LUCKNOW, Sept. 25 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said Varun Vihar and Naimish Nagar had been planned keeping in mind Lucknow's growing population, future expansion and demand for safe housing. He was speaking during the bhoomi pujan for the two housig schemes. Varun Vihar will cover more than 6,500 acres and is expected to provide residential facilities to over six lakh people, while Naimish Nagar will cover around 4,100 acres and cater to around four lakh people, according to the chief minister. He said the two schemes would benefit students, young people seeking employment and families planning to make Lucknow their permanent home. Planned urban development had become essential as Lucknow emerged as a hub for education, healthcare, technology, manufacturing and infrastructure. He highlighted the development of Kisan Path, Green Corridor and AI City, besides improved connectivity towards Agra and eastern Uttar Pradesh. He also referred to expansion of metro and airport infrastructure and development of manufacturing facilities in the city. Yogi said Naimish Nagar had been planned on Lucknow-Sitapur border area while keeping in view the cultural and spiritual importance of Naimisharanya. He said the scheme would help preserve heritage while creating new residential opportunities as Lucknow expands. Several landowners said they received compensation directly in their bank accounts after completing the required formalities and used the money to purchase land elsewhere, construct houses or plan for education. Kamlesh Kumar of Dona village said he handed over one hectare for Varun Vihar scheme and received Rs 2.80 crore. He said he used the compensation to purchase land in Unnao and construct a house. Sushma Singh of Bakshi Ka Talab said she handed over land in Kamalabad for the Naimish Nagar scheme and received Rs 2.90 crore. She described the payment process as transparent. Ramdei of Revri village also expressed satisfaction with compensation she received and thanked the CM for the payment. For Namra Fatima, a Class 12 passout, the compensation has also become a means to fund her education. She said she received Rs 70.58 lakh through a demand draft for her land in Saidapur. She purchased land with part of the amount and plans to use the remaining funds for her medical studies as she prepares for the NEET examination....