Lucknow: Residents of LDA Colony in Aashiana protested on Sunday against the Lucknow Municipal Corporation’s proposed vending zone being built along the footpath beside the boundary wall of Gautam Buddha Park, alleging the work violates planning norms and is taking the shape of a permanent structure.A large number of locals gathered outside the park and demanded an immediate halt to construction. Protesters said the civic body had earlier paused the work after residents objected, but restarted it a few days later.“This is not a temporary structure as claimed by the LMC. Brick walls, RCC pillars and beams are being constructed. If this is allowed to continue, the footpath and part of the road will effectively be lost,” said Mahendra Verma, one of the protesters.According to residents, the LMC is developing a model vending zone with more than 60 shops at an estimated cost of around Rs 1.5 crore. They alleged that substantial construction, including brickwork and reinforced cement concrete pillars and beams, has already come up, contradicting official assertions that the project is temporary.Locals also claimed the project lacks necessary departmental clearances. They said the location is already sensitive due to heavy daily movement and that the proposed vending zone would narrow the carriageway and worsen congestion. Residents pointed to three hospitals and nearby educational institutions, arguing that additional roadside crowding and parking would create bottlenecks and affect access for ambulances, patients, students and families.“There are hospitals and schools in the vicinity. A permanent vending zone at this location will create traffic bottlenecks and inconvenience patients, students and residents. If the work is not stopped, we will be compelled to seek legal intervention,” said Shalini Awasthi, another protester.Sources said the Lucknow Development Authority wrote to the municipal corporation about 12 days ago, asking it to stop work after receiving complaints. Residents, however, alleged construction continued despite the communication.LMC officials said the vending zone is intended to address illegal vending in the area and added that if residents are opposing the project, the corporation will look for a solution.
