Lucknow: In a citizen-friendly initiative aimed at promoting health and fitness, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has announced free entry for morning walkers at the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal located in Basant Kunj Yojana. The decision has been taken following an initiative by Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh.
According to an official statement issued by the LDA, Vice Chairman Prathamesh Kumar has approved the proposal, allowing citizens to enter the sprawling memorial complex free of charge every day from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The order has been issued with immediate effect.
Spread across approximately 65 acres, Rashtriya Prerna Sthal is one of Lucknow’s prominent public spaces and attracts a large number of residents for morning walks, yoga sessions, and other fitness activities. Until now, visitors, including regular morning walkers, were required to pay an entry fee of ₹45 per person.
LDA officials said the decision was taken after citizens raised the issue during a recent public interaction programme held in the western assembly constituency, where Rajnath Singh was present. Residents requested that regular walkers be exempted from paying the entry fee in the interest of public health and wellness.
Responding to the demand, Rajnath Singh directed the Lucknow Development Authority to consider the proposal and take an appropriate decision in the public interest. Acting on these instructions, the authority approved free access for morning walkers during the designated hours.
LDA Vice Chairman Prathamesh Kumar stated that the move is intended to encourage more citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles and make better use of the city’s public recreational spaces. He added that after 8:00 a.m., the existing entry fee structure will continue to remain applicable for visitors.
The order was issued on the eve of the International Day of Yoga, underlining the administration’s commitment to promoting fitness and wellness among residents. Officials have been instructed to ensure immediate implementation of the revised entry policy.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of daily visitors and create a more accessible environment for health-related activities, further strengthening Lucknow’s efforts to promote public well-being and community participation in fitness programmes.
