Sanitation needs of the urban poor in Lucknow

The Gomti Pollution Control Project at Lucknow (GRPCPL) Phase 1, funded by ODA (UK), is working to develop service masterplans for solid waste, sanitation/ sewerage and drainage services for the city of Lucknow (the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India), through an integrated planning process to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Lucknow and the condition of the River Gomti. The project forms part of the Ganga Action Plan Phase 2 which is promoted by the National Rivers Conservation Directorate in Delhi. The project is managed by a Project Management Unit within the Department of Urban Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Nullah Community Improvement Projects in two drainage catchments are being piloted as action research sub projects to develop workable solutions to urban environmental problems using slum communities as entry points. The projects follow a process approach by working to develop and test appropriate structures to facilitate the development of transparent, community based planning mechanisms with the close involvement of local government agencies. NGOs play a key role as researchers, community mobilisers, innovators and intermediaries.