Noida, Uttar Pradesh, August 3, 2025 – Gautam Budh Nagar welcomed a historic moment on July 30, 2025, when Medha Roopam, a 2014-batch IAS officer, took charge as the first woman District Magistrate (DM) of Noida. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the district, known for its rapid urban growth and infrastructure challenges. With a career defined by hands-on leadership and a knack for tackling tough administrative tasks, Roopam is poised to steer Noida towards progress. This article explains her inspiring journey, career highlights, and what her leadership means for the city.
A Trailblazer’s Early Life and Education
Born on October 21, 1990, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Medha Roopam grew up in a family where public service was a way of life. Her father, Gyanesh Kumar, a retired IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and the current Chief Election Commissioner of India, shaped her early understanding of governance. Her husband, Manish Bansal, also a 2014-batch IAS officer, serves as the DM of Saharanpur, making them a power couple in Uttar Pradesh’s administrative circles.
Roopam’s education laid a strong foundation for her career. She completed her schooling at Naval Public School in Ernakulam, Kerala, and later at St. Thomas School in Thiruvananthapuram. She pursued a BA in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, where her analytical skills took shape. Beyond academics, Roopam was a national-level rifle shooter, winning three gold medals at the Kerala State Shooting Championship and competing in the 10-meter air rifle event at the national level. Her precision on the shooting range mirrored the focus she later brought to governance.
In 2014, Roopam cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an impressive All-India Rank of 10, choosing the Uttar Pradesh cadre to serve her home state. Her journey from a shooter to a top bureaucrat reflects her discipline and determination, qualities that continue to define her leadership.
A Career Rooted in Action
Roopam’s administrative career began in Bareilly, where she served as an Assistant Magistrate, learning the ropes of governance in one of Uttar Pradesh’s bustling districts. She quickly moved to roles in Meerut and Unnao as a Joint Magistrate, tackling public grievances and local challenges with a hands-on approach. Her stints in Lucknow and Barabanki as Chief Development Officer further honed her skills in coordinating welfare schemes and development projects.
As District Magistrate of Hapur, Roopam made healthcare a priority. She drove the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring over 1.3 lakh golden cards reached eligible families, and led immunization campaigns that covered nearly every household. Her ability to turn policy into action earned her praise from both residents and officials.
In Kasganj, Roopam faced a different test: managing floods that cut off villages and submerged roads. In September 2024, a video of her riding a tractor through waterlogged areas to oversee rescue efforts went viral, showcasing her willingness to dive into the thick of challenges. Her hands-on approach during crises cemented her reputation as a leader who prioritizes people over paperwork.
From February 2023 to June 2024, Roopam served as the Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Noida Authority, where she managed major infrastructure projects like the Noida International Airport in Jewar and the proposed Film City. Navigating land disputes and tight deadlines, she kept these ambitious projects on track, earning the trust of the Uttar Pradesh government. Her familiarity with Gautam Budh Nagar’s challenges makes her uniquely suited to her current role.
Taking Charge as Noida’s DM
Roopam assumed office at the Surajpur Collectorate in Greater Noida on July 30, 2025, succeeding Manish Kumar Verma, who was transferred to Prayagraj. Her appointment came as part of a major reshuffle of 23 IAS officers by the Yogi Adityanath-led government. Speaking to the media, Roopam outlined her priorities: addressing public grievances, fast-tracking the Jewar Airport project, and improving inter-departmental coordination. “My focus is on solving people’s problems quickly and ensuring welfare schemes reach those who need them,” she said.
The Noida International Airport, set to be India’s largest, is a top agenda item. With over 80% of construction complete, Roopam is pushing to resolve delays caused by regulatory approvals and contractor issues. She has vowed to enforce daily financial penalties for missed deadlines, signaling a no-nonsense approach. The Film City project, another flagship initiative, is also under her watch, with expectations that her leadership will speed up progress.
Roopam’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness has already sparked hope among Noida’s residents. Her track record gives confidence. Roopam plans to strengthen the public grievance redressal system, ensuring complaints are resolved in a time-bound manner. She has also called for regular meetings with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to bridge the gap between the administration and the public.
Challenges and Expectations
Noida’s rapid urbanization brings unique challenges, from power outages to traffic woes and homebuyer grievances. Roopam’s experience in Kasganj and Greater Noida equips her to handle these issues, but the scale of Gautam Budh Nagar’s demands is immense. The district’s power supply, a persistent concern, requires coordination with discoms like PVVNL to ensure uninterrupted electricity, especially during peak summer months. Infrastructure projects like the Jewar Airport and Film City carry high stakes, with economic and political implications for the state.
A New Chapter for Noida
Medha Roopam’s appointment as Noida’s first woman DM is more than a historic milestone—it’s a chance for transformative change. Her career, marked by bold actions and a people-first approach, suggests she’s ready to tackle Noida’s challenges head-on. From flood-hit villages to urban power corridors, Roopam has consistently shown she’s a leader who delivers. As she steps into this high-profile role, all eyes are on how she’ll shape the future of one of India’s most dynamic districts.
