Mumbai, February 11 Newly elected Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde stated on Wednesday that her key priorities would be removing illegal Bangladeshi vendors who have encroached on sidewalks, strengthening healthcare, and improving solid waste management.
In her inaugural speech after assuming office as the 78th mayor of the city, Tawde said she would mobilize additional funds to support patients from economically weaker sections.
Addressing the BMC general body meeting, Tawde, who became the eighth woman to hold this prestigious position, said she is committed to making the city safer, cleaner, more developed, and more beautiful.
To ensure corruption-free administration, Tawde said she would promote the use of digital systems and artificial intelligence (AI).
Regarding waste management, the mayor said efforts would be made to ensure the segregation and decentralized processing of wet and dry waste at the ward level to reduce transportation costs and ease the burden on dumping grounds.
She also appealed to various organizations to deposit funds earmarked for felicitation programs into the Mayor's Relief Fund. Tawde said the money could be used to provide financial assistance to poor patients suffering from critical illnesses.
Emphasizing major infrastructure projects like concrete and water augmentation plans involving the Gargai, Pinjal, and Damanganga dams, Tawde said that four underground floodwater tanks would be constructed as a flood mitigation measure.
Addressing a press conference after assuming office at the BMC headquarters, Tawde said she would push the long-pending proposal to integrate Rajawadi and other hospitals in the eastern suburbs to establish a medical college.
She noted that budgetary provisions had been made earlier, but they were not implemented.
Tawde stated that sidewalks are no longer available for "original Mumbaikars" and taxpayers as illegal Bangladeshi vendors have encroached upon them.
"My first meeting with the administration will be on this issue. My letters have already been dispatched to the concerned departments," Tawde said, adding that illegal Bangladeshi vendors would be identified and removed after verification of documents such as Aadhaar cards.
Conducting surprise checks on roads, lanes, hospitals, and schools for actual assessment will be part of her work style.
Tawde expressed gratitude to the BJP for choosing a grassroots activist like her for the mayor's post after the seat was reserved for women from the general category.
She added that Mumbaikars have high expectations from the new leadership and that BMC corporators would work as servants of the citizens.
"The mayoral post is a big responsibility, and I will work as a servant of Mumbai," Tawde added.
She also said she would spend most of her time among the people, except when conducting civic body meetings.
"As Mayor, I will conduct the proceedings of the civic body in a fair manner. Maintaining the dignity of the House is the responsibility of all corporators, including me," she said.
Tawde added that she is sensitive to women's issues and will pay special attention to addressing them in Mumbai.
