‘Home Minister – Khel Paithanicha’ programme organised by Ashok Gawde Foundation draws enthusiastic participation.

The Celebration

A special entertainment programme for women was organised in Nerul to mark the birthday of BJP corporator from Ward No. 24, Advocate Swapna Gawde. The event was organised by the Ashok Gawde Foundation as part of various social initiatives held on the occasion.

The programme, titled ‘Home Minister – Khel Paithanicha’, saw enthusiastic participation from women across the ward. A large number of citizens, political representatives, social workers and other dignitaries also attended the event to extend their birthday wishes to Gawde. Former Deputy Mayor Ashok Gawde, former corporator Nirmala Gawde and several sitting and former corporators were among those present.

The event featured a variety of fun games and competitions for women, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Participants actively took part in the activities, while winners were felicitated with attractive prizes. As part of a lucky draw, the first-prize winner received a gold nose ring, the second-prize winner was awarded a Paithani saree, and the third-prize winner received a silver anklet. Other competition winners were also presented with prizes.

Advocate Swapna Gawde has been actively involved in raising civic issues and addressing residents’ concerns in Ward No. 24. The large turnout at the birthday programme reflected the participation and support of local residents. The event combined celebration with an opportunity for women to enjoy themselves, showcase their enthusiasm and spend time together in a festive atmosphere.

Residents say unreliable CIDCO supply is forcing them to spend lakhs every month on water.

The Crisis

More than 350 families living in Akshar Estonia, Sector 47, Dronagiri, are struggling with an unreliable water supply and have been forced to depend on private tankers to meet their daily needs.

Residents claim that the CIDCO water supply, provided on alternate days, is insufficient and often comes with low pressure. As a result, the society has reportedly been spending around Rs 5 lakh every month on tanker water. Residents estimate that the expenditure has reached nearly Rs 1.5 crore over the past three years.

According to residents, the low pressure often prevents their underground water tanks from filling adequately. Technical issues in the main pipeline receiving water from the Hetawane dam, along with frequent supply interruptions, have further added to their difficulties. K.N. Bhat, president of the housing society, said residents have repeatedly approached CIDCO seeking a permanent solution, but the problem continues. He said the society is now considering legal action if the water shortage is not resolved.

The crisis has made everyday household activities difficult for families, while some residents have also raised concerns about the quality and safety of tanker water. Residents said that while Dronagiri is developing rapidly and more families are moving into the area, the water infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing population.

They have urged CIDCO to strengthen the water-supply network and provide a reliable long-term solution so that families are not forced to depend on expensive tankers for a basic necessity.

Swapna Gawde facilitates replacement of old and unsafe equipment at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Garden.

The Installation

Children in Seawoods Sector 42 now have a safer and more enjoyable space to play, with new playground equipment installed at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Garden in Nerul Ward No. 24. The old play equipment had been in poor condition for several years and had become unsafe for children. Residents had repeatedly raised concerns and requested that the damaged equipment be replaced.

Taking up the issue, local BJP corporator Advocate Swapna Gawde followed up with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) through repeated correspondence and helped secure approval for installing new equipment.

The new facilities were inaugurated as part of Gawde’s birthday celebrations. In a special gesture, children themselves were invited to inaugurate the equipment, followed by a distribution of chocolates. The initiative brought visible excitement among the children and was appreciated by local residents.

Members of the Seawoods Residents Welfare Association thanked Gawde for ensuring that the old equipment, which was beyond repair, was replaced rather than merely repaired. Residents said the new playground could encourage children to spend more time outdoors and reduce their dependence on mobile phones. They also appealed to parents and children to use the equipment responsibly and help maintain the garden.

Swapna Gawde said that fulfilling the trust placed in her by residents remains her priority. She added that she would continue working to address civic concerns and improve facilities in the ward. She said the happiness of the children made the initiative one of the most meaningful parts of her birthday celebration.