Indiscriminate parking on footpaths and narrow sectors forces pedestrians into traffic, as citizens urge traffic police and NMMC for immediate action.

The Demand

For residents stepping out into the streets of Vashi, Belapur, or Kharghar, a simple walk has turned into a daily obstacle course. Across several nodes of Navi Mumbai, illegally parked cars, commercial trucks, and double-parked vehicles have completely taken over main roads and pedestrian footpaths.

The mounting frustration among locals isn’t just about traffic delays it’s a growing safety hazard. With sidewalks blocked by vehicles, pedestrians including school children and senior citizens are forced onto busy lanes directly alongside speeding traffic.

Beyond dangerous blind spots that trigger frequent minor collisions, the bottlenecked roads pose a serious threat during emergencies. Narrowed sector lanes frequently delay fire engines and ambulances attempting to navigate residential pockets.

“Our footpaths are built for walking, not as free storage for private cars,” said a frustrated resident from Nerul. “When emergency vehicles can barely squeeze through internal roads, it becomes a safety risk for the whole neighborhood.”

Citizens are urging the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and the local Traffic Police to launch stricter enforcement drives, towing persistent violators and levying heavy fines. Residents are also advocating for long-term solutions, such as dedicated commercial vehicle zones and functional multi-level parking facilities, to finally clear the city’s crowded roadways.

Over 130 women gathered for an afternoon of music, Solah Shringar, and uninhibited celebration proving that keeping culture alive doesn’t mean staying stuck in the past.

The Event

If you walked into the hall this week, the first thing that hit you wasn’t just the rhythmic thrum of live dhol beats or the rich aroma of festive food. It was the sheer energy in the air a sea of vibrant greens, glinting jewelry, and laughter that easily carried over the music.

For its third consecutive year, U N MI Entertainment, led by founder Garima Sharma in collaboration with Amol Juneja, hosted its annual Hariyali Teej Celebration. But calling it just a cultural event misses the point. For the 135-plus women who showed up dressed in full Solah Shringar, it was an afternoon carved out entirely for themselves: a rare chance to step away from daily routines, let their hair down, and celebrate life alongside friends old and new.

While Teej is traditionally rooted in the mythological reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the arrival of the monsoon, the gathering seamlessly blended deep-rooted customs with modern flair. Traditional decorated swings (jhulas) sat alongside high-energy dance floors and a lively pageantry showcase.

“Only you can keep yourself happy. Nobody else is going to do it for you so be happy, keep smiling, and cherish your friends.” — Guest Speaker, addressing the room

“A Modern Way to Hold On to Our Roots”

For many attendees and guest speakers, the highlight was how natural the celebration felt, balancing sacred traditions with today’s social lifestyle.

“Garima has brought women across Navi Mumbai together under one roof,” shared Astrohealer Prammit Ssinha, a long-time guest at the event. “In an era where modern trends often pull us away from tradition, using an engaging, modern approach to reconnect people with our Sanatan roots through U N MI is truly commendable.”

Long-time supporters also noted how the event has matured over the years into a warm, welcoming network.

• Rohini Salunke (Founder, Ecomatic Ventures): “I’ve been associated with Garima for five years now, attending her functions every year. It’s always so much fun to be around this group and get to know everyone.”
• Nutan Gaikwad (Director, Aarambh Sanstha): “Garima consistently creates a platform where women can refresh themselves, play games, enjoy the swings, and just be happy together.”
• Chef & Numerologist Neeru Arora: “This was my first time judging here, and everything was executed so seamlessly. The energy in the room was contagious.”

Crowned in Green: The Pageant Winners

Between the dancing, fine dining, and networking, the afternoon featured a pageant competition judged by notable figures, including Heena Mukadam (Winner, Ayesha Mrs. India).

The room erupted in applause as the titleholders were announced:

Award Title Winner

• Teej Queen – Divya Bisht
• 1st Winner – Tulsi
• 2nd Runner-Up – Tina Kanle

For the winners, the recognition was icing on the cake. “The event was packed with energy—from the live dhol to the food. Everything was done so thoughtfully,” shared newly crowned Teej Queen, Divya Bisht.

Looking Ahead

As the music slowed and women snapped their final group selfies before heading home, organizer Garima Sharma reflected on the turnout.

“Seeing the excitement the shopping, the effort everyone put into getting ready for U N MI’s event is what makes this special,” Garima Sharma said. “Social media helps us connect initially, but events like this build real relationships. We’re already planning how to make next year’s gathering even bigger.”

For a festival that marks the arrival of greenery and renewal, the afternoon proved that traditions don’t survive by staying on a shelf they thrive when communities gather to dance through them.

Monsoon runoff and untreated water supply leave local residents battling stomach infections and demanding clean drinking water.

Contaminated Water

A severe public health worry has gripped parts of Uran after residents received muddy, contaminated tap water, leading to a rise in waterborne illnesses across several local villages.

Following heavy monsoon rainfall, turbid water flowing from the Hetawane Dam made its way directly into household taps. The problem has particularly affected communities located between Jite and Gavan Phata. Because CIDCO’s primary water treatment facility is situated downstream at Gavan Phata, households upstream have been left receiving raw, unfiltered water.

Over the past few days, local clinics have reported a surge in cases of stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, leaving families anxious for their health especially young children and the elderly.

“We are forced to boil dirty water just to get through the day, but many are still falling sick,” expressed a concerned local resident. “Clean drinking water isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic necessity.”

Frustrated by the situation, community members and local leaders are urging CIDCO and municipal authorities to intervene immediately. They are demanding urgent water filtration solutions for all affected areas, pipeline inspections, and the distribution of safe drinking water tankers until regular, fully treated water supply is restored.