Outgoing AMC Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar's parting gift an affordable hospital

Outgoing Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar will leave with a bang as he plans to gift the city an affordable corporate hospital facility with as many as 1,500 beds. Kumar has streamlined many a things for citizens and also made optimum use of Internet of Things (IoT) under the smart city project. Kumar, who has conceptualised a few mobile applications to make it easier for citizens, said his idea was to provide the citizens with virtual civic centre by making all AMC services online. In a farewell interview with DNA, Kumar, who has served as a chief for two years when the city achieved World Heritage City title from UNESCO, looks back at his tenure.

Which are the projects closest to your heart?

All the task I've taken up as commissioner have my heart and soul in it. Riverfront Phase II development plan and the footover bridge over it however are more special than others as the city will see the transformation in coming days with infrastructure projects. Under the smart city project, Area Based Development is expanded to walled city and part of Riverfront. And the upcoming hospital, which will cater to medical needs at a negligible rate to all section of society, also is special. I have tried to bring the best available facilities to the city.

What was the most satisfying work you've done?

The concept of an ideal city has been discussed since Plato's time. A city which provides the best basic amenities like shelter, pure air, water and infrastructure is ideal. I have tried to make 'City for People' with essential features. Housing project is extremely satisfying one. We've been able to complete 12 slums and provided shelter to over 4,000 families. Right now, rehabilitation for 29 slums is at an advance level. We are saving around Rs 15 crore annually after replacing six lakh streetlights from sodium vapour to LED. Working as a civic head means providing better infrastructure with smart savings. And in addition, the attempt to make Ahmedabad a zero waste city is one of them. After the deadline was advanced by five years, AMC is set to be a zero waste city by 2025.

Which was the most difficult project and how did you overcome the issues?

Kharicut canal cleaning in a short span was difficult one. Changing the attitude of people staying nearby to the canal of three zones to maintain the aesthetics of the canal was difficult. It was a dumping site for locals for almost twenty years, but now people are enjoying evening walks there!

The outgoing commissioner who sported a big smile, however, admitted that the biggest achievement during his tenure is certainly the tag of being India's First World Heritage City, after being pressed for it.