The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has announced a temporary ban on all basement digging and excavation activities in residential and commercial units of the city. This decision, issued by LDA Vice Chairman Indramani Tripathi, is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

Property owners with existing basement excavations are required to implement safety measures to protect neighbouring structures. These measures include using sandbag stackings or RCC retaining walls to ensure stability and prevent any potential damage.

Earlier this year, a three-story residential building in Lucknow's Arya Nagar area collapsed due to negligence during illegal basement construction. Although the building was unoccupied at the time, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has since enforced strict safety measures during excavation to prevent similar incidents.

The recent directive has been issued because excavation work is often carried out without adhering to proper safety protocols, posing significant risks. This becomes especially hazardous during the rainy season when rising water levels complicate basement and foundation digging.

Therefor, zonal officers and executive engineers have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that no digging or excavation takes place within their designated areas.