Maharashtra minister says attempts to create distrust in constitutional institutions will not succeed.

The Criticism

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his statements concerning the Election Commission, saying that attempts to create distrust in constitutional institutions will not succeed.

According to Naik, recent statements by the three Election Commissioners showed that decisions related to the election process, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, were taken collectively. He said there were no differences among the commissioners on these decisions.

Naik also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s repeated criticism of constitutional institutions. He alleged that a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary, which was linked to a deputation-related appointment, was being presented as evidence of differences within the Election Commission. The minister also spoke about Form 6, used for voter registration, and said confusion was being created around its use. He maintained that the form is being used in accordance with the applicable process.

Naik further referred to Congress victories in states such as Telangana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, asking why the Election Commission was accepted when the party won but questioned when it lost. The remarks come amid a wider political dispute over electoral rolls, SIR and the functioning of the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders have raised allegations concerning the electoral process, while the BJP and Election Commission have rejected those allegations.

Naik said public confidence in constitutional institutions should be maintained and that electoral rolls should be made more accurate and transparent through established procedures.

NSS students and citizens come together to remove waste and protect the city’s coastal environment.

The Drive

More than 2,000 NSS students and local residents came together for a citywide cleanliness drive aimed at protecting Navi Mumbai’s mangroves, creeks and waterfront areas. The initiative was organised by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) Solid Waste Management Department under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan – Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign. The drive focused on removing waste from environmentally sensitive coastal locations and creating greater awareness about keeping water bodies clean.

One of the major cleanup activities was held at the Dolaya coastal area in Karave, where students, residents and civic officials participated in the drive. Similar activities were conducted at Diwale Jetty in Belapur, Sarsole Jetty in Nerul, Vashi Jetty, Turbhe Lake, Dharan Lake in Kopar Khairane, Ghansoli Jetty, Airoli Jetty and Digha Lake. Volunteers collected plastic waste, glass bottles, footwear and other non-biodegradable material that had accumulated along creek banks and mangrove areas.

Students from colleges in Nerul, Vashi, Airoli, Kopar Khairane and Kharghar actively participated. Along with cleaning the areas, volunteers took a cleanliness pledge and urged citizens to avoid dumping waste into lakes, creeks and other water bodies. The campaign, being held from September 17 to October 17, 2026, is part of NMMC’s wider efforts to encourage public participation in cleanliness and environmental protection.

The large turnout showed how students and citizens can play an important role in keeping Navi Mumbai’s natural spaces clean and healthy.

NMMC Commissioner highlights treated wastewater reuse as a key part of the city’s sustainable water management.

The Model

Navi Mumbai’s approach to treating and reusing wastewater was highlighted at the 9th International India Water Week 2026 in New Delhi, where NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde spoke about the city’s efforts to manage water more sustainably. Speaking at a panel discussion on the safe reuse of treated water, Dr Shinde said wastewater should not be viewed simply as waste, but as a resource that can be put to productive use after proper treatment.

He highlighted that the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) treats 100% of the sewage generated in the city, with a combined treatment capacity of around 454 MLD (million litres per day). The treated water is reused for several non-drinking purposes, including industrial activities, gardening and construction. NMMC has also partnered with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to supply treated wastewater to industries, reducing their dependence on freshwater.

Dr Shinde also spoke about the use of modern technology, including SCADA, GIS, artificial intelligence and the Integrated Command and Control Centre, to monitor and improve water management. The session brought together experts from organisations including the World Bank, Jacobs and Digital Pani. Discussions focused on expanding water reuse, using technology effectively and developing sustainable solutions for growing cities.

Navi Mumbai’s model reflects how treated wastewater can become an important part of urban water management while helping conserve freshwater resources.