LUCKNOW, June 5 -- In the wake of Wednesday's fire incident at a Delhi hotel, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has once again ordered a citywide survey of hotels and commercial establishments to identify violations of approved building plans. Prathamesh Kumar, vice-chairman, LDA, on Thursday directed officials to conduct a zone-wise inspection of hotels and other commercial properties across the city. The exercise will verify whether owners have adhered to sanctioned maps and whether basements approved for parking have been illegally converted into revenue-generating spaces. Kumar said there is no concrete data that could tell the exact number of hotels in the city. He further said if any violations surface during the survey, action will be taken. Similar drives were launched after previous fire incidents, including the September 2022 hotel fire on Madan Mohan Malaviya Marg that claimed four lives. While that tragedy prompted widespread inspections and enforcement action, officials acknowledge that violations continue to exist across several localities of state capital. Vijay Vishwas Pant, Lucknow divisional commissioner, said illegal construction will not be tolerated and strict actions would be taken against the people who are violating norms. A ground visit to Vibhuti Khand, Hahnemann Crossing, Aminabad and Charbagh revealed multiple instances where basements shown as parking spaces in approved maps have been converted into clubs, banquet halls, restaurants and other commercial facilities. In Vibhuti Khand, a hotel currently operates a club from its basement, while another hotel near Hahnemann Crossing has reportedly turned its basement into a banquet facility. Another hotel owner in the area has constructed in its setback (minimum open space that must be maintained around a structure) area along with the basement which is also being misused. Officials said many property owners initially obtain construction approvals by earmarking basements for parking but subsequently alter the use of the space to generate additional revenue. Such conversions not only violate building bylaws but also reduce parking availability and raise concerns over fire safety and emergency evacuation. Sushil Pratap Singh, joint secretary, LDA, said several cases in which demolition notices were issued have remained pending after property owners challenged the orders. He said orders have been given to finalise the notices and the demolition order across the eight zones....