Back to basics my mantra, says AMC commissioner Vijay Nehra

In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Gargi Raval, municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra talks about how to strengthen the city administration and give the citizens timely basic amenities. The civic body official says he has always rooted on 'back to basics' mantra, and increase in people's participation. A 2001 batch IAS officer, Nehra took over the new charge on Monday.

What will be your priorities for the largest urban local body of the state?

I will go back to basics. The Smart City Project is very ambitious. Our main focus will be on infrastructure. The roads have to be good, garbage will have to be collected on time, drainage system and water supply system to be in place. We've to look at the project both on a short-term basis (when relief is immediately provided to people) and long-term vision plans which over the next 30 to 40 years

How do you plan to the city forward from its current status?

We have a glorious past and the city has even achieved the world heritage city tag. The civic body should work with people hand in hand and protect the legacy. Smart city project will decide the future of the city. We should strike a balance between the work of the past, the present and the future.

Any plans for the Amdavadis?

We have to cater to the needs of the people, especially the poor. We should try to provide them with shelters. We should also invest in infrastructure to improve the standard of living of all people.

Heritage city status is going to be reviewed in 2020. Are you working as per UNESCO guidelines?

We have to work against time. We have to put everything on the fast track to ensure what could be done following the guidelines. We will keep moving forward.

The official also said he wants to introduce a source segregation waste collection system. He says it could be a game changer for the city's future progress.