LUCKNOW, May 27 -- With chances of early monsoon in the city, residents are raising red flags over silt and waste left scattered on roads after drain-cleaning work by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC), warning that the material may soon wash back into the drainage system. The civic body has allocated Rs 12 crore for cleaning 335 medium-sized drains through a private agency. However, complaints continue to pour in about mounds of desilted waste lying unattended for days, especially in areas such as Kathauta crossing, near Fun Mall, and along the stretch leading to Amity International School. Meanwhile, chief engineer (Civil) Mahesh Verma confirmed on Monday that the private agency responsible for desilting is not tasked with disposing of the silt. This gap in accountability has led to delays in its removal. The pre-monsoon cleaning, scheduled to be completed by May 31, has come under scrutiny as ground reports reveal slow progress and poor coordination between cleaning and disposal teams. Despite official claims, residents say there is no prompt lifting of the silt. "There's been no pickup vehicle here for three days," said Surya Tripathi, a commuter near Amity International School, Gomti Nagar. "The silt has dried and now spreads onto the road, making it hazardous for pedestrians and vehicles alike." Civic activists have also questioned the purpose of the cleaning drive without proper waste removal. "LMC is letting public money go to waste. Dry silt left on roads will find its way back into the drains, especially if it rains unexpectedly," said one activist. When contacted, LMC chief engineer (mechanical and electrical) Manoj Prabhat stated that teams collect dry silt within 24 to 36 hours and transport it to the RR workshop near Fun Mall. He said that around 50-60 vehicles are being used daily. However, Prabhat did not respond directly when asked about visible mounds of waste that remain untouched in several parts of the city. Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar said complaints will be taken seriously. "People can send us photos of unattended waste. Immediate action will follow," he said....