From rank 41 to rank 3—Lucknow proves that one man’s mission can turn waste into wealth, pollution into progress, and citizens into changemakers.
A Leap Few Thought Possible
Lucknow’s jump from rank 41 to rank 3 in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 survey is one of the biggest surprises in India’s urban development story. A city once struggling with garbage dumps, open drains, and rising pollution now proudly wears the badge of being one of the cleanest in the country. The secret? IAS Indrajeet Singh, the Municipal Commissioner who redefined governance with vision and action.
The Leadership of IAS Indrajeet Singh
When Singh took charge, Lucknow was suffocating under the weight of its own waste. His approach was simple but revolutionary—treat garbage not as a burden, but as a resource. Under his leadership, projects were rolled out that gave Lucknow a new face:
- Turning Dumps into Parks: Ghaila dumping ground, once a mountain of trash, became a lush green park with over 100,000 trees planted.
- Waste-to-Fuel: The Shivri plant processed 2,100 tonnes of daily waste and more than 6.5 lakh tonnes of legacy waste, producing fuel for industries.
- Electric Revolution: The Municipal Corporation deployed 1,200 electric garbage-collection vehicles and 96 sweepers, making Lucknow’s waste collection system both modern and eco-friendly.
- Plastic to Pavement, Organic to Compost: Old plastics found a new life in road construction and furniture-making, while organic waste was turned into compost for city gardens.
- Community Engagement: Singh’s vision empowered citizens. From school children to senior citizens, everyone was involved in segregation drives, tree plantation campaigns, and awareness rallies.
Measurable Impact on the Ground
Lucknow didn’t just score points—it changed lives:
- Earned 12,001 out of 12,500 points, securing the 7-star Garbage Free City rating, the first for Uttar Pradesh.
- Cleared 6.5 lakh tonnes of old garbage, freeing land for public use and reducing methane emissions.
- Registered a 41% drop in PM10 levels, proving that clean cities also mean clean air.
- Created hundreds of green jobs, especially for women, in waste management and eco-construction.
- Installed 250+ open-air gyms and created eco-friendly parks from former dumpsites.
National Recognition and Corporate Praise
The transformation was so striking that it drew praise from corporate leaders like Anand Mahindra, who called it an inspiration. Other cities such as Bhopal and Hyderabad sent delegations to study Lucknow’s model, and the city is now pushing forward with a 15 MW waste-to-energy plant at Shivri.
Why Lucknow’s Story Matters
Urban India is plagued by waste crises, but Lucknow’s journey proves that leadership, planning, and public participation can reverse decades of neglect. It shows that sustainability isn’t just policy—it’s practice. With green parks where garbage once stood, and electric vehicles where diesel fumes once filled the air, Lucknow is redefining urban pride.
Final Word
From garbage dumps to green lungs, from smoke-filled skies to cleaner air, Lucknow’s story is a masterclass in civic transformation. And at the heart of it is one officer’s belief that every city can change—if leaders dare, and citizens care.
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Author: Team BTP
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