KEEPING UP WITH TIMES

December 8, 2007

While the roads and the flyovers are the more visible elements of infrastructure that serve the transportation needs of the residents, the water supply network, storm water management, etc, which may not be in the public eye also play a very important role in ensuring the success of any city

There are several aspects of the city unknown to the common man that in making his life better. While the roads and the flyovers are the more visible elements of infrastructure that water supply network, storm water management, Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), Solid Waste Management (SWM) system, holding ponds, pollution monitoring and control are areas, which may not be in the public eye also play a very important role in ensuring the success of any city.
In Navi Mumbai, CIDCO and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have both played important roles in anticipating the infrastructural needs of the city, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure that has been readied.
WATER SUPPLY
Water, the basic need of any city has been well taken care of by the city planners, thanks to the purchase of the by the city planners, thanks to the purchase of the Rs 553 crores, 450 mld Morbe Dam, which will supply 24 hours of water to the city from mid of the next year.
NMMC is the only corporation in the country to have bought a dam of its own. Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the only other corporation to own dams, but they belong from the British era. Morbe dam will take care of the water needs of Navi Mumbai for the next 25 years, when the population figure is expected to reach 2.1 million from the current 1 million.
The NMMC area with a population of around 1 million people requires 210 mld of water. The actual consumption as of today is 270 mld water. Also, with the project moving ahead on schedule, Navi Mumbai residents can expect 24 hours water supply from mid-2007, when the dam will be fully supply from mid-2007, when the dam will be fully commissioned.
Additional pipelines to carry the total 450 mid of Morbe water to the city are being laid. The corporation has also embarked on the metering of water consumption all over the city to prevent its misuse.
STORM WATER management
The excellent Storm water management system in the city helped it survive the 26/7 onslaught of 2005. While the coastal regions of Maharashtra, including the developed city of Mumbai. Were virtually flooded due to incessant rains, water logging in Navi Mumbai lasted for merely a few hours in some pockets.
Says budhbhushan Gaikwad, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of CIDCO, “The planners of CIDCO took all the precautionary measures into consideration in the development of Navi Mumbai. Dspite the fact that 20 percent of the land in Navi Mumbai is below high tide, it did not suffer much during the 26/7 deluge, thanks to the innovative engineering methods of Storm Water Management and the efficient sewerage system in the city.”
Adds Gaikwad, “CIDCO has constructed 16 detention ponds and 28 holding ponds in low-lying areas. These ponds hold storm water and prevent it from flowing it into the creek. They help avoid high tide flooding.”
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
At present the city has seven Sewage Treatment Plants (STP). NMMC has now taken up the job of upgrading the existing STP’s in the city. Which are 25 years old? Three STP projects are being developed in Vashi (100 mld). Neri; (100 mld) and Airoli (80 mld) According to official sources, “The water treated here will be almost as good as drinking water. We will be able to use it in industries, for gardening and washing purpose.”
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Solid Waste Management (SWM) is vital to ensure a healthy and hygienic life in the city. With the Kopar Khairane dumping ground being shut and a new land fill site spread over 103 acres being developed in Turbhe area. NMMC claims that the SWM needs of the city for the next 35 years have been taken care of.
Says city engineer Mohan Dagaonkar, “Very few cities in the country have succeeded in developing a land fill site, as developed by NMMC in Turbhe. Unlike the conventional system of garbage being simply dumped, here it is scientifically disposed off. The land fill site should not pollute ground water, surface water, soil and the air quality.” Explaining further Dagaonkar said, “The site has several layers to prevent the various pollutions. The garbage is daily covered with one foot of soil and closed. It is repeated the next day. Trees have been planted at the site to provide for air curtains and prevent air pollution.”
In future, the corporation plans to recycle the waste into other useful products that can be used for the city’s benefit.
STREET LIGHTS
NMMC claims to have changed practically all the street lights in the city. Said Mohan Dagaonkar, “Almost all the street lights have been changed. We have also put up High Mast lights at several junctions. Now. Mostly energy saying lights are being put up the city. The tender process is on.
AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION
Another first that NMMC has scored in terms of infrastructure is the installation of the Air
Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) at the Vashi fire state. No other municipal corporation has it, claims NMMC. The AQMS has been installed in Vashi with 50 percent financial support from MPCB.
Says Dagaonkar, “A daily reporting is done to the MPCB. It helps in detecting violations by the industries. For example, if a high level of sulphur dioxide is detected in the air, immediate action can be taken against the erring company, as the MPCB has details of companies emanating the particular gas.

