Bhatkal: Baba Saheb Mane has assumed charge as the first Commissioner of the Bhatkal City Municipal Council (CMC), marking a key administrative step in the functioning of the newly constituted urban body.

Mane, who was previously serving in the Kudachi Town Municipal Council, has been transferred and appointed to the post. He took charge following a formal handover from outgoing Chief Officer Venkatesh Nauda at the municipal office.

Bhatkal was recently upgraded to a City Municipal Council, with its jurisdiction expanded by merging the existing Town Municipal Council with Jali Pattan Panchayat and Heble Gram Panchayat areas.

The civic body now covers an area of approximately 22.67 square kilometres.

Speaking after assuming office, Mane said priority would be given to strengthening essential civic services, particularly sanitation, street lighting, and drinking water supply. He also emphasised the importance of public cooperation in maintaining cleanliness through proper waste segregation.

He assured that civic grievances would be addressed promptly and that efforts would be made to ensure efficient delivery of municipal services.