Impact of urban green spaces on quality of life a core periphery comparison in Lucknow

Abstract

The National Commission of Urbanisation 1982 emphasized on balanced approach towards urbanization in India, advocating for low-rise and high-density development to ensure that cities remained sustainable and liveable. The urbanization process in India has posed challenges in providing green and healthy spaces. In order to accommodate other land uses such as residential, institutional, or commercial, the availability of green spaces is sacrificed over a period of time in the core area. Similarly, urban growth also creates pressure on green spaces and agricultural land in the peripheral areas of the cities. The reduction of per capita green spaces due to urban growth and the demand for infrastructure development has raised concerns. Urban green spaces play an important role in improving environmental quality, liveability, and sustainability in urban areas. They contribute to various aspects of urban life, including housing, business, leisure, and commercial development. They also provide many contributions to social and economic life, to the local ecological and planning systems, and as a whole, to the urban Quality of Life. The absence of UGS can negatively affect physical and mental health, air quality, biodiversity, temperature, and social interaction. To study the urban green spaces on the quality of life, I have selected the case of Lucknow city, examining the disparities between the core and peripheral areas. Lucknow has a rich amalgamation of culture and heritage. But poor maintenance and encroachment of the green spaces in the core areas have reduced the per capita of green space. This thesis conducts a comprehensive assessment of urban green spaces in both the core and peripheral areas of Lucknow using qualitative and quantitative measures. The research reveals that the per capita green spaces in the core city are lower compared to the peripheral areas, impacting the overall quality of life. The study proposes interventions to improve the availability, quality, and usability of green spaces in both the core and peripheral areas of Lucknow city. By analysing how urban green spaces enhance the quality of life, this research aims to enhance the well-being of citizens. The strategies are proposed for improving the management and development of urban green areas, including institutional and policy interventions.