At the site of the plant, SP leaders protested against “inadequate compensation” provided to the farmers of three villages, whose land is being acquired for the plant.

Braving heavy rain, nearly 200 villagers from Lonapur, Bhainsora and Barwara gathered near the site of the plant, spread over 110 hectare. SP leaders had also gathered there to demonstrate against the project. “The government should provide the affected villagers with houses, a permanent source of earning and adequate compensation before acquiring their land,” said SP parliamentarian Bhagwati Singh. Former MP Sushila Saroj and MLA Rajendra Yadav, along with other party leaders were also present on the spot.

Mayawati underlined the importance of Rs 170 crore plant. “After the completion of this project in a year, Lucknow will have a modern and clean sewage disposal system. The polluted water coming from 26 nullahs will be treated and this will make Gomti river pollution free.”

Bhagwati Singh announced that his party will also oppose the extension of the purview of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA).

“The government was taking over fertile farmlands and the habitat of poor villagers, denying them their livelihood and fair compensation,” he said. On June 30, by acquiring land in 235 villages around the city, LDA had decided to increase its work area by 800 sq km.