CSMC commissioner appointed Director of Jal Jeevan Mission

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Municipal Commissioner G Sreekanth was on Thursday appointed as Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Mumbai by the state government. He will be succeeded by Amol Yedge, currently the district collector of Kolhapur. Sreekanth, who took charge as administrator of the municipal corporation on May 3, 2023 after serving as GST Commissioner, is credited with steering the city’s development effectively while maintaining a strong connection with the public.

He played a pivotal role in advancing the city’s water supply, earning full credit for bringing water to residents. Despite facing public opposition, he pushed forward the road widening campaign and even showed the courage to initiate criminal action against corporators who obstructed anti-encroachment drives. At the same time, he maintained cordial relations, often interacting informally with citizens, reflecting his grassroots connection.

In 2023, the Rs 2,740 crore water supply scheme faced uncertainty, with fears that it might not be completed. Sreekanth even publicly apologised to citizens over the looming water crisis during the summer. He worked relentlessly to resolve hurdles in the project, taking a firm stand to ensure timely inspections and progress. His efforts ensured that water from Jayakwadi Dam reached up to 18 km, a significant milestone for the city.

He also led an ambitious road widening drive to expand four important roads to 200 feet, despite facing public backlash. His contribution was instrumental in advancing the Rs 200 crore safari park project at Mitmita. Other key initiatives included improving municipal school standards, reducing student dropouts through the Savitri project, initiating construction of 11,200 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, allotting homes through a lottery system, and effectively implementing the Gunthewari scheme.

Sreekanth was known for his dedication to work, holding early morning meetings with officials to resolve issues. He addressed long-pending matters such as staff promotions, welfare proposals, and new recruitment processes, resolving numerous administrative challenges within three years.

Garware Stadium transformed

He took concrete steps to upgrade Garware Stadium to international standards by installing floodlights for night matches, issuing tenders for pavilion construction, improving the pitch with black soil, creating lush greenery, and ensuring a permanent water supply system.

Development Plan finalised

The city’s development plan, pending for several years, was completed with Sreekanth’s support to the appointed government team. The plan received approval last year, accelerating several stalled projects and giving a fresh direction to the city’s growth.