NMMC issues notices over alleged encroachment in the dam’s submerged area, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik orders a detailed investigation into illegal constructions.

The Farm House

An alleged case of unauthorized construction has come to light in the submerged area of Morbe Dam, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for Navi Mumbai.

According to reports, a farmhouse named ‘M/s Samant Farm’ has allegedly been constructed at Boragaon (Khurd) village in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district. The property is reportedly linked to Suraj Manohar Samant. There are also claims of its connection to a former state minister, although this has not been officially established.

The farmhouse, along with a large reinforced cement concrete (RCC) compound wall, was allegedly built by encroaching on the dam’s submerged land. Reports also suggest that land filling was carried out in the reservoir without obtaining the necessary permissions. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has reportedly issued several notices to the property owner seeking relevant documents and construction permissions. However, the required documents have allegedly not been submitted.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has directed the NMMC Commissioner to conduct a detailed investigation into farmhouses and bungalows allegedly constructed by filling land in the Morbe Dam area. He has also instructed officials to take action and demolish illegal structures if violations are confirmed. The issue has raised concerns over the protection of Morbe Dam and the security of Navi Mumbai’s drinking water supply.

Accused allegedly promised to double investments within 30 days, investors approached police after failing to recover their money.

The Fraud

A 32-year-old woman has been booked for allegedly cheating four investors of Rs 72.98 lakh in Panvel by promising to double their investments within a month.

According to the complaint filed at Panvel City Police Station, the woman, a resident of Koproli, allegedly approached an investor at Orion Mall in Panvel and offered to double the invested amount within 30 days. She also assured investors that their original money would remain safe. Trusting her assurances, a 31-year-old resident of Kondharipada in Karanja, Uran, invested Rs 4 lakh on September 8 and another Rs 98,000 on September 9. Three other individuals from the Uran region also invested money in the scheme. The total amount collected from all four investors reportedly reached Rs 72.98 lakh.

However, the investors did not receive the promised returns even after a month. When they demanded their money back, the woman allegedly began avoiding them. Following this, the investors approached the police. The complaint was initially referred to the Navi Mumbai Police Economic Intelligence Wing for investigation.

After an inquiry conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sachin Gunjal, a case was registered against the woman. Police have initiated further investigation into the alleged investment fraud.

Mahape records the highest AQI of 157, residents across several areas report strong chemical smells during late nights and early mornings.

The AQI

Air pollution in Navi Mumbai has increased with the onset of winter, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 116 on Wednesday, November 4, indicating moderate pollution levels. Mahape recorded the highest AQI at 157, followed by Koparkhairane-Vashi at 146.

Residents of Vashi, Koparkhairane, Bonkode, Ghansoli, Rabale, Nerul and Kharghar have complained about strong chemical odours, particularly during late nights and early mornings. Environmental activist Vinil Kumar Singh has raised the issue with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), demanding action against possible industrial emissions.

Construction activities, road dust, increasing vehicle numbers and industrial emissions are believed to be contributing to the deteriorating air quality. Experts have also pointed out that slower wind speeds during winter prevent pollutants from dispersing quickly. Of the eight air quality monitoring stations in Navi Mumbai, six were operational on Wednesday. While Mahape and Koparkhairane-Vashi recorded higher pollution levels, Nerul, Sanpada and Kalamboli remained in the moderate category. Tondre-Taloja recorded satisfactory air quality.

Rising pollution levels can cause coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties, particularly among people suffering from asthma. NMMC has stated that special cleaning drives and fogging machines are being used to control pollution. However, residents are demanding stricter monitoring and action against industrial pollution.