KALYAN: In a rare move, following sustained public pressure and political intervention, the state government has reappointed Ramdas Kokare as deputy municipal commissioner (solid waste management) in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). The decision comes days after Kokare's sudden transfer triggered outrage among residents and civic activists.
Background of the Transfer
Kokare, known across Maharashtra for his innovative waste management and cleanliness models, had been abruptly transferred last month after serving barely nine months at the KDMC. However, his next posting was not finalized at the time of transfer. The move sparked a strong public reaction, with residents launching campaigns demanding his return, citing his role in significantly improving solid waste management and cleanliness standards in the twin city.
Political and Administrative Support
Sources revealed that KDMC commissioner Abhinav Goel had also urged the state government to bring Kokare back, considering his work and public support. It is learnt that Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde played an important role in pushing for his reinstatement, leading the government to revoke the transfer on Monday.
Kokare's Previous Tenure and Achievements
Kokare was first brought to KDMC in 2020 with a mandate to overhaul the civic body's poor sanitation and waste management system, which had long been criticized for rampant garbage dumping and lack of segregation. During his first tenure, he played a key role in shutting down the Adharwadi dumping ground and aggressively promoting waste segregation across the city. However, after his transfer at the end of that tenure, waste management conditions reportedly deteriorated again. Sources said this was one of the key reasons why MP Shrikant Shinde had earlier demanded Kokare's return to KDMC for a second stint.
Second Stint and Improvements
After rejoining KDMC, Kokare once again focused on waste segregation and scientific waste processing. Under his leadership, segregation levels, which had reportedly dropped to just 3%, rose to nearly 70%, among the highest in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He also pushed biomining initiatives at the Adharwadi dumping ground and encouraged recycling and revenue generation through waste processing projects.
The reappointment has been welcomed by residents and civic activists, who hope that Kokare's continued efforts will further enhance solid waste management and cleanliness in Kalyan-Dombivli.
