Lucknow- In Lucknow, the district administration is poised to dismantle the predominantly Muslim settlement of Akbarnagar. Positioned near the Kukrail river bridge, the Municipal Corporation squad, accompanied by a heavy police presence, stands ready with bulldozers and Poclain machines. Despite this, the residents find temporary reprieve under the stay order issued by the Lucknow Bench of the High Court. As a hearing unfolds to potentially extend this protection, the Municipal Corporation initiates the demolition process for 250 houses and shops lacking legal refuge. Red crosses now mark these structures, signaling their imminent fate.
The Lucknow High Court's stance empowers the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to take action against those who haven't sought court intervention, setting the stage for potential evictions. In preparation, late-night diversions by the traffic police anticipate the impending operations. Administrative teams have identified approximately 250 structures, comprising homes and businesses, bereft of legal recourse. Concurrently, over 1000 families have sought judicial recourse through 125 petitions, illustrating the scale of the impending upheaval.
Following the High Court's directive, the Lucknow Administration, along with teams from the Municipal Corporation and other authorities, swiftly mobilized into action. They cordoned off the Akbarnagar section of the road from Polytechnic to Nishatganj, employing batons to seal the area. Amidst this, a noticeable closure of shops added to the atmosphere of tension, as residents braced themselves upon witnessing the Municipal Corporation squad alongside the police force.
Recent events are not the first instances of legal intervention in Akbarnagar. In December 2023, several shops in the main market faced demolition, while earlier, 58 houses in the nearby Bhikhampur colony met a similar fate. Subsequently, aggrieved citizens turned to the High Court for respite, prompting the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad Court to issue successive stay orders. These legal reprieves, initially slated until January 22, 2023, and further extended until February 7 and later to February 21, 2024, have provided temporary relief amidst ongoing legal battles.
Akbarnagar, a settlement in Lucknow's Ward-45 under the jurisdiction of the Basti Municipal Corporation, finds itself at the center of a contentious issue. With the Yogi government's ambitious riverfront development plans along the Kukrail, a tributary of the Gomati river, looming large, approximately 1200 houses and 102 shops in Akbarnagar are facing imminent demolition on grounds of illegality.
Shaheen Bano, a longstanding resident and legal practitioner, reflects the sentiments of many in Akbarnagar, where families have resided for generations. In the face of eviction notices issued by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and Municipal Corporation, Shaheen, along with a thousand others, has turned to the courts for reprieve. Despite initial success in securing legal stays, uncertainty looms large over the fate of their homes.
In a conversation with The Mooknayak , Advocate Imran Raja, who is actively advocating to prevent the demolition of the Akbarnagar settlement, emphasized the dire situation faced by its residents. According to Raja, both the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and the Municipal Corporation have issued notices to approximately 1200 landlords and 102 shop owners.
However, the settlement comprises over 2000 houses, housing about 3000 families. This means that approximately 25,000 individuals stand to be directly impacted by the government's actions. Raja passionately appeals to the government to approach the situation with compassion and humanity, recognizing the devastating consequences that await these families if their homes and livelihoods are destroyed.
Akbarnagar, home to a vibrant community of working-class families, is not merely a residential area but also a bustling commercial center. With 102 shops and showrooms lining the Ayodhya Road, employing around 500 families, it serves as a vital economic lifeline. The concentration of furniture and fabricator shops underscores its economic significance. However, the looming question remains: where will these displaced shopkeepers find refuge? While some residents of Bhikhampur have been relocated to Duda Colony and Prime Minister Awas Colony, the fate of others hangs in the balance.
Also Read-
You can also join our WhatsApp group to get premium and selected news of The Mooknayak on WhatsApp. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.
