LUCKNOW, Aug. 25 -- The city's much-awaited first public skating facility at Mithaiwala intersection in Gomti Nagar remains incomplete, as the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) is yet to secure financial approval to finish the project. Despite earlier claims of near completion, the site has remained neglected for three months since progress was last reported by HT in June 2025. Executive engineer of Zone 4, Atul Mishra, said the main flooring and ground circle work is still pending. "The tender process will begin once the financial approval is granted. The cost of the remaining work is estimated at around Rs 18 lakh," Mishra said. Spread across 350 square feet, the rink is being developed on land earlier used as a dumping ground. It is part of LMC's Rs 20 lakh initiative to reclaim neglected urban spaces, under which tiling, railings, and fresh paintwork have already been completed. Mishra added that the project is part of LMC's larger plan to convert spaces beneath flyovers into community-friendly zones. "This land had been lying neglected for years. Now it will serve a new purpose," he said. Once ready, LMC may hand over daily operations and maintenance of the rink to a private agency. Officials said that if the model works, more skating facilities could be developed under other flyovers in Lucknow. For now, the facility awaits crucial financial clearance before it can open to residents....