SANPADA - SWEET AND SOUR

29 December 2007
What was once an open green space has now turned into a proper residential area? Dipti Das takes a look at what these developments are…

Millennium Towers, Palm Beach road and CIDCO-built societies… that’s what Sanpada is all about. This node was developed in the late 80s and at that time, it was the government that tried to attract people to invest in property in this area. Before CIDCO initiated its developmental works, Sanpada had fields, lakes and plenty of open spaces. However, in the recent past, all this has changed and what stands on this land is a concrete jungle.
Today, the node is bursting at its seams. It was designed as a residential area. Within two decades, by which time only half of the node had actually been developed the distinction of being a property buyer’s paradise. A node with a lakh and a half in 2001 and an area of about 14.5 sq km. soon became a part of Navi Mumbai.
Sanpada has been divided into sectors based on the size of the flats; hence, dividing the demography of the area on a socio-economical basis. Paradise Society, Millennium Towers and Moraj Residency are among the well-know housing societies of the node. The park, in sector 7 is used by the residents of the area for playing cricket matches, but it also serves as a kind of jogger’s park for many.
Besides this, the node has two major construction sites. One is the Sanpada built by private builders, which comprises of more skyscrapers towards Palm Beach road and another one is the CIDCO-built societies that are small, but complete with basic amenities and are properly connected with railway and bus routes. The one constructed by private builders lacks facilities, like proper roads, flyovers, proper connectivity with railway stations and bus depots.
Sectors 1,13,14,15 and 16 of Sanpada have become prized residential localities. Albeit, living in these sectors meant that one would have to travel long distances. Even today, apart from one for two NMMT buses from one or two NMMT buses in these areas, there is still the need for proper public transport.
Apart from this, Sanpada had problems like the exhaust from the Hardily Chemical Plant, the black dust from the rock mine explosion, concrete from the new buildings being developed, pollution from the highway, shortage of water, the constant power cuts, robberies, to name a few.
Today, Sanpada is becoming a happy node with facilities like a two-screen multiplex theater called fun Square, located at Sanpada railway station, a vegetable market, number of novelty stores, schools, etc.
“This node is amazing with huge roads and less pollution. But so boring!” said 15-year-old Vishal Ghai, a tennis player from Sanpada. This is the opinion of most youngsters about Sanpada. In Fact, most of them say that the city could be a nice place to stay for those who do not want to do much.
Fifteen-year-old Anil Dutta also added, “This is mostly a residential area and that is all about this place. And that is all about this place. Very quiet and peaceful. But I still have to go around the city to get to know this place better and to really comment about it.”
Even among municipal officers, Sanpada was considered to be a small node and was merged with Turbhe for its civic facilities and services. Sanpada was even brought under the jurisdiction of the Turbhe police station. Yet, a number of years later, Sanpada began to acquire the reputation of a acquire the reputation of a proper node meant for fast-moving traffic.
The speed limits for cars on the main roads were fixed at 65 kmph and within the thickly populated sectors it was 30 kmph. Trucks and buses were allowed to move at 40 kmph. Considering that other nodes in Navi Mumbai routinely maintain a speed limit of 40 kmph for light mover vehicles, Sanpada must have seemed a very fast moving town indeed.

URBAN KHAIRANE

December 29, 2007

New Bombay Plus takes you through the story of development of two upcoming nodes in the city

Once a not-so-developed node, today, Kopar Kahirane is one of the most sought out places in Navi Mumbai. Dipti Das finds out…

For more than a decade, Kopar Khairane has been called the neighboring node of Vashi, but today, it has gained its own identity. Kopar Khairane was planned to decongest Khairane was planned to decongest Vashi in mid 90’s, and flats were available at reasonable rates, but today, times have change. Kopar Khairane is no longer considered a node for the poor, as the shanties and small societies are getting cornered due to the presence of towers and plush green gardens.
Developed in an area of 34 sq km in eighties, Kopar Khairane used to be filled with creeks, plenty of aquatic life and mangroves. CIDCO developed the node and built small houses and few societies, primarily for Mathadi workers. Over the years, with real estate booming in Navi Mumbai, private builders also showed interest in the node and constructed posh societies, like Balaji Garden, FAM, Kanchanjunga, Kalash Udyan, etc.
Tody, the property rates in this node are similar to those at Vashi and Kharghar. The fact remains, however, that the node is not properly planned, as it has stone quarries nearby, a dumping ground (which was shut) and the Thane-Belapur industrial belt close to the residential areas. In fact, the node lacks public gardens as well, but compared to all other nodes, Kopar Khairane is one of the liveliest.
City’s strongman Ganesh Naik and his family belong to Bonkode village, and currently stay in Blalaji Garden, in Kopar Khairane.
“Any death or development in the political scenario, Kopar Khairane is the political scenario, Kopar Khairane is the first node to get shut. Even during Diwali, first ode to get shut. Even during Diwali, due to the death of a corporator, all the shops were closed,” says Sujhata Shetty. Resident of sector 18, Kopar Khairane. “In a way, it is a politically sensitive area,”she adds.
Apart from politics, the node has been in news for other reasons as wll. Not so long ago, the Ghansoli riots after effects were seen in kopar khairane.
“Due to problem in Ghansoli, shops and
Vehicles were broken in this area. In fact, even after curfew withdrawal, tension in Kopar Khairane continued for about a month,” says Arjun Pengat, resident of sector 14,Kopar Khairane.
On the rosy side, the famous Dahi Handi festival is celebrated with full enthusiasm in sector 11, near Panchratna hotal at Kopar Khairane. The massive popularity to reckon with, in the Mumbai-Thane circle.
While Kopar Khairane node in itself is complete, with schools, colleges, hospitals, etc, for many years it was not connected with a rail route. The commuters from Kopar Khairane had to travel all the way to Vashi to catch a CST local, or take a bus till Thane for the train. However, a couple of years ago, railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav came to inaugurate Thane-Vashi route, at Kopar Khairane. It was a landmark day in the history of the city’s development. Today, thousands o commuters travel on this route.
With a population of about approximately 1.13 lakh (as per censes in 2001), Kopar Khairane is certainly one of the more densely populated areas in the city. The NMMT depot (Chikneshwar) has more than 100 buses taking passengers to other nodes in the city.
Due to the presence of colleges like Lokmany Tilak College of Engineering, Indira Gandhi Gandhi College of Engineering, and schools like St Mary’s, RF Naik, North Point, Sai Holy Faith, etc, it is slowly evolving as an educational hub.
Even for shopping purposes, Kopar khairane is famous. From departmental strores like D-mart, more, Reliance Fresh, Mega Mart, V Mart, etc it has small community shopping centers in various sectors. For shoppers with a small budget, every “Wednesday there is a special roadside market in sector 15,near Shubham Palace called Budh Bazaar. Here, crockery, clothes, decorative articles, etc are available at reasonable rates.
“I love to shop in Budh Bazaar, as it is very cheap. I don’t miss Fashion Street, because of this shop. It gets really crowded during festival seasons, but one should know how to bargain,” says Pooja Sharma, resident of sector 18, Kopar Khairane.
As far as security is concerned, Kopar Khairane has a police chowky. Post riots, the Navi Mumbai police department was planning to make this chowky into a police station, but that plan is still under consideration.

