Lucknow Advances Green City Status With Biodiversity Parks River Projects
Lucknow is rapidly positioning itself as a model for sustainable urban development, with multiple large-scale green projects designed to enhance ecology, biodiversity, and quality of life for residents. The city’s transformation is anchored in initiatives like biodiversity parks, river rejuvenation, and thematic cultural spaces, aimed at integrating ecological sustainability with urban convenience.
A flagship project, the Gomti Biodiversity Park, is set to reclaim 75 acres of greenbelt land, previously leased to private developers, with the first 25-acre phase estimated at ₹14 crore. Developed under expert guidance drawing from the Yamuna Biodiversity Park model, it will feature walking paths, children’s play areas, a watchtower, and a Natural Interpretation Centre for field-based education. Endangered species from the Gomti River basin will be preserved, while native flora will attract both resident and migratory birds. A butterfly garden, medicinal plant section, and fruit orchard will complement the park, with Miyawaki forestry methods creating dense urban green cover.
Parallel to this, the Kukrail River rejuvenation project is revitalising a 28-kilometre stretch, with coordinated efforts across rural development, irrigation, and forest departments. Desilting, sewage treatment, and afforestation are key components, alongside eco-tourism development along riverbanks. Already, 39 out of 51 drains flowing into the Kukrail have been tapped, and a 40 MLD sewage treatment plant is planned to maintain river flow and groundwater levels. Saplings planted along riverbanks are creating green pockets, with areas like Saumitra Van and Shakti Van emerging as eco-recreational spaces.
Lucknow’s commitment to ecological urbanism extends to cultural and thematic spaces. Harmony Park, an eco-friendly musical park, blends recreation with education and culture. Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, a memorial complex along the Gomti, integrates landscaped gardens, open-air theatres, and interactive museum spaces, supporting both public engagement and environmental aesthetics.Existing parks such as NBRI Garden, Lohia Park, Janeshwar Mishra Park, and Saumitra Van provide a strong foundation for the city’s green trajectory, functioning as ecological lungs for residents. Experts emphasise that these projects are not mere beautification efforts; they are strategically enhancing urban biodiversity, air quality, groundwater replenishment, and public awareness of sustainable living.As Lucknow accelerates its green initiatives, it is setting benchmarks for urban planning that balances development with ecological integrity, creating spaces that educate, relax, and sustain both people and nature.
