It could have been another controversy on the lines of the Taj Heritage Corridor. But the Archaeological Survey of India has stopped work on a ‘‘dream project’’ inaugurated by the Prime Minister in his constituency earlier this year.The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) had initiated work on the Gomti Riverfront Development Project just 25 m from an ASI-protected monument, the Residency, in May without waiting for the mandatory clearance from the ASI, Irrigation Department or the Environment Ministry. The ASI has refused to clear the project saying no construction could be permitted within 100 m of a protected monument.The LDA released Rs 11.58 crore in the initial stage and thought of seeking the ASI clearance only on August 18. The ASI has now refused to oblige. The work began under the BJP’s then urban development minister Lalji Tandon who will approach Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan over ‘‘unnecessary confusion created by the ASI’’.
