The initiative encourages residents, housing societies and businesses to adopt public spaces and work together to keep Navi Mumbai clean and green.

The Campaign

More than one lakh citizens have registered for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) ‘Sugandhi Shahar’ (Fragrant City) campaign, which aims to improve cleanliness and beautify public spaces through active public participation.

The initiative, conceived by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, includes the ‘Angan Dattak Yojana’ (Adopt-a-Space Scheme). It was launched in March 2026 from Vashi village in the presence of Mayor Sujata Patil. Under the scheme, residents, housing societies, shopkeepers and other participants are encouraged to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and improving public spaces near their homes and establishments. The campaign aims to make cleanliness a shared responsibility between citizens and the civic administration.

Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat said the campaign had received an encouraging response. A coordination meeting was recently held in Vashi to strengthen cooperation among residents, traders, street vendors, cleanliness volunteers and officials from various NMMC departments. Representatives from the health, gardens, water supply, electricity and solid waste management departments participated in discussions on improving coordination and ensuring regular maintenance of adopted spaces.

Bhagat also appealed to citizens to conserve water, highlighting concerns over reduced rainfall and declining water levels at Morbe Dam. He stressed the importance of making water conservation and cleanliness part of everyday life. Through the campaign, the civic body hopes to encourage greater community participation and create cleaner, greener and healthier neighbourhoods across Navi Mumbai.

Mayor Sujata Patil directs a detailed investigation into the work and contracts handled by the suspended electrical department engineer.

The Suspension

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has revoked the suspension of Deputy Commissioner Dr Kailas Gaikwad, who was facing bribery allegations. At the same time, the civic body has decided to continue the suspension of electrical department executive engineer Pravin Gade and ordered a detailed inquiry into his work.

Dr Gaikwad was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after allegedly demanding Rs 42,000 from a contractor to approve a pending bill in the encroachment department. He was subsequently suspended by the civic administration and later granted bail by a court.

During a general body meeting on Tuesday, representatives proposed revoking his suspension and assigning him to a department other than the encroachment department. Mayor Sujata Patil approved the proposal. However, the decision does not mean that the bribery allegations against him have been dropped. Meanwhile, Pravin Gade’s suspension was discussed following an electric shock incident involving two schoolgirls in Nerul on July 1, 2025, reportedly caused by exposed electrical wires.

During the meeting, corporators raised questions about electrical works and contracts handled during his tenure. Concerns were also raised about alleged irregularities in electrical projects worth around Rs 12 crore and a hospital air-conditioning project worth Rs 6 crore. The Mayor directed that an ad hoc committee conduct a detailed inquiry into Gade’s work and contracts. His suspension will continue until further review, and he will not be assigned to another department while the inquiry is pending.

The revised payment will include arrears from June–July, while the civic body is also considering an increase in the Diwali bonus.

The Increase in Wage

In a major relief ahead of Diwali, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Standing Committee has approved a Rs 7,500 increase in remuneration for around 8,500 contract workers. The civic body is also considering increasing the Diwali bonus this year to make the festive season more rewarding for employees. House Leader Sagar Naik said the wage increase had been decided in June following the instructions of senior leader Ganesh Naik. However, its implementation was delayed due to legal and technical issues.

According to Sagar Naik, the administration and elected representatives held several meetings to resolve these difficulties. The Standing Committee has now approved the necessary steps, including amendments to existing contracts, to facilitate the revised payments. The additional amount will be paid after the contract amendments are completed and the bills are submitted. Applicable deductions, including Provident Fund contributions, will be made before the money is credited to workers’ accounts.

The workers are also expected to receive arrears dating back to June–July, ensuring that the increase covers the period since the original decision. Sagar Naik said the process of amending contracts would begin immediately and expressed hope that the first payments could be made around Dussehra. He also indicated that the first cheque distribution ceremony was expected to take place in the presence of Ganesh Naik.

The decision is expected to provide financial relief to thousands of contract workers and their families ahead of the festive season.