Rainwater harvesting: Uptake remains skewed despite 1,927 approvals by LDA since 2019

Official data show a total of 1,927 maps approved since 2019, covering 1,55,98,123.9 sq m. High map counts occurred in 2022-23 (373 maps) and 2025-26 saw the largest project areas (over 6.77 million sq m). Zone 1 (Gomti Nagar) leads compliance, with Zone 2 next, while other zones lag. Officials cite enforcement at the planning stage, including mandatory RWH for plots above 300 sq m and revised norms making rooftop RWH mandatory for plots 200 sq m and above and for large commercial/institutional buildings; a security deposit is collected at map approval and refunded only after installation verification. Groundwater data indicate declining levels across Lucknow, underscoring the need for uniform adoption across all zones to improve recharge.

LDA approved 365 maps, covering 67,73,226.563 sq m; the year recorded the largest covered area despite a similar number of maps to prior year.

LDA approved 338 maps, covering 30,04,463.309 sq m.

LDA approved 319 maps, covering 16,21,732.856 sq m.

LDA approved 373 maps, covering 25,02,151.028 sq m; this was the highest number of maps in a single year up to that point.

LDA approved 290 maps, covering 14,78,410.414 sq m.

LDA approved 202 maps, covering 1,96,195.364 sq m.

Lucknow Development Authority approved 40 rainwater harvesting maps for 2019-20, covering 21,944.364 sq m.