Nagpur: In a historic move since the formation of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), mayor Neeta Thakre will become the city’s first mayor to be allotted an official residence. The 55th mayor of Nagpur is expected to move into a govt bungalow in Civil Lines within the next week after renovation work is completed.The bungalow, which was earlier occupied by Maha Metro officials, is being refurbished before being handed over to the mayor. The move marks the end of a decades-long anomaly where successive mayors, despite being the city’s first citizen, functioned without an official residence.Speaking to TOI, Thakre said the bungalow would be ready in a week but clarified that she won’t be moving to the govt residence full time. “I have accepted the govt residence as it will set a precedent for future mayors. I will prepare a schedule to divide my time between the official residence and my home,” she said.The mayor said she intends to continue spending considerable time at her personal residence, particularly on weekends, to remain easily accessible to residents of her ward. “People who elected me find it convenient to meet me at my place. I don’t want the connect to be affected. I will use the official bungalow mainly for official work and according to a planned schedule,” Thakre added.The three-bedroom bungalow includes a kitchen, dining hall and two waiting rooms for visitors, making it suitable for official meetings and public interactions. Civic officials said the renovation is in its final stages.The allotment is being seen as a significant step, giving the office of the mayor an official address for the first time since the civic body came into existence over seven decades ago. While municipal commissioners have long had official residences, the ceremonial head of the corporation continued to function from private residences of mayors.Thakre said the decision was not about personal comfort but about strengthening the institution of the mayor’s office. “Future mayors will have an official residence as part of the office. That’s why I felt it was important to accept it,” she said.
