India, Dec. 10 -- LUCKNOW The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) on Wednesday launched a demolition drive to take possession of land under its Anant Nagar scheme on Mohaan Road, triggering strong objections by residents living in a private colony that falls in the project area.

People claimed they did not receive prior intimation about the action.

LDA teams arrived with heavy force and demolished several boundary walls and temporary structures, asking residents to vacate their properties within seven days and collect compensation from the authority. Officials said around 35 houses stand inside the project's alignment, which has delayed development work.

Residents had earlier moved court against the acquisition. The court ruled that LD...