Lucknow – Urban Development and Energy Minister Shri A.K. Sharma emphasized the need to expedite the city’s development projects during a review meeting with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation. The objective is to address longstanding issues in Lucknow and transform it into a global city with improved infrastructure and public services.
Minister Sharma highlighted several key priorities:
- Permanent Solutions to Waterlogging and Sewer Issues: A project plan should be created to address these recurring issues, ensuring that no area in the city faces waterlogging or sewer problems. In Faizullahganj, a drain construction project costing ₹40–50 crore is already underway as a model solution.
- Covering Open Drains: The Minister directed that major open drains across the city should be covered to improve hygiene and safety.
- Enhanced Cleanliness and Garbage Management: The creation of bending zones and the removal of garbage sites across Lucknow were instructed. Sharma emphasized that adequate manpower and machinery must be allocated to maintain the city’s cleanliness.
- Traffic Decongestion and Encroachment-Free Roads: Roads in high-traffic areas, such as Lalbagh and Kaiserbagh, should be cleared of encroachment to ensure smooth traffic flow.
- Collaboration Across Departments: Effective urban management requires collaboration between various departments, including the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), Public Works Department (PWD), and Railways, Sharma noted.
- Global City and CM Grid Scheme Compliance: Development projects under the Global City Scheme and CM Grid Scheme should adhere strictly to quality standards to avoid complaints.
The meeting, attended by Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Chief Engineer Mahesh Verma, and other officials, concluded with assurances that there are sufficient funds available for these projects. The Minister reiterated that Lucknow’s development would proceed swiftly and efficiently, focusing on modernizing the city to provide residents with a world-class urban environment.
