Contemporary Riverfront Development Practices in India: Strategies for the Development of Vilayati bagh Stretch Along River Gomti, Lucknow

Rivers are one of the main sources of water. Today everyone recognize the value of public access to the riverfront but these projects driven more by investment need than by community or environmental needs. In addition, inadequate regulations and guidelines relating to riverfront development, is having negative impact on environment. In Lucknow there is also a proposal of riverfront development, in three different stretches along river Gomti. Vilayati bagh stretch is one of them. This stretch consist one very old garden name vilayati bagh. For the development of vilayati bagh stretch it is important to understand the typology of gardens of that era. This paper is focusing on the gardens of Lucknow in between1700 to 1850, their typology, planning style and use. This paper also talk about contemporary riverfront development practices in India, its impact on environment and the development strategies for Vilayati bagh stretch along river Gomti.