Nalinakshan who took over from his predecessor Girish Gokhale as the 20th civic commissioner at sharp 9.05am based upon his firm belief in almanac reading, asked the media to be his ``eyes and ears'' and give him feedback as to what the people of Mumbai want.

He said that as State Urban Development Secretary he was aware of the problems and expectations of the metropolis.`I'm not a magician. I'm not going to change the status quo but will tighten the civic machinery and make it effective. I look at his posting as a means to do good for the city. My doors are always open for everybody.''he said.

On the issue of regularising mezzanine floors, he said the BMC had not followed the official procedure under section 37 (1).`` Mid-night announcements made by BMC without government sanction has no meaning. We will re-examine theissue and expedite the procedure through the right channel,''he underlined, adding that action would also be taken on illegally use of basements and parking lots for commercial purposes.

He said the police had equal responsibility to deal with encroachments.``I take it as a challenge. Henceforth no new slums will come up. We will seek the help of the police in creating a mechanism for action. Mendonca is my good friend and a batchmate. But before that let's keep our house in order,''he said.

He said under hardly any cases were made out the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act.``There is a move to make make amendments to it in a way to ensure more punishment. The same with the Police Act. At the government level legal procedures are sought to be made for effective to obtain convictions. We also have to be vigilant in pursuing cases even if we have to engage private counsels,''said Nalinakshan. To a query about the interference of political pressure he added,``the State has given me backing to stopencroachments. I have the political will and support,''

Nalinakshan said that there was a need to completely change the drainage system of the city and this could be done by taking loan from financial institutions.``HUDCO has agreed to give at least Rs 500 crore loan . We need a proper drainage and sewerage scheme. Also water supply and distribution will be a priority to check leakage problems,''he informed.

He said he would use short, medium and long-term measures to deal with Mumbai's various civic problems. A two-prong attack to tackle the Rs 614crores budget deficit by increase revenue and ensuring financial discipline which is a phased manner will wipe out the deficit gradually. Attention will be given to civic hospital and if need privatisation will backed to meet the dwindling revenue in this area.