Usable water storage stands at 75%, civic administration urges residents to avoid wastage.

The Water Cut

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has warned that water cuts may be reintroduced after Diwali if the water level in Morbe Dam continues to decline. Water cuts in the city were cancelled from Gokul Ashtami to meet the increased demand during the festive season. However, the reduced rainfall in the dam’s catchment area has led to a fall in the available water storage.

Although Morbe Dam currently has an overall storage level of 91.3%, only 75% is considered usable. This is lower than the 84.17% usable storage recorded during the same period last year. In 2024, the usable storage stood at 83.87%. The dam has not filled completely despite the monsoon reaching September. Last year, Morbe Dam had reached 100% capacity by August 20. The lower rainfall this year has raised concerns about water supply planning for the coming months.

The civic administration is hoping for stronger rainfall during the Ganeshotsav period to improve the dam’s storage. Officials have also urged residents to use water carefully and avoid unnecessary wastage. Madan Waghchaudhe, Executive Engineer of the Morbe Project, said that the administration was monitoring the situation closely. He added that a decision on whether to impose water cuts would be taken after Diwali, depending on the water storage and supply requirements.

For now, the NMMC has appealed to citizens to cooperate by using water responsibly.

Tree plantation, healthcare felicitation, free eye check-ups and educational support held across several areas.

The Social Initiatives

The Republican Party of India (RPI) organised a series of social welfare activities across Navi Mumbai to mark the birthdays of Maharashtra Forest Minister and Palghar Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and RPI Maharashtra Vice-President Sidram Ohol.

The programmes were held under the leadership of RPI Navi Mumbai Youth President and NMMC Transport Committee member Advocate Yashpal Ohol.

At Dhammadeep Buddh Vihar in Airoli Sector 3, a tree plantation drive was conducted under the theme “One Tree, One Responsibility.” Citizens were encouraged to plant trees and take responsibility for their upkeep.

Healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and ward boys at Mata Bal Hospital in Airoli, were felicitated for their continued service. As part of the initiative, potted saplings were presented to them, combining appreciation for their work with a message of environmental conservation. A free eye examination and cataract treatment camp was also organised at Digha with the support of Lakshmi Eye Care. Residents received eye check-ups, spectacles-number testing and free cataract surgery for eligible patients.

At Khairane village, educational materials were distributed among students to support their studies. Mathadi workers at the APMC Fruit Market were also felicitated, while the importance of tree plantation was highlighted. RPI office-bearers and workers from various Navi Mumbai units attended the programmes. The organisers said the initiatives aimed to celebrate the leaders’ birthdays through community service and encourage citizens to contribute to social welfare and environmental protection.

Non-functional streetlights and parked container vehicles create safety risks for motorists at night.

The Concern

Several stretches of the JNPT–Palaspe and JNPA–Amra Marg highways in Uran have been left without proper street lighting, raising concerns among motorists and local residents about road safety. Streetlights at locations including Dronagiri, Dhatum, Karal, Jasai flyover and Gavhan Phata are reportedly not functioning. The problem is particularly concerning at night when visibility is already reduced.

The highways see heavy movement of container trucks and other vehicles throughout the day. However, many heavy vehicles are also parked along the main roads and service lanes. With some parked vehicles reportedly lacking proper warning lights or signs, motorists may struggle to spot them in the darkness. The situation becomes more difficult during the monsoon, when rain, potholes and muddy roads can further reduce visibility. Two-wheeler riders are especially vulnerable in such conditions, with the poor lighting increasing the possibility of accidents.

Uran Municipal Council president Bhavana Ghanekar has approached officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), seeking urgent action to restore the streetlights. According to reports, theft of oil from electrical transformers installed along the highways has also affected the power supply to the lighting system.

Residents and motorists have urged the authorities to repair the streetlights at the earliest and take additional safety measures along the busy highway stretches.