In a continued effort to curb illegal encroachments, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), in collaboration with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam) and law enforcement agencies, commenced a bulldozer operation targeting unauthorised constructions in Akbarnagar, Lucknow. Today, marked illegal houses and shops are being razed to the ground, marking the second phase of the demolition drive.
Akbarnagar, situated along the Kukrail River, has witnessed rampant unauthorised constructions, including residential dwellings, madrasas, and commercial establishments. The action, initiated on Monday, February 26th, aims to dismantle these structures, aligning with the ongoing beautification efforts along the riverbed areas in Lucknow.
The operation, conducted under the vigilant supervision of Lucknow Nagar Nigam and LDA teams, is bolstered by a significant police presence to maintain law and order. Notably, only constructions belonging to individuals who have not challenged the LDA’s actions in the high court are being targeted in the crackdown.
Massive bulldozer action in #Lucknow against illegal encroachments on govt land
More than 300 Properties without documents in Akbar Nagar are being demolished
Major land was reportedly encroached on by big politicians and then rented out for vested interest pic.twitter.com/1dUWH2teQq
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) February 26, 2024
According to a report by Jagran, Akbarnagar I and II harbour a staggering 1068 illegal residential constructions, including multi-storeyed houses and madarsas. The decision to undertake this demolition drive follows a high-level meeting convened by key officials, including Divisional Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob, DM Surya Pal Gangwar, Municipal Commissioner Inderjit Singh, and LDA Vice President Dr. Indramani Tripathi, on February 24th.
The legal proceedings gained momentum after the Allahabad High Court granted permission to the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to take action against illegal occupants who had not sought relief from the court. This ruling, issued by a division bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice OP Shukla, superseded a previous order that temporarily halted dispossession activities.
Moreover, the court’s decision underscores the necessity for individuals to seek legal recourse rather than unlawfully occupying land. The LDA’s efforts are further justified by the Gomti Riverfront Project, initiated by the state government in 2017, which aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of riverfront areas, including Akbarnagar I & II.
However, the demolition drive has faced resistance from some Akbarnagar residents, who claim decades-long residency as grounds for ownership. Despite their assertions, the LDA contends that no legal claim can be staked on land designated as a riverbed.
Furthermore, investigations into the financial aspects of these illegal constructions have revealed startling revelations. Owners of the demolished showrooms, allegedly constructed on encroached land, were found to generate daily incomes ranging from Rs 15 to 20 lakh, with annual turnovers reaching up to Rs 3 crore. Additionally, documents submitted to the high court exposed the opulent lifestyles of certain occupants, who possess multiple bungalows in upscale localities such as Gomti Nagar.
This crackdown on illegal encroachments in Lucknow mirrors similar actions taken across Uttar Pradesh, as evidenced by the recent demolition drive conducted by the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) in Zulfikar village. The swift and decisive measures undertaken by authorities underscore the government’s commitment to reclaiming public land and upholding the rule of law.
The demolition drive in Akbarnagar serves as a stern warning to those engaged in unauthorised construction activities, emphasising the imperative of adherence to legal procedures and land regulations. As authorities continue to enforce strict measures, communities are urged to cooperate in preserving public spaces and fostering sustainable development initiatives.
