2024-07-17 05:53:52

CM Yogi Adityanath dispels demolition fears: 'No such plan… Red marks caused confusion'

The CM also noted that the red markings put on the buildings amid the floodplain zone demarcation process caused “fear and confusion” among the public.

CHIEF MINISTER Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday reassured residents of several areas in Lucknow who had expressed concerns after the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department marked many houses in their areas in red, saying that the demolition of private buildings on private plots was not under consideration by the government.

The CM also noted that the red markings put on the buildings amid the floodplain zone demarcation process caused “fear and confusion” among the public. Emphasizing that there cannot be any justification for the action, Adityanath said that accountability should be fixed in this regard. He also told the residents that at present, there is no need or proposal to vacate the private land.

Residents of Pant Nagar, Abrar Nagar, Indraprastha Nagar, and Rahim Nagar were concerned upon finding out that the irrigation department marked their houses, which were marked in red, fall within the 50-metre floodplain area of the Kukrail canal, where no construction is permitted.

The residents united and formed a group named ‘Trans Gomti Niwasi Sangarsh Samiti’ to raise their voices. So far, only women residents have been holding protests near their houses.

On Tuesday, a group of local residents met the vice chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority. “Ten of us were taken to meet the Chief Minister. We explained our problem. The CM listened to us and assured us that no houses would be demolished,” said Shilpi Singh, who was part of the delegation that met Adityanath.

A press release issued by the government said that while addressing the concerns of the affected families who visited the CM’s residence, Adityanath emphasized that whether in Pant Nagar or Indraprastha Nagar, the state government is dedicated to “ensuring the safety and peaceful life of all its residents.”

“In the related case, the floodplain zone of the river has been marked in accordance with the orders of the National Green Tribunal. Private land is also included in the floodplain zone. However, there is currently no need or proposal to vacate the private land. There is no matter under consideration for the demolition of private buildings on private lands,” the release said.The Chief Minister has also issued instructions for improving cleanliness and public facilities in the said areas. He has directed officials to visit the area immediately, meet the residents and alleviate their fears and confusion, it added.

The Chief Minister has also issued instructions for improving cleanliness and public facilities in the said areas. He has directed officials to visit the area immediately, meet the residents and alleviate their fears and confusion, it added.

Speaking to the affected families, Adityanath assured them that if any building constructed on private land falls within the riverbed development zone and has certified private ownership, it will only be acquired after providing compensation according to the rules.

To revive the Kukrail River and make it pollution-free, the irrigation department recently marked the floodplain zone in compliance with NGT orders. The said action aligns with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) notification issued in 2016, said the release.

Two zones of the Kukrail River have been marked: the riverbed and the floodplain zone. The riverbed has been designated at a width of approximately 35 meters, while the floodplain zone extends up to 50 meters from the riverbank, as marked by the irrigation department.