The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) intends to utilize drones and satellite imagery to pinpoint buildings, showrooms, and commercial complexes that have been constructed without sanctioned plans or in contravention of building regulations.
Officials have stated that this initiative is part of a broader enforcement campaign aimed at identifying violations and taking appropriate measures against property owners. The LDA’s preliminary evaluation has revealed infractions along major thoroughfares, where numerous residential plots are being utilized for commercial activities such as offices, retail spaces, and showrooms without the necessary approval for changes in land use.
Officials indicated that these instances will be scrutinized, and actions will be taken in accordance with established regulations. The authority has commenced mapping and data analysis through geospatial technology. Officials noted that certain constructions may not be detectable during on-site inspections due to obscured facades or internal modifications. Images from GPS-based surveys are being compared with drone footage and satellite data to identify discrepancies from approved plans.
In the initial phase, the LDA is concentrating on buildings situated along 24-meter-wide roads, where violations have been reported. Officials mentioned that some property owners might have circumvented the obligatory building plan approval process. Cases where irregularities are detected are also under review to ascertain if there were any oversights during the approval or construction phases.
To ensure ongoing oversight, the LDA plans to perform drone surveys across all zones every six months. Officials believe this will facilitate the detection of new violations and enable timely intervention. LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar has instructed officials to oversee the initiative and provide regular progress updates.
These updates will encompass information such as the areas surveyed, inspection dates, identified violations, and actions taken. The authority is also employing geographic information system coordinates to geo-tag properties. By juxtaposing drone imagery, satellite data, and approved maps, officials are identifying unauthorized floors, deviations from sanctioned layouts, and commercial activities occurring in residential zones.
