Ganesh mandal uses Ganeshotsav to spread awareness against addiction.

The Awareness

The Shivchhaya Mitra Mandal, popularly known as Navi Mumbaicha Raja, is using this year’s Ganeshotsav to promote a drug-free and healthy lifestyle. The mandal’s 56th Ganeshotsav is being organised at the CIDCO ground near ICL School in Sector 21, Turbhe. The celebrations began on September 14.

A major focus of this year’s festival is an anti-addiction campaign carrying the message “Say No to Drugs”. Through posters, banners and cut-outs, the mandal will create awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, gutkha, drugs, gambling and other addictive habits. The campaign promotes the message that a moment of pleasure can lead to lifelong problems, while staying away from addiction can lead to a happier life.

The festival will also include bhajans, spiritual programmes, blood donation and health camps, Annadan, Atharvashirsh recitation, Satyanarayan Mahapuja and felicitation of achievers. The mandal is also supporting tribal students from Wada and Mokhada in pursuing higher education after Classes 10 and 12.

Around 8 to 10 lakh devotees are expected to visit the pandal during the 12-day festival. A Satyanarayan Katha and Bhandara will be organised on September 24, with food arrangements for around 10,000 devotees.

Seawoods residents seek strict action against tobacco sales near educational institutions and public spaces.

The Cigarette Sales

Residents of Sector 25, Seawoods, Nerul, have raised concerns over students allegedly smoking in public places and the suspected sale of cigarettes to minors.

Following repeated complaints, the ward officer and local police conducted a raid at a paan shop on the ground floor of Ambika Heights on the night of September 11. Officials reportedly found cigarette cartons at the shop, but no other illegal intoxicating substances.

Residents said students, reportedly aged between 17 and 22, are frequently seen smoking near Seawoods railway station, the bridge and other public areas. They suspect that a local paan shop may be supplying cigarettes to college students. Prakash Yawalkar, president of the Seawoods Citizens Welfare Association, said students were openly smoking outside the shop, raising concerns among residents and parents.

The association has submitted complaints to the local police, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, mayor, local representatives and the Drug Department. It has urged authorities to strictly enforce the law prohibiting tobacco sales to minors and increase monitoring around schools, colleges and other student gathering points.

Residents said stronger action is needed to prevent tobacco use among young people and ensure that public spaces remain safe and healthy.

Complaints of forced rides and illegal parking prompt demand for strict action.

The Drivers

Passengers at Nerul railway station, particularly on the eastern side, are reportedly facing harassment from share-auto drivers. Commuters have alleged that drivers often stand near the station entrance and pressure passengers to take their autos.

Some women passengers have complained that drivers even try to pull them towards their vehicles. Autos are also reportedly being parked at the NMMT bus stop, creating confusion and affecting public transport services. The issue is particularly noticeable among passengers travelling towards Kharghar and Ulwe. Despite complaints to the police and transport authorities, residents claim that the problem continues.

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has installed a signboard restricting autos from entering the area near the station. However, drivers are allegedly ignoring the restriction. Dilip Amle, president of the Navi Mumbai Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Welfare Association, has written to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) seeking action. He said passengers, especially women travelling towards Ulwe, should not be forced into autos.

Navi Mumbai Deputy Regional Transport Officer Dattatray Sagolkar said that drivers would not be allowed to force passengers into their vehicles. He assured that the area would be inspected and appropriate action would be taken.Passengers and residents have called for a permanent solution involving the RTO, police and NMMT authorities.