Local residents seek urgent repairs as damaged stretch could make idol transportation risky

The Potholes

With Ganeshotsav approaching, the poor condition of the Hamrapur-Pen road has become a growing concern for Ganesh idol makers and local residents. The road, an important route connecting Uran and Pen, is dotted with potholes, making travel difficult and raising questions over the safe transportation of idols.

During the festival season, hundreds of Ganesh idols are transported through this route. Idol makers fear that the uneven and damaged road could cause vehicles carrying large idols to lose balance, potentially damaging the idols or leading to accidents.

For those working hard to prepare the idols ahead of the festival, even a small mishap during transportation can result in significant losses. Residents say the problem is also affecting everyday commuters, with motorists being forced to slow down or manoeuvre around potholes.

Traffic on the route is expected to increase during Ganeshotsav, making timely repairs even more important. Local residents and Ganesh idol makers have therefore urged the concerned authorities to fill the potholes and repair the damaged sections before the festival. They have appealed for the work to be completed on priority so that Ganesh idols can reach their destinations safely and devotees can celebrate the festival without unnecessary disruption.

Residents hope the authorities will act before the festive rush begins rather than wait until the damaged road becomes a bigger safety concern.

Health officials use Eid-e-Milad gatherings to spread awareness about mosquito-borne diseases.

The Drive

With dengue and malaria cases a seasonal concern during the monsoon, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) took its awareness campaign directly to the community by organizing sessions at six mosques during Eid-e-Milad.

The initiative by the NMMC Health Department aimed to educate residents about mosquito-borne diseases, their warning signs and simple steps that can help prevent infections. Around 2,443 people attended the awareness sessions, while blood samples of 91 individuals were collected for testing.

Health officials explained that mosquitoes often breed in stagnant water found in discarded tyres, containers, scrap materials and plastic sheets. Residents were urged to keep water tanks and household containers covered, clean them regularly and remove anything around their homes that could collect rainwater. To make the sessions more practical, officials also showed residents larvae of Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, helping them understand how mosquito breeding can be identified and stopped.

The civic body said fogging and insecticide spraying are also being carried out in different parts of Navi Mumbai as part of its preventive measures. Officials appealed to residents not to ignore prolonged fever or other symptoms and to seek medical advice promptly.

Mayor Sujata Suraj Patil and Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde urged citizens to work with the civic administration and maintain cleanliness in their homes and neighbourhoods to help keep Navi Mumbai safe from dengue and malaria.

Fishermen face losses as rough seas halt operations and diesel quota remains pending.

The Storm

The fishing season in Uran has barely begun, but local fishermen are already facing difficulties. Rough weather and strong winds in the sea have forced several fishing boats to remain anchored at Karaj and other nearby ports.

The disruption has come at a difficult time for the fishing community, which is already struggling with rising operational costs and declining fish catches. With boats unable to venture into the sea, fishermen fear further financial losses during what is expected to be an important fishing season.

Another major concern is the delay in the allocation of the diesel quota. Fishermen depend heavily on subsidized diesel to operate their boats, and the delay has added to their financial burden. They have urged the authorities to approve the quota at the earliest. Fishermen have also raised concerns about the lack of a guaranteed price for their catch and adequate compensation for losses. Although fishing has been given agricultural status, they say they are yet to receive benefits comparable to those available to farmers.

For many families in Uran, fishing is not just a business but their main source of livelihood. The combination of unpredictable weather, rising costs and policy-related issues has made the beginning of this season particularly challenging.

Fishermen are now hoping that weather conditions improve soon and that the government addresses their concerns, allowing them to return to the sea and continue their work without further financial uncertainty.