LUCKNOW: A designing error came in the way of timely launch of a prestigious apartment scheme of Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). The Greenwood Apartment scheme in Gomtinagar Extension that was scheduled to be launched last week, would now be officially open to the public by only first week of June.

LDA sources said a Chennai based architect , who was given the contract, came up with designs largely practised in south India. But, reportedly, it was the large size of kitchen — eventually reducing the built up area of living rooms — that left LDA bosses surprised. The architect has now been asked to redesign the apartment before it is sent for printing. The scheme, in sector-1 of Gomtinagar Extension , is being handled by Nagarjuna Constructions .

‘‘ We have asked the agency to speed up the process,’’ said LDA vicechairman , Mukesh Kumar Meshram. He said that they expect the scheme to come into effect by June 1. The project would comprise around 700 apartments having a super area varying in the range of 100.96 sqm to 155.43 sqm.

This is not the first apartment scheme of LDA which has slipped on its launching date. Two more such housing schemes are passing through a similar phase. Take for example the case of Aishbagh Towers. Announced almost an year back, the project is nowhere in sight. In fact, the project nosedived even as some 200 applicants got the registration amount refunded. Meshram said that the project has now been allotted to Larsen and Toubro, which would take up the soil testing of the area before executing the project. Ironically, suitability of the site was questioned during the soil test done by the LDA earlier.

So is the case with low cost housing scheme, Apna Ghar for which thousands of forms were sold. But the scheme remains a nonstarter even after a gap of one year. Sources said that the project’s fate hangs in balance even as LDA waits for Central assistance.

LDA is grappling with glitches in a few other of its schemes. Take for example the case of Shristi Apartment in Janakipuram. The scheme garnered only around 200 applicants, even though LDA had planned construction of 1,200 apartments. This made the LDA wary of going ahead with the project.

The same holds true for Nature Paradise scheme in Vasant Kunj. Here too, the demand survey revealed an interest of close to 1,200 applicants, who once again deposited the token money of 1% of the property cost, which stood in the range of Rs 12,000 to Rs 16,000. The scheme remains a non-starter as on date barely 400 applicants have deposited their registration money.

When will this project begin, nobody knows. The scheme got stuck because of the protest from local farmers, who demand adequate compensation. The only housing scheme of LDA that got moderate success is River View Apartment scheme in Gomtinagar Extension , thanks to the involvement of construction major Larsen & Toubro for building over 900 apartments.