Noida: In a historic appointment, Medha Roopam has been named the first-ever woman District Magistrate (DM) of Gautam Buddh Nagar. Taking charge amid a large-scale administrative reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh that saw 23 IAS officers transferred, Roopam has set expediting the delayed Jewar international airport project as her top priority.
Breaking New Ground as Gautam Buddh Nagar’s First Woman DM
Medha Roopam’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the administrative landscape of Noida and its adjoining areas. Known for her experience and familiarity with the district, Roopam served as Additional CEO of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) between February 2023 and June 2024, making her uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of the region.
Jewar Airport: The District’s Flagship Project
The Noida International Airport at Jewar is considered a transformative infrastructure project that promises to revolutionize connectivity for Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway region. Initially slated to be operational by September 2024, the airport’s launch has faced multiple delays, pushing the timeline to June 2025 and beyond.
Roopam stated, “The first thing on my mind is the Jewar airport and its completion in a fast-track manner.” While cautious about setting a new deadline, she emphasized swift progress as crucial.
A Collaborative Approach for Noida’s Development
On her first day, Roopam held consecutive meetings with the CEOs of Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). She stressed teamwork and coordination, aiming to implement Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision for the district.
She said, “We need to work as a team. The important task before me is to liaise with all authorities and take the vision of Noida forward and implement it together.”
Known for Empathy and Public Engagement
Roopam, a 2014-batch IAS officer and an economics graduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, vows to keep her doors open to citizens. She described this approach as “Jan Sewa” — public service — and expressed her commitment to addressing public grievances promptly.
“Public grievances are the window to know what’s ailing the city, and that’s what I want to do. I want to know the loopholes and fix them,” she said.
Tackling Legacy Issues and Envisioning a Greener City
The new DM also inherits longstanding challenges, such as stalled housing projects and disputes in Greater Noida affecting homebuyers. She has vowed to thoroughly investigate and resolve these issues.
Beyond infrastructure and governance, Roopam envisions transforming Gautam Buddh Nagar into a greener and more livable district. “I want to make sure that there are enough green parks where people can come, relax and enjoy. It’s very important,” she said.
A Glimpse into Medha Roopam’s Background
Roopam is the daughter of Gyanesh Kumar, a retired Kerala cadre IAS officer and the current Chief Election Commissioner of India. Her husband, Santosh Kumar Singh, is the DM of Saharanpur.
A former national-level rifle shooter with multiple gold medals, Roopam’s dynamic career began after she secured an All India Rank of 10 in the 2014 UPSC examination. Her proactive and hands-on approach gained media attention during her tenure as DM of Kasganj, notably when she personally drove a tractor through floodwaters to oversee rescue operations.
