To curb unplanned development and ensure improved urban services, the Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up to widen the scope of development authorities in Uttar Pradesh in a phased manner.
In the first phase, preparations are being made to expand the boundaries of more than six development authorities, including in Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj. On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an action plan is being prepared in this regard.
The government has been grappling with the lack of civic amenities in unplanned colonies in cities. There is a total lack of proper sewage, waste management and drinking water facilities while maintenance of roads is poor in these colonies and there is also rampant encroachment.
The haphazardly-built colonies with not a trace of town planning are a major challenge for the government in its pursuit to development of smart cities all over the state. The chief minister has said that he is committed to doing away with the problem of unplanned development.
In a review meeting with the Urban Development and Housing department, the CM said that there is a need for a permanent solution to the problem of unplanned development in cities. The CM said that development authorities, urban bodies, local administration and police should ensure that illegal settlements/residential colonies are not built anywhere under any circumstances.
Emphasising on the need for urbanisation for holistic development of the state, the chief minister directed the officials concerned to expand the boundaries of various municipalities, municipal corporations and nagar panchayats.
Now, the geographical boundaries of the development authorities will also be expanded. Thus, the revenue of the authorities will increase while urban facilities will be available in residential areas.
“Preparations are underway to extend the limits of Lucknow Development Authority to Barabanki, Unnao and Sitapur. Preparations are underway also to include PP Ganj, Pipraich, Kauri Ram and other such areas of Gorakhpur in the Gorakhpur Development Authority,” a government spokesman said on Saturday.
The chief minister has also directed for deployment of town planners in every development authority and urban body. The CM has also called for cooperation of IITs and or other technical institutes run by the state government in urban planning.