Nagpur Mayor Neeta Thakre Blends Musical Discipline with Civic Leadership
In Nagpur, Mayor Neeta Thakre speaks with a soft, measured tone—more reminiscent of a dedicated teacher than a typical politician. She selects her words with precision, a skill honed during her early years in classical singing classes. Although she did not complete her Visharad in music, the rigorous discipline of riyaaz (practice) has profoundly influenced her approach to governance. This foundation is evident in her patient, grounded, and fundamentally focused leadership style.
A Political Journey Spanning Over Two Decades
Her election as Nagpur's 55th mayor marks the culmination of a political career that began over twenty years ago. Thakre was first elected as a corporator in 2002, securing subsequent victories in 2007 and 2012. A temporary setback in 2017 did not diminish her resolve; she returned stronger, winning her next election with an impressive margin of over 9,000 votes, reaffirming her deep connection with the electorate.
For Thakre, effective civic leadership starts with addressing basic necessities—water, sanitation, and sustainability. Drawing from her early political experiences, particularly during South Nagpur's severe water shortages, she notes that while the city has progressed beyond crisis management, it now faces a critical crossroads. Stabilizing water availability is just the beginning; long-term water security, efficient sewerage management, and robust environmental protection will define Nagpur's future trajectory.
Exclusive Insights from Mayor Thakre's First Post-Election Interview
In her first interview after being elected mayor, Thakre shared detailed perspectives on key urban challenges. She reflected on lessons from the tanker-dependent era, warned about the looming sewerage crisis, discussed the potential and limitations of the Nag River rejuvenation project, and outlined her vision for enhancing education and women's healthcare in the city.
Water Crisis: A Foundational Experience
When asked how South Nagpur's water crisis shaped her political philosophy, Thakre emphasized its transformative impact. "That period shaped everything I believe in today," she stated. Recalling the severe scarcity in 2002, when residents relied entirely on tankers, she described late-night visits on her two-wheeler to address waterless homes. This experience taught her that governance fundamentally means responding to basic human needs.
While water supply has improved due to better planning and political will, Thakre stressed that availability alone is insufficient. Sustainability is the paramount challenge, making rainwater harvesting a core focus. She highlighted how homes in South Nagpur became tanker-free through harvesting, noting that although it is mandatory, compliance remains weak. Her goal is to transform this into a widespread people's movement, warning that failing to recharge groundwater today could lead to far more severe crises tomorrow.
Addressing Cleanliness and the Nag River
On cleanliness and the Nag River, Thakre expressed concern over Nagpur's Swachhata ranking, attributing it to rapid urban expansion without proportional growth in manpower and systems. She asserted that cleanliness is not merely about awards but requires daily discipline, strategic planning, and active citizen participation.
Regarding the Nag River rejuvenation project, which has secured central funding, Thakre acknowledged its commencement but identified sewerage as the critical hurdle. "If untreated sewage continues to flow into the river, no rejuvenation effort will succeed," she cautioned. She warned that ignoring sewerage issues now could precipitate a major crisis, emphasizing the need for treatment plants to operate at full capacity with stringent monitoring.
Roads, Transport, and Infrastructure Improvements
Thakre outlined a roadmap for enhancing city roads, transport infrastructure, and addressing dangling overhead cables. She advocated for safe, efficient, and visually uncluttered roads, noting that dangling cables not only mar the city's appearance but also pose serious safety risks. Where feasible, she supports moving towards underground cabling through coordinated efforts among civic authorities, utility providers, and telecom companies.
Public transport is equally vital, with electric buses representing a positive step. However, Thakre called for improvements in route planning, frequency, and last-mile connectivity. A robust public transport system, she argued, can reduce congestion, pollution, and pressure on road networks.
Prioritizing Education and Women's Healthcare
Education and women's healthcare are central to Thakre's agenda. She emphasized the need for municipal schools to regain public trust by enhancing quality teaching and modern facilities, drawing on her own MA and BEd qualifications and experience with education committees. "Civic schools can match private institutions if managed well," she affirmed.
In healthcare, her priority is establishing a multispecialty hospital dedicated to women, offering comprehensive preventive and specialized care under one roof. Thakre stressed that women's health requires focused, integrated services rather than fragmented approaches.
The Impact of Women-Led Leadership
When discussing women-led leadership, Thakre highlighted its potential to bring sensitivity and responsibility to city governance. "Leadership is not symbolic; we are here to deliver," she stated, underscoring that discipline, teamwork, and accountability will define her administration's approach, supported by guidance from experienced seniors.
Family Support: A Cornerstone of Her Journey
Thakre credited her family as her greatest strength, noting that coming from a joint family of nearly 20 members provided a supportive environment that enabled her to serve without hesitation. Her father's background as a Congress worker introduced her to politics early, while her husband, Rajendra Thakre—a teacher, union president, and bank director—served as her unwavering backbone. Beginning as a party worker in 1997 and first elected in 2002, she acknowledged that this journey would have been impossible without such robust family support.
Vision for Nagpur's Future
Looking ahead, Thakre envisions her tenure as a period when Nagpur strengthens its foundational pillars: water security, sewerage management, cleanliness, mobility, education, and healthcare. "Development must be visible, but it must also be sustainable," she concluded, reaffirming her commitment to building a resilient and progressive Nagpur.