Heart of the satellite city

December 29, 2007

Vashi was the first node to be developed in Navi Mumbai. We take a look at what this node has to offer

Sector-17 is undoubtedly the most famous sector across Navi Mumbai. Among the first ones to be developed, this sector is now seen as the commercial hub of Vashi.
Big splash, one of the first resorts in the city, was set up and was one of the most favoured destinations for shootings of film songs etc.
“A lot of film shooting was done on the water slide in big splash. People from Mumbai frequented the place. However, today the pool is shut and the place is more of landmark and commercial centre,” Says Soham K, a resident of sector 17.
The area is now packed with glittering show rooms selling.

LEADER OF THE PACK

Saturday, December 29,2007

There is no doubt that Nerul is the biggest node in the city. From Palm Beach road to Nerul Gymkhane, this code is undoubtedly the best in the city
FROM VASHI TO NERUL, THE DEVELOPMENT IN ALL THE NODES IN NAVI MUMBAI IS APPARMETN. READ ON…

Nerul is one of the biggest nodes in Navi Mumbai. Palm Beach road, which is one of the most popular raads of the most popular roads in the state, also passes through this node. This has given a major boost to the real estate market in this node. The towers on Palm Beach Road offer an unrestricted view of the Thane Creek and this is also one of the reasons that the real estate process in this node are very high. They also have excellent ventilation due to strong sea breeze during the day.
A railway track divides the node into two halves, Nerul (East) and Nerul (west). Nerul is the only node that has two railway stations, Nerul and Seawoods railway station. Parsik Hills, which was at one time compared to the pali hill in Bandra, is now a joggers’ pardise.
“This is one of the best places in Nerul. It has some of the finest bungalows and is also very peaceful. However, development wise, not much has happened here,” says Om Prasad Gupta, a local resident.
Nerul Is also famous for the Brahmagiri hillock, that houses Mata Amritanandamayi matha, Lord Balaji Temple, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Sri Naryana Guru Mandir and the Little Flower Church.
Apart from these, Nerul is now also looked upon as an educational hub. Some of the best colleges and institutes are situated here. From medical, engineering to management colleges, Nerul has them all.
Nerul was also the first node to have an NRI complex. Although, the market scenario changed and Indians purchased most of the flats, it is still known as the NRI complex.
“Initially, it was being sold only to NRI’s but the real estate boom was over by then and soon the flats were being offered to Indians. Today, most of it is occupied by Indians,” says Mehul Shah, a broker from the city.
The Nerul Gyamkhana and the D Y Patil Cricket Stadium have now made Nerul self-contained in almost every aspect. “One can say with conviction that Nerul will be looked upon as the best place to live, not just in Navi Mumbai, but also across the state very soon,” concludes Shanti Shetty, a resident of Palm Beach road.

A Place for all

The only area in navi Mumbai, which has a five-star hotel, tourist place and is the hub for several government-based offices

