Thousands of visitors expected in Vashi as police prepare for a busy festive week.

The Visit

Navi Mumbai is preparing for a major security and traffic challenge as Ganeshotsav coincides with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Vashi.

Shah is scheduled to visit the CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Vashi on September 14, the first day of Ganeshotsav. The venue will host the Hindi Diwas and All India Official Language Conference on September 14 and 15, with more than 5,000 officials and delegates expected to attend.

At the same time, the city will be witnessing large crowds and Ganpati processions, putting additional pressure on traffic and security arrangements. To manage the situation, additional police personnel will be deployed in Vashi and surrounding areas from 9 am to 6 pm on September 14 and 15. Authorities are also planning parking facilities for more than 10,000 vehicles, including space near the Tunga Hotel. Medical rooms and ambulances will be kept ready to deal with any emergency.

Additional police forces have reportedly been called in from other parts of the state to strengthen security during the high-profile visit.

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has directed senior officials to coordinate the arrangements closely. The aim is to ensure that the Home Minister’s visit does not disrupt Ganeshotsav celebrations or cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents. With both events drawing large crowds, authorities are urging careful planning to keep the city safe and traffic moving smoothly.

Civic body removes illegal structures and vendors, collects Rs 1.40 lakh in penalties.

The Encraochments

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up its drive against encroachments in Vashi, bringing some relief to pedestrians who often struggle to use footpaths occupied by shops and street vendors.

Over the past two days, civic officials carried out action in Sectors 9, 10, 15 and 16, removing encroachments linked to around 50 to 60 shops and unauthorised vendors. The drive also helped the civic body recover around Rs 1.40 lakh in penalties.

According to officials, several shopkeepers had extended their businesses beyond permitted areas by placing goods outside their shops or using common spaces. In some locations, street vendors had occupied footpaths, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road.

The anti-encroachment campaign had slowed during the monsoon but has now resumed. NMMC officials said inspections will continue in other parts of Vashi, with action planned wherever illegal occupation of public spaces is found. Assistant Commissioner Sukhdev Yedve said regular monitoring would be necessary to prevent encroachments from returning after the civic action.

However, the NMMC is also facing a manpower challenge as several employees are currently involved in the special summary revision of electoral rolls. Despite this, officials said efforts would continue to keep public spaces clear and accessible for residents.

Civic chief Kailas Shinde directs officials to keep tree bases open to support healthy growth and reduce the risk of trees falling.

The Order

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched a special drive to protect the city’s trees and reduce the risk of tree-fall incidents during the monsoon.

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed officials to remove unnecessary concrete, asphalt and paver blocks placed around tree trunks. The civic body has instructed that at least one metre of open space should be maintained around trees, while larger trees should have around 1.5 metres of open soil.

Experts highlighted that trees often become weak when their roots do not get enough space to grow. Cutting roots during road and construction work, improper pruning and uneven growth can also increase the chances of trees falling. The NMMC has directed officials to ensure that tree pruning is carried out scientifically. It has also asked authorities to give preference to native tree species while undertaking plantation drives.

During construction and roadwork, special attention will be given to protecting tree roots from damage during excavation. The civic body also warned that anyone cutting or damaging trees without permission could face legal action.

The initiative aims to improve the health of Navi Mumbai’s trees, preserve the city’s green cover and make roads and public spaces safer, particularly during the monsoon season.