Can 'Urmila Van' revive Kukrail River? Lucknow’s 24-acre forest plan explained

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) will transform 24 acres of land near Bhikhapur, along the Kukrail River, into 'Urmila Van'. Freed from years of encroachment, this area will now be developed on the lines of a Miyawaki-style forest, with no concrete structures except fencing. Officials say, the new green zone will act as a fresh lung for Lucknow, boost biodiversity, and improve river water quality.

Unlike traditional parks, 'Urmila Van' will be developed as a self-sustaining ecosystem using the Miyawaki method, which accelerates growth and produces dense green cover within just a few years. More than 50 native and aquatic species will be planted closely together, chosen not only for shade but also for their role in air purification, soil enrichment, water quality improvement, and biodiversity revival. A dedicated irrigation system with underground pipelines and pop-up sprinklers will support the saplings, helping the forest mature in under a decade, compared to the 30-40 years needed in conventional plantations. Further, there will be no paved pathways; only natural trails, to preserve the ecosystem.

Once established, the dense green cover is expected to absorb carbon emissions, reduce Lucknow’s heat footprint, and improve monsoon water retention along the Kukrail riverbanks. Authorities say the initiative will serve as a model of urban afforestation, combining scientific methods with community-driven environmental stewardship. As Divisional Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob and LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar put it, the project is not just about planting trees but about returning land to nature.

1. Project Size & Location:

   • Spread across 24 acres of reclaimed land in Bhikhapur, near Papermill Colony

   • Situated along the Kukrail riverbanks, enhancing riparian ecology

2. Forest Development Model:

   • To be developed using the Miyawaki method, ensuring dense growth in under 10 years (vs. 30–40 years traditionally)

   • Designed as a self-sustaining ecosystem; not a landscaped park

   • No concrete structures except protective fencing; raw walking trails for visitors

3. Plantation Details:

   • Over 50 species of native and aquatic plants

   • Trees: Banyan, Peepal, Paras Peepal, Pilkhan, Neem, Mango, Guava, Gular, Jamun, Arjun, Bamboo, Pakad, Thrivia Nodifolia

   • Aquatic/Riparian plants: Lotus, Water Lily, Colocasia, Salvinia, Vetiver, Canna

   • Focus on shade, air purification, soil enrichment, erosion control, and biodiversity revival

4. Irrigation & Maintenance:

   • Network of underground pipelines with pop-up sprinklers for efficient watering

   • Permanent arrangements for irrigation to reduce manual intervention

   • Designed for minimal long-term maintenance once canopy stabilises

5. Environmental Impact:

   • Expected to absorb significant carbon emissions and improve Lucknow’s air quality

   • To help reduce the city’s heat footprint and mitigate the urban heat island effect

   • To improve monsoon water retention and flood control along Kukrail river

   • To restore natural habitats for birds, insects, and aquatic life

6. Civic & Governance Value:

   • Land freed from encroachment and repurposed for ecological benefit

   • Sets a model for urban afforestation in Indian cities

   • Aligned with Uttar Pradesh’s Maha Abhiyan for environmental protection

7. Community Benefit:

   • Offers citizens a natural green lung and an escape from urban concrete

   • Encourages public participation and awareness about ecological restoration

   • Expected to become a landmark urban forest, alongside Kukrail Reserve

The Kukrail River, a left-bank tributary of the Gomti, originates from a well near Dasaur Baba Pond in Asti village, within Lucknow’s Bakshi Ka Talab area. Stretching for about 28 km, it passes through nearly 6 km of the Kukrail Reserve Forest before merging with its parent river. Local folklore traces the river’s origins to around 200 years ago, while its first official mention appears in the 1904 district gazetteer. Today, its course is marred by illegal encroachment, untreated sewage and invasive water-hyacinth overgrowth, necessitating urgent rejuvenation.

The upcoming Urmila Van project offers a vital ecological buffer, enhancing water filtration, stabilising riverbanks, and restoring biodiversity. But its success hinges on parallel efforts: dredging the river, reviving origin ponds and intercepting sewage with proper treatment, amid others. If executed well, this initiative could mark the beginning of Kukrail’s transformation from a neglected stream into a restored lifeline for Lucknow.