In a recent meeting in Lucknow, AK Sharma (Uttar Pradesh's Urban Development and Energy Minister) urged urban local bodies to intensify their cleanliness initiatives ahead of the upcoming Swachh Survekshan rankings. He stressed that maintaining clean and well-managed cities is a government priority and directed officials to ensure accountability in civic services. Sharma emphasized the need for full responsibility from municipal corporations, municipalities, and nagar panchayats, stating that executive officers would be held accountable for any lapses in sanitation. The minister highlighted the importance of citizen participation, urging local bodies to treat cleanliness as a public movement. Key areas of focus include improving waste management practices, implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules-2026, and activating ward-level cleanliness committees. Sharma also called for immediate actions such as cleaning drains, desilting operations, and forming quick response teams to address civic complaints during the rainy season. Overall, Sharma's directives aim to enhance urban living standards and secure better rankings in the national cleanliness survey.