After Deadly Lucknow Fire, Authorities Expand Crackdown on Illegal Commercial Buildings

Days after a devastating fire in Lucknow's Aliganj area claimed 15 lives , the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has intensified its drive against commercial establishments allegedly operating in violation of approved building plans. On Friday, the authority issued fresh show cause notices to more than a dozen businesses, signalling that the crackdown launched after the tragedy is set to gather pace in the coming days.

The latest notices have been served to a wide range of establishments, including coaching centres, gymnasiums, hotels, restaurants and nursing homes , directing owners to explain why action should not be initiated against them for allegedly deviating from sanctioned building maps and violating construction regulations. They have also been asked to produce approved building plans before the authority within the stipulated time, failing which legal and administrative action could follow.

According to LDA officials, nine establishments in the old city areas, including Chowk, Thakurganj, Balaganj and Hussainabad , received notices on Friday. Another five commercial properties in Aliganj and neighbouring localities were also brought under the scanner.

Officials said the inspection drive progressed at a slower pace on Friday due to Muharram related security arrangements and other administrative commitments. However, they maintained that the enforcement campaign would be intensified once normal operations resume.

The action comes just a day after the LDA issued notices to 78 commercial establishments across Lucknow and initiated sealing proceedings against 55 buildings allegedly being used for commercial activities without proper authorisation. Coaching institutes, eateries and several other businesses figured prominently among those under scrutiny.

Authorities clarified that the notices are primarily intended to seek explanations regarding deviations from approved building plans. Owners who fail to produce sanctioned maps or provide satisfactory responses could face stringent action under the applicable building regulations.

The intensified enforcement follows the massive fire that broke out on Monday in a three storey commercial building with a basement on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj's Sector D . The blaze, one of the deadliest the city has witnessed in recent years, killed 15 people and left nine others seriously injured , raising serious concerns over fire safety compliance and illegal construction practices.

The incident has triggered multiple investigations. While the LDA has ordered a departmental inquiry, its preliminary findings have reportedly identified the alleged role of 19 engineers and six senior PCS officers in connection with lapses linked to the building. Recommendations seeking strict action against the officials have already been forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh government .

Meanwhile, the Lucknow Police is conducting a parallel investigation into the fire, and the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly examine the circumstances that led to the tragedy. As investigations continue, the administration's intensified enforcement drive is being viewed as an attempt to prevent similar disasters and strengthen compliance with building safety norms across the city.