LUCKNOW, Oct. 14 -- With Diwali and Chhath Puja around the corner, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has launched an intensive cleanliness and beautification drive across the city. On the directives of civic commissioner Gaurav Kumar, teams in all eight zones have been instructed to carry out special cleaning, lighting, and sanitation work at ghats and major worship sites to ensure a smooth and safe festive experience for devotees, an LMC press release said on Monday. According to officials, regular inspections are being conducted across zones to monitor cleanliness at ghats, ensure waste disposal and strengthen lighting arrangements. "Our aim is to make sure that no inconvenience is caused to citizens during the upcoming festivals," said an LMC official, adding that teams had been directed to complete all major cleaning work within the next few days as both Diwali and Chhath will be celebrated later this month. In Zone 1, cleaning has begun at Laxman Mela Sthal and Jhulelal Ghat, where pathways are being washed and lighting systems are being tested. In Zone 3, work is in progress at Mankameshwar Vatika Ghat, Kadam Rasool ward and Ayodhyadas ward Dwitiya Bandha Barrel No. 2. In Zone 4, the cleaning of ponds and ghats are going on near Chohariya Mata temple under Chinhat ward and Panchmukhi Hanuman temple near Nishatganj. Zone 5 teams are working at ghats near Hira Lal Law College in Gauri area, Raniyapur and Sarojini Nagar, where cleaning and decoration are in the final stages. In Zone 6, cleaning and lighting works are being reinforced at Kudia Ghat. Zone 7 teams are engaged in cleaning and beautification near Kukrail picnic spot, while Zone 8 is carrying out similar preparations at multiple locations including Durga Puri Colony, Raja Rahul City, PWD Colony, Lok Kaleshwar temple, Saraswatipuram PGI, Ruchikhand-2, Nageshwar temple and Sarojini Nagar II. Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar has directed all zonal officers to ensure proper cleanliness, lighting, drinking water, and waste management arrangements at all ghats. He also appealed to residents to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness and to refrain from burning waste or littering near worship areas. htc...