Prayagraj: Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is all set to develop 602 flats on nearly five acres of land freed from the clutches of slain mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his aides in Chakia area.The project, under the Padam Awas Yojana, is being planned as a housing scheme primarily for middle-class buyers and is located barely 500m from his former residence.A PDA team inspected the site on Tuesday, carried out cleaning work and reviewed the layout for the proposed project.PDA secretary Vineet Singh said construction would begin soon after the completion of preparatory work and the foundation stone-laying ceremony, which may be attended by chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday.The residential complex will comprise 14-storey buildings with 602 flats. Bookings are expected to open after the foundation stone-laying ceremony. The flats are likely to be priced between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 28 lakh, though final rates will be announced later. Buyers will also be able to avail of bank financing.According to the PDA, a review of old land records established that the property belonged to govt, following which the authority initiated the process of reclaiming and developing it.The project is significant because of its location. Chakia had long been identified with Atiq, whose influence once extended across the area. With the PDA planning a housing complex on land that had remained unused for years, the locality is expected to witness a visible change in its landscape and identity.
About The Author
