LUCKNOW, Dec. 1 -- The Lucknow Municipal Corporation began an encroachment drive on Sunday to address rising roadside blockages, littering and the use of single-use plastic across busy city routes. Acting on the directions of municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar, teams from multiple zones moved together to remove unlawful structures and impose fines on offenders to keep public spaces clean and accessible. Teams carried out checks on Jagat Narayan Road and Nabiullah Road, where officials found widespread garbage dumping, polythene use and unauthorised occupation of public land. Encroachments were cleared on the spot and action was taken against those using banned plastic or contributing to littering. The zone collected Rs 66,000 in penalties. Zonal officer O P Singh led the operation with his team. In the Chowk region, officials cleared illegal extensions and obstructions from the Balaganj intersection to the Jal Nigam Road. Several shopkeepers were found occupying footpaths and roadside stretches, which were removed during the drive. Teams also proceeded against plastic use and littering, collecting Rs 17,800 in fines. The action was supervised by zonal officer Amarjeet Singh. LMC said enforcement against encroachments and the ban on plastic will continue in the coming days....