HER voice was soft, yet there was firmness in every word she spoke. As Mayor Neeta Thakre talked about the city’s weakening bus connectivity, encroached footpaths, neglected lakes and urgent need for better sanitation and schools, she was focused on a larger vision for change within the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). During her courtesy visit to ‘The Hitavada’ on Wednesday, Mayor Thakre spoke with genuine concern for the city and stressed that citizens must see visible improvement in civic services. “People must see change in the NMC’s work,” she asserted. Bus connectivity and public transport under review:- One of the key issues was the weakening public transport system in several parts of the city.

 

 

“Connectivity cannot stay limited to a few main areas. Buses must reach every part of the city, especially Government Medical College and Hospital square and newly developing residential localities,” she said. Thakre informed that Aapli bus services could be extended up to 20 kilometres beyond city limits. The Mayor also spoke about the need for better coordination between buses and the Metro Rail network. She referred to discussions held with Metro officials, including MahaMetro’s MD Shravan Hardikar, she said Metro frequency would also need improvement if bus connectivity expands. More than 100 public toilets planned across city:- Speaking about sanitation and public hygiene, Mayor Thakre said the NMC is planning to construct more than 100 public toilets across Nagpur. “Public toilets are important, but they must also remain usable and clean,” she said.

 

In another important announcement, the Mayor said vacuum cleaning services would soon be introduced in Nagpur. 150 gardens and grounds on priority list:- The Mayor also underlined developing gardens, playgrounds and open public spaces. She said around 150 gardens and grounds would be created or upgraded in phases across the city. “We have set targets for ourselves. First 75 projects, then 100 and we will continue moving ahead step by step,” she said. Focus on improving NMC schools:- Education was another area the Mayor spoke passionately about. She said improving the quality of education in NMC schools would remain one of the NMC’s key priorities. Referring to the ‘Akanksha’ initiative, she said admissions in NMC schools are increasing and pressure on available seats is growing because more parents are beginning to trust the system again. Firm stand against encroachments:- When the issue of encroachments came up, the Mayor’s tone became stricter.

 

Talking about encroached footpaths, she clarified that the administration would create designated spaces for vendors so that their livelihoods are not affected unfairly. “The department’s capacity will be increased nearly five times through recruitment,” she announced. Lake restoration a major concern:- The Mayor spent considerable time discussing Nagpur’s lakes, which she described as an important part of the city’s identity and beauty. “Lakes are not just water bodies. They are connected to the identity and environment of Nagpur,” she said. The senior BJP leader further informed that special funds have been allocated for restoration and beautification work at several lakes, including Naik Talav and Sonegaon Lake. Speaking about Lendi Talav, which is heavily encroached upon, she admitted that the situation is serious and said a site visit would soon be conducted.

 

“We will inspect the area personally and then decide the next course of action,” she assured. Mayor Thakre also addressed the issue of Eichornia infestation in Ambazari Lake. According to her, Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) would be made functional to improve water quality and process the removed waste. “Ambazari must regain its beauty,” she said with determination. “We have challenges before us, but we also have commitment,” she concluded. At the outset, Mayor was welcomed by The Hitavada Managing Director Rajendra Purohit. Present on the occasion were Editor Vijay Phanshikar, Associate Editor Rahul Dixit, Chief Reporter Dheeraj Fartode and National Business Manager Susheem Kolay.