What was once a garbage dumping ground has now turned into a landscaped public space with fragrant plants, an open-air theatre and statues of freedom fighters near the Rumi Darwaza in Chowk’s Lajpat Nagar.
Name and species plaques have been installed alongside the plants to help visitors identify them and learn about their characteristics. Spread across 2.20 acres, the Lala Lajpat Rai Fragrance Park has been developed at a cost of around ₹ 5 crore by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) with assistance from the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), introducing a variety of fragrant and medicinal plants.
LDA officials said the park was designed around the theme of fragrance with plants placed across the site. Defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the park on Saturday and unveiled the statues of Lala Lajpat Rai and Shaheed Bhagat Singh on the premises.
As it is close to Rumi Darwaza, the location is also expected to make the park an additional attraction for visitors exploring the heritage areas of Old Lucknow. An interpretation centre will offer information about the plants and their uses. A flower bouquet parlour has also been created where visitors can purchase flowers and plants. A red sandstone pathway runs through the park.
