Civic body cites likely enforcement of election code; organizers express disappointment.

The Permission

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has rejected permission for the annual Maghi Ganeshotsav at Ranjan Devi Maidan in Koparkhairane, citing the likelihood of the Model Code of Conduct coming into force ahead of the upcoming civic elections. The festival, organised every year by Kesari Pratishthan, was scheduled to take place on January 22, 2026, with stage and decoration work proposed from January 12 to 25.

In a letter dated November 21, NMMC Assistant Commissioner Bharat Dhande informed the organizers that approval could not be granted due to the expected enforcement of election rules during the proposed dates. The civic body also mentioned that the ground may be required for election-related arrangements, including polling booths, making it unsuitable for a large cultural event.

Kesari Pratishthan expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, stating that the festival holds deep religious importance for local residents, who eagerly wait for the annual celebration. Members noted that the refusal has hurt public sentiments and appealed to the administration to reconsider the decision.

Organizers added that Maghi Ganeshotsav has been a long-standing tradition in Koparkhairane and attracts significant community participation. They remain hopeful that a revised decision may allow the event to proceed as planned.

However, if permission continues to be withheld, the organizers may be forced to shift the venue or scale down the celebrations, affecting thousands of devotees who participate every year.

NMMC launches Rs 5-crore project to ensure long-term water security for tribal village.

The Launch

A major step towards resolving long-standing water scarcity in Airoli constituency’s tribal-dominated Adavli–Bhutavli village was taken as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) initiated construction of a 15-lakh-litre capacity water tank. The ambitious project, costing nearly Rs 5 crore, was inaugurated in the presence of former MP Sanjeev Naik. Former corporator Ramesh Dole and several local residents also attended the ceremony.

The new water tank is expected to provide significant relief to the tribal community. State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik had earlier assured residents that a permanent solution to their water crisis would be delivered. The commencement of this project marks the fulfilment of that commitment.

Officials stated that the tank construction will be completed within six months. With a 15-lakh-litre capacity, the structure is expected to eliminate water shortages for the next 25 years, offering long-term stability to the region’s water supply.

Speaking at the event, former MP Sanjeev Naik highlighted that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of ensuring drinking water in every village, as well as former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s focus on strengthening water schemes in tribal areas across Maharashtra.

Naik also acknowledged the consistent efforts of former corporator Ramesh Dole, who pursued this project even after completing his municipal term. Residents expressed gratitude to NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, municipal officials, and Minister Ganesh Naik for bringing meaningful development to the doorstep of the tribal community.

Internal road repair works underway from Digha to Belapur in Navi Mumbai have sparked safety concerns among residents, who allege that contractors are ignoring essential safety norms. The ongoing work, which includes excavation and laying of stones, has left several stretches uneven and hazardous, with no warning boards, barricades or reflective lights to alert motorists and pedestrians.

In one alarming incident at Koparkhairane’s Sector 14, a bus reportedly lost balance and tipped over on an unstable, gravel-covered patch. Locals claim there were no “work in progress” signs or safety measures in place, making the stretch especially dangerous during peak hours. Similar conditions have been reported in the Digha–Airoli area and the Turbhe belt, where loose gravel, open patches and partially dug-up roads are putting commuters at constant risk.

Residents say the situation worsens after sunset, as many work sites lack proper lighting or reflective markers, leaving drivers unable to spot hazards until it is too late. Several near-miss accidents have been reported, heightening fears of a major mishap if corrective steps are not taken immediately.

Citizens have criticised the contractor for what they term “irresponsible and careless” execution of the project, pointing out that basic safety requirements are being ignored despite active construction. They are urging NMMC and other concerned authorities to strictly enforce safety standards and ensure that adequate signage, barricades and lighting are installed without delay to safeguard public movement across these busy internal routes.