CBD belapur is considered to be one of the largest assembly constituencies of Navi Mumbai. With offices like Konkan Bhavan, Navi Mumabi police headquarters, CIDCO, Navi Mumbai municipal Corporation (NMMC), etc, it certainly is the Central Business District (CBD) OF THE satellite city.
Apart from head offices, CBD Belapur is also becoming a hub for hotels. Recently, the city’s first five-star hotel, The Park, opened at sector 10 in CBD BELAPUR. Apart from this, there is K-star, a three-star hotel and Dakshin hotel. Originally, one side of the land was developed for business activities and other was developed for residential purposes.
“Earlier, only CBD Belapur(west) was developed by CIDCO as a residential area. However, skyscrapers were eventually developed on the east side by builders as well,” said Neha Varshney, a resident of Bille Vista, sector 11.
CBD Belapur is also well-connected with Mumbai through local trains and BEST buses. In fact, the area was one of the first nodes to have the luxury Starbus of BEST, especially bus route no 505 (from Belapur to Bandra) and bus route no 504 till Vadala.
Mukesh Binjola, a resident from the area said, “We have a resident from the area, said, “We have a Belapur local for CST AND Andheri, which are very comfortable. Apart from this, we earlier used to have hovercraft from this, we earlier used to have hovercraft services operating from sarovar Vihar till Gateway of India, but for some reason, they discontinued due to operational reasons.”
As far as real estate processes are concerned, CBD Belapur rules the roost.
“The residential property rates in some of the areas are as high as Rs 4,500-5,000 per sq ft and the commercial rates for property are about Rs 8, 000,” informed Rahul Gupta, a city based real estate agent.
In Navi Mumbai, CBD Belapur is the only place that has special houses for artistes. In place that has special houses for artistes. In the mid-eighties, CIDCO constructed a colony called Artistes village in sector 8. Hundreds of people for various field of art purchased flats at concessional rates.
“CIDCO has taken efforts to give a good view of greenery and open sky from every individual house. The area is surrounded by the hills, which overlooks scenic waterfalls,” says Ashok Patil, a resident of sector 8, CBD Belapur.
The area has a lake to its credit. The residents have also been promised of an art gallery at Guarav Mhatre building by the NMMC. CIDCO has also invited artists to settle at Artiste village. At the intersection of Uran and Palm Beach road, there is a Belapur fort, which dates back to 1560-1570. The fort was built by the sides of janjira.

Kharghar is well planned node

December 29, 2007
Kharghar is a residential township consisting of over 50 sectors. Situated close to the highway this place boasts of some of the finest housing complexes in the city and some of the most expensive ones as well! The best thing about Kharghar is that it is a well-planned node and the roads are wide and well-maintained. Famous for its monumental landmarks, like Shilp Chowk, it is situated very close to the upcoming international airport, which has added to the real estate process in the area. Almost every big builder in the city has a project in the area.
CIDCO has earmarked an area of 80 hectare for the Central Park in sectors 23, 24 and 25 of the node.
“These are some of the factor that have made Kharghar so popular. It is, by far, one of the best places to live in and property rates are going up by the day,” says Mohan Parab, a local resident.
Adds Shekhar S, another resident, “The best thing about the node is that the roads are wide and well maintained. Everything is so well-planned.”
The beauty of the picturesque Khaghar Hills cannot be matched by any other place in the area. Kharghar hills are proof of the fact that development and nature can go hand-in-hand.
“Below the hills, one can see that construction activity is on in full swing, but luckily, not a stone has been touched on the hill. This shows that the authorities touched on the hill. This shows that the authorities want to preserve the beauty of the place and encourage development at the same time,” says Priti Khana, a local resident.
This upcoming township also has the Indian Armed force in its vicinity. The Indian Armed Forces have towed residential enclave, Jal Vayu Vihar and Raghunath Vihar and there is also the Rail Vihar near the Hiranandani residential complex.
What put Kharghar on the international map is the upcoming airport and the cross restaurant, which was earlier named as ‘Hitler’s Cross’, but due to international protests, it was changed to ‘cross’.
Kharghar is also becoming a hub for institutes offering specialty courses, like National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and a very famous institute for hotel management.
“Some of the finest institutes are setting up base here. Who would have thought that NIFT would come up in this node? However, with all this development, some basic facilities, like rickshaws with reasonable fares, are still lacking,” concludes Meenal Gupta, a local resident.

Chowk gets facelift

December 29, 2007

The circle at kopar Khairane – vashi road to get revamped, to facilitate better flow of traffic
One of the landmarks of the city, RF Naik Chowk in Kopar Khairane will get a new look before monsoon. Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) handed over the chowk to Reliance for maintenance and beautification. The place is being spruced up and is likely to get a new look soon. The administration, on the circle at the chowk to facilitate traffic movement. Fearing a public outcry, it has refrained from activating the traffic lights. This 28ft circle in the middle of Kopar Khairane Vashi road will be reduced to the size of 14ft.
According to Devidas Handepatil, a corporator, “Heavy traffic converged at this spot Traffic department had proposed the demand for reduction in the size of the chowk.” The new look of RF Naik chowk will comprise fountains and an interlock will be installed in the circle to mange water flow. The total cost of the whole project is about Rs 20 lakh and above, informs handepatil.
Apart from this, NMMC is also planning to broaden the utilizing 30 ft space around D’Mart, and by using the road winding process. The volume of vehicular traffic in this area has increased. Traffic jams are a common scene on the Kopar Khairane main road, particularly near D’Mart and RF Naik Chowk.
“Any open space by the road subdenly becomes a taxi stand. There is hardly any place left for parking by private vehicles, which are chalaned when parked on the roadside,” says Durgesh Jha, a Kopar Khairane resident. “Most times, the traffic policemen helplessly watch the jams and leave it for the drivers to settle issues among themselves,” adds jha.
According to officials from trafficpolice department, “The town suffers from outdated circulation pattern, which was previously designed to suit the pedestrian, but is now subjected to heavy flow of vehicular traffic. Circles, like Shivaji Chowk had to be razed in sector 17 for smooth movement of vehicles on the road. Besides this, Arenja Corner Circle was also reduced in size for the same purposes.”

Put out the Fire!

