New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Senior IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar has assumed charge as the new Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at a time when the civic body is grappling with multiple urban challenges, with the management of stray animals emerging as one of the most sensitive and pressing issues.


Khirwar, who recently returned to Delhi from Ladakh following a major administrative reshuffle of AGMUT cadre officers by the Ministry of Home Affairs, succeeds Ashwani Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer who has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. His appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the city’s primary civic agency.


The MCD, responsible for sanitation, public health, roads and core municipal services, is currently facing administrative and financial stress, with several infrastructure projects awaiting execution. Against this backdrop, Khirwar’s leadership is being closely watched by both officials and residents.


Among the immediate priorities for the new Commissioner is addressing the growing concern over stray animals, particularly dogs, in the city. Officials said the task would involve strengthening shelter infrastructure, improving population management mechanisms and ensuring public safety, while balancing animal welfare considerations.


Known in bureaucratic circles for his calm demeanour and methodical approach, Khirwar brings with him wide administrative experience. In Ladakh, he served as Principal Secretary handling key portfolios, including health and medical education. Earlier, between 2009 and 2014, he worked as Private Secretary to the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, gaining exposure to policy formulation and inter-departmental coordination.


His appointment is also seen as part of a broader effort to bring stability and administrative focus to the MCD, which plays a critical role in shaping everyday life in the national capital. Senior officials believe Khirwar’s experience in managing complex departments could help streamline decision-making and accelerate stalled projects.


As Delhi continues to expand and urban pressures intensify, the new MCD Commissioner faces the task of restoring efficiency and public confidence in civic governance. How Sanjeev Khirwar navigates these challenges—beginning with the sensitive issue of stray management—will set the tone for his tenure and the future functioning of the capital’s civic body.