Lucknow Announces ₹400 Crore Infrastructure Boost for Cleaner, Greener City.

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has announced a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plan exceeding ₹400 crore, aimed at modernizing the state capital, combating pollution, and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The ambitious proposal encompasses a wide array of development projects, including the construction and repair of roads and drains, significant improvements in solid waste management, and a substantial boost to the city's green cover to tackle air pollution. These initiatives are slated to gain momentum in the coming weeks and will be executed under various schemes: the Infrastructure Fund, the Solid Waste Management Scheme, and the Air Quality Improvement Scheme. The government has sanctioned ₹160 crore under the Infrastructure Fund, ₹173 crore for waste management, and ₹74 crore specifically for improving air quality.

A significant allocation of ₹100 crore will be directed towards strengthening the city's waste management system through the construction of new transfer stations for efficient sorting and processing of garbage. Road construction projects will receive ₹134 crore. "A wide range of development initiatives are lined up to not only modernise the city's infrastructure but also tackle pollution and improve cleanliness," stated Inderjit Singh, the outgoing municipal commissioner. "LMC is committed to maintaining the city's aesthetic appeal and development with a sustainable eco-friendly approach."

The proposed expenditure details a comprehensive approach: ₹60 crore for road repairs, ₹30 crore for main road improvements, ₹60 crore for the construction and repair of drains, ₹39.44 crore for upgrading existing street lighting, and ₹23.32 crore for installing new street lights in 88 villages under the Marg Prakash Yojana.

To enhance water infrastructure, ₹19.19 crore is allocated for the construction of 28 new tube wells and ₹26.64 crore for reboring 46 existing ones. Other notable projects include ₹6 crore for a new municipal corporation workshop in Hariharpur, ₹3 crore for a flood pumping station at the zoo, and ₹4.60 crore for another flood pumping station on the Faizullaganj drain.

Efforts to beautify the city and improve its environment include ₹10.12 crore for cleaning Kathauta Lake, ₹2 crore for constructing decorative water fountains at key intersections, ₹1.7 crore for building welcoming gates at city entry points, ₹8 crore for the beautification of neglected parks, ₹6.71 crore for the development of a 'Nagar Van' under the Nagar Van Yojana, and ₹16.2 crore for developing dense Miyawaki forests. A dedicated allocation of ₹14 crore has been made for pollution control measures under the environment section, along with ₹2.5 crore for procuring anti-smog guns and ₹50 lakh for establishing a special cell focused solely on air quality improvement. This multi-faceted infrastructure upgrade signifies Lucknow's commitment to becoming a cleaner, greener, and more modern city for its residents.

ET