LUCKNOW, June 17 -- An over two-decade-old land dispute between the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and the Army may finally be resolved, as the agency has written to the Defence Estate Officer in Lucknow Cantonment, proposing a solution by offering to regularise 61 acres of land in the Army's favour in exchange for 57 acres of land the Army has beyond its designated firing range, and has requested the Army's consent to settle the long-standing issue of Nehru Enclave land in the Gomti Nagar area. The official letter, which HT has accessed, marks a crucial step towards resolving the issue unresolved since 1998. The land in question spans parts of Jugauli, Ujriyaanv and Bhikhanpur villages, where the Army took control of land originally acquired by the LDA for urban development. LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar said, "We have proposed to regularise 61 acres, which fall within the notified firing range. In exchange, we are asking the Army to release the excess 57 acres it holds so that we can move forward with our development plans." The letter proposes that if the Army agrees to retain only the 61 acres matching the developed areas of Nehru Enclave and Paper Mill Colony and releases the remaining 57 acres, the matter can be mutually resolved. The LDA added that if the Army accepts this proposal, it will pave the way for large-scale, planned urban development in the region. "This land is crucial for infrastructure planning. The proposal, if accepted, will free up 57 acres of prime land and end the over two-decade-old deadlock," an LDA official said. Detailed deliberations and surveys followed a meeting between Army and LDA officials on April 28, resulting in the current proposal, the LDA stated. A site survey was also conducted by LDA officials, signalling serious intent to physically demarcate the boundaries. The dispute had also reached the judiciary. In a ruling on September 19, 2023, the high court, citing Article 226 of the Constitution, stated it could not adjudicate disputes between the state and Union government, directing both parties to seek resolution under Article 131 in the Supreme Court, stated the LDA's letter. An HT report on May 15 stated that talks between Army and LDA officials had entered a crucial phase. At the time, V-C Prathamesh Kumar confirmed that the agreement was forwarded to the government for final clearance....