Lucknow fire: Bulldozers to be used on building where 15 youths died

Lucknow: After the recent tragic fire in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the administration has started taking major action. Preparations for demolition of the building located in Sector-D of Aliganj, in which 15 youth died due to a massive fire, have now started. Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has issued an order for demolition of the building considering it as illegal construction. The building owner has been given 15 days time to demolish the construction himself. If action is not taken within the stipulated period, the authority will demolish the building itself and recover the cost of the entire action from the building owner.

Atul Kumar, the prescribed authority of Lucknow Development Authority, issued a formal order in this regard on Friday. According to the order, the building constructed on plot number 102 located in Sector-D of Aliganj is to be removed as per rules. The administration says that the rules related to building construction were violated and the construction concerned was not as per the prescribed standards.

After the order was issued, LDA zonal officer Madhavesh Kumar reached the spot with his team and pasted the demolition notice on the building. Through the notice, the building owner has been informed to demolish the building himself within 15 days. If this is not done, LDA will demolish the building by running bulldozers at its level.

The authority has also clarified that in case of demolition by government machinery, the cost of the entire action will be recovered from the building owner. For this, further process will be adopted as per rules.

It is worth noting that some time ago a massive fire had taken place in this same building, in which 15 youth had tragically died. The accident had shocked the entire state and raised many serious questions regarding safety standards and illegal construction. After the incident, the administration got the building inspected, in which various construction related irregularities were investigated.

After the fire, the district administration, police, fire department and Lucknow Development Authority jointly reviewed the matter. During the investigation, the approved plan of the building, legality of construction and safety provisions were also examined. After this, the concerned authorities decided to start the demolition process as per rules.

The administration says that cases of illegal construction and violation of building construction rules are being continuously monitored in the city. Action will be taken as per law against buildings where serious irregularities are found or which are posing a threat to public safety.

According to LDA officials, after the demolition order is issued, the building owner has been given an opportunity to present his side and take action himself. If the construction is not removed even after the expiry of the stipulated time, the demolition process will be started without any further delay.

There is discussion at the local level regarding this action in the city. Experts believe that it is necessary to strictly follow building construction rules by taking lessons from incidents like fire. Especially in buildings where a large number of people live or work, fire safety, emergency exits, electrical systems and adherence to construction standards should be ensured.

The administration has indicated that the campaign against illegal construction and buildings ignoring safety standards will continue in future also. Under this, inspections are being conducted in various areas and if any violation of rules is found, legal action will be taken against the concerned building owners.

At present, the owner of this building located in Aliganj Sector-D has been given a final extension of 15 days. If he does not remove the construction himself within this period, then Lucknow Development Authority will demolish the building by running bulldozers. Along with this, the entire cost of demolition will also be recovered from the building owner. The administration says that the purpose of this action is not only to ensure that the rules are followed, but also to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents in future and to ensure the safety of the citizens.