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NYC environmental chief Rohit Aggarwala resigns
The resignation comes as the city grapples with challenges such as increased flood and drought risks, aging water infrastructure, and growing concerns over the security of critical systems.
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Anushka Pathak - Thu, 22, Jan 2026
- 14:09 EST
- 19
Rohit Aggarwala / Courtesy: LinkedIn
Indian American commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection Rohit Aggarwala has resigned from his role, effective Jan. 30.
The resignation comes during the early days of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration and follows the recent exit of the city’s emergency management commissioner.
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Appointed in Feb. 2022 by former Mayor Eric Adams, Aggarwala served throughout Adams’ four-year term. Under his leadership, the department secured major investments in the city’s water system, expanded stormwater management and climate resilience efforts, established a Bureau of Coastal Resilience, and launched an Environmental Tech Lab to pilot new technologies.
In his resignation letter, Aggarwala said serving the city in both roles had been “truly… the honor of a lifetime,” as per ABC7. Addressing ongoing priorities, he wrote that climate change is intensifying risks to the city’s water supply and infrastructure.
“The climate continues to change, increasing both flood and drought risk,” Aggarwala said, adding that watershed protections must evolve to meet emerging threats rather than rely on outdated frameworks.
He also highlighted the need to safeguard infrastructure and data “in an increasingly hostile world in which water systems have been targeted,” while improving efficiency to keep water affordable.
Aggarwala said he had been asked by the Deputy Mayor to remain briefly to support a smooth transition. No personal or political reasons for the resignation were cited in his letter or subsequent coverage.
A New York City native raised in White Plains, Aggarwala holds multiple degrees from Columbia University, including a doctorate in American history, as well as a master’s degree from Queen's University.
His career has included roles in city government and global climate initiatives, including work with the NYC Department of Transportation, Sidewalk Labs, Bloomberg Associates, and the C40 Cities.
Aggarwala has also advised on PlaNYC initiatives and international urban sustainability efforts. Mayor Mamdani is expected to name a successor in the coming days.
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