Lucknow: At 6 am, before traffic and horns take over, Lucknow sounds very different. Cool air moves through tree-lined paths, birds greet the sunrise, and rustling leaves replace vehicle noise. Ahead of World Listening Day on Saturday, TOI visited five green spaces across the city to experience their natural soundscapes. The visits showed that despite rapid urbanisation, nature still has a voice in Lucknow.Janeshwar Mishra Park: A Natural ConcertThe park echoed with birdsong. The coppersmith barbet’s rhythmic “tuk-tuk-tuk” rang through the trees, while Oriental magpie robins whistled from shaded paths. Bulbuls chattered, parakeets called overhead, and cicadas and crickets added a steady background buzz.Regular visitor Ramesh Srivastava said the sounds help him relax, while yoga practitioner Sunita described the park as a peaceful escape from city life.Lohia Park: Morning CalmBirds called from the trees as leaves rustled in the breeze and insects hummed through the grass. Gatekeeper Manish Tiwari said visitors come for fresh air and peace. Regular walker Piyush Srivastava said the sounds leave him refreshed, while Shubh Patel called it an ideal way to start the day.NBRI Botanical Garden: Dawn ChorusBefore the city fully wakes up, the koel’s call fills the Botanical Garden. Mynas, parrots, bulbuls, crows and peacocks soon join in, creating a lively chorus.Visitors said the sounds help them disconnect from daily worries. Student Yashi Singh said birdsong encourages people to put aside earphones and pay attention to their surroundings.Kukrail Forest: Nature’s RefugeCrickets dominated the soundscape at Kukrail Forest. A peacock called in the distance, ducks quacked across the water, and squirrels rustled through the trees. A mobile sound meter recorded around 59 decibels, indicating a relatively quiet environment.Visitors said the forest offers a sense of calm.CG City Wetland: The Quietest CornerBehind Ekana Stadium, the 37-acre wetland offered one of the city’s quietest mornings. Openbill storks called across the water as reeds swayed in the breeze. Noise levels ranged between 30 and 40 decibels. Birdwatchers spotted species including Sarus cranes, Oriental darters and black-winged stilts.“Such natural soundscapes are now rare and can almost be counted on one’s fingertips,” said Prof Venkatesh Dutta.“Natural soundscapes help the brain slow down, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve attention. Even a few minutes spent listening to birdsong or rustling leaves can have a calming effect and support overall mental well-being,” said Prof Adarsh Tripathi.(With inputs from Amritansh Singh, Suzain Khan, Mariyam Shakeel, Varun Kumar Sagar, Love Agarwal)
