Mumbai: Over a week after taking charge as Mumbai municipal commissioner, Ashwini Bhide, IAS, has revived the BMC’s monthly review meetings—a practice that had largely fallen out of routine after the pandemic. Officials were informed that Saturday meetings would be held to review innovative initiatives and track progress on decisions taken earlier.The first monthly review meeting was held on April 11, where Bhide stressed on the need to strengthen core civic services, and directed officials to adopt a “back to basics” approach, with a focus on citizen-centric delivery, better coordination and timely completion of infrastructure works. “While the BMC’s primary role is to provide civic services, the administration must now move beyond basics and raise the standard of service delivery,” Bhide said.Officials were told that with large-scale road works underway across the city, the administration must develop model operational norms—on the lines of railway systems—to ensure long-term durability, efficient traffic management and streamlined maintenance. These norms should factor in traffic projections for the next decade, repairs and overall usability, she said.She instructed officials to ensure that road repair works that are over 70% complete are finished before June 1, ahead of the monsoon. “All ongoing works must be completed within stipulated timelines and made safe for traffic movement,” she said, adding the number of potholes has seen a significant decline over the past three years along with a reduction in related expenditure.Expenditure on pothole repairs stood at Rs 202 crore in 2023–24, which dropped to Rs 156 crore in 2024–25, a 23% reduction. In 2025–26, the expenditure further declined to Rs 89 crore, marking a 43% decrease from the previous year. For the current year, the pothole repair tender is expected to be around Rs 44 crore.Bhide also emphasised the need for continuous engagement with corporators and other public representatives, asking officials to regularly share updates on key works such as desilting of drains, sanitation and road projects.Reviewing monsoon preparedness, the civic chief directed departments to draw up long-term solutions for chronic waterlogging spots. While immediate arrangements such as pumps and dewatering systems are in place, she said plans for permanent mitigation must be readied in advance for execution before the next monsoon. She also cautioned that no manholes should be left open and all must be secured with protective grills before the rains.On desilting works, Bhide said daily updates should be shared not just with elected representatives but also with citizens through social media platforms, enabling greater public awareness and feedback.Highlighting changing urban needs, the meeting also reviewed reserved land parcels under development plans. Bhide said the emergence of new sectors such as online food delivery and gig work, which requires dedicated infrastructure like delivery points. Officials were told that development planning should not be limited to traditional needs but must include structural support for these new sectors. Officials have been asked to assess the current status of reserved plots and use technologies like GIS for mapping and planning. A comprehensive policy for such reserved lands will be developed.
