Lucknow: The state govt has entered into a partnership with HCL Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of HCL Tech, to strengthen the waste management systems in Hardoi, Prayagraj and Agra under the Swachh Bharat Mission.An MoU signed between the Urban Development Department and the HCL foundation will focus on strategic planning, pilot projects, policy reforms and deployment of technology-enabled solutions to improve urban waste management across the three cities.As part of the initiative, 10 electric drain-cleaning carts and 10 electric garbage loaders were flagged off for the Hardoi Nagar Palika Parishad, while three reverse vending machines were unveiled to promote recycling. Plans are also underway to develop three markets and three wards in Hardoi as model sanitation zones, alongside wall art-based city beautification.Anuj Kumar Jha, secretary, Urban Development Department and state mission director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), said the partnership would strengthen waste management practices through institutional collaboration and create innovative models for cleaner and more sustainable cities.
