Special teams to monitor water use at construction sites and swimming pools, civic body to review dam storage on November 30.

The Measures

With the water level in Morbe Dam gradually declining, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up preparations to conserve water and prevent unnecessary consumption across the city.

Although the planned water cuts were withdrawn from Gokul Ashtami following requests from the ruling BJP, the civic administration has now increased monitoring as rainfall remained weak in August and September. The Morbe Dam, which supplies water to Navi Mumbai, is currently at around 91% storage, with 75% usable water, compared with 100% storage and 84% usable water during the same period last year.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has directed officials to ensure that drinking water is not used for construction activities. Special teams have been formed to monitor water consumption at construction sites and swimming pools.

Construction workers and others at project sites will continue to receive water for drinking purposes. However, if the water is found to be diverted for construction or other uses, the concerned connection may be disconnected immediately.

Swimming pools have also been instructed to maximise the reuse of water as part of the conservation measures.

The civic administration is scheduled to review the water storage in Morbe Dam on November 30. Based on the situation, a new water-supply schedule may be introduced from December 1. Officials have also indicated that an earlier review could be conducted if adequate rainfall does not occur in the coming weeks.

NMMC expands immersion facilities to manage crowds and offer devotees convenient options closer to home.

The Ponds

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has expanded arrangements for the immersion of Gauri and Ganpati idols this year, setting up 170 artificial immersion ponds across the city.

The move aims to prevent overcrowding at a few immersion points and provide devotees with facilities closer to their homes, in line with directions issued by the High Court. The artificial ponds have been established across Belapur, Nerul, Vashi, Turbhe, Koparkhairane, Ghansoli, Airoli and Digha.

Along with the 170 artificial ponds, the civic body has made arrangements at 22 natural immersion sites, taking the total number of immersion locations to 192. Volunteers, lifeguards, CCTV cameras and fire brigade personnel will be deployed at key locations to ensure safety and smooth movement of devotees. Medical teams will also be available through nearby civic health centres.

The NMMC has also made separate arrangements for the collection of wet and dry nirmalya (floral offerings), urging devotees not to dispose of these materials in natural water bodies. Dedicated vehicles will transport the collected material to the processing facility at Turbhe. Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde and a special civic team reviewed the arrangements recently. The NMMC is also considering whether the number of artificial immersion ponds can be increased further based on local requirements.

Patients receive fruits while children at a local centre are provided with educational supplies, food and essential items.

The Initiatives

Birthdays of public leaders were marked with a series of community service initiatives in Digha, where former Standing Committee Chairman Navin Gavte and his family organised programmes for patients, healthcare workers and children in need.

The activities were held at the NMMC Primary Health Centre in Digha, where fruits were distributed among patients undergoing treatment. Food packets were also provided to doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and other healthcare workers as a gesture of appreciation for their dedicated service to the community.

The initiative was organised in connection with the birthdays of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik. Speaking about the programme, the organisers said their aim was to celebrate the occasion through service and contribute to the well-being of people. A second programme was held at the Friendship Centre of India in Digha, where children were provided with notebooks, stationery, food items, ration and other daily-use essentials. The organisers said the effort was intended to support the children’s educational and everyday needs.

Former corporator Deepa Gavte, social workers Rajesh Gavte, Chandram Sonkamble and Dipali Sonkamble, Digha Mandal President Santosh Mule and several party workers and office-bearers attended the programmes. The organisers also offered prayers for the leaders’ long lives and expressed hope that their public service would continue to benefit society.