Lucknow: In a symbolic move reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s zero-tolerance policy against the mafia, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will hand over keys to 72 newly built flats to beneficiaries under the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Housing Scheme. These flats stand on land once illegally occupied by jailed mafia don and former MLA Mukhtar Ansari in Lucknow’s prime Dalibagh locality.
The ceremony will take place on November 5 at Ekta Van, opposite the DGP’s residence, where the Chief Minister will personally hand over the keys to allottees belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category.
Flats Built Under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Housing Scheme
According to the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), each flat has been priced at ₹10.70 lakh and allotted through a transparent lottery system, which was completed on Tuesday.
Built on a 2,322-square-meter plot reclaimed from Mukhtar Ansari’s illegal possession, the project comprises three G+3 buildings with 72 flats, each measuring 36.65 square meters.
LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar stated that this initiative is a testament to CM Yogi Adityanath’s strict stance against the land mafia. “Land once illegally occupied by mafia elements is now being used for public welfare. This is true justice for the people,” he said.
Prime Location with Modern Amenities
The housing complex is located along 20-meter-wide Bandha Road and enjoys proximity to key city landmarks such as Balu Adda, 1090 Square, Narahi, Sikandarbagh, and Hazratganj Square—all within a 5 to 10-minute drive.
Each flat is equipped with water and electricity supply, two-wheeler parking, landscaped green areas, and security facilities, providing a comfortable urban living experience for low-income families.
Massive Response to the Scheme
Online registration for the project was open from October 4 to November 3, during which nearly 8,000 applicants registered. The overwhelming response reflects the success of the state’s affordable housing initiatives for the economically weaker sections.
Turning Mafia Property into Welfare Projects
The project marks another major milestone in the Yogi government’s campaign to reclaim illegally occupied land from mafia networks and repurpose it for public and social development projects.
The state government has repeatedly emphasized its “zero-tolerance policy” against organized crime and land encroachments, with several similar projects already completed in other districts.