December 29, 2007

City fire brigade is now better equipped to douse emergency fire
The city’s fire brigade has reasons to cheer up finally. After receiving adequate funds and approval from the municipal commissioner, Vijay Nahata, the fire the municipal commissioner, Vijay Nahata, the fire department is ass set to add three modernize water tenders to its existing fleer.
With the arrival of three new mini water tenders at the Vashi Fire department, in dousing fire at slums and CIDCO-constructed chawls and tenements would now become easier to tackle. “These fire tenders are the best to tackle household fire,” says chef fire officer, R T Mhatre.
The 2000-litre capacity mini water tender is equipped with high-pressure pump and low discharge facilities, which enables the rescue personnel to use water to douse the fire for 20 minutes at a stretch.
According to Mhatre, narrow lanes, extended verandas, dense population and inadequate civic amenities are some of the impediments while dousing fires at such places.
“It is extremely difficult to drive fire fighters and water tanders to the spot as lanes in slums are not more than two feet wide. In such events, these mini fire tenders would prove to be of mmense in reaching accident spot on time, since response and rescue operation time Period would now be much faster,” he says.
“Although there are 42 slums and over 100 clusters of tenements for Low Income Groups (LIG) scattered all over the city, not all of them have water round-the-clock, “says an official
“Now the department is becoming more scientific in its approach. For instance, while small fire tenders with ultra high pressure will save water and manpower, the high volume trailer pump can pump water at the rate of 10,000 litres per minute. The four container hook arm chassis will be of use in a number of ways,” says Mhatre.
According to NMMC, the city fire department received more than Rs 10 crore funds for the financial year 2007-08. The department has promptly purchased the three mini tenders from a Sholapur-based fire engine manufacturer, Devi Fire, at an estimated cost of Rs 51 lakh. Out of these three fire tenders, Airoli and CBD fire station will get one each, while Vashi head quarter will retain one. Having felt the need to upgrade their services and reach, the central fire brigade office has degun upgrading its fire stations in phases.

NMMC schools

Sunday 29, June 2008
CBD-BELAPUR
Municipal circles here are upbeat as the two high schools run by it situated at Airoli and Nerul - have recorded 85.43% and 84.74% results respectively in the SSC exam held in March, 2008.
Sohan Shantaram Bagul of Municipal High School, Airoli, has tapped the list with 89% marks. He is followed by Poonam Arun Karanje of the same school with 80% marks.
In the other school at Nerul, Neha Ravikant Kamble stood first with 80% marks and Akshata Baburao Patil came second with 79.69% marks. Jayesh Popat katkar occupies the third position with 78.92% marks.
We arranged for special coaching to these students on the school premises itself, says a press note circulated by DMC Jagannath Sinnerkar.

Water Supply under threat

Friday June 20, 2008
A notice has been put up at the ward office warning residents of disconnection of supply of water in case of failure of bill payment
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) has put up a notice board in Ghansoli F-ward office, warning the residents of cutting the water supply in case of default in payment of pending bills.
The notice says, "If residents are not paying their pending water bill charges, then NMMC will disconnect their water connection."
However, this decision has not gone down well with the residents, as they feel NMMC's move is boorish, as water is an essential commodity for people.
NMMC is running a drive in the slums of Ghansoli, in which, more than 300 waterline connections have been cut. On June 18, about 175 waterlines were disconnected and on June 19, more than 180 lines were disconnected.
Speaking to New Bombay Plus. Asha Verma, a resident from Ghansoli says, "Waterline disconnection is inhuman. The charge for the supply of water isn't much. Every year. NMMC has a budget of more than Rs 500 crore. Residents of slum areas should be either rehabilitated or some alternative solution should be worked out. Depriving them of water is not the solution." Verma is a social worker and has been working on educating people staying in slum area.
According to Vijay R Ranjane, Ghansoli ward officer, "Our drive will continue for a few more days. We are targeting Talvali village, Dutta Nagar and other areas, where unauthorised water connections have increased in Ghaansoli in recent times and to curb this, we have to take stern steps."
Says Shyam Sunder, a resident from Talvali, "Whenever there are elections in the city, politicians will guard these areas. Now that there are no elections, we are being troubled unnecessarily." Sunder stays in a rented flat and the owner, who hasn't paid the water bill for more than two years, has gone to his village on a vaction.
Adds Sunder, "My flat owner didn't tell me anything about bill details, as I am not supposed to pay the water bill, but since ether past few days, I have not been getting water supply."
As per the Maharashtra State government act, NMMC has legalised slums established since 1995.
According to Ranjane, "In Ghansoli, most of the development has taken place after 1995 and hence the construction at many places in Ghansoli is illegal. NMMC commissioner Vijay Nahata has instructed the ward office to carry disconnection of the defaulters' waterline."

