LUCKNOW, May 9 -- The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) will soon reduce map approval fees and introduce a simplified, digital process through the Awas Bandhu portal. The LDA has been made the nodal agency for the project, officials confirmed. People submitting building plans for approval in the coming days will save both money and time. The map approval fee, which previously ranged from Rs 7 to Rs 8 per square meter, will be reduced to around Rs 5 to Rs 6 per square meter. This cost reduction is expected to make the process 10-20% cheaper for applicants overall, said an LDA official. The official explained that the new process will allow any registered architect of the city to create a building map using AutoCAD software and submit it directly online through the Awas Bandhu portal. This replaces the older Pre-DCR system, which only a limited number of architects could operate due to its technical complexity. The official added, "This step will not only reduce costs but also make the entire process more transparent and user-friendly. People will no longer need to rely on a few specific architects or deal with delays." The LDA believes the new system will speed up building plan approvals and align with the Digital India mission by cutting down on paperwork and in-person visits....