Lucknow Civic Inspection Reveals Major Sanitation Failures
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, who also serves as Lucknow's in-charge minister, conducted a thorough inspection of several city wards on Friday. He was accompanied by Mayor Sushma Kharakwal during this important review. The inspection focused on areas within Hazratganj, Lalbagh, and their nearby localities.
Multiple Wards Show Significant Deficiencies
The inspection team discovered serious lapses in sanitation, drainage systems, and general maintenance of civic facilities. In the Vikramaditya-Mahatma Gandhi ward, which includes Yojana Bhawan, Diamond Dairy, and Udayganj areas, officials found poorly cleaned drains and rubbish scattered across roads.
Minister Khanna immediately directed municipal officials to ensure prompt cleaning operations. He emphasized the need for stronger regular monitoring to prevent such situations from recurring.
Specific Issues and Direct Actions
During the inspection of Diamond Dairy and Udayganj areas, the team encountered debris and waste dumped directly on public roads. This led to clear instructions for imposing fines on those responsible for the illegal dumping. Khanna stressed strict enforcement of existing cleanliness norms.
At the Diamond Dairy pumping station area, officials identified a vacant plot filled with construction debris. The minister ordered immediate clearing of this plot and directed authorities to penalize the plot owner for allowing such accumulation.
In Babu Banarasi Das ward, inspection revealed problems with the Haider canal's retaining wall. Directions were issued for necessary repairs and regular cleaning around the canal area to maintain proper water flow and hygiene.
Infrastructure and Administrative Problems
The Lalkuan ward inspection uncovered drinking water pipelines running through drainage channels. Minister Khanna directed officials to relocate these pipelines to safer locations to prevent contamination risks.
Area councillors raised concerns about delays in handing over sanitation work to the designated agency. Following these complaints, officials received instructions to resolve the administrative matter quickly.
In Nazarbagh ward, the Sundarbagh area showed particularly poor sanitation arrangements. Minister Khanna ordered a two-day salary deduction for the zonal officer and subordinate staff due to their negligence in maintaining basic cleanliness standards.
Comprehensive Cleanliness Directives
At JC Bose ward, officials received multiple directives. These included ensuring thorough drain cleaning, constructing public urinals where needed, and maintaining regular sewer maintenance schedules.
Minister Khanna made his position clear about Lucknow's civic standards. He stated that as a historic and important city, Lucknow cannot afford negligence in sanitation, drainage, and other essential civic services. The minister warned of strict action against any officials found failing in their duties.
Mayor Sushma Kharakwal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that providing clean, safe, and healthy environments for residents remains the top priority for city administration. She reaffirmed the commitment to addressing all identified issues promptly.
The inspection has highlighted ongoing challenges in maintaining civic infrastructure across multiple Lucknow wards. City officials now face increased pressure to implement corrective measures and improve monitoring systems to prevent similar lapses in the future.
