New Delhi: Patients requiring critical care and treatment for infectious diseases may soon get additional facilities at AIIMS, with Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) approving the building plan for a new critical care and infectious diseases block along with a multi-level car parking facility.The approval was granted after DUAC examined a revised proposal submitted by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) through Online Proposal Assessment and Approval System (OPAAS). The commission had earlier withheld approval in Sept 2024 and sought modifications to the design and planning of the project.The revised submission included updated drawings, photographs and responses to the commission’s observations. DUAC subsequently cleared the proposal, subject to compliance with conditions relating to design, parking, utility screening and sustainability.The commission directed that all parking provisions conform to applicable norms and guidelines. It also asked project authorities to ensure that service equipment, diesel generator sets, exhaust pipes, water tanks, air-conditioning units, solar panels, plumbing and rainwater pipes are adequately screened or camouflaged.DUAC said the project should maintain urban aesthetics and architectural character while remaining compatible with the surrounding built environment. It also reviewed the proposed façade treatment, materials and overall built form.As part of the approval, the commission mandated installation of a public artwork of appropriate scale within the complex. Any change to the approved artwork design will require prior clearance from DUAC.The commission also suggested the use of solar panels on a suitably designed structural frame, subject to building bye-laws. According to DUAC, such a design could improve space utilisation, facilitate maintenance, provide shading and help reduce heat load.The project forms part of AIIMS’ broader infrastructure expansion plans. AIIMS documents have listed the proposed critical care and infectious diseases block at the JPN Apex Trauma Centre among projects awaiting execution.
