Lucknow Shows The Magic Of Urban Management: Know How The City Became The Third Cleanest City of India

Lucknow, August 19 (TNA) The transformation of the state capital into one of India’s cleanest cities was no accident. It was the result of vision, determination, and relentless efforts made by the team, AK Sharma, Urban Development Minister of UP, officials say. Among the many initiatives that reshaped the city, the solution to decades-old waterlogging stood out as a turning point.

Not only for years—but even decades—knee-deep water used to flood the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha premises, especially during heavy rains. The problem was so chronic that even the Civil Hospital near the Ministers’ residences used to get submerged. This was not just an inconvenience—it was a matter of civic dignity and a test of good governance.

One day, when journalists stopped Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma inside the Vidhan Sabha and showed him the waterlogged conditions, he was himself shocked. But instead of words, he chose action. He resolved to end this decades-old problem once and for all.

The Herculean Effort – Step by Step

Identifying the Core Issue: Decades of road layering had raised the road level around the Vidhan Sabha, while the premises inside had remained lower, causing rainwater to flow inside.

Scientific Survey: Sharma ordered a complete geographical and structural survey of the affected areas under his direct supervision.

Drainage Network Revamp: He engaged the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and PWD to construct new drains and restore the circular connectivity of the drainage.

Cattle Catcher Installation: Several cattle catchers were installed above the drains on the gates of the Vidhan Sabha entrance so that the flow of the drains below remains uninterrupted.

Zoo Pumping Station Upgrade: A new drain from the RN Hotel to Civil Hospital was constructed to channel water to the zoo pumping station.

Reconstruction of Damaged Drains: Old and broken drains inside the zoo were rebuilt, and blockages caused by collapsed slabs were removed to restore water flow.

High-Capacity Drainage: Larger drains were constructed for smoother and faster outflow.

Emergency Infrastructure: Additional generators and pumps were installed at the zoo pumping station to handle peak water levels.

Civil Hospital Relief: A new drain from Gate No. 2 to the Civil Hospital intersection solved waterlogging in that critical area.

Visible Results: During the recent 24-hour Vidhan Sabha session, when the city witnessed one of the heaviest downpours of the season, not a single legislator’s shoes got wet inside the Vidhan Sabha.

A Historic First: For the first time in decades, the Civil Hospital did not submerge during torrential rains.