Kharghar hills dazzle with rare Karvi bloom.

The Blossom

Residents are celebrating the rare bloom of the Karvi flower, which has begun adorning Kharghar Hills. Known for its striking purple-bluish hue, the Karvi (Strobilanthes callosa) blooms once every eight years, with the last occurrence in 2016. This year, the hills are transformed by the flower’s breathtaking display, which is visible during September and October.

Found in places like Goregaon Film City and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kharghar remains a prime spot for viewing this phenomenon. The Karvi is a large shrub, growing up to 20 feet, and thrives in the Western Ghats’ moist climate. It supports various insects and disperses its seeds after blooming through masting.

Nature activist Jyoti Nadkarni emphasised the flower’s medicinal properties, which Adivasis often use for their anti-inflammatory benefits. She also highlighted the demand for the thick, dark Karvi Honey produced during this bloom.

While praising the Forest Department’s efforts in protecting the area, Nadkarni raised concerns over encroachments and habitat destruction. She urged the government to preserve these ecosystems for future generations, noting that other wildflower species like Ceropegia and sundews also need protection.

This rare bloom not only adds beauty but underlines the need for conservation in Kharghar’s rich biodiversity.

The Belapur Circle Officer filed a new First Information Report (FIR) on September 17, 2024, in response to the chopping of mangroves behind the T.S. Chanakya Maritime Institute. This action took place six months after the incident in March 2024, which alarmed individuals who care about the environment and are now calling for prompt action to save the surviving mangrove plants.

In March 2024, environmental activists Sunil Agarwal and Advocate Pradeep Patole used the Mangrove Suraksha App to file complaints against the removal of 150 mangroves in the area.

Sources were the first to raise the problem, and the activists quickly got a response from the app. Based on these concerns, a team of police conducted an area survey on April 29, 2024. Declaring the results of the site inspection, Advocate Patole said, “Since the sites are under the ownership rights of CIDCO, action should be taken through CIDCO first.”

This most recent FIR is the second one filed about the mangrove cutting in this area, and four months have gone since that inspection.

The Save Navi Mumbai Environment Group’s founder, Sunil Agarwal, stated, “More than 150 mangrove trees have been cut, and a FIR was filed against an unknown person, despite Mistry Construction Company being the primary beneficiary of these incidents.” Along with other activists, he urges CIDCO to take the required actions to protect the remaining mangroves and requests that the Revenue Department act immediately.

CM Eknath Shinde inaugurates phase one of RRP Electronics semiconductor project.

The Inauguration

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the first phase of RRP Electronics’ Semiconductor Project in Mahape, Navi Mumbai. Praising the initiative, Shinde expressed pride in a Marathi entrepreneur revolutionizing the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) sector. He assured continued government support for industrial growth.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Senior Scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and several high-ranking officials. Shinde emphasised Maharashtra’s commitment to industrial progress, highlighting key projects like the Atal Setu, which has cut travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to 20 minutes, and enterprise agreements worth ₹5 lakh crore signed in Davos, promising job opportunities in the electronics semiconductor sector.

Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis lauded Maharashtra for hosting India’s first semiconductor project and its vital role in global supply chain resilience, particularly after COVID-19 disruptions. He noted Maharashtra as the first state to implement a semiconductor policy, positioning it at the forefront of the digital economy.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar echoed the project’s significance for Maharashtra’s industrial growth, noting substantial investments of ₹12,000 crores and decentralisation efforts. RRP Electronics CEO Rajendra Chodankar also provided insights into the project’s development.

The semiconductor project is poised to strengthen Maharashtra’s role in India’s rapidly expanding electronics and digital sectors.