NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed the Bhoomi Pujan/foundation-laying ceremony for 14 development projects worth Rs 100.92 crore at Lucknow Cantonment on Sunday. The projects are aimed at transforming the cantonment into a modern, model civic area while improving essential services and quality of life for residents.

The development package covers a wide range of sectors, including drinking-water supply, solid-waste management, sanitation, education, healthcare, sports, parking, environmental protection and public amenities. The projects are expected to benefit both defence personnel and the civilian population living in and around the cantonment.

Major boost to water infrastructure

A significant portion of the investment has been earmarked for strengthening the cantonment's water-supply system. The projects include construction of a 1,500-kilolitre underground water reservoir, replacement of around 26 km of ageing water pipelines, construction of eight new tubewells and installation of two overhead water tanks. These measures are intended to address water-supply challenges and improve the reliability of the distribution network.

Modern waste-management facilities

The cantonment will also receive major waste-management infrastructure. A modern solid-waste processing facility is planned on Sultanpur Road, while nearly 4.25 lakh tonnes of legacy waste will undergo bio-mining and bio-remediation. The initiative is expected to improve sanitation, reclaim land and promote more scientific and environmentally sustainable waste management.

Sports and public facilities to be upgraded

A multi-utility sports complex at Dilkusha Ground is among the major projects. The facility is expected to provide opportunities for multiple sporting activities and strengthen recreational infrastructure in the cantonment. The project is being supported through corporate social responsibility funding.

A modern crematorium is also being developed at Pipraghat, with facilities designed to provide improved services to residents. The project is being supported through CSR funding from Bharat Electronics Limited.

Robotic parking facility for Sadar Bazaar

To address congestion and parking problems in Sadar Bazaar, a multi-level robotic parking facility is being developed. The project is expected to improve traffic management and make better use of limited urban space in the busy commercial area.

Focus on education and children with special needs

The development package also places emphasis on education. A special school for children with disabilities will be established, while existing schools will receive additional classrooms, toilets and building improvements.

An Abhyudaya Coaching Centre will also provide free coaching and specialised preparation for competitive examinations, helping students from different sections of society access quality educational support.

Healthcare services to get a boost

The Neeta Memorial Polyclinic at RA Bazaar is being upgraded into a City Polyclinic. The facility is expected to provide free outpatient services, medical consultations and other healthcare services, strengthening access to healthcare for residents.

The projects are part of a broader effort to modernise Lucknow Cantonment and develop it as a model cantonment with improved civic infrastructure and public services. Officials have said that several of the facilities will benefit not only cantonment residents but also people from other parts of Lucknow.