt action and adherence to deadlines is expected to set a precedent for future projects involving heritage assessments and urban planning.

Date of Decision: May 28, 2024

Vinod Dhatterwal and others Vs. Union of India and others