Lucknow: Yogi govt has ordered the cancellation of nearly 944 hectares of land allotted to two private companies — M/s Lanco Anpara Power Limited and M/s Himavat Power Private Limited — for setting up thermal power projects in Bhognipur tehsil of Kanpur Dehat. State has directed that the land be reverted to govt and recorded in the name of the state energy department.
The order pertains to land allotted to the two companies in 2011 by the then Mayawati govt. Neither company started construction of the proposed projects despite the passage of 15 years, according to govt. In June 2011, UP energy department had entered into agreements with the two companies. Under the agreement, Lanco Anpara Power Limited was allotted 375.4 hectares land, comprising 90.3 hectares of leasehold land and 285 hectares of acquired private land, spread across Kripalpur, Chaparghata, Rasoolpur Bhuranda and Bharatoli villages in Bhognipur tehsil. Similarly, Himavat Power Private Limited was allotted 568.6 hectares, including 217.8 hectares of leasehold land and 350.8 hectares of acquired private land in Amilia, Sihari, Kachhgaon and Chaparghata villages. Together, the two companies were allotted 944.029 hectares for the proposed power projects. Both plants had the proposed capacity of 1,320MW. Invoking Clause 4(6) of the agreement, govt issued showcause notices to both companies on May 25, 2026, asking them to explain the violations within 15 days. Taking note of the failure to commence work, the alleged contractual violations and the absence of any response to the notices, additional chief secretary (energy) Ashish Kumar Goyal issued a final order on Aug 25, 2026, directing that the entire 944 hectares be vested back in the energy department with the approval of governor.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in Lucknow Stay updated with the latest Lucknow news.
However, officials said no construction activity was initiated even after more than a decade, resulting in a breach of one of the key conditions of the contract. Officials said Himavat Power mortgaged the land to IDBI Bank without obtaining permission from govt. Investigations found that both firms, in fact, mortgaged the allotted land to banks without obtaining prior approval from state govt, which was in gross violation of the terms of the agreement. Following Governor’s approval, the energy department has instructed Kanpur Dehat district administration to remove the names of both companies from revenue records and transfer ownership of the land back to UP govt and the department. As per the terms of the agreement, the companies were required to complete construction of their power projects within three years of taking possession of the land. Govt also found that both companies violated another critical clause that prohibited the sale, lease or mortgage of the allotted land without prior approval from the state. Likewise, Lanco Anpara Power Ltd pledged the land to Canara Bank and Punjab National Bank without informing or seeking approval from the energy department. Govt alleged that the unauthorised mortgaging of the land caused financial harm to the state’s interests. However, no response or clarification was submitted within the stipulated period. Download the TOI App.