The visit is being seen as part of the state government's broader push to strengthen public services and accelerate development works across districts ahead of the next phase of infrastructure expansion in Uttar Pradesh.

According to official information, the Chief Minister will begin his programme in Pratapgarh, where projects valued at over ₹384 crore will be launched in the Pratapgarh and Vishwanathganj Assembly constituencies. A total of 111 projects are included in this package.

These projects cover a range of sectors such as road connectivity, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, rural development and drinking water schemes. Officials said the initiatives are expected to improve public services and create better access to essential facilities in urban as well as rural areas.

Later in the day, Adityanath will travel to Sultanpur, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for 99 projects worth more than ₹819 crore in the Sultanpur and Isauli Assembly segments.

The projects are aimed at strengthening local infrastructure, expanding development works and improving the delivery of government welfare programmes. State authorities believe the investments will contribute to long-term economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents in the region.

One of the major highlights of the Chief Minister’s visit is the inauguration of a government medical college and several healthcare-related initiatives. The state government has placed significant emphasis on expanding medical infrastructure in recent years, particularly in districts that previously lacked advanced healthcare facilities.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Adityanath said the visit would mark the beginning of several new initiatives related to health, development and public welfare in Pratapgarh and Sultanpur. He noted that multiple important projects, including a government medical college, would be dedicated to the public during the programme.

Apart from infrastructure projects, the Chief Minister is also expected to distribute benefits under various welfare schemes. Beneficiaries will receive assistance in the form of cheques, Ayushman cards, sewing machines, approval letters, house keys, certificates and recognition awards under different government programmes.

Officials said the event has been designed not only as an inauguration ceremony but also as an opportunity to directly connect welfare benefits with eligible citizens. Such outreach programmes have become a regular feature of government events in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in districts undergoing major development works.

The state government has linked these projects to its broader vision of a “Viksit Uttar Pradesh” or Developed Uttar Pradesh. According to officials, investments in healthcare, roads, education and basic infrastructure are expected to strengthen economic activity and improve public service delivery across the state.

Meanwhile, extensive security and traffic arrangements have been put in place for the Chief Minister’s visit. The Pratapgarh district administration has announced traffic diversions from 6 am to 10 pm and imposed restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles within city limits.

Authorities have advised commuters to use alternative routes and follow traffic advisories issued by the administration to avoid inconvenience during the high-profile visit.

Four arrested, six LDA officials suspended as investigation reveals building was illegal; 48 coaching centres sealed across UP so far.

The Lucknow Development Authority has pasted a demolition notice on the building where 15 students died in a devastating fire, as authorities revealed the structure was allegedly illegal. The property owner and three others have been arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The building, located in Lucknow's Aliganj area, housed a pet shop and clinic in the basement and ground floor. The second floor contained "Learning Space" — a library and coaching centre — along with Head Hopper Studio, which works in 3D art production.

Authorities said a demolition order had been issued against the structure in 2016, but it was later revoked. The LDA has now given the owner 15 days to respond before proceeding with demolition.

Four Arrested, Six LDA Officials Suspended

Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and arrested four accused, including Virendra Shukla, owner of Rameshwaram Institute of Technology and Management, which operated from the premises. Six LDA officials have been suspended, while notices have been sent to the state government against 18 officials.

The Special Investigation Team, comprising IAS officer Amrit Abhijat and IPS officer Praveen Kumar, inspected the building on Wednesday and collected evidence from the spot. The team questioned injured survivors and family members at KGMU trauma centre for nearly 90 minutes.

"People connected to the incident will be questioned, and we will also speak to the affected families," ADG Praveen Kumar said. "We are currently inspecting the scene. Our report will be submitted soon."

Statewide Crackdown on Coaching Centres

Following the tragedy, police and administrative authorities have launched statewide inspections of coaching centres and hotels. So far, 48 coaching institutes and three hotels have been sealed across 20 cities for failing to meet fire safety requirements.

In Kanpur, 30 coaching centres have been sealed. Varanasi reported two seals, while Noida and Mathura each had one. Two hotels in Bareilly and one in Mathura were also shut down.

In Lucknow, the crackdown hit major coaching brands:

- Allen Coaching Centre in Hazratganj was sealed around noon on Wednesday

- Allen Centre in Krishna Nagar was also sealed, with students sent home

- Physics Wallah centre in KBC-2 Tower was sealed by LDA officials

- Paramount Coaching in Aliganj was sealed over illegal construction

- Gravity Coaching in Kapurthala — the operator reportedly fled before LDA arrival

LDA Zone-2 Zonal Officer Ravi Nandan Singh said inspections are currently being carried out at coaching institutes across the city. Action is being taken against centres not complying with prescribed safety standards.

Students who arrived for classes at sealed centres were left waiting outside. Many were later allowed to collect essential items under supervision before being escorted out.

CM Yogi Calls It a 'Major Lesson'

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday evening and described the tragedy as a major lesson for the state. He said there would be no compromise on safety standards.

"Fire safety is not merely a regulatory requirement but a matter of protecting human lives," he said.

