Lucknow: Wednesday marked a historic day for Lucknow Municipal Corporation and the state of Uttar Pradesh, as Mayor Rominho of Piquete city, São Paulo, Brazil, arrived in Lucknow with a high-level delegation to study the city’s innovative and sustainable development initiatives. The visit underscores growing international interest in Lucknow’s urban development model.
Formal Welcome at Smart City Office
The Brazilian delegation was formally welcomed at the Smart City Office in Lalbagh by Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar. Several elected representatives and senior officials of the Municipal Corporation were present, including Executive Vice President Charanjit Gandhi, Deputy Leader of Councillors BJP Sushil Tiwari ‘Pammi’, Executive Member Councillor Gauri Sanwaria, Councillor Saurabh Singh ‘Monu’, and others. Municipal officials such as Additional Commissioner Lalit Kumar and Environment Engineer Sanjeev Pradhan also attended.
Strengthening India–Brazil Cooperation
Representatives from the Indo-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, including CEO Paulo Azevedo, Piquete City Councillor Carlos Porto, and Executive Secretary Julio Encarnacao, accompanied the delegation. All visiting dignitaries were felicitated with floral bouquets by the Municipal Corporation.
Showcasing Piquete’s Model, Invitation to Brazil
Mayor Rominho presented Piquete’s development initiatives, smart city projects, and modern technologies. He extended a formal invitation to Mayor Kharkwal and the Lucknow team to visit Brazil, fostering an exchange of urban development experiences between the two cities.
Highlights of Lucknow’s Achievements
A short film showcasing Lucknow Municipal Corporation’s projects was screened, featuring UP Darshan Park, Prerna Sthal, Shivri Plant, CND Waste Plant, PCTS-FCTS system, and vending zones. The Brazilian delegation expressed deep admiration for the city’s achievements.
Visits to UP Darshan Park and Prerna Sthal
The delegation toured UP Darshan Park, viewing replicas of Jhansi Fort, Taj Mahal, Banke Bihari Temple, and Ram Mandir, and later visited Prerna Sthal, which was once a garbage dump. The museum’s photographs of freedom fighters and the short film left a strong impression on the visitors.
Shivri Plant: Modern Waste Management
In the final phase of the tour, the delegation inspected Shivri Plant, witnessing the comprehensive waste management process and modern technologies in action, presented by the Municipal Corporation administration and plant management.
Statements from Mayors
Mayor Sushma Kharkwal said,
“The development initiatives of Lucknow Municipal Corporation are gaining recognition at the international level. The arrival of the Brazilian delegation is a matter of pride and will pave the way for global cooperation.”
Mayor Rominho remarked,
“Lucknow Municipal Corporation’s work in waste management, public space development, and heritage conservation is inspiring. We will consider adopting these models in our city.”
The delegation’s visit reflects growing global interest in Lucknow as a model of urban innovation and sustainable development.
