Sitaram Kunte out, Ajoy Mehta is new BMC chief

Kunte has been transferred as Principal Secretary of the Environment Department, a post held by Mehta until Sunday.

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In his first official briefing from the commissioner’s chamber, Mehta said, “I will take time to understand the corporation’s working. The priorities will be set accordingly. However, as an immediate measure, I have called for a pre-monsoon preparedness meeting.” Every year, the BMC undertakes a pre-monsoon work, which includes desilting major nullahs, road repairs, fumigation of areas and cleaning of the Mithi river.

As the new civic chief, Mehta started the day with a brief meeting with the four additional municipal commissioners immediately after taking charge.

Talking of his priorities for the city, Mehta said the effort would be to do “everything to make Mumbaikar’s life comfortable”.

“Good services for citizens is our priority. This includes good quality water supply, a good sewage system, good garbage facilities,” he said.

Mehta refusing to comment on the controversial draft development plan. “I will speak to my senior officials, review the situation and then comment on the plan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the over 50,000 suggestions and objections that BMC received in the last 60 days were sent to DP revision committee which sits in Sion.

tanushree.venkatraman@expressindia.com