Demolition order issued in 2007, LDA yet to enforce it

LUCKNOW The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is yet to raze an illegally constructed building in old Lucknow’s Yahiyaganj area even though the demolition order was passed over 13 years ago in March 2007.

When the issue came up before divisional commissioner Mukesh Meshram, who is also LDA chairman, he directed LDA authorities, on June 24 last, to demolish the illegal structure.

“I have written a letter to the LDA vice-chairman to take proper action in the case and ensure compliance with demolition orders of the illegal building,” said Meshram.

In March last also, Meshram had written a letter to the LDA vice-chairman to take note of not only illegal constructions, but also to ensure action against the LDA staff responsible for them.

The illegal structure came up in 2003 on 900 sq feet land, which belongs to a trust, in a narrow lane in Yahiyaganj near the Yahiyaganj police outpost.

After a complaint, the alleged encroacher lost the case in LDA court (non-judicial). His appeal (no. 86 of 2002/03) in the commissioner’s court was also rejected and demolition orders were issued on March 21, 2007.

“The illegal construction has a shop in the basement and a house. The LDA had issued demolition orders on March 21, 2007. Even after 13 years, the building is yet to be demolished,” said

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Vijay Kumar Bansal, the complainant.

The illegal structure was causing problem for locals as it was situated in a narrow lane, Bansal added.

On June 10 last, Bansal also made a representation before LDA vice chairman Shivakant Dwivedi and apprised him of all facts related with the matter.

“As a last resort, I met the LDA chairman and handed over a complaint letter on June 22 last. Taking serious note of the issue, the chairman has directed LDA vice chairman for compliance with the demolition orders,” said Bansal.

The LDA has sealed several illegal constructions across the city in the last one month as part of a drive.

Last week, LDA’s enforcement wing demolished illegal constructions in an allegedly unauthorized colony, Golden City, in Sarojinagar area.