Lucknow: In a green move, over 100 electric sweeping machines will replace the traditional diesel-fuelled models engaged in cleaning the city areas. Apart from cleaning roads, the electric vehicles will eliminate emissions and also help in improving air quality in the city, said Lucknow Municipal Corporation officials, who, in collaboration with the Lucknow Swachhta Abhiyan (LSA), will be soon launching the fleet. LSA is responsible for garbage collection and sweeping roads in the city.
"We plan to increase the number of electric vehicles to over 150 by the end of March, covering five zones in Lucknow," said the LSA officials. The machines are designed to handle street cleaning efficiently with powerful suction and sweeping mechanisms, enabled with Internet for better monitoring and surveillance. Additionally, they are equipped with a water-spray system that suppresses dust during operations, further improving air quality.
The sweeping machines will be linked to a centralised Command and Control Centre, enabling real-time monitoring of their performance, route completion, and maintenance. The system ensures better fleet management, allowing for effective and timely cleaning operations. Supervisors can track progress and make necessary adjustments to optimise efficiency. The initiative also focuses on reducing operational costs and promoting sustainability through energy-efficient design. The machines are built to optimise energy usage, making them cost-effective while maintaining their environmental benefits.
MD and CEO of Re Sustainability, Masood Mallick, said, "We are excited to launch India's first electric-powered, IoT-enabled street sweeping machines in partnership with the LMC. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable practices and improving urban cleanliness." LMC commissioner Inderjit Singh said, "LMC is committed to ensuring clean city while preserving the environment. To achieve this, we are deploying customised e-vehicles for street cleaning. These zero-emission vehicles are not only accessible for congested roads but will also contribute to reducing carbon footprints."