Corporator Kishor Patkar suggests using vacant CIDCO plots in Sector 19-F for a dedicated mental health facility.

The Hospital

Navi Mumbai could soon have a dedicated mental health hospital if a new proposal for two plots in Vashi moves forward.

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) corporator Kishor Patkar has proposed that the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) take over two CIDCO plots in Sector 19-F and use them to develop a modern mental health hospital. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the NMMC general body meeting.

Patkar has asked the civic body to first check the legal and physical status of the plots. He has sought information about their original allotment, ownership records, pending dues and whether the land has been reserved for any specific purpose under the development plan.

He has also asked NMMC to verify construction permissions and whether CIDCO’s required No-Objection Certificate is available. According to Patkar, if the plots are vacant and suitable for development, they should be acquired from CIDCO and put to public use by creating a modern mental health facility.

The proposal comes amid an ongoing debate over major hospital projects in Navi Mumbai, including a separate controversy surrounding a proposed super-speciality hospital and medical college. With mental health gaining greater attention, the proposal has brought a different aspect of public healthcare into the city’s development discussion. The next step will depend on NMMC’s verification of the plots and the decision taken on the proposal.

Protester Pradeep Waghmare pauses hunger strike for 15 days, warning of renewed agitation if action is delayed.

The Pause

A hunger strike over encroachments in Vashi has been temporarily suspended after the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) assured protester Pradeep Waghmare that action would be taken on the issue.

Waghmare had started his three-day hunger strike on August 31, demanding the removal of encroachments from marginal spaces in Vashi. He also sought action against civic officials whom he alleged had failed to properly address the problem.

On September 2, NMMC Assistant Commissioner Ramesh Rathod and other civic officials met Waghmare at the protest site and handed him a written assurance. The civic body said that action against encroachments in Vashi would continue on a regular basis.

Officials also reportedly informed Waghmare that the process of transferring Assistant Commissioner Sukhdev Yedve and encroachment officer Jambhale had been initiated. Following the assurance, Waghmare agreed to suspend his hunger strike for 15 days. However, he made it clear that the protest could resume if the promised transfers do not take place within the given period.

The agitation had received support from several political parties and social organisations, including NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Republican Sena and women’s groups. For now, the protest has been paused, but Waghmare’s warning puts the civic administration under pressure to act on its assurances.

Thousands of visitors expected in Vashi as police prepare for a busy festive week.

The Visit

Navi Mumbai is preparing for a major security and traffic challenge as Ganeshotsav coincides with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Vashi.

Shah is scheduled to visit the CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Vashi on September 14, the first day of Ganeshotsav. The venue will host the Hindi Diwas and All India Official Language Conference on September 14 and 15, with more than 5,000 officials and delegates expected to attend.

At the same time, the city will be witnessing large crowds and Ganpati processions, putting additional pressure on traffic and security arrangements. To manage the situation, additional police personnel will be deployed in Vashi and surrounding areas from 9 am to 6 pm on September 14 and 15. Authorities are also planning parking facilities for more than 10,000 vehicles, including space near the Tunga Hotel. Medical rooms and ambulances will be kept ready to deal with any emergency.

Additional police forces have reportedly been called in from other parts of the state to strengthen security during the high-profile visit.

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has directed senior officials to coordinate the arrangements closely. The aim is to ensure that the Home Minister’s visit does not disrupt Ganeshotsav celebrations or cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents. With both events drawing large crowds, authorities are urging careful planning to keep the city safe and traffic moving smoothly.