Nagrajan takes charge as Surat municipal commissioner

Surat: New Surat municipal commissioner Nagrajan M took charge on Wednesday and held a series of meetings with officials at the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) headquarters. He assumes office at a time when the city's solid waste disposal system is under investigation following allegations of untreated waste being dumped in a rural area of the district. His appointment also comes just weeks ahead of the municipal elections, with the annual SMC budget due soon.A native of Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu, Nagrajan has previously served as collector of Mehsana and Kutch, and later as vice-chairman and managing director of the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC).Nagrajan said his priorities would include strengthening basic infrastructure such as water supply and drainage, while also focusing on improved transport, sports and other civic infrastructure. He stressed the need to ensure state govt projects are implemented on time and effectively.Several senior and mid-level SMC officials are familiar with him, as he had earlier served as deputy municipal commissioner in Surat. During that tenure, he operationalised the Smart City cell and helped streamline its functioning. Colleagues describe him as a goal-oriented officer known for mobilising teams and working with a clear focus.