LUCKNOW, Oct. 2 -- The Rashtra Prerna Sthal, built at a cost of around Rs 232.56 crore, is under water more than three days after rain in Lucknow, forcing the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to shut its gates and keep visitors out. Spread over more than 65 acres in the LDA's Basant Kunj scheme, the public park was inaugurated in December 2025. The park remained shut as the LDA continued pumping out accumulated water. During an HT visit on Thursday, guards were stationed at the locked gates, while pumps were being used at different locations to remove rainwater. Large patches inside the park continued to hold water, including areas near the open-air theatre and the stretch adjoining the museum. The water accumulation raises questions over the drainage arrangements of the recently completed project. The situation also presents a contrast with another park, Janeshwar Mishra Park, which was also affected by the rainfall but managed to clear the accumulated water. When HT contacted LDA executive engineer Ashok Kumar, who is associated with the project, he said he was not authorised to speak to media. htc...