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- I will keep cleaning as long as I live, for the betterment of the city,” he says.
- , Sidhu sets out with a rehri (handcart), not for a leisurely stroll, but to collect litter scattered across Sector 49, where he has been living for nearly three decades.
- As Chandigarh basks in its recent cleanliness achievements, unsung heroes like Inder Jit Singh Sidhu remind us that true change begins at home – and sometimes, with just a rehri and an indomitable spirit.
While most people his age are content with morning walks and relaxed conversations in the park, 88-year-old retired IPS officer Inder Jit Singh Sidhu has chosen a different path. Every morning at 6 a.m., Sidhu sets out with a rehri (handcart), not for a leisurely stroll, but to collect litter scattered across Sector 49, where he has been living for nearly three decades.
“I believe cleanliness is next to godliness. There is no shame in cleaning up your own city,” Sidhu says, his voice steady and resolute.
A Retired Officer with an Unfinished Mission
Sidhu, who retired as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Punjab Police in 1996, settled in the IAS-IPS Officers’ Cooperative Society in Sector 49 soon after. Over the years, he grew increasingly disturbed by the sight of trash piling up in public spaces, despite repeated complaints to authorities.
Frustrated but undeterred, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He began filling up unused sanitation workers’ rehris with litter, personally ensuring the garbage was disposed of at proper collection points.
At first, some residents ridiculed him, calling him “crazy” for doing what they felt was a municipal job. But Sidhu refused to be embarrassed. “I am not doing this for approval. I will keep cleaning as long as I live, for the betterment of the city,” he says.
From Lone Effort to Community Movement
What began as a solitary mission has now inspired others. Local residents, initially amused, started joining in after witnessing Sidhu’s persistence. Today, several neighbours actively help him keep the area clean.
His dedication, many feel, reflects the true spirit of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. One resident even suggested that the Municipal Corporation should officially recognise Sidhu’s efforts and appoint him as Chandigarh’s cleanliness ambassador.
Disappointed but Determined
Despite Chandigarh’s reputation as the “City Beautiful,” Sidhu remains disappointed with its relatively low ranking in the national Swachh Survekshan. The city secured the second position in the Super Swachh League (3 to 10 lakh population category) for 2024–25, but Sidhu believes it can do better.
“If every citizen contributes in their own way, Chandigarh can easily be the cleanest city in India,” he insists.
The retired officer is also concerned about overgrown Congress grass and broken branches strewn across public areas, which, he warns, not only spoil the city’s beauty but pose safety hazards.
An Inspiration for All Ages
For Sidhu, the work is not about accolades but about civic responsibility. “This is the least I can do at my age. My family supports me completely, and that gives me strength,” he says.
Neighbours, particularly younger residents, have expressed admiration for his unwavering dedication. One neighbour remarked, “I have never seen anyone so committed to keeping our surroundings clean. He is an inspiration to all of us.”
As Chandigarh basks in its recent cleanliness achievements, unsung heroes like Inder Jit Singh Sidhu remind us that true change begins at home – and sometimes, with just a rehri and an indomitable spirit.
