At 6 a.m., 88-year-old retired IPS officer Inder Jit Singh Sidhu starts his day. However, Sidhu takes a rehri and walks around Sector 49 in Chandigarh, picking up litter, in contrast to most people his age who prefer a leisurely morning stroll. For him, this has turned into a daily routine that he adheres to religiously in order to maintain a clean environment.
After retiring from Punjab Police in 1996 as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Sidhu has lived in Sector 49 at the IAS-IPS Officers’ Cooperative Society ever since. He was greatly disturbed over the years to see trash scattered all over the place. The issue continued even after numerous complaints were made to the authorities. Despite his frustration, he made the decision to act independently. “There is no shame in cleaning up. Cleanliness is next to godliness,” Sidhu said, explaining his motivation.
People called him crazy and made fun of him at first, but he was never deterred by their comments. He started filling sanitation workers' unused rehris with trash and disposing of it at the proper locations. His perseverance eventually started to motivate others, and now a large number of locals have stepped up to support his initiative.
Sidhu was particularly disappointed by Chandigarh’s relatively poor ranking in the Swachh Survekshan. He feels that a city celebrated as the 'City Beautiful' should aim for the top position in cleanliness rankings. While he considers his contribution small, he says he’s doing all that his age and physical strength permit. “I am not doing this for recognition or approval. I will continue doing this as long as I am alive, for the betterment of the city,” he said with quiet resolve, adding that his family also supports his efforts wholeheartedly.
He firmly believes that if every citizen contributes in their own way, Chandigarh can easily achieve the top rank. For Sidhu, the work is deeply satisfying. He also points out that parts of the city remain overrun with the invasive Congress grass and littered with broken branches that not only mar the landscape but also pose safety hazards.
Local residents have expressed their admiration for Sidhu’s dedication. One neighbour remarked that he had never seen someone so committed to the cleanliness of the area. Another resident called on the Municipal Corporation to officially recognise Sidhu’s contribution and appoint him as Chandigarh’s ambassador for the Swachhta Abhiyan.
While the city celebrates its second-place finish in the Super Swachh League in the 3 to 10 lakh population category of the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, the efforts of individuals like Sidhu — who quietly lead by example — often go unnoticed. With his unwavering determination and strong sense of civic duty, Inder Jit Singh Sidhu is not only keeping his neighbourhood clean but also inspiring younger generations to follow his lead.
Also Read: Illegal drugs sale: ED raids de-addiction centres
Follow us
