20 May,2026 07:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ashwini Bhide carried out an inspection at several civic locations across Mumbai. File Pic
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Wednesday said citizens' complaints act like "eyes and ears" for the administration and should be taken seriously for timely resolution, an official statement said on Wednesday.
She directed civic officials to respond quickly to complaints related to public services and make effective use of the BMC's grievance redressal application called âMarg' (Management and Redressal of Grievances), it said.
Ashwini Bhide carried out an early morning inspection at several civic locations across Mumbai, including Fort, Nana Chowk and Worli.
She first visited the pest control unit at Mint Road in Fort, which is considered one of Mumbai's oldest pest control centres and is nearly 100 years old.
The BMC Commissioner also inspected road repair depots, drainage facilities, study rooms at S K Patil Garden and the Lovegrove storm water pumping station in Worli.
Senior civic officials and staff members accompanied her during the visits.
During the inspection, Bhide directed officials to strengthen pest and mosquito control measures across the city.
She expressed concern over food waste generated near roadside shops and food lanes, saying such waste attracts rats, mosquitoes and stray animals.
The Mumbai civic chief instructed BMC officials to improve disposal systems for food waste and encourage restaurants and food establishments to hand over waste in sealed bags directly to municipal garbage collectors.
She also directed construction companies and developers to create proper mosquito-control systems at construction sites and appoint dedicated staff to prevent mosquito breeding.
Bhide said that complaints received through helpline numbers, social media and other platforms provide direct public feedback to the administration.
She instructed officials and employees to use the 'MARG' application more effectively to ensure complaints are addressed without delay.
She also encouraged civic staff to show greater initiative in their daily work and improve service delivery for citizens.
The Commissioner also reviewed monsoon preparedness during her visit to the Lovegrove pumping station in Worli.
She instructed officials to ensure all pumping systems remain fully operational before the monsoon and to keep dewatering pumps ready at waterlogging-prone areas across the city.
During the visit, Ashwini Bhide interacted with sanitation workers, pest control staff and local residents to understand their concerns and challenges.
She also spoke with students at the study centre in S K Patil Garden and appreciated civic workers who had won awards in various competitions while continuing their duties.
