The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) demolished 1320 “unauthorised constructions”' between 10 to 18 June, levelling Akbar Nagar, a 50-year-old Muslim-majority locality. Around 10,000 residents were displaced. 

On 10 June, the area was barricaded, diverting traffic, and 8 companies of the UP Provincial Armed Constabulary & Rapid Action Force were deployed for the two-shift demolition drive.

In Aug-Sept 2023, Akbar Nagar & Bhikampur residents received show-cause notices from LDA, under Section 27 of the UP Urban Planning Act, stating their “structures were built without LDA approval” and located in the Kukrail Nala flood zone. Residents were given 15 days to respond.

Residents say they cannot afford new homes offered under the PM Awas Yojana, costing Rs 4.8 lakh for a 300 sq. ft. flat in Vasant Kunj, 12 km from Akbar Nagar. Many argue this is not a rehabilitation policy but a sale, to be paid in monthly instalments of Rs 2,200 for 10 years.

After demolition orders were issued in Oct 2023 for 1,158 structures, nearly 1000 residents submitted detailed replies opposing the notices. Every reply was reportedly rejected by the LDA without giving the residents a hearing. Appeals filed by 250 residents were dismissed by the Divisional Commissioner in a similar manner.

Initially, the Allahabad High Court ordered a temporary stay until 22 January 2024. Yet demolitions continued.
Soon after, the matter was transferred within the court and dismissed by a division bench, stating that petitioners had built commercial structures illegally on govt land.
https://livelaw.in/pdf_upload/akbar-nagar-lko-524904.pdf

The high court’s final order on 6 March directed residents to vacate their homes by 31 March. The aggrieved residents filed an appeal before the Supreme Court the same month.

Significantly, the SC has asked the LDA to prove that the Kukrail Nala is a perennial river and not a city drain. A detailed report was submitted to the LDA in 2013 by experts from IIT-Roorkee regarding the feasibility of a Gomti riverfront revamp project. The report referred to the Kukrail water body as a “nala” or drain throughout the document.
https://ddmtn57ju2md7.cloudfront.net/media/bbifiles/1181924/38eeafb5-ca82-4c74-8c64-65170953eb36.pdf

Residents say they cannot afford new homes offered under the PM Awas Yojana, costing Rs 4.8 lakh for a 300 sq. ft. flat in Vasant Kunj, 12 km from Akbar Nagar. Many argue this is not a rehabilitation policy but a sale, to be paid in monthly instalments of Rs 2,200 for 10 years.

Image Source: Akbarnagar, Lucknow/March 2024
By: 
@MohdAbuzarCh