The fee will be calculated at a rate varying from Rs 215 to Rs 275 per square metre depending on the locality. The modalities and the localities will be decided after the LDA authorities complete the survey. “There are several developed localities in Lucknow which come under the LDA’s jurisdiction which have neither been developed nor provided civic services by the LDA. But the approach to these localities has been developed by LDA. Hence this charge could be taken,” said Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Vice-Chairman of LDA.

A few other important decisions were made at the LDA board meeting as well.

* Company for riverfront development: The board also approved a proposal to constitute a Gomti Riverfront Development Company Limited to execute projects for the Gomti riverfront development. The company, comprising 13 members including the Divisional Commissioner as chairman and LDA vice-chairman as CEO, will function under the LDA.

* Anti-encroachment drive: The board also set up two wings to remove encroachments from the riverbanks. Both wings, comprising executive engineers, have been given a week to remove all encroachments. Officials said work on the Gomti riverfront development will start after demolishing the encroachments. The enforcement wings of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, the LDA and the district administration started demolishing slums on the banks at Daliganj on Thursday. In the process, the police detained social activist and Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey when he tried to intervene.

* Survey team formed: The LDA authorities approved a proposal to define the developed and undeveloped areas of Lucknow. A committee comprising representatives of LDA secretary, town planner, chief town and country planner and chief engineer will survey the city and define areas.

* Licence granted: The board also approved a proposal to issue a licence to M/s Lohia Developers (India) Private Limited for developing an integrated township on 45 acres in Ahimamau village on Sultanpur Road in Lucknow. It was decided to give 200 square metre land free to martyrs’ families. The land will be provided along with the compensation. Besides, 200 square metres will be provided to Army officers rendered disabled in war, on payment of 80 per cent of the cost of the land.