Lucknow: With the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow deteriorating at an alarming pace, Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar chaired a crucial high-level meeting of the City-Level Implementation Committee. The meeting, held at the SBM Hall in Eldeco Green, brought together senior officials from nearly all departments connected with pollution control and urban management.
Present during the discussion were Additional Municipal Commissioners Lalit Kumar and Pankaj Kumar Srivastava, Municipal Health Officer, municipal engineers, Jal Kal Department officials, zonal sanitary officers, the Regional Officer and Assistant Engineer from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, officials from the Forest Department, Setu Nigam engineers, and representatives of other key agencies. All departments expressed concern over the worsening air quality and agreed to enforce stringent measures without delay.
Key Directives Issued by the Municipal Commissioner
1. Rapid Identification of Pollution Hotspots & Area-Wise Action Plan
Commissioner Gaurav Kumar directed teams to immediately identify areas where AQI frequently touches poor or severe levels.
A detailed list of pollution sources—including construction dust, vehicular emissions, garbage burning, and roadside debris—will be prepared along with an area-wise action plan.
He also instructed the preparation of a responsibility matrix naming officials accountable for timely execution of each action.
2. Water Sprinkling & Mechanical Street Sweeping
To reduce dust on major roads, regular water sprinkling will be intensified.
The Commissioner ordered the enhanced use of mechanized sweeping machines and deployment of additional units wherever required.
Water sprinkling will be made mandatory on all major and dust-prone routes.
3. Immediate Removal of Illegal C&D Waste
Open dumping of construction and demolition waste remains a major source of airborne dust.
The Commissioner instructed municipal teams to remove such waste immediately, identify offenders, and impose strict penalties.
4. Strict Action Against Vehicles Carrying Uncovered Construction Material
It was highlighted that many vehicles transport sand, gravel, and soil without proper covering, causing dust to spread along their route.
The Commissioner directed the RTO and Traffic Police to issue strict challans against such violations.
5. Increased Operation of Anti-Smog Guns
All anti-smog guns installed across the city will be operated with greater frequency.
A roster will be prepared to ensure regular usage, particularly in high-dust zones.
6. Redistribution of Water Tankers
Excess water tankers available with the Jal Kal Department will be redistributed across municipal zones to support sprinkling operations and speed up dust-control measures.
7. Tighter Regulations at Construction Sites
All construction sites must install green nets, conduct water sprinkling, and prevent building material from spilling onto roads.
Any violation will invite heavy monetary penalties.
8. Formation of Special Enforcement Unit
A specialised enforcement team will conduct daily inspections across the city.
Violators found flouting pollution-control norms will be fined on the spot.
Commissioner’s Message
Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar stressed that tackling air pollution is one of the highest priorities for the Municipal Corporation.
He urged all departments to execute the action plan with seriousness, urgency, and coordinated teamwork to ensure that residents of Lucknow breathe cleaner, healthier air.
“This is not just an administrative responsibility but a collective commitment to protect public health,” he said.
As Lucknow grapples with rising pollution levels, the swift implementation of these measures is expected to bring significant relief to the city’s residents.
