In a significant move to enhance sanitation and public hygiene, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Commissioner Dr. Kailash Shinde conducted a comprehensive review of the Chief Minister’s 100-day action plan, with a strong focus on cleanliness, infrastructure, and grievance redressal.

During a high-level meeting attended by Additional Commissioners Sunil Pawar and Dr. Rahul Gethe, City Engineer Shirish Aardwad, and senior municipal officials, the Commissioner underscored the importance of rigorous sanitation measures in line with the Swachh Survekshan initiative. He directed field-level employees and department heads to conduct on-site inspections and ensure that sanitation efforts are being effectively implemented.

One of the key areas of concern was the cleanliness of railway stations and highways, particularly those outside the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation. Officers from CIDCO Corporation were called in to discuss the poor condition of toilets at railway stations, an issue that has persisted despite repeated complaints.

Dr. Shinde instructed CIDCO to undertake immediate repairs, ensure regular cleaning schedules, and make certain that public conveniences remain operational at all times. He stressed that citizens should not face inconvenience due to lack of sanitation facilities and directed municipal officers to offer assistance if required.

Additionally, he ordered the beautification and deep cleaning of railway station premises, including painting, removal of abandoned vehicles, and replacing broken sewage covers. He also called for strict action against illegal hawkers operating near stations, urging CIDCO to take enforcement measures or seek support from NMMC if needed. Potholes at bus stops near railway stations were also flagged as an urgent issue, with instructions to repair them immediately.

The condition of public toilets across Navi Mumbai was another major point of discussion. The Engineering Department has been tasked with inspecting over 450 community and public toilets and submitting a detailed report within three days.

The NMMC Commissioner stressed the need for immediate repairs and sanitation upgrades. He further instructed the use of technology-driven monitoring systems, similar to the ‘Toilet Seva App’, to ensure that toilet cleaning operations are tracked daily.

A modernisation plan for waste management was also outlined. Dr. Shinde directed that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) be prepared for effective functioning of solid waste sites, alongside the development of a digital app to detect and resolve issues in real time.

He emphasised the need for strict supervision at the Turbhe solid waste management site and directed officers to maintain meticulous records.

The beautification of public spaces was another critical aspect of the review. Dr. Shinde ordered the Engineering Department to enhance the aesthetics of road dividers and open spaces by introducing landscaping, sculpture maintenance, and operational fountains.

He highlighted that maintaining an attractive environment discourages littering and urged officers to adopt creative solutions to instil civic pride among residents.

A city-wide waste segregation awareness drive was also proposed. Municipal officials will conduct outreach programmes in residential societies and schools, educating citizens on the importance of sorting waste into wet, dry, and hazardous categories. The Commissioner stressed that this initiative should extend to students in municipal and private schools, ensuring that parents are also engaged in sustainable waste management practices.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission’s citizen feedback initiative, residents are being encouraged to participate in the Swachh Survekshan survey. Dr. Shinde directed officials to mobilise maximum citizen participation through structured planning and awareness campaigns.

The meeting also included a review of the Chief Minister’s 100-day action plan, which has been rolled out across all NMMC departments in line with its seven key focus areas. The Commissioner instructed that each department maintain records of all actions taken, along with photographic documentation, and ensure that updates are regularly uploaded on the municipal website for public access.

Additionally, he reviewed the online Grievance Redressal System, calling for swift complaint resolution and the strict enforcement of a ‘Zero Pending Complaints’ policy. He emphasised that grievances must be addressed within the stipulated time frame.