Police Reunite Missing Children With Parents and Urge Families to Create a Supportive Home Environment.

The Case

Two incidents involving schoolchildren leaving home due to family-related stress have raised concerns about the emotional well-being of children. Police traced both children and reunited them with their families. In one incident, a schoolboy from Kharghar left home fearing that his parents would scold him for scoring low marks in an examination. He eventually reached Titwala, where alert citizens found him at a temple in his school uniform.

In another incident, a 13-year-old boy from Ghatkopar was found frightened in Koparkhairane by police constable Raj Hande while he was returning home from duty. The boy reportedly left home because of frequent arguments between his parents and repeated scolding. Police contacted his family and safely handed him over to his parents. Following these incidents, Navi Mumbai Police appealed to parents to communicate openly with their children, avoid excessive scolding and maintain a peaceful home environment. They warned that children who feel distressed or unsupported at home may leave without understanding the dangers they could face.

According to figures reported by the police, 304 girls and 125 boys below the age of 18 had been reported missing in the region by the end of September 2026. Of these, 284 girls and 116 boys had been traced. Police stressed the importance of recognising children’s emotional needs and resolving family conflicts through dialogue. The child helpline 1098 is available for children who need assistance or protection.

Assurance Follows Woman’s Death on Thane-Belapur Road and Residents’ Protest Over Lack of Safe Crossing.

The Bridge

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has assured residents that a pedestrian bridge will be constructed at Turbhe Store on the Thane-Belapur Road within a month. The assurance came after a woman was killed while crossing the busy road, prompting local residents to stage a protest demanding immediate safety measures.

Chhaya Gaikwad died on Monday evening after being hit by a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) waste transportation vehicle while crossing the road. She died on the spot. The incident angered residents, who said the absence of a safe pedestrian crossing and delays in completing the flyover project had put commuters at risk. Led by social activist Abhiman Jagtap, protesters demanded a temporary pedestrian bridge until the flyover is completed.

Resident Santosh Jadhav said he had been demanding the flyover for several years and criticised the civic administration for failing to address pedestrian safety concerns earlier. Following the protest and a representation from residents, NMMC Executive Engineer Pandharinath Chavde provided a written assurance that the pedestrian bridge would be constructed within a month.

The civic body has also promised to deploy traffic police personnel and security guards in the area. Additional measures, including CCTV cameras and traffic signals, are planned to improve traffic management and pedestrian safety. Residents have urged the authorities to implement these measures without delay to prevent further accidents. The incident has renewed concerns over road safety at Turbhe Store, where pedestrians continue to face difficulties crossing the busy Thane-Belapur Road while the flyover project remains incomplete.

With Morbe Dam at 84% Capacity, Civic Body Urges Residents to Save Water Amid Drought Concerns.

The Conservation

Amid concerns over a possible water shortage and the state government’s directive to reduce water supply by 10%, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is prioritizing conservation measures before introducing immediate cuts in regular supply.

The civic body is focusing on reducing water wastage, restricting supply to construction sites and encouraging the use of alternative water sources to preserve drinking water stocks for the coming months. Ravikant Patil, chairman of the NMMC Water Supply and Sewage Committee, said the administration is cleaning wells, installing pumps and providing water tanks in slum areas wherever possible. These measures will help residents use groundwater for non-drinking purposes.

The NMMC is also encouraging housing societies to use treated sewage water for activities such as car washing, toilet flushing and cleaning premises. Treated water can be supplied through tankers on request, helping reserve regular drinking water supplies for essential needs. According to figures dated October 28, 2026, Morbe Dam, owned by the NMMC, holds 133.295 million cubic metres (MCM) of water, equivalent to 84% of its live storage capacity. This is lower than the 97.09% recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Ravikant Patil said only around 64% of the available stock was usable for drinking purposes. He warned that supplies might last until the middle of next year only if water is used carefully. The possibility of El Niño could further increase concerns over future availability. The NMMC aims to sustain available water stocks until May 2027 and has appealed to citizens and housing societies to avoid wastage and adopt responsible water-use practices.