Aminabad, Chowk to get ‘beauty treatment’

LUCKNOW: Aminabad and Chowk are in for a makeover as part of the district administration’s initiative to bring the city’s traditional markets on the tourists’ map.

Officials with the district administration said initially only these two markets were earmarked for a facelift and a major part of the work would be completed by January 31, ahead of the UP investors’ meet scheduled on February 21 and 22.

In Chowk, the efforts would be made to transform the 200year-old market into a ‘model market’ by making it free from traffic congestion, illegal parking, dangling-wire-webs, litter and other irregularities.

“It was found that there are several issues that deter tourists from visiting this area. As a

part of our drive, we had a word with the shopkeepers and heads of traders’ association to revive this old market that is an indispensible part of the city’s rich heritage,” said an administrative officer.

As per the blueprint, the road from Gol Darwaza to Chowk market would be decongested. “At present, the road is crammed with street vendors, illegal constructions and encroachments. It would be freed from all irregularities,” he added.

The development agencies also plan to beautify the streets and install iron angles and concrete pillars on the road to prevent entry of heavy vehicles – the main cause of traffic jams.

Similar efforts would also be made for Aminabad, where the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) is leaving no stone unturned in transforming the market.

As per the plan jointly chalked out by district administration and LMC, the area would be freed of encroachments, which will be the first step towards the transformation.

The plan also includes beautification of the market, illumination of roads and beautification of rotaries and parks in the area.

District magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said efforts were being to beautify the city and its traditional markets.

Deadline for the work being carried out by various development agencies is January 31.