LUCKNOW: Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) on Saturday began demolishing the Aliganj building where a fire claimed 15 lives on June 22.Three bulldozers reached the site around 7.30am and started pulling down the structure amid tight security arrangements. More than 100 police personnel were deployed in the area, while roads around the building were barricaded and sealed to facilitate the demolition process.The action comes 32 days after the blaze tore through the commercial complex on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj. The fire broke out around 3pm and spread rapidly through the building, trapping several occupants inside. Several people were forced to jump from the building as thick smoke engulfed the structure, while rescue teams used hydraulic platforms and other equipment to evacuate those trapped.In the aftermath, the UP govt constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Fire safety experts described the building as a “disaster waiting to happen”, citing inadequate evacuation routes and other safety lapses.Following the incident, the LDA issued a notice to the owners over alleged unauthorised construction and land-use violations. On July 10, the authority ordered demolition of the structure and directed the owners to remove the unauthorised portions within 15 days.With the deadline ending on Friday and no compliance from the owners, the LDA moved in with bulldozers on Saturday and started demolition of the building. Officials said the operation would continue under police supervision until the structure is completely razed.
