Prayagraj plans weekly 'Map Day' to address illegal constructions

The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) has announced a new initiative called ‘Map Day.’ This will take place every Thursday to help with map approvals and to control illegal constructions in the city. On Map Day, people can apply for approvals for both residential and commercial buildings. This applies to those who have already built without proper permission and those planning new constructions. Residents can visit the PDA office in person or apply online with their questions related to building maps. The PDA has identified buildings built without approved maps and categorized them into six zones of the city. Recently, officials sealed ten illegal constructions in Zone I, which includes areas like Rasulpur and Pura Mufti. This action is part of ongoing efforts to enforce the Uttar Pradesh Town Planning and Development Act of 1973. Ajit Kumar Singh, the PDA secretary, has instructed officials to seal illegal buildings and keep a zone-wise list. Property owners with sealed buildings must meet specific requirements, including creating a proper map and obtaining a no-objection certificate from the fire department, to have their buildings released by the authority.