She is additional commissioner of a government body that deals with the most valuable and critical development activity in Mumbai, the country’s economic capital. At the helm of affairs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), she is also entrusted with the task of getting all public agencies together to work for betterment of the metropolis. Unfortunately, the MMRDA has always been surrounded by controversies over project delays, failed flyovers, unwanted skywalks, and other expensive projects. Trying to set the record straight, Ashwini Bhide fields questions related to the agency and its performance, and talks with Neha Ghatpande about her future projects.
As additional commissioner of MMRDA, how do you rate the scorecard of the body till date?
MMRDA as a regional development body has undertaken projects worth Rs.3,000 crore and mainly focuses on transport infrastructure. It also lends monetary help to public agencies such as municipal corporations in the MMR region for development work. The much ambitious Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) is on the verge of completion and its phase II will begin soon. I believe that the MMRDA is doing perhaps the most challenging job in the country.
You joined the body three years ago. Has the going been easy?
The Mumbai metropolitan region is highly urbanised, and economy wise is a global player. We have around 17 urban local bodies to oversee development across its spread of 4,500 sq km. Because the region needed special planning, the MMRDA was born. My main duty is to coordinate with the concerned agencies and get the work done.
Why are there delays in the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) project which was to be completed by 2005, and why are the deadlines of the metro train and monorail being constantly pushed forward?
The projects might be delayed but there are so many factors involved. The SCLR project is hit by the rehabilitation of the project affected people (PAP), and for the metro project, the first phase will begin by next year. Criticism is alright, but don’t forget that the MMRDA has never left a project incomplete. Whatever difficulties come our way will be tackled and all projects completed. After the public transport projects, we will focus on two major issues that the MMR region requires to address, and that is solving the garbage dumping problem, with a solid waste management project and a water management in the region.
Isn’t solid waste management far too different from transport?
The MMRDA has got land in Taloja and is now inviting tenders from companies that can provide proper scientific process of transporting and dumping solid waste collected from the MMR. All the dumping grounds are overflowing, even the separation of the dry and wet solid waste is necessary, but it is not happening today. We will ensure that the project becomes a reality soon and the city will get rid of the problem of overflowing solid waste.
How will you approach the water management project?
In Nagpur, I have worked on the water conservation projects which became popular and role models for other districts to follow. In the MMR, the rehabilitation of the project affected people is the most critical issue and I have been solving it since I took charge. A project designer or an engineer might not understand the social problems and that is where our role as administrator comes in. I take several meetings with all the groups and then solve the issue. Rehabilitation takes a lot of time and every kind of interest has to be considered in this matter.
And MA in Literature doing hard infrastructural work?
I believe that educational background does not matter if one is dedicated to his or her work and knows the ultimate objective.The next big project coming under MMRDA’s belt is the Trans Harbour Link, that is a sea link which will connect Nhava Sheva and Sewri. Mumbaikars are already expressing disapproval, saying it is expensive as well as dangerous to the environment.
Do you foresee any risk going ahead with another sea link project?
No, it’s not a risk, but a need of the day. Today there is a need to disperse as much traffic as we can. We must manage the infrastructure of the city and make it appropriate to the growing need of citizens.
lMadam, thank you for your insights. What do you have to say to girls who aspire to become like you?
My message to all the young girls aspiring to become IAS officers - Hard work is very important, so are dedication and passion as well as interest in exploring new fields. I guess this what keeps me going.”
Ashwini Bhide is one of those officers who are not afraid of facing up to reality and accepting a few mistakes. In a conference organised by a women’s group, she agreed to the fact that the much needed water transport system in the city is hopelessly delayed due to some technical and social issues. She also made her point stating that the MMRDA is not afraid of any criticism from the media for delays in projects.
Ashwini Bhide was a 1995 batch topper among women candidates in the Indian Administrative Service examination and started her career as a probationary officer in Kolhapur district. In her 16 years of administrative service, she has worked in Sindhudurg, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, and has spent quite a few years in the offices of governors. Her main focus has always been rural development and women empowerment.
Bhide, who completed her education in Sangli and did her Master of Arts in English Literature, believes that her experience at the grass-root level has helped her understand the social implications of infrastructural projects.