Lucknow, June 23: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has adopted a firm stance regarding the building in Aliganj where a recent fire incident occurred. Following an investigation that revealed construction violations and the commercial use of a residential building, the LDA has initiated demolition proceedings.
Enforcement Zone-4 issued notices to the owners of plot number MS-102 in Aliganj Sector-D, including Virendra Shukla and Surendra Shukla. The notice indicated that the approved building plan was meant for residential use, while the premises were being utilized for commercial purposes.
Additionally, several deviations from the approved plan were identified. The LDA has invoked Section 27(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, and has requested the building owners to present their case before the competent authority within 15 days.
The authority clarified that if satisfactory responses and valid evidence are not provided within the stipulated time, strict action will be taken, including the demolition of illegal portions of the building. This action by the LDA is seen as the beginning of a significant campaign against illegal construction and disregard for safety standards. The investigation into the Aliganj fire incident is progressing rapidly.
On Tuesday, a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrived at the scene. The team also met with the injured individuals admitted to KGMU to gather information regarding the incident.
The Uttar Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has collected crucial evidence from the site. SIT members, including Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism and Culture Department) Amrit Abhijat and ADG (Lucknow Zone) Praveen Kumar, conducted a thorough inspection of the entire building for over an hour.
Amrit Abhijat stated that various photographs of the site have been taken, and efforts are underway to expedite the investigation. Interrogations will also be conducted with individuals and departments related to the fire incident, after which the investigation report will be finalized.
ADG Praveen Kumar noted that a detailed inspection of the site has been completed, and the forensic team has gathered all significant evidence, which will be used for questioning certain individuals. The responsibilities of every department related to the incident have been included in the scope of the investigation. Information will also be collected from the victims of the fire. The investigation report will be submitted to the government within the designated timeframe.
It is noteworthy that upon receiving news of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath canceled his visit to Aligarh to inspect the site. He also met with the victims at KGMU and directed the formation of the SIT to ensure strict action against those responsible. The SIT is expected to submit its investigation report within seven days. So far, four individuals have been arrested, and four officials have been suspended.
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