Lucknow Municipal Corporation Mandates Third-Party Audits for Major Civic Projects
In a significant move to enhance transparency and quality in urban infrastructure development, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal has declared that third-party audits of major civic projects will now be compulsory. This announcement was made during a high-level review meeting of the engineering department at the Lucknow Municipal Corporation headquarters on Monday.
Zero Tolerance for Poor Construction Quality
Chairing the meeting, Mayor Kharkwal emphasized that there will be absolutely no compromise on the quality of roads and other critical infrastructure projects. She issued a stern warning that substandard construction not only leads to wasteful expenditure of public funds but also creates serious safety hazards for citizens. The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar, Chief Engineer (Civil) Mahesh Verma, along with executive engineers, assistant engineers, and junior engineers.
Systematic Road Construction and Drainage Mandates
The mayor issued specific directives to ensure that road construction works are executed in a systematic and continuous manner, rather than in fragmented patches. She highlighted that incomplete road stretches cause significant public inconvenience and must be avoided. Furthermore, officials were instructed to construct drains on both sides of all roads to prevent waterlogging issues. For wider roads, the construction of footpaths was made mandatory to enhance pedestrian safety.
Pre-Monsoon Preparedness and Infrastructure Review
Special emphasis was placed on pre-monsoon preparedness during the meeting. Engineers were directed to immediately assess the structural condition of drains in their respective areas and commence repairs wherever damage is identified. A critical safety measure mandated was the identification and covering of open drains located near roads to reduce accident risks. Thorough cleaning of all drains before the monsoon season was declared compulsory.
The review also covered ongoing works under various funding schemes including:
- Ward development funds
- The 15th Finance Commission allocations
- Infrastructure funds
- CM Global Nagarodaya Yojana
- CM Grid
- CM Nagar Srijan Yojana
Strict Action Against Delayed Projects
Contractors found to be lagging behind project schedules will face stringent consequences. They will initially receive final warning notices, and those failing to show improvement may be blacklisted and replaced through fresh tendering processes. This measure aims to ensure timely completion of civic projects without compromising on standards.
Commitment to Transparent Urban Development
Mayor Kharkwal reiterated that strengthening basic urban infrastructure remains the top priority for the Lucknow Municipal Corporation. This must be achieved while ensuring complete transparency, accountability, and uncompromising quality in all development works. The introduction of mandatory third-party audits represents a concrete step toward these governance objectives, aiming to build public trust and deliver sustainable urban infrastructure for Lucknow's residents.
