Citizens Complain About Garbage During Lucknow Minister and Mayor’s Surprise Inspection

Lucknow: During a surprise inspection of Zone-1 in Lucknow, In-charge Minister Suresh Khanna and Mayor Sushma Kharkwal received a barrage of complaints from residents about the city’s unclean streets and garbage accumulation. The officials conducted a detailed review across several wards, including Mahatma Gandhi, Vikramaditya, Lal Kuan, J.C. Bose, Yadunath Sanyal, and Babu Banarasi Das.

The inspection revealed blocked drains, encroachments, and scattered garbage, which have been causing waterlogging even during light rainfall. Minister Khanna warned that continued negligence could result in strict action against responsible officials. Following the inspection, two days’ salary of the zonal officer and supervisor of Zone-1 was deducted due to laxity in cleaning operations.

Key Findings:

• In Lal Kuan Ward, drains were choked and pipelines obstructed. The minister ordered immediate cleaning and relocation of pipelines.
• In Babu Banarasi Das Ward, repair of the Haider Canal retaining wall and surrounding cleaning was instructed.
• In Vikramaditya and Mahatma Gandhi Wards, piles of debris on vacant plots near Diamond Dairy’s pumping station were immediately cleared on ministerial orders.
• Encroachments on PWD Workshop Road were flagged for strict removal by the mayor.

Action Against Defaulters:
During the inspection, officials also took action against large house tax defaulters. At MG Road, the State Bank of India paid ₹21,59,161 in outstanding taxes, preventing property sealing. Similarly, partial payments were made at CC Honda Showroom (₹1,00,000 of ₹2,63,761), while Saroj Institute of Technology and Management had its account seized by the municipal corporation for an outstanding ₹46,01,636.

Minister Khanna emphasized the need for regular garbage collection, drain maintenance, and strict enforcement to improve public sanitation across Lucknow.