Lucknow Municipal Corporation Imposes Heavy Fines on Sanitation Firms Over Garbage Negligence
In a stern crackdown on civic negligence, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) on Saturday imposed fines totaling Rs 2 lakh on three private companies responsible for sanitation and garbage collection in the city. Additionally, two sanitation workers were suspended for their failure to maintain cleanliness standards.
Minister-Led Inspection Uncovers Multiple Violations
The decisive action was taken following a surprise inspection conducted by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Suresh Khanna, who was accompanied by Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar. The inspection focused on areas under Zone 7, where several lapses in sanitation were identified.
In Indira Nagar ward, a fine of Rs 1 lakh was levied on Lucknow Swachchta Abhiyan after garbage was found illegally dumped in lanes near Aurobindo Park. The beat in-charge, Ram Manoj, and sanitation field inspector Rupendra Bhaskar faced disciplinary action with salary cuts of three and two days, respectively.
In Maithilisharan Gupt ward, Mother Swachhakar Enterprises was fined Rs 50,000 for poor cleanliness conditions behind Bhoothnath Market. Beat in-charge Dayaram was suspended, while sanitation field inspector Sanchita Mishra received a two-day salary cut as penalty.
In Ismailganj-I ward, Lion Security Guard Services was fined Rs 50,000, and beat in-charge Brajesh was suspended due to inadequate sanitation measures.
Strict Directives Issued to Ensure Civic Accountability
During the inspection, Minister Suresh Khanna also directed officials to remove construction material obstructing a road in Sector-14, emphasizing the need for unobstructed public pathways. He issued a clear warning that negligence in sanitation work would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
"Officials must ensure time-bound delivery of all civic services," Khanna stated, underscoring the administration's commitment to maintaining high standards of urban cleanliness and public health.
The presence of Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar during the inspection highlighted the coordinated effort between political leadership and civic administration to address sanitation issues promptly. This move signals a broader push for accountability among private contractors tasked with essential municipal services in Lucknow.