Navi Mumbai: Excelent Madical Facilities

Friday June 20,2008
No takers for modern medical facility in Vashi
Fortis Hiranandani puts a 'We are open' board at the gate to attract patients
sign board reading 'we are open' is probably a common sight outside restaurants and eatery joints but when such boards are placed outside hospitals, one wonders the reason for the same. Fortis Hiranandani Hospital at Vashi has placed a similar board in front of their of having excellent medical facilities and infrastructure ready there are no takers. A city-based doctor said that this is a 'hotel like attitude' that the hospital is projecting. "Such boards can be seen outside commercial institutions and the medical facilities have now become a money making practice rather than a service to the society. The board indicates a non-ethical practice and the hospital is behaving like a corporate," the doctor said. One of the visiting doctors at the hospital said that not many in the area know that hospital is functional and ready resulting which there are not many patients. "The patients are very less as the hospital has not gained much mileage," the doctor said adding, the board looks appropriate for a restaurant or commercial establishment, but doesn’t suit a hospital. He further said that probably because of the brand, most residents are of the view that the charges would be quite high in the hospital. A hospital authority said that the board only is a message to the neighbours that Out Patients Department (OPD), preventive health check up, pre-employment check up, dentistry, physiotherapy, x-ray facilities at the hospital are functional. "Generally, when a tertiary level hospital like ours opens, it carries out advertisement campaign. We are yet to ready our systems and some paper work is remaining so we cannot campaign in any form," the official said adding, they just wanted to inform that though admissions are not yet being done, the hospital is ready to take care of the patents. There are about 80 doctors visiting the hospital throughout the week and there is also an emergency ward that cares for the patients during any time of the day. "The hospital is getting very few patients. But putting a board outside is more like a restaurant or some commercial establishment. It doesn't suit a hospital."

World Envirnment Day celebrate

Friday 06 June, 2008
(From left) Prashant Thakur, Sanjeev Naik, Vijay Dhamal and Mayou Anjani Bhoir at the world Environment Day celebrations.
Vashi: National Civil and Environment Protection organized a function at Vshnudas Bhave Auditorium to mark the World Environment Day (5 June) on Thursday. MLA Bhai Thakur presided over the function.
Mayor Anjani Bhoir, Panvel Municipal President Prashant Thakur, Former Mayor Sanjeev Naik, Labour leader Dada Jagtap, Rajaram Nikam, Rashmi Kadam, Ashok Munde, Sunil Mhatre amd Santosh Nalavade were among those who graced the occasion.
The programme was arranged by Vijay Dhamal, National president of the host organization

Mahapour Chashak Kabaddi tournament

A match between two girls teams in progress.
Vashi: The Kabaddi tournament going under the name of Mahapour Chashak organized by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation kicked off at St Lawrence ground on Friday. Sixteen men’s and as many women’s teams from across the state are taking part.
The event was inaugurated by Environment Minister Ganesh Naik. Mayor Anjani Bhoir, Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata and a number of. Corporators witnessed the event.
The opening match was a friendly event between the teams of city Corporators and Navi Mumbai scribes. The former won.
The prize distribution will take place at 5.00 pm on 18 February, 2008

Civic budget presented

Thureday 14/02/2008

No new taxes; revenue crosses Rs 1,000 crore
CBD-BELAPUR: Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata presented the civic budget for 2008-09 along with the revised budget for 2007-08 to the municipal Standing.
For the first time, the municipal budget is
Crossing Rs 1,000 crore marks.
The revenue side of the budget shows a surplus of Rs 4.09 lakhs. The total estimated revenue is Rs 1,297.01 crores. The figure includes generous grants under JNNURM and BSUP and also a loan of Rs 606.13 crore from MMRDA.
The budget envisages an expenditure of Rs 1,296.97 crores.
The two main revenue sources-Cess and property tax – are expected to give better yields. The Commissioner hopes to rake in Rs 225.03 crores from the former and Rs 161.32 crores from the later. This is against the current year’s estimates of Rs 195.02 crores and Rs 128.27 crores respectively.
The budget envisages the completion of some important ongoing works.
They include concretization of Thane-Belapur Road, transfer of Morbe dam, laying of Kalamboli-Digha water pipeline and construction of ultramodern sewage treatment plants at Nerul, Vashi and Ariroli. Other significant works to be undertaken include the construction of NMMC headquarters building, construction of underground and elevated parking spaces, construction of an abattoir and several school buildings. Yet other works proposed are the construction of a grand memorial for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, utilization of nonconventional energy, opening of 100-bed hospital at Airoli, construction of a trauma unit at Vashi hospital construction of homes for tribals and recreation centres for senior citizens.
The Standing Committee will deliberate on the budget at special budget meetings convened on 21,22,25 and 26 February, 2008 before sending it to the general body for approval, announced Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik.

NMMC wakes up to fire hazards

Thursday 29 November, 2007

CBD-BELAPUR : How safe are Navi Mumbai citizens vis a vis fire hazards?
This question has occurred to none other than the Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nhata who has lost no time in initiating action over it he has ordered a thorough survey of the buildings in the city, large and small, tall and short.
According to civic records, there are 330 buildings taller than 24 meters and 1179 shorter than that in the city. In addition, there are 15 gas godowns, 39 petrol pumps and 46 timbers marts all of which are considered highly prone to fire hazards. What sort of fire fighting equipments to they have, have they installed the mandatory fire hydrants, if they have, are they in working condition – these are the aspects the Commissioner is eager to probe.
To undertake the task, he has appointed a six member special squad consisting of fire brigade personnel. Unit Chief Vijay Rane. Deputy Chief Ganesh Patil, Fire Officer Vivek Mhatre, Firemen Dattatray patil, Operator Sameer Parab, O S Waghamre and S B Sawant constitute the squad. They have been asked to submit their report within 45 days.
The cost of the survey will have to be shared by the citizens. They will be asked to pay at the rate of Rs. 0.25 per sq meter for residential buildings and Re 0.50 per sq meter for commercial buildings towards the cost.
Will the Commissioner also include the municipal also include the municipal fire hydrants, some of which stand buried under the footpaths, in the survey, is what some citizens would like to ask.

