ABSTRACT
Green spaces are an important aspect of infrastructure development as they embrace several benefits to the people and environment of a city. This study focuses on assessing green spaces in the city of Lucknow with an in-depth analysis of its Smart City Mission’s Qaiserbagh Area-Based Development (ABD) area, which is a densely populated, unplanned pocket in the old city. The assessment of green spaces has been done using multiple datasets including satellite images, norms related to green spaces, observational mapping and surveys of park users. The results obtained through GIS mapping show considerable vegetation cover in the old city which has been reducing, increments in built-up areas, and open spaces disappearing over a period of nearly two decades. The study further reveals a complete absence of adherence to universal design guidelines for enabling access to differently abled persons. Since parks are most commonly used by people for recreational purposes, it is necessary that the authorities responsible for the maintenance of green spaces in Lucknow ensure the provision of facilities which enable their use across all sections. There is a need to adopt a holistic approach towards improving and maintaining green spaces that promotes sustainability, inclusiveness and liveability of the city.
