NOIDA & LUCKNOW, India — HCLFoundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of HCLTech, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Urban Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step toward strengthening urban sanitation, sustainable waste management, and smart city development across the state.
The partnership aims to accelerate the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission by combining the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s institutional capabilities with HCLFoundation’s technology-driven expertise in waste management. Through this collaboration, both organizations will work together to create cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environments while promoting responsible waste disposal practices among citizens.
Focus Cities for the Initiative
The collaboration will initially focus on Hardoi, Prayagraj, and Agra, where several technology-enabled sanitation projects and urban infrastructure improvements will be implemented.
As part of the agreement, HCLFoundation will expand its flagship My Clean City (MCC) program, which entered these three cities during FY2026. The initiative is designed to improve municipal waste collection, encourage recycling, and enhance public participation in environmental conservation.
Major Projects Under the Partnership
The alliance includes several immediate initiatives aimed at modernizing urban waste management systems:
- 10 electric drain-cleaning carts and 10 electric garbage loaders have been provided to the Hardoi Nagar Palika Parishad, helping reduce emissions while improving first-mile waste collection.
- Three Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) will be installed to encourage residents to recycle plastic bottles and other recyclable materials through smart disposal systems.
- City beautification projects featuring public wall art will be carried out to improve the appearance of urban spaces.
- Development of three Model Markets and three Model Wards in Hardoi to demonstrate best practices in cleanliness, waste segregation, and sustainable urban planning.
My Clean City Program Delivers Proven Results
Originally launched in 2018 across Noida and Greater Noida, the My Clean City initiative has established itself as one of India’s successful community-based waste management programs.
According to HCLFoundation, the program has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Educating nearly 750,000 citizens on responsible waste management and environmental awareness.
- Training more than 100,000 stakeholders in proper waste segregation and disposal practices.
- Managing over 22,000 tons of municipal waste through scientific waste management methods.
- Engaging more than 3,500 students through Waste Champions Clubs, encouraging youth participation in environmental sustainability.
Government and HCLFoundation Leaders Highlight the Partnership
Speaking on the collaboration, Anuj Kumar Jha, IAS, Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said the state aims to build cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable cities through collaborative efforts. He noted that the partnership combines the government’s institutional strength with HCLFoundation’s implementation expertise, enabling faster progress toward innovative urban sanitation models.
Alok Varma, Project Director (Samuday & My Clean City), HCLFoundation, stated that My Clean City is a citizen-driven initiative focused on reclaiming urban spaces through technology, community participation, and innovative waste management solutions. He added that the collaboration will further strengthen sanitation efforts in Agra, Hardoi, and Prayagraj.
Driving Sustainable Urban Transformation
The new partnership represents an important milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to modernize municipal waste management through green technology, public participation, and institutional collaboration. By integrating electric waste collection vehicles, smart recycling infrastructure, and community awareness programs, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for sustainable urban development and help improve the quality of life for residents across the participating cities.
