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Centre Seeks Urgent Action on Lotus Lake Burial in Navi Mumbai

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The Centre has directed Maharashtra’s State Wetland Authority (SWA) to urgently act on the alleged burial of Lotus Lake in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, following complaints from environmentalists.

The Action

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has asked Maharashtra’s State Wetland Authority (SWA) to urgently address concerns regarding the alleged partial burial of Lotus Lake in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The move follows a grievance filed by the NatConnect Foundation through the Prime Minister’s Public Grievance portal.

In a letter signed by MoEFCC scientist Pankaj Verma, the Ministry acknowledged the efforts of NatConnect director B N Kumar in wetland conservation and directed the SWA to take immediate action and report findings.

Kumar highlighted that debris from the Navi Mumbai International Airport site, allegedly dumped by CIDCO contractor TIPL, has buried parts of the three-hectare lake. He pointed out that the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) had listed Lotus Lake as a wetland, contrary to CIDCO’s claim that the site is a residential plot.

CIDCO cited a report from Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC), stating the area lacks mangroves or mudflats. Kumar refuted this, noting the issue concerns a freshwater wetland.

Despite being man-made, Kumar stressed the lake’s ecological importance in flood control and biodiversity, warning against its destruction for real estate purposes. He compared the situation to Chennai, where wetland loss has worsened urban flooding.

MoEFCC has now officially transferred the grievance to SWA for urgent resolution under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, which ban dumping and encroachment in notified wetland zones.

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Honor in the Ranks: 15 Navi Mumbai Cops Recognized for Outstanding Service

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Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe Among Honorees as Department Celebrates Excellence in Public Safety

The Honours

In a major moment of pride for the city, fifteen officers and personnel from the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate have been awarded prestigious service medals for their extraordinary dedication, bravery, and hard work in public safety.

Leading the list of honorees is Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, who received the Ati-Utkrusht Seva Medal for his exceptional leadership and service. Under his stewardship, the Navi Mumbai police force has embraced modern technology-driven policing, yielding notable success in cracking down on narcotics, dismantling drug syndicates, and strengthening urban cybersecurity.

The honors reflect the department’s sharp focus on key community priorities, particularly enhancing women’s safety, modernizing local police stations, and fostering stronger public trust through proactive outreach. Officers across various ranks were recognized for their tireless duty in maintaining law and order across the Commissionerate.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, department representatives emphasized that the medals belong to the entire force working around the clock to protect residents. The prestigious awards serve as a morale booster for the officers while reaffirming the department’s unwavering commitment to keeping Navi Mumbai safe, secure, and progressive.

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Thrill Above 300 Feet: Palghar Unveils Glass Skywalk at Dabhosa Waterfall

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Independence Day Opening Brings Thrill-Seekers to Palghar’s Tribal Heartlands with Breathtaking Canopy Views

The Skywalk

Tourism in Palghar district got a high-altitude boost on Independence Day with the grand unveiling of a spectacular glass skywalk at the famous Dabhosa Waterfall. Inaugurated by Maharashtra Forest Minister and District Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, the landmark project marks Palghar’s first-ever transparent skywalk, sparking immense excitement among locals and travel enthusiasts.

Engineered to offer an adrenaline-pumping perspective, the structure features a 5-meter-long transparent glass walkway leading to an 11-foot-wide circular viewing deck. Suspended high above the gorge, it gives visitors a front-row view of Dabhosa’s white waters cascading nearly 300 feet down into the lush green valley below.

Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Ganesh Naik highlighted the dual focus on thrill and regional growth. A designated parking area roughly 400 to 500 feet away is being developed via specialized agencies to manage visitor footfall smoothly while generating vital local revenue for the village panchayat.

“Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, our focus is bringing economic and educational progress to tribal-dominated districts like Palghar,” Naik said, emphasizing that eco-tourism projects create sustainable livelihoods.

The inauguration saw a strong turnout of dignitaries, including MP Dr. Hemant Savara, MLAs Rajendra Gavit and Harishchandra Bhoye, District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, and SP Yatish Deshmukh. Combining scenic beauty with an edge-of-your-seat thrill, Palghar’s newest jewel is poised to become a must-visit weekend getaway.

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Vashi’s ‘Ganraj’ Gears Up for 43rd Year with Eco-Friendly Heart

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Sector 16A Mandal Honors Founders as Preparations Begin for Navi Mumbai’s Celebrated Ganeshotsav.

The Preparations

A wave of devotion hit Vashi Sector 16A as the Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja Mandal officially kicked off preparations for its 43rd Ganeshotsav celebration. Marking over four decades of community tradition, the mandal held a traditional Mandap Poojan and blessed its new idol transport trolley at Ganraj Chowk.

The ritual was led by Mandal President Vijay Walunj alongside his wife Archana Walunj, with local leader Anjali Walunj, Ajay Walunj, and a large gathering of residents in attendance. Amid chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, the mandal made a heartfelt gesture by inviting and honoring the senior citizens who founded the event 42 years ago.

“We owe our foundation to the elders who started this journey,” said Vijay Walunj. “With their blessings and the hard work of our youth volunteers, we are ready to welcome Bappa once again.”

Recognized last year as Navi Mumbai’s Best Ganeshotsav Mandal for its eco-friendly practices and social awareness themes, the committee promises another impactful experience this season. Beyond elaborate decorations, the mandal remains committed to strict environmental guidelines, clean surroundings, and thought-provoking cultural displays (jhankis).

Organizers invite devotees from across Navi Mumbai and neighboring areas to join the festivities. As preparations wrap up, Sector 16A is set to deliver another memorable season filled with devotion, unity, and social message-driven artwork.

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