Garden Department inspection suggests discharge may be linked to old wounds and natural healing.

Tree Poisoning

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has found no evidence of deliberate tree poisoning at Kille Gaothan in CBD Belapur following an inspection by its Garden Department. The inspection was carried out after the civic body received a complaint a few days ago alleging that trees in the area had been poisoned. Environmental experts were consulted, and discussions with tree specialists suggested that the discharge observed on the trees could be linked to old wounds and their natural healing process.

An NMMC official said the inspection did not reveal any signs of poisoning. The discharge, the official added, could be a natural response to earlier injuries sustained by the trees.

As a precautionary measure, the Garden Department has undertaken disinfection and pest-control measures using lime, hydrogen peroxide and Bordeaux mixture to help protect the trees. The civic body also clarified that the site falls under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Commissioner of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), which has been informed about the findings and the action taken.

Citizens who raised the complaint have also been updated on the steps taken by the civic administration.

The inspection findings have eased concerns over possible deliberate damage to the trees. However, the civic body has taken preventive measures to safeguard them and address potential pest-related issues. NMMC’s response highlights the importance of examining environmental complaints through expert assessment before drawing conclusions about possible damage to trees.

Morya Cultural, Arts and Sports Mandal wins first prize in public category; household Ganeshotsav competitions introduced this year.

The Honours

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) organised the prize distribution ceremony for the Navi Mumbai Mayor’s Cup Public and Household Ganeshotsav Competitions at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagriha in Vashi. The event was attended by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Mayor Sujata Patil and MLA Manda Mhatre, among other dignitaries.

A total of 269 public Ganeshotsav mandals participated in the competition, of which 38 reached the semi-finals and 13 were selected for the final awards.

Morya Cultural, Arts and Sports Mandal from Koparkhairane Sector 17 won first prize in the public category, receiving Rs 70,000, a trophy and a certificate. Arunodaya Ganeshotsav Mandal from Nerul Sector 10 secured second place, while Navsala Pavnara Maharaja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal from Vashi Sector 17 came third.

In the five-day household category, Bhavesh Paria, Bhanudas Malvi and Nilesh Hansate secured the first three positions. In the 10-day category, Eknath Bhoir, Swarup More and Mayur Golekar won the top three prizes. Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja from Vashi Sector 16 won first prize in the eco-friendly public Ganeshotsav category, followed by Classic Mitra Mandal from CBD Belapur and A-to-Z Type Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal from Turbhe.

The initiative also recognised mandals under the theme “Small Idol, Great Devotion”, promoting smaller idols and environmentally responsible celebrations. Ganesh Naik praised Navi Mumbai’s mandals for following legal guidelines and celebrating without creating unnecessary noise or inconvenience to others. Sports, Cultural and Youth Welfare Committee Chairman Girish Mhatre said the competition aimed to encourage devotion, community participation and eco-friendly festivities.

Maharashtra Government directs NMMC to process stalled projects, raising hopes of larger homes for residents of Ghansoli.

The Hope

Around 3,260 families living in the Simplex settlement in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, have received fresh hope for redevelopment after the Maharashtra government directed the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to process stalled projects.

The settlement was developed by CIDCO in 2004 for Mathadi workers. Residents have been waiting for redevelopment for over two decades, as many families continue to live in small flats measuring around 150 square feet. With families growing over the years, the limited living space has become a major concern. Residents hope redevelopment will provide them with larger homes measuring over 500 square feet, offering better living conditions and more space for their families.

The projects had faced delays after the NMMC general body decided in August to put Urban Renewal Scheme projects on hold to assess their impact on roads, water supply, parking and other civic infrastructure.

The state government has now clarified that projects already notified or pending before the high-powered committee cannot be stopped through a general body resolution. Three of the five redevelopment proposals in Ghansoli and Vashi have received committee approval.

However, the projects will require further scrutiny and final state government approval. The NMMC must also assess the impact of redevelopment on civic infrastructure and the environment. The government’s directive has renewed hopes among residents who have been waiting for improved housing conditions for years.