Acrimony and distress have engulfed the residents of Akbarnagar in Lucknow as authorities demand their evacuation, citing the reclassification of the land as a riverbed. The residents, having paid taxes and holding power connections, find themselves at odds with authorities who claim their dwellings to be illegal. Amid the turmoil, calls for alternative housing echo through the community.
With over 950 properties contributing to house tax and 1,157 connected to power, the inhabitants find themselves entangled in a predicament as the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) and the local electricity company dismiss tax payments and power connections as grounds for land ownership.
Mohammed Akeel, a longstanding resident, expressed the dismay felt by many. “We’ve resided here since 1968, paying taxes and utility bills. Suddenly, we’re told to vacate, labeled as a riverbed settlement. We’ve known it as a nullah, a place to call home,” Akeel lamented.
Emotions ran high among the residents, with Sama Parveen voicing her distress, having lived in the area for two decades. “Where do we go? Our lives are woven into these homes,” she tearfully articulated. The demand for land registry papers, unattainable for most, further complicates their plight.
Amidst the anguish, residents like Anjum plea for a peaceful resolution. “We lack means to afford new housing. Provide us a home, and we’ll willingly relocate,” Anjum appealed, echoing the sentiment of many facing uncertainty.
The community’s frustrations are palpable. Vikas Kumar, a resident, questioned the timing of the authorities’ actions. “Why the silence when this settlement evolved? Now, with our life savings invested, we’re being asked to leave. Where do we find resources to buy alternate homes?” Kumar exclaimed.
However, Mukesh Kumar Singh, a local corporator, held authorities accountable for the situation, denouncing the sudden eviction notice. “The settlement evolved over time without interference. Authorities must shoulder responsibility and ensure alternative housing before demolition,” Singh demanded.
The LMC and electricity officials emphasized that tax payments and power connections do not ascertain land ownership. Ambi Bisht from LMC clarified that house tax serves for civic services, not land ownership validation. Similarly, the power company underscored that connections merely cater to convenience, devoid of land ownership implications.
Amidst the clash between residents’ predicament and administrative regulations, a humanitarian crisis looms over the uncertain fate of Akbarnagar’s inhabitants.
Sources By Agencies