In a major step towards ecological preservation and urban sustainability, Lucknow is all set to develop its first biodiversity park in Gomti Nagar. Spread over 75 acres of reclaimed green belt land, the project will be undertaken by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), with the first phase spanning 25 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 14 crore. Work is likely to begin this month.
The upcoming Gomti Bio-Diversity Park will be modeled on the lines of Delhi’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park and is being designed to become a haven for native flora and fauna. The project aims to create a natural ecosystem by using native grass, bushes, and trees, and establishing a large water body to attract both native and migratory birds. This will help provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and small animals throughout the year, making the ecosystem self-sustaining.
LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar said that the land, which was earlier leased to a corporate group, had been cleared of encroachments and garbage dumps to make way for this green transformation. In the initial phase, the park will be developed along the stretch between Dayal Paradise intersection and Gate No. 5 of Janeshwar Mishra Park.
The first phase of the Gomti Bio-Diversity Park will include essential infrastructure and attractions designed to enhance both utility and biodiversity. A boundary wall and main entry gate will secure the premises, while an office block and parking area will provide administrative and visitor convenience. Families and children can enjoy a dedicated play zone, and walking pathways will allow visitors to explore the park comfortably. A watchtower will offer a vantage point for bird-watching and surveillance, encouraging interaction with nature. To enhance the park’s ecological richness, dedicated zones like a fruit garden, medicinal garden, and butterfly garden will be created, each offering a distinct habitat to attract and sustain a variety of birds, insects, and small wildlife.
These attractions will help draw a variety of pollinators and small creatures, turning the park into a vibrant and diverse ecological space. The LDA also aims to conserve rare and endangered plant species native to the Gomti river basin, many of which face the threat of extinction. These plants will be safeguarded within the park to strengthen ongoing conservation efforts.
To foster awareness and education, the LDA will also build a Natural Interpretation Center (NIC) inside the park. This center will offer interactive learning experiences, where trained field biologists will guide students and visitors about the rich diversity of plants, birds, insects, and animals found in the region. The NIC is expected to become a hub for eco-tourism and environmental education.
Officials believe that the Gomti Bio-Diversity Park will not only improve urban green cover but also serve as a key initiative in promoting sustainability, conservation, and nature-based learning in Lucknow. Once completed, the park is expected to become a green lung of the city and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, researchers, and families alike.
With this project, Lucknow joins the ranks of cities taking meaningful steps to restore balance between urban development and ecological well-being.
