Dr Kailas Shinde highlights the role of engineers in improving civic services and adopting new technologies.

The Tribute

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya on National Engineers’ Day on September 15.

The programme was held to remember the contributions of Sir Visvesvaraya, one of India’s most respected engineers, whose work played an important role in the country’s development. Dr Shinde performed a puja of Sir Visvesvaraya’s portrait and congratulated engineers on the occasion. He appreciated their efforts in maintaining the quality of civic services and contributing to NMMC’s reputation through their work.

The Commissioner also stressed the need for engineers to stay updated with new technologies and modern developments in their field. He said that continuous learning and the adoption of innovative methods are important for improving the efficiency of civic infrastructure and services. City Engineer Shirish Aradwad, Assistant Director of Town Planning Somnath Kekan, Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department Smita Kale, Additional City Engineer Madan Waghchaude and several other engineers were present at the programme.

The gathering served as an opportunity to recognise the dedication of NMMC’s engineering team and reflect on the importance of engineering in the city’s growth and development.

Centre to operate from 2 pm to 10 pm, helping working residents and senior citizens access healthcare closer to home.

The Health Centre

A new Urban Health and Wellness Centre was inaugurated at Rabale’s Warlipada area on the occasion of State Forest Minister and Palghar Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik’s birthday. The centre was established through the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation following the efforts of former mayor and corporator Sudhakar Sonawane.

Mayor Sujata Patil inaugurated the facility and inspected the centre along with officials and local representatives. She reviewed the healthcare services to be provided and directed the Health Department to ensure that residents receive quality and effective treatment. During the programme, Sonawane requested that the centre remain open from 2 pm to 10 pm so that working people could visit after returning from work. Patil accepted the request and announced the extended operating hours.

The new centre is expected to benefit working women, senior citizens and other residents who previously had to travel by rickshaw or on foot to access healthcare. Officials noted that Navi Mumbai has 59 Urban Health and Wellness Centres under the Central Government’s healthcare initiative, aimed at bringing medical services closer to people’s homes.

A tree plantation drive was also organised at Rabale as part of the birthday celebrations. Patil praised Sonawane’s efforts to transform barren land into a greener space, describing him as a committed environmentalist. Health Committee Chairperson Dr Jayjinath, Slum Improvement Committee Chairperson Ranjana Sonawane, Medical Health Officer Dr Rajesh Mhatre and other officials and residents attended the programme.

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.