Lucknow, April 1 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off 250 electric and CNG vehicles on Wednesday for the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, marking a major step towards 100 per cent waste collection in 110 wards and a sustainable city model, officials said.
This initiative is aimed at making the waste management system in the capital city of Lucknow more robust, modern, and eco-friendly, the officials added.
In a post on X, CM Yogi said, "Under the successful guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new Uttar Pradesh is establishing itself as a smart and world-class urban centre, along with the goal of 'Zero Waste to Zero Carbon Emissions'."
"In this sequence, to ensure 'Ease of Living' for the residents of Lucknow, I will participate in the flag-off program of 250 electric and CNG vehicles of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, just a short while from now," he said.
The Chief Minister called these vehicles "symbols of the double-engine government's commitment" to cleanliness, sustainable development, and environmental protection.
Through them, he said that the efforts to make Lucknow clean, smart, and green will "gain even more momentum".
CM Yogi will flag off the electric and CNG vehicles at around 11:00 a.m. from his official residence at 5 Kalidas Marg.
The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has implemented a comprehensive system to ensure 100 per cent collection, transportation, and processing of waste generated by households, commercial establishments, and offices across all 110 wards of the city, according to an official statement.
It further read that these operations are being managed through selected agencies, with daily monitoring ensured to maintain efficiency. Live feeds of the waste collection operations can be viewed directly from the Municipal Corporation's Command and Control Room.
Additionally, for the convenience of citizens, a mechanism for prompt grievance redressal has been established, allowing complaints to be registered via Control Room number 1533 or the toll-free numbers 18001234999 and 1800206172.
The officials said that the Municipal Corporation is prioritising electric and CNG vehicles for waste collection, systematically phasing out diesel-powered vehicles in the process.
"This will not only lead to a reduction in air pollution but also ensure a clean and healthy environment within the city. This policy aligns with the principles of sustainable development and is regarded as an effective step toward achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions," they added.
Currently, waste collection operations in Lucknow are being carried out using a fleet of 981 electric vehicles and 169 CNG vehicles. Additionally, the cleaning of the city's major thoroughfares is conducted daily using over 50 mechanised road-sweeping machines (electric vehicles).
To ensure the smooth operation of these electric vehicles, 520 charging points have been established across 13 locations within the city, the officials mentioned.
"This entire initiative is expected to generate employment -- both directly and indirectly -- for approximately 10,000 people. Furthermore, with a focus on the circular economy, the 'Waste-to-Wealth' concept is gaining momentum, driving efforts to utilise waste materials as valuable resources," they added.
"The measures being undertaken by the Municipal Corporation will not only contribute to making the city clean and pollution-free but also enhance its prospects for a stronger performance in the upcoming 'Swachh Survekshan' (Cleanliness Survey). This initiative has the potential to serve as a milestone in establishing Lucknow as an exemplary 'Sustainable Urban Model'," the officials further said.
--IANS
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