Lucknow Developmnt Authority alters route against master plan, 50 families to get impacted

LUCKNOW: LDA's decision to build a 45 kms long road through Gokul Vihar Welfare Society in Ahimamau village, Sultanpur Road has left more than 50 families in jeopardy falling within road's ambit. Residents allege that LDA has altered the initial route against master plan 2021 in order to benefit few builders.
"The road had to initially pass straight through builder's land but to safeguard his interest; LDA has redesigned the route to pass through our colony which would render many people homeless, said Pawan Tiwari, a resident.The initial plan would have acquired 12-15 bigha land of builder, he claimed. He said residents were shocked to see notification on January 3 in print media about LDA's intention to acquire their land.
The move is set to impact around 150 people who had borrowed money to build houses on that land. The notification sought complaints and suggestions from the affected parties. Tiwari said, "We immediately sought help from LDA but they didn't entertain us. They said that decision has already been taken at higher level and only vice chairman can make required changes."
Residents tried to meet LDA's VC many times but to no avail. "We want to know how LDA can change master plan 2021 without informing people who already settled there. Why is this special favour being given to the builder while poor are made to suffer", said Sunil Kumar, another resident.
LDA's VC was even more surprised to hear the news and assured that constructions would be done as per master plan. "Such kind of development is not in my knowledge. The land acquisition notification was sent by DM's office but I would surely look into the matter, he said. Meanwhile residents have filed complaints against the proposal asking for reconsideration of the plan. LDA has announced February 24 date to resolve their complaints.
In January, the residents approached zoological gardens minster, in charge of Lucknow, SP Yadav who had ordered immediate probe into the matter. They also wrote a letter to the chief minster apprising him of the situation and seeking justice. "CM's PA had written to the DM to take necessary action but nothing could be done so far", said Tiwari.
People said the new plan is not fit for road safety as more than two junctions would be constructed within 100 metre range whereas in the original plan, the road would have easily formed roundabout with the road coming from Ansal API's Sunshant Golf City.