Lucknow fire: LDA moves to demolish coaching centre building after blaze kills 15, issues notice

Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has issued a notice to the owners of a building in the Aliganj area, where a devastating fire on June 22 claimed 15 lives, officials said on Wednesday. The authority has also initiated demolition proceedings, citing unauthorised commercial use of a structure approved for residential purposes.

According to officials, the notice has been pasted on the three-storey building that housed a gaming and animation studio where the fire broke out. The LDA has directed the owners to submit their response within 15 days, warning that further action, including demolition using bulldozers, will follow if the reply is found unsatisfactory.

Demolition action and violations flagged

Authorities said preliminary findings suggest that commercial activities were being carried out in violation of the approved residential map. The building, now under scrutiny, had been operating as a coaching and training facility, where several students, trainees and staff were present when the fire erupted.

The LDA has made it clear that enforcement action will be based on the response submitted by the owners, with demolition proceedings likely if violations are confirmed.

Meanwhile, enforcement drives have been intensified across Uttar Pradesh following the incident. Several coaching institutes in Varanasi were sealed on Tuesday by the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), while similar inspections and closures have been reported in Prayagraj.

Statewide inspection drive underway

Speaking to reporters, VDA Vice-Chairman Purna Borah said a systematic inspection campaign is being carried out across multiple zones, targeting PG accommodations, hostels, guest houses and coaching centres to verify compliance with approved building plans.

He said the drive is being conducted in phases and will continue for the next 15 days, with authorities using surveys and data collection to assess compliance.

Borah also noted that during inspections, officials found instances where buildings were being used for commercial purposes despite being sanctioned for residential use. In one case, an additional floor was reportedly being used for coaching activity.

Officials said the objective of the enforcement drive is to ensure adherence to development regulations, with action already taken in multiple cases and further inspections planned.

The Aliganj fire, which broke out in a three-storey building housing a gaming and animation studio, resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including students, trainees and staff members.