In Prayagraj, the administration is ramping up welfare initiatives for ordinary citizens alongside its ongoing crackdown on criminal syndicates and mafia networks. Taking a significant step in this direction, the Prayagraj Development Authority, or PDA, is rolling out a major housing project in the Chakia neighborhood aimed specifically at middle-class families. This entire parcel of land was once illegally occupied by the notorious mafia Atiq Ahmed and his close associates. Now, the reclaimed property is being transformed into a modern residential complex for the general public.
Project Spanning Roughly 10,000 Square Meters
Official records and historical land documents revealed that approximately 10,000 square meters of land in the Chakia zone rightfully belonged to the PDA. For a prolonged period, Atiq and his inner circle maintained an illegal hold over this property. The reality of this valuable real estate came to light during a comprehensive investigation into the mafia's illegal properties, prompting the PDA to legally reclaim and vest the land back under its ownership. Notably, this site is situated merely 500 meters away from Atiq Ahmed's old, demolished residence.
Named Padma Lok Housing Scheme
With the land now secured, the PDA has finalized a detailed blueprint for a new residential venture officially titled the 'Padma Lok Housing Scheme'. Under this initiative, roughly 600 flats will be constructed. Each unit will be a 2 BHK configuration tailored to meet the needs of middle-class households, housed within residential towers stretching 12 to 14 stories high. The project incorporates 8 elevators distributed across the buildings, along with well-planned parking spaces and various modern amenities for future residents.
Easy Financing Through Bank Loans
This housing scheme has been specially curated keeping the financial realities of middle-income earners in mind. Interested buyers will have the option to finance their flat purchases through formal bank loans. According to PDA Secretary Vineet Singh, all administrative paperwork and preliminary procedures for the housing scheme have been successfully completed, and construction work will commence immediately following the formal ground-breaking ceremony.
Previous Housing Initiative for the Underprivileged in Lukerganj
This is not the first instance of the Prayagraj Development Authority converting reclaimed mafia land into residential spaces. Earlier, the PDA cleared illegally occupied land in the Lukerganj area of Prayagraj to build 72 flats for economically weaker sections. The foundation stone for that project was laid by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Expectations are high that CM Yogi may also grace the ground-breaking ceremony of the upcoming Padma Lok Housing Scheme. The 72 flats built on the previously seized land are already occupied, providing impoverished families with secure homes. Building on that success, the PDA is now preparing to offer a massive gift to middle-class families through this new development.
From Atiq's Dominance to the Fall of an Empire
There was a time when the Chakia locality in Prayagraj was entirely defined by the sprawling bungalow and absolute dominance of mafia Atiq Ahmed. A short distance away from his residence stood the bungalow belonging to his brother-in-law Imran. Beyond Chakia, Atiq's writ ran large across surrounding neighborhoods including Rajrooppur, Dhumanganj, Jhalwa, and Khuldabad. Today, however, neither Atiq's bungalow nor Atiq himself remains. Both Atiq and his brother have been killed. One of Atiq Ahmed's sons was shot dead in an STF encounter, while another son lost his life in a road accident. Two other sons are currently imprisoned, and their mother Shaista Parveen carries a bounty of 50,000 rupees as a wanted fugitive evading law enforcement.
