The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to accelerate land allotment and financial approvals for five proposed water treatment plants in Lucknow, stressing the need to establish the facilities without delay.
A Division Bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla of the Lucknow Bench issued the directions on Thursday while considering a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Utkarsh Lok Seva Sansthan.
The court instructed the government to complete the allotment of land identified for the projects and transfer possession to the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban). It also directed the authorities to obtain the required financial sanctions for the proposed facilities.
Rs 231.52 Crore Proposal for Sitapur Road Plant Before Cabinet
During the proceedings, the state government informed the High Court that a proposal for financial approval of Rs 231.52 crore for a water treatment plant on Sitapur Road had been submitted to the state cabinet.
The government stated that a cabinet decision was expected shortly. It also confirmed that the district magistrate had already allotted land for the Sitapur Road facility.
According to affidavits submitted by the government, four additional locations have been identified for similar projects. These are Barabanki Road, Kanpur Road, Sultanpur Road and Hardoi Road.
The proposed plants are to be established through the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban).
Court Seeks Financial Approvals for Remaining Projects
After examining the government’s submissions, the Bench directed the authorities to finalise the land allotment formalities and ensure that the identified sites are handed over to the Jal Nigam.
For the four projects other than Sitapur Road, the court instructed the state government to pursue financial approvals through the same procedure followed for the Sitapur Road proposal.
The Bench also required the government to submit an affidavit before the next hearing specifying the cabinet’s decision regarding the Sitapur Road plant and the progress achieved on the remaining four projects.
The matter has been listed for further hearing after one month.
