In a rare administrative reversal, the Maharashtra government has reinstated Ramdas Kokare as deputy municipal commissioner for solid waste management at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation following sustained public pressure and political intervention.
Kokare’s sudden transfer last month had triggered widespread outrage among residents, environmental activists and civic groups in the twin cities of Kalyan and Dombivli.
Residents Campaigned For His Return
Kokare, known across Maharashtra for his work in waste management and urban cleanliness initiatives, had served only nine months in his recent tenure at KDMC before being abruptly transferred.
However, his next posting was not immediately finalised, leading to public campaigns demanding his reinstatement.
Residents credited Kokare with significantly improving waste segregation and cleanliness standards across the city.
Sources said KDMC commissioner Abhinav Goel had also requested the state government to bring Kokare back in view of his performance and strong public support.
Shrikant Shinde Reportedly Played Key Role
According to sources, Shrikant Shinde played a major role in pushing for Kokare’s return, which eventually led the government to revoke the transfer order earlier this week.
Credited With Major Waste Management Reforms
Kokare was first appointed to KDMC in 2020 with the task of reforming the civic body’s waste management system, which had long faced criticism over garbage dumping and poor segregation practices.
During his first tenure, he played a major role in shutting down the Adharwadi dumping ground and promoting waste segregation across the city.
After his earlier transfer, waste management conditions reportedly deteriorated again, prompting renewed demands for his return.
Waste Segregation Rose Sharply Under Kokare
Following his reappointment, Kokare resumed focus on scientific waste processing and segregation initiatives.
Officials said waste segregation levels in the city, which had reportedly fallen to just 3 per cent, rose to nearly 70 per cent under his leadership — among the highest rates in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
He also promoted biomining projects at the Adharwadi dumping ground and encouraged recycling initiatives aimed at generating revenue through waste processing.
