Lucknow: Forced to place wooden logs inside her home to prevent it from collapsing, a Gomti Nagar resident flagged safety concerns after basement digging on a neighbouring plot affected her house.Parveen Talha (IRS Retd.), a resident of Vinay Khand, said deep excavation on adjacent plots caused soil movement near her foundation. She said she had repeatedly approached the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), but action was delayed, forcing her to install temporary supports.The construction on plots 2/8 and 2/10 is not illegal, but Talha alleged that proper safety measures are not taken during basement excavation, increasing the risk to her house. “As per rules, a two-layered retaining wall should be constructed during deep excavation, but no such precaution has been taken,” she said.After noticing cracks and soil movement, Talha consulted a civil engineer, who warned that the excavation could weaken her house’s foundation. She added that a portion of her house, where she runs a free clinic for the needy, was also under threat. “I have written five letters to the Vice-Chairman of LDA since July 2025, but there has been no reply,” she said.Following her complaint, LDA officials intervened on Sunday and directed the builder to install iron girders near her foundation to prevent damage.Officials said safety during basement excavation is critical as improper digging can weaken nearby structures.Zonal officer Devansh Trivedi said the civic body has taken note of the issue. “We have ensured immediate safety measures at the site. The area will be continuously monitored to prevent any violation and ensure nearby structures remain safe,” he said.
