UP govt forms SCR inspired by Delhi-NCR: What does it mean and which districts will be included?

The Uttar Pradesh government has officially announced the creation of the Lucknow State Capital Region (SCR), similar to the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). This decision was approved by UP Governor Anandiben Patel, who also endorsed the establishment of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region Development Authority (UP-SCRDA), according to a PTI report.

The Housing and Urban Planning Department issued a notification after the governor's approval. This notification specifies that the new Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region will encompass Lucknow and the nearby districts of Hardoi, Sitapur, Unnao, Rae Bareli, and Barabanki. The total area covered by the SCR will be 27,826 square kilometres.

The UP-SCRDA will be responsible for overseeing development projects and managing resources effectively within this newly defined area. The authority will be chaired by the Chief Minister, with the state's Chief Secretary serving as the vice-chairman. Other members will include the Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Planning, Divisional Commissioners of Lucknow and Ayodhya, District Magistrates of the involved districts, and Vice-Chairmen of the Lucknow, Unnao-Shuklaganj, and Rae Bareli Development Authorities, among other officials.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath initiated this project in September 2022. He emphasised the growing desire of people from different cities to settle in this region permanently. 

He stated, "In such a situation, keeping in view the future requirements, 'Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region' should be formed on the lines of National Capital Region (NCR).”