But, lately, the park is deteriorating owing to constant neglect of authorities. The sheesham, neem, silver oaks tress among others are infested with termites.

Since the authorities have being giving a cold shoulder to the matter, the number of trees affected termite are multiplying by the day.

Director of the National Botanical Research Institute Rakesh Tuli said the soil treatment is need of the hour.

“The infestation from the stem will percolate down to roots and the trees will wither away,” he said. In fact, the park already has some dead trees, although the cause is still not known. Many trees have the leaves and branches drying up.

A long stretch of the park, adjacent to the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) entrance, has become a virtual garbage dump. Plastic bottles, polybags, construction waste and filth is littered all over. At some spots, there are small heaps of garbage.

Some places are being used for burning park waste and bushes, leaving black and ugly patches on the grass.

A part of the park has a pool of stagnant water, adjacent to the LDA park, which has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Sources in LDA said that the waste water from the LDA lawn, which is rented out for private parties, is drained into the park.

The park has also been encroached by the Rajkiya Nirman Nigam (RNN), a government agency. They have built a concrete office in the area.

LDA Chairman Vijay Pandey said: “If such conditions are prevailing inside the park, it is surprising and shocking. LDA officials entrusted with the job of looking after cleanliness and maintenance of the park will definitely be questioned.”