Inderjit Singh Sidhu, an 88-year-old retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Punjab Police, has become a beacon of civic responsibility by cleaning the streets of Chandigarh’s Sector 49 every morning at 6 am. Motivated by Chandigarh’s slip to second place in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 cleanliness rankings, Sidhu takes it upon himself to maintain his neighbourhood’s hygiene, using a simple cycle cart to collect waste.
His selfless daily routine has won admiration from residents, civic officials, and prominent personalities like industrialist Anand Mahindra, who shared Sidhu’s story widely on social media. The ongoing positive impact of his grassroots initiative underscores the power of individual action in driving community change.
A Daily Pledge for a Cleaner Planet
Every day before dawn, Inderjit Singh Sidhu quietly embarks on his mission to clean the streets around his residence in Chandigarh’s Sector 49. Armed with nothing more than a humble cycle cart, the retired IPS officer collects litter scattered across roads and public spaces. “I like a clean place, so I try to clean it myself,” Sidhu told ANI News, reflecting his simple yet powerful philosophy.
Sidhu’s commitment is undeterred by age or rank — having retired as Deputy Inspector General in 1996, he now invests his time in public service, proving that purpose and dedication transcend formal positions. Residents have noted a marked improvement in cleanliness, and Chandigarh’s municipal officials have described Sidhu’s initiative as “deeply commendable,” recognising it as an inspiring example of citizen-led betterment.
From Frustration to Action: Motivated by Civic Pride
Sidhu’s cleanliness drive originated from a deep disappointment with Chandigarh’s performance in national cleanliness rankings. Though the city, known as the “City Beautiful,” secured second place in the 2024–25 Swachh Survekshan survey, Sidhu felt the ground reality did not match this accolade. After repeatedly raising concerns with authorities without concrete results, he decided to take proactive steps himself.
His efforts have sparked growing local support, with neighbours and shopkeepers gradually joining or facilitating his initiative. Industrialist Anand Mahindra amplified Sidhu’s story on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Each piece of trash he clears is more than just litter removed. It’s a statement. A quiet, persistent belief in a better world.” Sidhu’s resolve exemplifies how individual responsibility can ignite wider community engagement.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s inspiring journey embodies the ideals of empathy, leadership, and civic duty that The Logical Indian strives to celebrate. At an age when many would choose rest, Sidhu chooses action — reminding us all that meaningful change begins with individual initiative and commitment.
His work challenges social notions of retirement and ability, proving that every citizen, regardless of age or past title, can contribute to the common good.
