Mumbai: Mumbai's newly appointed Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Tuesday assured that the city will not face waterlogging this monsoon, as she took charge as the first woman chief of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Bhide assumed office from outgoing Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and, in her first interaction with the media, stressed that pre-monsoon preparedness, especially desilting of drains, will be closely monitored. “Keeping the upcoming monsoon in mind, we will review all drain-cleaning works. I assure you that Mumbai will not get flooded this year,” she said as quoted by Maharashtra Times, adding that the pace of ongoing work will be maintained.
Calling her appointment an incoming responsibility, Bhide said leading the over 150-year-old civic body would come with new challenges. “I will devote maximum time to the city and ensure the best possible work is delivered,” she said.
Who Is Ashwini Bhide?
A 1995-batch IAS officer, Bhide brings extensive administrative experience across key roles. She has served as Chief Executive Officer of a Zilla Parishad, Additional Divisional Commissioner, Joint Secretary in the state government and Additional Metropolitan Commissioner at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. She has also held positions as Secretary of the School Education and Sports Department and Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office.
As Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Bhide played a key role in expanding Mumbai’s metro network. She was also instrumental in the completion of the Mumbai Coastal Road (South) project. Earlier, between May 2020 and March 2024, she served as Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) in the BMC.
Responding to queries about being the first woman to head the civic body, Bhide said gender does not change the nature of the role. “There is nothing different as a woman. I have worked in the BMC before, including during the COVID period,” she said, noting her experience in coordinating with elected representatives. She also praised her predecessor, Gagrani for his tenure. “He has done commendable work. I will take inspiration from his leadership,” she added.
With Mumbai grappling with recurring monsoon flooding every year, Bhide’s assurance places immediate focus on the civic body’s preparedness. Backed by her administrative track record, expectations are high that the city may see improved flood management in the coming monsoon season.
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