Retired Punjab Police DIG Turns Chandigarh Streets Spotless with Daily Clean-Up Mission
The former Indian Police Service officer, who retired in 1996 after a distinguished career, has become a beacon of inspiration in Sector 49, where he resides in the IAS-IPS Officers’ Cooperative Society.
CHANDIGARH– At 88, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, a retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Punjab Police, is redefining public service by taking to the streets of Chandigarh every morning to collect garbage.
The former Indian Police Service officer, who retired in 1996 after a distinguished career, has become a beacon of inspiration in Sector 49, where he resides in the IAS-IPS Officers’ Cooperative Society.
Sidhu’s journey began in 1963 as an Inspector, rising through the ranks to serve as City Superintendent of Police in Amritsar during the turbulent 1980s and later as DIG in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Chandigarh.
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Post-retirement, he was dismayed by the litter piling up in his neighborhood and the civic authorities’ inaction despite his complaints. Determined to make a difference, Sidhu began his daily clean-up routine at 6 AM, armed with a handcart and a mission to restore Chandigarh’s reputation as India’s cleanest city.
“I believe cleanliness is next to godliness,” Sidhu said, expressing disappointment over Chandigarh’s second-place ranking in the Swachh Survekshan 2024. “I want to see my city back at number one.”
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Initially met with skepticism and mockery, his relentless dedication has won over the community, with neighbors and family now supporting his efforts. His work caught the attention of Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, who hailed him as a “quiet warrior of the streets” on social media.
Sidhu’s story is one of resilience and civic pride. Having lost his wife, Davinder Pal Kaur, in 2023, and with his son in the United States and daughter in Mohali, he channels his energy into this selfless act.
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“I will do this till my last breath,” he vowed.
His efforts are a call to action for residents and authorities alike to prioritize cleanliness and community responsibility.
As Chandigarh strives to reclaim its top spot in national cleanliness rankings, Sidhu’s daily mission serves as a powerful reminder that one person’s resolve can spark change. His handcart may be small, but his impact is monumental.