Key decisions announced:

- Statewide fire safety audits to be conducted in mission mode

- Hospitals, nursing homes, coaching centres, malls and government buildings to be inspected

- Registration to be made mandatory for all coaching institutes

- Commercial buildings must prominently display fire NOC

- Commercial activities will not be allowed in residential buildings or basements

- Basements approved for parking must be used only for parking

- Electrical load in commercial buildings will also be inspected

- Public awareness campaigns to be conducted before enforcement action

The Chief Minister also reviewed the state's fire response system. Currently, 296 of 350 tehsils have 326 operational permanent fire stations. Twenty-six new fire stations are ready for inauguration, construction of 25 more is underway, and DPRs are being prepared for 47 additional stations.

Victims: 21-Year-Old Aditya's Sister Breaks Down

Aditya Srivastava, 21, from Sitapur, was among those killed. When his body reached home on Wednesday morning, his sister Nishtha broke down and clung to her brother's body.

Aditya's father is a lawyer and his mother a shiksha mitra in a primary school. He was the second among four siblings.

Jayant Gupta, who jumped from the building to escape the flames, underwent an MRI on Wednesday morning. Doctors will decide whether surgery is required based on the report. He remains admitted to the Trauma Surgery Department.

What Was Operating Inside the Building?

The ill-fated building in Aliganj housed multiple operations across its four floors. The basement, ground floor and first floor contained a pet shop and clinic. The second floor hosted "Learning Space" — used as a library and coaching centre — along with Head Hopper Studio, which works in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing.

The mix of commercial and coaching operations in a residential-style building appears to be a key factor in the tragedy, with officials pointing to violations of building regulations and safety norms.

Fear Grips Commercial Establishments

Following the crackdown, several shops and commercial establishments remained shut as owners feared action. Many coaching centres, studios, pet shops and stationery stores began removing signboards from their establishments.

Bhaskar reporter Nikhil Sahu reported that inspections and enforcement drives have created widespread concern among business owners, prompting many to keep their shutters down.

The building where the tragedy occurred has been sealed by authorities. On Wednesday, several people arrived at the site to see the structure, with many recording videos of the building.

LDA officials said bulldozer action against the illegal structure is planned for July 7.

Yogi Adityanath Warns Against Namaz on Roads Ahead of Bakrid

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued a firm warning against offering namaz on roads, asserting that the state government would not permit any disruption to public movement as Bakrid approaches. Speaking at a media house event in the state capital, the Chief Minister made it clear that while prayers would not be stopped, they must remain confined to designated spaces.

Strict Stance on Public Spaces

Yogi Adityanath emphasised that roads are meant for traffic and common citizens, not for religious gatherings. “Namaz will not be allowed on roads. If people agree peacefully, fine; otherwise, stricter measures will be taken,” he said. He added that prayers should be offered at mosques, Eidgahs, or other designated places, and larger congregations could be managed in shifts if necessary. 

The remarks come nearly a week before Bakrid, when large numbers typically gather for Eid prayers. Officials have been directed to ensure compliance with existing orders that ban namaz on thoroughfares.

Law Applies Equally to All

The Chief Minister stressed that the law remains the same for everyone in Uttar Pradesh. “People ask me whether namaz happens on roads in UP? I say, absolutely not. Roads are for common people to walk on. No one has the right to come and disturb traffic,” he stated. 

He referred to a previous incident in Bareilly in September 2025, where tensions arose over a protest following namaz, leading to stone-pelting and subsequent police action. “People tried their hand in Bareilly, and they also saw the strength of the government,” Yogi Adityanath noted, underscoring that no one would be allowed to block roads or create disorder.

2022-23 Ban on Roadside Namaz

The Yogi government had already imposed a complete ban on offering namaz on roads in 2022-2023. Instructions were issued to restrict religious events, including those on Eid and Alvida Jumma, to proper religious venues. Local administrations have since been enforcing these guidelines to prevent traffic snarls and maintain public order.

Highlighting State’s Transformation

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also spoke about the broader changes in Uttar Pradesh. He recalled how the state was once associated with violence and instability but is now manufacturing BrahMos missiles. “If the atmosphere is negative, ‘One District-One Mafia’ emerges. If it is positive, ‘One District-One Product’ is created,” he observed. 

Yogi Adityanath pointed to rising investments, increasing employment, and the state’s progress towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy. He also highlighted improvements in women’s safety, noting that women now work night shifts and return home without fear. “No one can harass daughters now,” he said. The state has remained revenue surplus for six years and is no longer considered a BIMARU state, he added.

Balanced Development Across Districts

The government, according to the Chief Minister, is focusing on equitable growth across all 75 districts, leveraging agriculture, infrastructure, and the power of the youth. He reiterated that Uttar Pradesh no longer needs to depend on external support and has immense internal potential.

During recent election campaigns in West Bengal, Yogi Adityanath had criticised alleged appeasement politics there, contrasting it with the situation in Uttar Pradesh where roads are kept clear for traffic and festivals proceed peacefully without curfews or riots.

Public Order Before Festival

As preparations for Bakrid gain pace, the administration is expected to step up vigil to ensure prayers do not spill onto roads. Local police and district officials have been asked to coordinate with community leaders for smooth conduct of religious events within permitted limits. 

Authorities say the focus remains on maintaining law and order while respecting religious sentiments. The message from the top appears clear: religious freedom is protected, but public spaces cannot be allowed to turn into arenas of chaos.

The Chief Minister’s remarks are likely to set the tone for administrative preparedness in the coming days across the state.