In a major step towards sustainable urban development, Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow, has officially been declared the state’s first ‘Zero Waste City’. This milestone means that 100 per cent of the city’s daily waste, more than 2000 metric tons, will now be scientifically processed, with nothing being dumped into landfills. This is the result of several years of continuous efforts by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation which was supported by the Uttar Pradesh government. Together, they worked to improve the way the city handles its waste and made the system more organized, environmentally safe, and long-lasting. The goal was not just to clean the city but to build a model of waste management that uses modern, scientific methods. Now that Lucknow has achieved the status of a Zero Waste City, this success is being seen as an example or blueprint for other cities in India to learn from and implement in their own areas.
The game-changer in this transformation is the new Fresh Waste Processing Unit inaugurated at the Shivri processing plant by Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma. The newly added 700-metric-ton capacity unit has increased the plant’s total daily processing ability to over 2000 metric tons.
Prior to this expansion, the city had two functional processing units capable of managing around 1300 metric tons of waste per day. The addition of this third unit ensures complete processing of household, commercial, and market waste generated in Lucknow on a daily basis.
Only two years ago, the Shivri site was burdened with a massive 18.5 lakh metric tons of legacy waste. Since then, approximately 13 lakh metric tons have been scientifically processed, marking a significant transformation from conventional dumping practices to advanced, eco-friendly waste management.
The new unit features modern, indigenous technology designed to convert waste into recyclable materials and eco-friendly products. This not only reduces pressure on landfills but also contributes to air and water quality improvement in the city.
What Is a ‘Zero Waste City’?
A ‘Zero Waste City’ is defined as an urban area where no waste is sent to landfills. All generated waste is either recycled, reused, or used to generate energy. With this accomplishment, Lucknow becomes the first major Indian city to achieve this goal, setting a new benchmark in urban cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
The transition of Lucknow into a Zero Waste City is delivering wide-ranging environmental, economic, and social benefits. Environmentally, the city is witnessing a significant reduction in pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier ecosystem. The initiative has also led to improved air quality and enhanced purity of water sources across the region.
On the economic front, the expansion of the Shivri processing plant is generating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, and boosting local livelihoods. Additionally, workers who are involved in waste management operations are receiving training in modern and advanced techniques. This itself is leading to greater skill development and more efficient operations.
Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma has lauded the efforts of the Municipal Corporation and stated, “Lucknow’s achievement is a result of innovative planning, strong execution, and community participation. It is a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh and a step forward in our commitment to sustainable development.”
Lucknow’s success story is now being positioned as a model for replication across other Indian cities. The transformation shows how focused investment in infrastructure and technology, along with public awareness and administrative will, can change environmental challenges into long-term solutions that can benefit people.
As cities around the country are facing issues of rising pollution and overflowing landfills, Lucknow’s ‘Zero Waste City’ status signals a cleaner, greener future, not just for the city, but for the nation.
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