LDA drones to nail illegal buildings | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) will use drones and satellite imagery to identify buildings, showrooms and commercial complexes constructed without approved plans or in violation of building bylaws. Officials said the exercise is part of an enforcement drive to detect violations and take action against property owners.The LDA’s initial assessment has shown violations along major roads, where several residential plots are being used for commercial purposes such as offices, retail outlets and showrooms without approval for change in land use. Officials said such cases will be examined and action will follow as per rules.The authority has started mapping and data analysis using geospatial technology. Officials said some constructions are not visible during ground inspections due to covered fronts or internal alterations. GPS-based survey images are being matched with drone footage and satellite data to identify deviations from approved plans.In the first phase, LDA is focusing on buildings located along 24-mt-wide roads, where violations have been reported. Officials said some property owners may have bypassed the mandatory building plan approval process. Cases where irregularities are found are also being examined to check whether there was any lapse in scrutiny at the approval or construction stage.To maintain monitoring, LDA plans to conduct drone surveys in all zones at six-month intervals. Officials said this will help detect new violations and allow action at an early stage.LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar has directed officials to monitor the drive and submit regular progress reports. These reports will include details such as areas covered, dates of inspection, violations identified and action taken.The authority is also using geographic information system coordinates to geo-tag properties. By comparing drone images, satellite data and sanctioned maps, officials are identifying unauthorised floors, deviations from approved layouts and commercial use in residential areas.A senior official said more than 5,000 illegal constructions have been identified and sealed in recent months. Officials said a list of suspected violations is being prepared. After verification, notices will be issued and action taken in phases.