Health teams educate thousands of devotees on preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

The Awareness

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) organised 60 awareness camps across the city during the month of Shravan to educate citizens about malaria and dengue prevention.

The camps were held at various Shiva temples on Mondays, where health officials interacted with devotees and explained how mosquito-borne diseases spread. Around 20,440 people visited the camps and received information on preventing mosquito breeding around their homes and neighbourhoods.

Officials also displayed mosquito larvae and explained how stagnant water can quickly become a breeding ground. Residents were advised to regularly empty and clean water containers, keep tanks and drums covered and ensure that water does not collect on rooftops, plastic sheets, old tyres or scrap materials. Health officials also urged citizens not to ignore fever and to seek medical advice promptly if symptoms develop.

NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has been reviewing the civic body’s efforts to control malaria and dengue. Special attention is being given to construction sites, where builders have been asked to maintain cleanliness, update labour records and carry out regular pest-control measures.

The civic body has appealed to residents to take simple precautions and keep their surroundings clean. Officials said that preventing stagnant water and mosquito breeding is a shared responsibility and that public cooperation is essential to keeping Navi Mumbai healthy and safe.

MLA urges police to crack down on drugs, improve women’s safety and tackle traffic issues.

The Preventive Measure

Navi Mumbai MLA Manda Mhatre has urged the police to take stronger measures to make the city safer and free from drugs. She raised several public safety concerns during a meeting with Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe on September 7.

Mhatre stressed the need for greater surveillance around schools and colleges to protect youngsters from drug abuse. She also called for strict action against drug dealers and their supply networks and suggested setting up special flying squads to tackle drug trafficking.

The MLA also highlighted the pressure faced by police personnel. She requested counselling and regular health check-ups for officers and staff, particularly following recent cases of police suicides.

With several major festivals approaching, MLA Mhatre asked the police to ensure that rules on DJs and loudspeakers are followed. She said excessive noise can cause difficulties for senior citizens, patients and children. Women and senior citizens were another key concern. Mhatre sought increased police patrolling at railway and bus stations, educational institutions and other sensitive locations.

Traffic congestion and illegal parking were also discussed. She urged better coordination between the police and civic authorities to address encroachments and improve traffic movement across Navi Mumbai. The meeting focused on making the city safer, better managed and more comfortable for residents.

Traditional performances, a vibrant procession and an eco-friendly idol mark the beginning of Ganeshotsav in Vashi.

The Grand Celebration

The festive spirit of Ganeshotsav came alive in Vashi as the Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 16A, began its 43rd year with a grand idol arrival ceremony.

The procession started from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk and made its way to the main pandal amid the energetic beats of dhol-tasha. Thousands of devotees joined the celebrations, turning the streets into a sea of devotion and excitement.

Traditional performances added to the charm of the procession. Mardani Khel demonstrations, a colourful Lezim performance and the presence of a Govinda troupe drew loud cheers from the crowd. The Govindas formed a human pyramid and offered a special salute to Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja.

The event was attended by BJP corporator Anjali Valunj, mandal president and social worker Vijay Valunj, social worker Ajay Valunj, along with mandal office-bearers, volunteers and devotees. This year, the mandal has also focused on protecting the environment. The Ganesha idol, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on an elephant, has been made from paper as part of its eco-friendly initiative.

The organisers said the mandal has been preserving culture and tradition for 43 years and was among the first in Navi Mumbai to organise an idol arrival ceremony. They also invited devotees from across Navi Mumbai and Maharashtra to visit the mandal and seek Bappa’s blessings.