LUCKNOW, July 12 -- The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has initiated the construction of the city's first Gomti Bio-Diversity Park in the Gomti Nagar area of the state capital, with plans to complete the first phase within a year. Spread across 25-acres of land, reclaimed from the prominent corporate group lease, will cost Rs 14 crore and focus on conservation, eco-tourism, and education. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has initiated the construction of the city's first Gomti Bio-Diversity Park in the Gomti Nagar area, with plans to complete the first phase within a year. Spread across 25 acres of land reclaimed from a prominent corporate group lease, the Rs 14-crore project aims to promote conservation, eco-tourism, and environmental education. To mark the beginning of the project, divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob, district magistrate Vishakh G, LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar, and municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar planted an olive sapling at the site on Friday. Other officials from the district administration and LDA also participated in the plantation drive. LDA secretary Vivek Srivastava said the Miyawaki method was used for plantation, involving species like peepal, pilkhan, pakad, neem, mango, jamun, amla, sheesham, arjun, tamarind, and kaitha. Park to promote tourism, edu In the first phase, LDA will develop a water body to attract native and migratory birds, butterfly and medicinal gardens and a fruit orchard. Prathamesh Kumar said that flora native to the Gomti river basin, especially species nearing extinction, will be conserved here. Scientists involved in the development of Delhi's Yamuna Bio-Diversity Park are guiding the project. To promote biodiversity awareness among students, LDA will set up a Natural Interpretation Center (NIC) within the park. Field biologists will be appointed to inform students about various species of plants, birds, insects, and animals. Officials said the park will serve as both a green recreational space and an educational destination. LDA has reclaimed 75 acres of green belt land leased earlier to the prominent corporate group. Of this, 25 acres is being used for the first phase of the park between gate no. 5 of Janeshwar Mishra Park in Gomti Nagar....