Is work on the Integrated Road Development project on schedule?

We've completed 85-90 per cent of the work, and I'm sure we'll complete the works undertaken before the monsoon arrives. Even if the rains prepone their visit, it's okay, we've made arrangements to bring all roads in the safe stage.

Critics claim the pace with which work was being undertaken in the beginning has slackened, especially near Thane railway station?

People feel work near the station has got stalled because it's undertaken only in the night. There's no alternative access road, and we can't inconvenience over 3 lakh commuters by doing work during the day. Congestion is a big problem, and it will only worsen if work is done at peak hours.

Isn't it true that Central Railway officials,in a bid to protect the hawkers, aren't giving you the co-operation expected?

We had problems to begin with, as the move to develop the area around the station was being tackled by us in isolation. But now, after a series of meetings with officials and the latest one with Railway Minister of State Ram Naik on May 18, I hope things will move faster. There are over 140 unauthorised structures on railway land, which are eating into precious space needed for development. We're waiting for the railways to demolish them.

Residents have lived for months with the inconvenience of dug-up roads. Their patience is running out as safety norms are being flouted. Comment.n About the girl who allegedly fell into the manhole, we're still trying to establish if she actually fell into the manhole. We're following this line as the body has still not been found, nor has it surfaced in the creek in spite of using high-power jetting machines to flush out the drainage system in the area. Moreover, the manhole pipe is only18 inches in diameter, so it would be difficult for a child to get lodged in it. The horse's death was also unfortunate. I can show you repeated reminders sent to MSEB about the cable breakage. We've tried to work on the road development project in an integrated manner along with the departments of power, water, sewerage and telephone. But there have been instances when we had to push ahead without waiting for one of the departments - like MSEB in this case - as the monsoon deadline was drawing near.

What about the other project on lakes and beautification of public squares? How far has it progressed?

We've already begun work on 15 Chowks and three lakes, and it is proceeding to our satisfaction.

Are you satisfied with your achievements over the past year?

I'm not unhappy, but I'm also not contented. There are still more areas which need to be focussed on. I feel the administration will next focus on transport, education and health. As far as water supply goes, the TMC is the onlycivic body without any water scarcity. We require 255 MLD, but received only 220 MLD. The CM's intervention saw BMC agreeing to release a further 30 MLD, so our problems were solved before the summer season began.