Signal turns red

Thursday 29 November, 2007

NMMT Forced to withdraw its new services

Turbhe: Route number 60 and 61 connecting Kalyan and Ambernath respectively, started by Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport with much fanfare on Monday were withdraw a day later.
The reason is believed to be a threat handed down by kalian Dombivali Municipal Transport (KDMT) to block their movement. KDMT has two routes serving Navi Mumbai, one between Kalyan nad Vashi and the other between Kalyan and Kharghar.Both are regarded as highly profitable routes and the undertaking has vowed not to let anyone graze into them.
For the sake of record NMMT has got clearances from RTO of Vashi and Kalyan. Their decisions however are yet to be endorsed by the Regional Transport Authority. That has been good enough for KDMT to voice a protest.
The quick reaction from KDMT is explained thus. Most of the undertaking’s buses are owned by contractors and run by the public body on profit sharing basis. The letter have found Navi Mumbai routes ‘very paying’ and are in no mood to allow any ‘intruders’.
Rajan Vichare, Chairman of KDMT said that his organization will not allow NMMT bus on these routes at day cost. For the sake of record, he emphasized that the latter does not have the clearance from Regional Transport Authority (RTA).
NMMT Chairman Vishwanath Patil however was optimistic. “We have taken up the matter with the RTA and are hopeful of getting all the clearances within a week. We will start the services soon thereafter,” he added.
Earlier, NMMT was similarly beaten back by BEST. The former wanted to start services to Dadar and Ghatkoper, both considered profitable routes by the latter. Firm opposition by BEST forced NMMT to hold its plans. Tody’s is the second discomfiture being experienced by the ailing undertaking.

Those without OCs, watch out

November, 19,2007

AFTER RECEIVING TREMENDOUS CRITICISM FOR SEALING MICRO INFOTECH PARK, THE CORPORATION IS NOW PLANNING TO INITIATE A DRIVE AGAINST DEFAULTERS, WHO HAVE NOT OBTAINED OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE IN THE CITY
In order to bring about a damage control sealing two floors of Micro Infotech prak building in sector 30, Vashi the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has ordered the Town planning (TP) department to initiate a drive against building owners, who have not abtained their occupancy Certificate (Oc).
While speaking to New Bombay Plus, NMMC commissioner Vijay nahata said, “In the city, there are several buildings that have not obtained a OC. Through this drive, we will take action against all those building owners who don’t have an OC.”
According tho Kishore Agraharkar, TP officer from NMMC, “We have given a list of 420 buildings, commercial and non-commercial that have not obtained OCS. As per commissioner Nahata’s orders, our team of engineers will start sending notices and simultaneously seal those buildings, as required.”
On November 2, NMMC sealed Micro Infotech Park, without serving a notice of 24-48 hours before sealing the building. The civic body’s action was necessitated, as no OC was issued for the building. The construction of the building was completed four years ago on the plot owned by Micro Technologies (Indian) Ltd, global provider of security, safety and life support solutions.
While speaking to New Bombay Plus, Dr P Shekhar, chairman and managing director of Micro Technologies Ltd said, “It is true that we don’t have an OC. Our dispute between Haware Builders is going on in the court. While this case is on, we cannot get an OC from NMMC.”
Recently, the High Court had ordered NMMc to take a dicision on the status of sealing Micro Infotech Park before November 15.
Says Nahata, “We are checking all the documents produced by the company. The plot of 1822.26sq meters in sector 30, Vashi, was allotted to Micro Infotech Park in 2000. The company tied up with M/s Haware Contractors an Engineer, for two agreements: one that of the civil contract, and the other for development and Memorandum of Understanding.
According to Dr Shekhar, “The contractor was asked to develop the building with FSI-3 with all necessary approvals from the city and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), NMMC, Maharashtra State Electricity Board, etc. The building was to be completed within 18 months, beginning from October, 2001. However, when we realized that the contractor did not intend to complete the construction or the documents. Hence, we first complete the ground floor and then the third floor by March 2005 to accupy the floors.”
“Unfortunately, inspite of having ownership, we occupied only 8-10 percent of the area,” adds Dr Shekhar.
However, it is alleged that NMMC’ decision to seal the company was influenced by Haware Engineers and Builders Pvt Ltd. News Bombay Plus has a copy of the letter written by BJP MLA Pandurang Phundkar. The letters addressed to NMMC commissioner Vijay Nahata, written on October 17,2007. In the letter, Phundkar has asked the commissioner to take action against Micro technologies Ltd for illegally using the building premises without obtaining the required certificates.
When asked the commissioner about the letter, Nahata said, “I don’t know about the letter. We took legal action, as per our rule books.” Refusing the allegations, managing director of Haware Builders, Suresh Haware claimed that Micro Technologies Ltd had criminally trespassed into its property.

No adjournment : Civic committee sets a precedent

Transacts business after condolences to send a strong message to terrorists

december 7,2008

'We cannot allow terrorists to succeed in their plans. The Japanese mark their protest by working overtime and increasing production. We too, should emulate that example.'

