Civic chief Kailas Shinde directs officials to keep tree bases open to support healthy growth and reduce the risk of trees falling.

The Order

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a special drive to protect the city’s trees and reduce the risk of tree-fall incidents during the monsoon.

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed officials to remove unnecessary concrete, asphalt and paver blocks placed around tree trunks. The civic body has instructed that at least one metre of open space should be maintained around trees, while larger trees should have around 1.5 metres of open soil.

Experts highlighted that trees often become weak when their roots do not get enough space to grow. Cutting roots during road and construction work, improper pruning and uneven growth can also increase the chances of trees falling. The NMMC has directed officials to ensure that tree pruning is carried out scientifically. It has also asked authorities to give preference to native tree species while undertaking plantation drives.

During construction and roadwork, special attention will be given to protecting tree roots from damage during excavation. The civic body also warned that anyone cutting or damaging trees without permission could face legal action.

The initiative aims to improve the health of Navi Mumbai’s trees, preserve the city’s green cover and make roads and public spaces safer, particularly during the monsoon season.

Rs 21.06 lakh street light relocation project faces scrutiny over allegations that work began before tender process was completed.

The Street Lights

Preparations for the Formula 4 night race in Nerul’s Jewel area have raised questions over a proposed NMMC project to relocate street lights from the road divider.

The civic body has proposed spending around Rs 21.06 lakh on shifting the street light infrastructure to make way for the racing event. The work reportedly includes relocating around 90 street light poles, along with nearly 2,395 metres of electrical cable and 2,015 metres of pipeline, among other electrical works.

However, concerns have been raised over the tender process. Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy city chief Sameer Amin Bagwan has alleged that some work may have been carried out even before the tender procedure was completed. He has demanded an independent and impartial inquiry into the matter.

Bagwan has called for a physical measurement of the work already completed and a comparison with the quantities mentioned in the tender. He also questioned whether previously completed work is being repeated, potentially resulting in unnecessary expenditure from public funds.

He has further sought scrutiny of work orders, administrative and technical approvals, as well as payment-related documents. Bagwan said that if the inquiry finds any violation of rules or financial loss to the civic body, those responsible should face action and any loss to public funds should be recovered.

The allegations are expected to be examined by the civic administration as part of the inquiry.

Family protests after patient’s health deteriorates, hospital assures inquiry into alleged negligence.

The Protest

A patient’s family members staged a protest outside the Vashi NMMC Hospital after alleging that he was administered an expired saline bottle during treatment.

According to the family, 50-year-old Gopiram Khadse was admitted to the municipal hospital on August 31 after suffering from fever and dizziness. His condition was reportedly stable initially. However, his health suddenly worsened on September 1, following which he was shifted to Hiranandani Hospital for further treatment.

The relatives later alleged that an expired saline bottle had been administered to Khadse at the Vashi hospital. They accused the hospital staff of negligence and demanded strict action against those responsible. The incident led to a protest by the patient’s family members, who sought accountability from the hospital administration. Hospital authorities have assured that the matter will be investigated and that appropriate action will be taken if anyone is found responsible.

Health officials have also indicated that Khadse was suspected of having dengue and that his platelet count had fallen to around 40,000. Authorities said that a detailed inquiry would be necessary to determine the exact reason behind the sudden deterioration in his health.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety and quality of medical care being provided at the civic-run hospital.