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Khargar residents RTI request discloses Cidco favouring Pune business

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An aware Kharghar resident requested information via a Right to Information (RTI) request regarding a contract worth approximately Rs 15 crore that was given to a Pune-based company. The request revealed that Cidco allegedly favoured the firm by revising the proposed contract without re-tendering, increasing the work cost to Rs 84 crore with contingencies for the additional installation of 23 monopole towers and two Lattice towers. The relocation of a 400KV EHV tower from a golf field in Kharghar to a residential area was awarded to the Pune-based company M/s BMC Power Projects Ltd through a competitive bidding process, despite complaints from locals that Cidco’s poor planning led to the waste of tax payer money.

On September 28, 2022, the Times Navi Mumbai edition of TOI published an article titled “Cidco will invest Rs 15 crore for removal of EHV tower from Kharghar gold course.” The Pune-based company won the tender for the relocation of the EHV tower for Rs 15 crore, but the initial bidders (government contractors) said Cidco should have called for a new bidding for the additional work of excesses and other items expected to cost Rs 84 crore. Thus, they have made accusations of favouritism, which smack of corruption. Sanjay Mukherjee, MD&VC of Cidco, and Yasin Mapara, executive engineer of the Kharghar node, were both unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.

According to Cidco’s response to an RTI request, MSETCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd.) received approval for a plan to relocate and move existing 400kV EHV towers that were obstructing the construction of the golf course’s infrastructure in Kharghar. The original plan called for the installation of 10 lattice towers along a 2.89 km route between the central park and gold course boundaries, as well as a 36 m wide road from the gold course to sector 36 in Kharghar, at a cost of Rs 15.06 crore. The planning division of Cidco submitted a proposal to reroute 3.58 km with two Lattice towers and 23 monopole towers after MSETCL’s survey of technical feasibility was delayed.

Seeking the board of directors of Cidco’s blessing in the process. On the basis of the study, it was suggested to modify the cost in favour of Pune-based M/s BNC Power Projects Ltd to Rs 75.26 crore without contingencies and Rs 84.02 crore with contingencies, which include MSETCL’s supervision and maintenance expenses. Cidco stated in its RTI response that its draught board was produced in this manner and presented for approval at the board meeting.

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Relief for Navi Mumbai as Morbe Dam Level Reaches Nearly 86% Capacity

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Steady monsoon downpours across catchment areas push water storage past 85.90%, securing the city’s drinking supply.

The Dam

A wave of relief has washed over Navi Mumbai as the Morbe Dam, the primary lifeline for the city’s drinking water, crossed a crucial milestone this monsoon. Following days of persistent heavy rainfall across its catchment area in the Raigad and Matheran hill ranges, the dam’s water storage has officially reached 85.90% of its total capacity.

The surge in water levels brings immense reassurance to both city officials and local households. Prior to the onset of the heavy downpours, lower storage levels had raised concerns over potential water cuts and strict rationing through the upcoming summer months. However, the steady inflow over recent weeks has effectively neutralized those worries.

With the current storage level approaching the dam’s maximum operational height of 88 meters, civic officials from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) are keeping a close watch on daily weather patterns. Once the dam reaches 100% capacity, excess water will automatically discharge through its waste weir into the Dhavri River. “This is fantastic news for everyone in the city,” shared a local resident from Vashi. “Water uncertainty creates a lot of anxiety for families. Knowing the main dam is nearly full gives us complete peace of mind for the year ahead.”

NMMC authorities continue to monitor the reservoir daily, expressing confidence that if the monsoon maintains its current momentum, the dam will soon reach full capacity ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for the entire city.

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Scattered Cable Wires Pose Daily Hazard for Navi Mumbai Residents

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Loose internet and TV cables dangling across footpaths and roads leave commuters at risk of trips, entanglements, and electrocution.

The Cables

Walking down a sidewalk in Navi Mumbai has increasingly become an obstacle course, with residents raising alarm over a growing safety threat: tangled webs of loose, low-hanging cables scattered across roads and footpaths.

What started as minor visual clutter has turned into a daily hazard. Overhead internet, television, and telephone lines dangle dangerously close to street level, catching on passing vehicles and tripping pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly. Motorcyclists face the terrifying risk of getting entangled in hanging wires, while the proximity of these cables to high-voltage power lines creates a constant risk of short circuits and electrocution. The root of the problem lies in irresponsible installation. To cut costs, local service providers string optical fiber cables across electricity poles rather than placing them underground. When wires break or services are updated, dead cables are simply left hanging instead of being safely removed.

Frustrated citizens are calling on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and MSEDCL to take immediate action. “Walking at night feels like walking into a trap,” shared one concerned local resident. “You never know when a hanging wire might catch your neck or trip you up. The authorities need to clean this up before someone loses their life.”

Residents are demanding a citywide drive to remove unauthorized dangling wires, alongside strict policies enforcing underground cabling for all service providers.

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Cardiac Care Takes Center Stage for Ex-MLA Sandeep Naik’s Birthday in Nerul

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Over a simple celebration, local leaders offer free heart screenings and life-saving surgeries to Sarsole residents.

Heart Health Camp

Marking a birthday with cake is standard, but in Sarsole, local representatives chose to give back through life-saving cardiac care. To celebrate former Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik’s birthday, his long-time supporter and Nerul Corporator Suraj Patil spearheaded a specialized heart health camp under the banner “Healthy Heart, Healthy Life.”

Organized in collaboration with Sushrusha Heart Disease Centre and Super Specialty Hospital, the event targeted the rising risk of heart ailments driven by modern stress and fast-paced lifestyles. High-end diagnostics including 2D Echo, TMT tests, Holter monitoring, and ECGs were made completely free to residents of all ages.

Going beyond basic check-ups, the initiative ensured that patients diagnosed with critical cardiac conditions would receive free advanced treatments, including bypass surgeries, angioplasties, and pacemaker implantations. Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil attended as the chief guest alongside several local civic leaders.

“Sandeep Sahib has always guided us to host events that directly benefit the public,” said Corporator Suraj Patil. “Heart issues aren’t just affecting senior citizens anymore they’re impacting the youth, too. We wanted to offer complete cardiac care and free surgeries where needed, rather than just basic tests. It’s our way of honoring a leader who truly lives to serve.”

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