LUCKNOW, Oct. 15 -- With its municipal area expanding by over 83% to 568 sq km, Lucknow has sought Rs 7,603 crore from the Sixth Uttar Pradesh State Finance Commission to develop newly added areas, restore flood-damaged infrastructure and strengthen civic services. At the Uttar Pradesh Mayors' Forum, mayor Sushma Kharkwal urged the commission to factor in the city's expanded boundaries, infrastructure gaps and growing civic responsibilities while allocating funds. She said the Lucknow Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction had increased from around 310 sq km to 568 sq km, raising demand for roads, drainage, streetlights, sanitation, parks, drinking water and sewerage facilities. Kharkwal placed five demands before the commission, including doubling the municipal financial allocation, providing Rs 2,184 crore for development and street lighting, and allocating Rs 5,825.85 crore for drinking water and sewerage. She also sought the full 2% stamp duty allocation and compensation for revenue losses arising from tax exemptions and concessions, including those affecting UPSIDA properties. Kharkwal also sought funds to rebuild infrastructure damaged in flood-affected areas along the Gomti river. She highlighted Lucknow's additional expenditure on VIP movements, state-level events, traffic management and special sanitation arrangements as the state capital. The mayor said stronger financial support would help LMC deliver essential services across established neighbourhoods, newly expanded areas and flood-affected localities. htc...