LUCKNOW, Aug. 23 -- Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has decided to remove illegal occupants from the historic Rifa-e-Aam Club in Wazirganj and take up a major redevelopment work on the premises.

LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar has directed officials to clear the site and prepare it for a new boundary wall, new pathways, roads, horticulture and lighting.

On Friday, an LDA team inspected the site and finalised the redevelopment plan. Officials said the club, spread over 2.18 lakh sq. ft., is a Nazul property. It was originally allotted on a 99-year lease in 1886 but was handed over to LDA in 1985 after the lease expired. The building is now in a dilapidated condition.

On August 15, Hindustan Times, in a ground report, highlighted ...