Lucknow: Even as Lucknow has made a striking 47% reduction in its annual average PM10 concentration over the past eight years, earning the state capital the top rank among Indian cities with populations above 10 lakh in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, a different pollution battle continues to play out on its streets.
Additional municipal commissioner Pankaj Srivastava said, “Due to continuous rain, some delay might have occurred, but now the garbage is being cleared in a timely manner. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in Lucknow Stay updated with the latest Lucknow news.
Residents said garbage remained uncleared for days, creating unhygienic conditions and raising questions about the regularity of collection drives by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC). Residents said the animals often scatter garbage further across roads, inconveniencing commuters and increasing the risk of accidents. Many said the problem worsens after rainfall, when water collects around the garbage, raising fears of mosquito breeding and disease spread. Ruchi Kumar, a resident of Dalibagh, said timely lifting of garbage was essential for an effective waste management system and urged civic authorities to prevent waste from accumulating into large heaps. The issue, said Vivek Sharma, a resident of Jankipuram, has moved beyond cleanliness and now poses concerns related to public health, road safety and quality of life.
Overflowing garbage dumps, foul odour and growing health concerns remain common sights on several roads, with waste lying uncleared for three to five days despite community bins and collection points. Residents have alleged negligence by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation in regular garbage lifting, resulting in persistent accumulation of waste. A TOI reality check found heaps of mixed waste along Dalibagh, Purania Road in Aliganj, Gokaran Nath Road, Balaganj, Acharya Narendradev Marg, Faizullahganj and Jankipuram, exposing gaps in the city’s waste collection and disposal system. Plastic wrappers, polythene bags, food packets, vegetable waste, construction debris and other refuse were found spilling onto roadsides. At several locations, stagnant water had collected around the heaps, adding to sanitation concerns. The accumulation has also reduced usable roadside space, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to manoeuvre around the waste. The issue is particularly severe near residential areas and busy traffic corridors. Stray cattle were seen feeding on the waste at multiple locations, especially along Gokaran Nath Road and in Dalibagh. Locals complained of persistent foul odour and deteriorating living conditions. Commuters also pointed to shrinking pedestrian space, often forcing them onto busy roads. Mamta Mishra of Balaganj warned that decomposing waste and stagnant water could aggravate mosquito and fly infestations during the monsoon. Soon, all the garbage will be sent to the processing plant. Download the TOI App.