India, Sept. 15 -- The green zones developed by Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) in Gomti Nagar Extension to provide spaces for parks and community activities are steadily disappearing due to encroachments. Despite being marked as environment-friendly zones, several parks as well as vacant plots now house makeshift garages, shanties, and illegal residential pockets, exposing negligence on the part of LDA officials.

Residents complained that encroachments have taken over walking tracks and public spaces. "These parks were meant for our health and recreation. Now they are filled with garages and illegal settlements. We feel unsafe walking here in the evenings," said Vikas Tiwari, who lives in Gomti Nagar Extension Sector 4.

The problem...