KALYAN: In a sudden administrative move, the Maharashtra government has transferred Ramdas Kokare, Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), triggering strong reactions among civic officials and residents. Kokare, who was on deputation to KDMC since September 2025, saw his tenure abruptly cut short after the Urban Development Department issued orders ending his posting. Officials said a separate order regarding his next posting is expected, while no replacement has yet been appointed for the crucial post. Known for his proactive approach, Kokare had earlier played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic in managing waste and maintaining sanitation standards in Kalyan. During his recent tenure, he focused on making Kalyan-Dombivli garbage-free by aggressively promoting waste segregation and public awareness. Under his leadership, segregation levels reportedly rose from a mere 3% to nearly 70%, one of the highest in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. He also pushed for scientific waste processing, including biomining at the Adharwadi dumping ground, and worked towards reducing dependency on dumping by encouraging recycling and revenue generation from waste. His grassroots efforts included visiting societies, slums and localities at odd hours to drive behavioural change among citizens. However, his sudden transfer has sparked speculation within civic circles. Sources indicated that ongoing political disagreements over waste management contracts, particularly involving private contractor Sumit Elko Plast, may have played a role. According to sources, one party in power is believed to be backing the entry of this contractor in the city, while another is reportedly dissatisfied with the contractor’s performance. In such a scenario, Kokare—known for his strict work ethic and tough stance towards the contractor—may have found himself at the centre of the conflict. His assertive approach is now being widely discussed within municipal circles, with officials speculating whether it may have led to his sudden transfer.
