LMRC to address landowners’ concerns

With private land acquisition posing a major challenge for the project, the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) has drafted an engagement plan with the stakeholders (read landowners) to address their concerns through an open dialogue.

The move comes in the wake of repeated directives from chief secretary Alok Ranjan, who reviewed the progress of the Lucknow Metro here on Monday, to the Lucknow district administration to make available the land needed for the project.

Ranjan said though there was no shortage of funds yet the LDA, the UP Housing and Development Board and the UPSIDC should provide their share of money pledged for the project by October 10.

Lucknow divisional commissioner Mahesh Gupta was once again asked to coordinate with other departments to facilitate land procurement from both private and government bodies.

The LMRC officials informed the chief secretary that they were ready with a plan in which to open a communication channel with various stakeholders.

Through dialogue and exchange of views and information, the corporation was expected to allay any fears or reservations that the stakeholders may have about the project.

“This is nothing new. In fact, this interaction with the affect- ed people is part of the best practices and is a mandatory prerequisite wherever metro rail projects are underway,” said an LMRC official on condition of anonymity.

The idea behind the exercise is to provide information, mitigate and address people’s legitimate concerns and problems to their satisfaction so that they can make an informed choice, he said.

“It’s a two-way channel in which we also get to hear about the views and suggestions from the people,” he said.

The LMRC would make a public announcement of the venue and dates well in advance on which such public meetings would be held with the stakeholders concerned.

“Since the (metro) service would have a direct impact on their lives, they have every right to participate and air their views and suggestions on how we can make it even better,” the official said.

This engagement and open dialogue with the people would be a continuous process, he said, adding that the agency would give special attention to those adversely affected by the project.

THE LMRC OFFICIALS SAID THAT THEY WERE READY WITH A PLAN IN WHICH TO OPEN A COMMUNICATION LINES WITH STAKEHOLDERS