Mumbai: The APAC National Sustainable Urban Innovation Summit – Maharashtra Edition, hosted by Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and organised by APAC Media, was successfully held on April 28, 2026, in Mumbai.
The summit marked a significant milestone as MBMC celebrated 25 years of public service and citizen-centric governance.
The summit commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Sachin Bangar, Deputy Commissioner (HQ), MBMC, who highlighted Mira Bhayandar’s transformation over the past two and a half decades. A special journey video showcased the city’s development milestones and governance achievements.
Special Address Highlights Strategic Priorities
The Special Address Session brought forward key insights from senior leaders. G. Asok Kumar, IAS (Retd.), Advisor, PWD, Govt. of NCT Delhi, stressed that water security must remain central to urban planning and economic growth. Thierry van Helden, Deputy Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai, added a global perspective, advocating development aligned with nature.
State Representatives Showcase Success Stories on Sustainable Urban Governance
Senior officials from states including Gujarat, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Jharkhand were also present, who shared insights about incorporating innovative sustainable governance practices in their regions.
Dr. Binu Francis, IAS, Joint Managing Director, Kerala Water Authority, highlighted the evolving landscape of solid waste management and the importance of structured and sustainable systems rooted in circular economy principles.
Ravikiran Tirumala, IFS, Commissioner, Electronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), IT, Electronics & Communication Department, Government of Telangana, showcased how MeeSeva and digital governance platforms are redefining citizen services by improving efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness.
Vikramaditya Singh Malik, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam, Government of Uttar Pradesh, joining through video conference, shared forward-looking perspectives on green bonds as instruments for financing urban transformation.
Arun Mahesh Babu, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, also joined through video conference and delivered a presentation on municipal innovation, resilient urban governance, and practical approaches to sustainable urban development, adding valuable inter-state perspectives to the discussions.
Nikesh Kumar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Government of Jharkhand, reinforced the importance of technology and innovation in strengthening citizen-centric governance systems.
Panel Discussions Emphasise Sustainability in Governance
Panel discussions focused on sustainable urban planning and citizen-centric governance. Experts, including Jairaj Pathak, IAS (Retd.), Director General, All India Institute of Local Self Government (AILSG), Manisha Ahwale, IAS, Commissioner, Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, and Ankit, Additional Commissioner, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, highlighted the need for integrated planning, climate responsiveness, and institutional coordination.
A second panel on governance brought together leaders such as Dimple Vinod Mehta, Hon’ble Mayor, MBMC; Shrichand Tejwani, Hon’ble Mayor, Amravati Municipal Corporation; Dhruvkishor Patil, Hon’ble Deputy Mayor, MBMC; Jitendra Bhople, Director, Town Planning and Valuation Department, Government of Maharashtra; Sambhaji Panpatte, Additional Commissioner, MBMC; and Deepak Khambit, City Engineer- MBMC. Discussions focused on service delivery innovation, accountability, and inclusive governance frameworks.
Industry Presentations Showcase Innovation
Industry experts shared practical solutions and financial frameworks. Shraddha Wade, Deputy Vice President, Bombay Stock Exchange, discussed ESG and green financing, while Daryl D’Souza, Founder, Recyclink Pvt. Ltd., presented digital waste management solutions. Tejas Pol, Director, G&PS, HSHS, KPMG, added insights on scalable urban reforms.
Keynote Address Celebrates 25 Years of MBMC
In his special address and keynote, Radhabinod A. Sharma, IAS, Commissioner, MBMC, emphasised the need for innovation-led governance.
Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of integrated regional planning.
Commemorative Book Launch Marks Milestone
A key highlight was the launch of a commemorative book documenting MBMC’s 25-year journey. The publication captures the city’s evolution, governance milestones, and commitment to sustainable urban development.
Closing Remarks Reinforce Call to Action
The summit concluded with remarks by Priyanka Rajput, Additional Commissioner, MBMC, who summarised key takeaways and stressed the need for implementation-driven collaboration and partnerships.
Overall, the summit served as a strong platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovations, and strengthening partnerships aimed at shaping sustainable urban futures.
Also Read
Uttarakhand Hosts Landmark Digital Empowerment Summit; Bets Big on AI, Cybersecurity
