Mayor Sujata Patil directs civic commissioner to restrict town planning officer Somnath Kekan’s entry to NMMC headquarters until the inquiry report is submitted.

The Controversy

A controversy has emerged in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) over the approval of additional Floor Space Index (FSI) for the redevelopment of Avani Cooperative Housing Society in Sector 9, Vashi.

The issue concerns the approval of 3 FSI for the society’s 5,330.04-square-metre plot. Questions have been raised over the use of a neighbouring 32-metre-wide road near Air India Society, despite the society’s plot having access to a 12-metre-wide road.

The approval reportedly allowed construction rights covering 15,990.12 square metres, prompting objections over whether the required rules and regulations were followed. Town Planning Department officer Somnath Kekan has come under scrutiny in the matter. Mayor Sujata Patil has directed the municipal commissioner to restrict Kekan’s entry to the NMMC headquarters until the inquiry report is presented before the general body.

The mayor has also sought a detailed investigation into plot measurements, consent from Air India Society, CIDCO permissions and FSI calculations. A preliminary action report has been sought within 15 days. The controversy has raised concerns over transparency and accountability in redevelopment approvals. The investigation is expected to establish whether the additional FSI was granted in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Civic body targets saving 80 MLD daily to ensure Morbe Dam reserves last until July 2027, while residents continue to report water supply problems.

The Plan

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has set a target of saving 80 million litres per day (MLD) to ensure that water from Morbe Dam lasts until the end of July 2027. However, concerns have emerged over the implementation of the conservation plan as several areas continue to face water supply problems.

Despite the state government’s directive to impose a 10% water cut, NMMC has opted for conservation measures instead of introducing direct restrictions.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has announced a target of reducing daily water consumption and improving water management. The civic body is also focusing on preventing water wastage caused by pipeline leakages, illegal connections and unauthorised water pumps. Monitoring teams have been formed under eight deputy commissioners to inspect the distribution network and identify water losses. According to the administration, around 15–18% of supplied water is lost due to leakages and technical problems.

Meanwhile, residents in several areas have raised complaints about poor water quality and inadequate pressure. In Airoli Sector 5, residents reported insects and larvae in drinking water, while parts of Ghansoli have experienced low-pressure supply. The gap between the announced conservation targets and their implementation has raised questions about the civic body’s preparedness to manage water resources and maintain an uninterrupted supply until the next monsoon.

First consignment of six dozen mangoes arrives ahead of the regular season, with the box expected to fetch over Rs 25,000.

The Alphonso

The much-awaited Devgad Alphonso mangoes from Konkan have made an early appearance at the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market in Vashi, bringing excitement among traders and mango lovers.

The first consignment arrived on October 30 from Vijay Durga in Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg district. The box, containing six dozen mangoes, was sent by farmer Milesh Bandkar, who managed to cultivate the early crop despite challenging weather conditions.

Farmers in the Konkan region faced difficulties in protecting mango blossoms due to below-average rainfall and unfavorable weather. Bandkar adopted special measures, including covering mango trees and using fungicides and other treatments to protect the blossoms. Traders at the Vashi APMC fruit market have estimated that the first six-dozen box could fetch more than Rs 25,000.

Bandkar is also planning to send another six to seven boxes, each containing five dozen mangoes, around Diwali Padwa. The early arrival of Devgad Alphonso mangoes has generated interest among traders and consumers. However, regular arrivals are expected later in the season, depending on weather conditions and the overall crop yield.