Lucknow, October 14, 2025: As the festive season approaches in Uttar Pradesh, Energy and Urban Development Minister AK Sharma has issued strict directives to ensure uninterrupted power supply and well-prepared urban infrastructure across the state. Chairing a virtual review meeting from his camp office on Tuesday, Sharma stressed that electricity arrangements must be seamless, particularly during Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Chhath Puja, which are expected to witness a surge in energy demand and public activity.

According to an official statement, Sharma reviewed the readiness of both the energy and urban development departments, underscoring the importance of working with “full alertness and sensitivity” to prevent any inconvenience to citizens during the festive period. The minister emphasised the need for 24-hour power supply, instructing officers that any power cuts during festivals were unacceptable and must be proactively prevented through continuous monitoring and rapid response mechanisms.

Focus on Electricity Supply and Safety

Special attention was directed towards resolving low voltage issues and frequent shutdowns, with Sharma instructing that all repair and maintenance work be completed well in advance of the festivities. Expressing concern over recent accidents caused by hanging wires and loose electrical connections, he ordered immediate corrective measures in all distribution circles to ensure public safety.

The minister also called for enhanced communication protocols during emergencies or unavoidable outages. “Local public representatives and residents must be promptly informed in case of any disruption,” Sharma stated, highlighting the importance of transparency and timely communication to avoid panic or inconvenience.

A critical issue identified by Sharma was the continued supply of electricity to urban areas from rural feeders, a practice that can compromise voltage stability. He directed that immediate corrective action be taken to ensure all urban areas receive electricity from dedicated urban feeders, guaranteeing more reliable and consistent supply.

In addition, Sharma instructed that all pending applications for new power connections be processed and energised before Diwali. This measure is aimed at avoiding delays for consumers who may require temporary or permanent connections during the festival season.

Urban Preparedness and Cleanliness

Sharma’s review extended beyond energy management to urban infrastructure and civic amenities. He instructed municipal authorities to maintain cleanliness across all towns, repair roads, and ensure busy markets are cleaned three times daily to manage the increased public footfall during the festivals.

For Chhath Puja celebrations, he specifically called for proper illumination at ghats and smooth road conditions to facilitate the participation of devotees. Highlighting the issue of non-functional street lights in several parts of Lucknow, the minister held municipal commissioners and executive officers directly accountable for any lapses during the festive season.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Measures

In addition to urban cleanliness, Sharma issued instructions for preventive health measures, including regular fogging, anti-larva spraying, and lime sprinkling to control the spread of vector-borne diseases following the monsoon rains. Areas affected by waterlogging were to be cleared immediately, ensuring public safety and hygiene.

The minister also directed campaigns to remove banned polythene and illegal hoardings, with older hoardings to be replaced by messages conveying Diwali greetings and public health awareness. This measure aims to combine festivity with civic responsibility, ensuring that public spaces reflect both celebration and sustainability.

Support for Local Vendors and Traffic Management

Sharma emphasised a balanced approach towards street vendors and hawkers, advising that small businesses should not be removed in the name of anti-encroachment drives during festivals. Instead, measures should ensure smooth traffic flow while supporting livelihoods, reflecting the government’s approach to inclusive urban management.

Strict Administrative Oversight

Underlining the importance of active oversight, Sharma instructed that no officer should leave their headquarters during the Diwali and Chhath periods, warning of strict action in cases of negligence. The minister highlighted that the overall priority is to ensure that the state’s image during festivals reflects cleanliness, discipline, and sensitivity.

Sharma concluded the meeting by stressing that all officers must work together cohesively to guarantee that citizens can celebrate safely, joyfully, and without inconvenience. The directives issued encompass electricity management, urban cleanliness, road safety, public health, and social responsibility, reflecting a comprehensive approach to festive administration.

---