Rooftop solar panels must for 1,000 sqft plots now

Lucknow: In a move to promote renewable energy, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) revised its solar panel installation guidelines. During its 183rd board meeting held on Wednesday, the LDA made it mandatory for all residential properties with a plot size of 1,000 square feet or more to install rooftop solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Previously, this requirement applied only to plots measuring 2,000 square feet or more.LDA vice-chairman Prathmesh Kumar stated that the new mandate aims to encourage the wider adoption of solar energy and contribute to a sustainable urban environment. Homeowners planning new constructions on qualifying plot sizes must now include rooftop solar systems in their building plans.The board also approved plans to remodel 11 key intersections to ease traffic congestion, with an estimated budget of Rs10 crore. Kumar highlighted that heavy traffic at engineering college crossing and Atal chowk, particularly during peak hours, necessitated the redesign. Engineering college crossing will be upgraded at a cost of Rs1.52 crore, while Atal chowk will undergo improvements worth Rs75 lakh. The work will include road construction, median expansion, improved central islands, new footpaths, road markings and the installation of signboards.Additionally, the LDA will construct a 2.75-metre-high boundary wall around two cremation sites in Jankipuram (Sector-G) at a cost of Rs60 lakh to resolve disputes between locals and villagers. Decorative and LED lighting will be installed at intersections for Rs94 lakh, with contractors responsible for their maintenance for three years.The board also decided to offer interest-free instalments to people displaced from Akbarnagar, Bhikhampur and Butler Palace, who have been resettled in Basantkunj and Priyadarshini colony.Efforts to expedite land acquisition for various residential schemes, including IT City, Wellness City, Sitapur Road and other areas, were also approved. This initiative aims to accelerate development in these regions.Furthermore, the board resolved issues related to Army land falling within the Green Corridor by reaching a consensus on providing equivalent land in exchange for the acquired area.For the implementation of the Mohan Road scheme, which aims to connect it with the Outer Ring Road, land owned by the forest department will be exchanged to complete the 60-metre road.