Thousands at Risk of Eviction as 81 Buildings in Lucknow Face Demolition Orders
In a decisive move to tackle the growing issue of illegal constructions, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has issued demolition notices for 81 buildings in the city. The action comes after a directive from the Allahabad High Court, which had ordered the LDA to act on the unauthorised structures in response to public interest litigation (PIL) writs. Residents of these buildings, some of whom have invested their life savings into these properties, now find themselves facing eviction within a 15-day deadline.
The affected buildings, constructed between 2003 and 2013, have long been standing with no action taken despite prior demolition orders being issued by the LDA. The delay in enforcement raises significant questions about the role of LDA officials, who were responsible for permitting these constructions to go ahead under their watch. While the crackdown is focused on the builders who are responsible for the illegal structures, questions remain about the accountability of the LDA for its oversight, or lack thereof, during the construction of these buildings.
Vivek Srivastava, LDA Secretary, confirmed that notices were sent out starting January 20, 2025, with a 15-day notice period for residents to vacate. The residents have been informed that, should they fail to comply, the LDA will carry out the demolitions and recover the costs from the builders. With 90% of the buildings already occupied, the move will displace thousands of families, many of whom are left in the dark about their next steps. Residents, who believed they had bought legal homes, are now in a precarious situation, with little alternative housing options available to them.
While the LDA has been directed to take action under the High Court’s directive, it has only recently stepped up enforcement, despite prior demolition orders. The delay in taking action, coupled with the selective targeting of certain buildings, raises concerns about the transparency and political influences behind the LDA’s decision-making process. It is reported that while 81 buildings have been named in the current order, hundreds of other illegal structures across the city remain untouched. This selective enforcement has led to speculation that some buildings may have escaped scrutiny due to political or bureaucratic interference.
The core issue of illegal constructions in Lucknow is not just a legal matter but a reflection of deeper systemic issues in urban planning and governance. While the LDA is now taking action, the question of sustainability remains central. Illegal constructions are often built without regard to proper urban planning regulations, leading to a range of civic issues, from overburdened infrastructure to compromised safety standards. The environmental impact of haphazard construction also contributes to unsustainable urban development, placing a strain on the city’s resources and making it harder for local authorities to manage growth in a responsible manner.
The human angle of this issue is particularly poignant. Families who thought they had secured a future in these buildings now face uncertainty and potential homelessness. Many of these residents were unaware that the properties they purchased were built illegally and are left grappling with the consequences of decisions made by builders and officials long before they moved in. As the demolition process unfolds, it is crucial that accountability extends beyond the builders and addresses the institutional failures that allowed such constructions to thrive unchecked for years. The need for a more transparent and accountable urban governance system is more pressing than ever, especially as Lucknow continues to grow and urbanise at an unprecedented rate.
