LUCKNOW, April 29 -- To streamline building plan approvals and curb the role of middlemen, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) on Tuesday decided to empanel qualified architects, enabling residents to directly access verified professionals for map approvals.

Acting on directions from vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar, the authority has issued an advertisement inviting applications from eligible architects. The move aims to make the process faster, more transparent and citizen-friendly, while reducing delays caused by technical errors.

Officials said applicants often struggle to find reliable architects and end up dealing with intermediaries who inflate costs and increase the risk of fraud. In many cases, unqualified assistants submit f...