LUCKNOW, July 30 -- The Lucknow Development Authority's (LDA) move to lease neighbourhood parks to private operators has raised concerns among residents, who allege that public green spaces developed under LDA housing schemes are being commercialised while several other parks continue to suffer from neglect and encroachments.

An HT ground report conducted across Gomti Nagar Extension found that residents are losing access to parks developed as part of LDA housing schemes. While some green spaces have been leased to private agencies that charge users for sports facilities, others suffer from poor maintenance, illegal encroachments and a lack of basic upkeep in areas such as Gomti Nagar Extension and Jankipuram Extension.

A case in point ...