In a decisive move to address the crippling traffic gridlock in the state capital, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) initiated a significant crackdown on illegal encroachments on Tuesday. The operation, spearheaded by Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar, focused on key areas within Zone 1, including the perennially busy commercial hubs of Kaiserbagh and Lalbagh.
Joint Operation Targets Traffic Bottlenecks
The drive aimed at reclaiming public space from unauthorized occupations by street vendors and shop extensions that have long narrowed vital road stretches. Officials confirmed that these encroachments were primary contributors to major traffic bottlenecks, slowing down vehicular movement and causing daily inconvenience to commuters. The joint team comprised officials from the LMC, including the additional municipal commissioner, and police personnel from the Kaiserbagh police station to ensure a smooth and effective operation.
Strict Directives from Top Leadership
During the inspection, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and Commissioner Gaurav Kumar issued clear instructions to the field teams. They emphasized the need for a sustained effort to keep the roads free from future encroachments. The authorities warned that repeat offenders would face stringent legal action, signaling a shift from periodic drives to a more permanent solution for the city's traffic woes.
Sanitation Standards Under Scrutiny
The inspection took an unexpected turn when Mayor Kharkwal encountered an open and unhygienic public urinal emitting a foul smell. She immediately reprimanded the concerned officials for the poor upkeep and neglect of basic sanitation standards. She ordered immediate rectification and strict adherence to maintenance protocols under the Swachh Bharat Mission, linking the city's cleanliness directly to its overall civic management and citizen well-being.
This large-scale drive marks a renewed commitment by the Lucknow civic body to tackle infrastructural and civic challenges head-on. By combining anti-encroachment efforts with a focus on public sanitation, the LMC aims to improve both mobility and livability in the heart of the city.