It Had become a sort of a tradition at Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) for the corporators to adjourn important meeting after offering condolences to the departed after every disaster. That changed last Wednesday. In an unprecedented move, and a show that the spirit of Mumbai cannot be crushed, the Committee went ahead with its scheduled business at its scheduled business at its weekly meeting agter offering condolences to those killed in the mumbai attacks and brief adjournment. chairman of the standing committee Sandeep Naik stated that the move was to send a strong message to the terrorists that they will not be allowed to disrupt development in the country. Initially, a few corporators had reservations. Said CBD Corporatir Ashok Patil, "Nothing of this sort has ever happened. We have always adjourned the meeting in such instances. If we don't do it now, people will feel we are showing disrespect to the departed." Naik, however, managed to convince his own corporators as well as those of the other parties assuring them that he would take all responsibility. When he started the meeting, on his instruction, senior NCP corpotator J.D.Sutar offered condolences and proposed the adjournment, which was seconded by Congress corporator Avinash Lad. After the condolences, two minutes of silence was abserved. Naik then announced that the meeting would be adjourned for 15 minutes as a mark of respect for the departed souls and would then resume. After the break, explaining his stance to the members, Naik said, "The terrorists aim was to kill as many people as they could and also to attack the economy of our country. They hit the commercial capital of the country and targeted the tourism industry to succeed in their evil desings." Stated Naik, "We cannot allow them to succeed in their plans. The Japanese mark their protest by working overtime and increasing production. We too should emulate that example. If we allow the important development resolution to be delayed, we will be playing into the hands of the terrorists." He added, "We will go ahead with the meeting and pass the resolutions for the sake of the progress of the country and to ensure the sacrifices of the innocents to not go waste. We needs to give a clear message to the terrorists that we shall not succumb to their pressure."

Pedestrians on the high

Thursday 20, nov 2008

NMMC plans to catapult the city with next generation amenities
CBD-Belapur: After wide roads, green gardens and STP plants, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is planning to construct a number of skywalks, which it says will usher the city into the 'newt generation.'
In the first phase, it has planned five such Skywalks which will be ultra modern, eco-friendly and will be among the 'jewels of the city.
The most important among them will be at Vashi village, which will look like a 'welcome arch' to those entering the city from Mumbai side.
The second one will be at Nerul connecting D Y Patil stadium and MIDC. Situated between London Pilsner and Tata Press, it is expected to save lakhs of pedestrians who come to watch the sports events there from the dangers of crossing a busy national highway.
A third skywalk will connect Koparkhairane railway station and DAKC across the Thane Belapur road. There has been a long standing demand for such a facility form the harried pedestrians. A fourth Skywalk will come up at Ghansoli and the fifth at Airoli, both across Thane Belapur Road. All the skywalks will be 90 meter long, 5 meters wide and 6.5 tp 6.9 meters high. They will have the capacity to bear the weight of 2,000 people at a time. The designers have taken care to ensure that there will be little vibration when it is in full use.
"The Skywalks will have a modular body of steel and the sides will be made of recycled translucent glass to provide a view of the landscape to the pedestrians using it. It will be manufactured to the size,
Brought to spot and assembled,” informed Standing Committee chairman Sandeep Naik, whose brain child it is. The proposal is expected to come up before the Standing Committee for approval during its next meeting.
The best part of the project is that the entire cost of construction, erection and maintenance will be borne by the sponsors. “Sponsors have already been found for two of the skywalks,” informed Naik “Lest the senior citizens and the handicapped rue about their height, each Skywalks will be equipped with two elevator lifts – of 12 persons capacity each – at each end.
There is no doubt that these Gen-next Amenities will take the city into the 12st century

Standing Committee creates record of sorts

Nov 20,2008

Clears 87 proposals within two hours
As the elections approach, all party members gear up to update their performance certificates by taking credit for numerous development projects undertaken in the course of their term. The atmosphere is same at NMMC. In a record of sorts, the Standing Committee of NMMC passed 87 proposals on Wednesday in less than two hours. 89 proposals were tables before the committee for discussion of which only two were sent back to NMMC administration for re-evaluation. Both the proposals were regarding the cultural bhavan to come up in sector 14, Vashi. Most of the proposals were regarding road and drainage work in some parts of the city. Till a few months back, the committee would debate over one proposal for hours till the meeting would get adjourned. The situation has clearly changed in view of the elections. All the corporators want the pending work in their ward to be completed soon and are approving the proposals without much ado.
Proposals on construction of new schools, extension of existing school building and development of gardens were also discussed on Wednesday in the meet. Standing Committee chief. Sandeep Naik said that the long-pending crematorium project in Airoli will be completed soon. Naik added that NMMC will have its own planning department soon to plan the projects in a proper way for the development of the city. A vigilance department to keep a watch on the development in the projects and a task force will also be posals were passed but what is important is how many of them will be implemented” sources said.

A heap of scrap

Saturday 15 November2008
NMMC decides to scrap half of its buses: no decision on replacement
CBD-BELAPUR: The General Body of NMMC on Friday passed a resolution approving the scrapping of about 50% of its busses as they are overaged. It however put on hold the decision to take new buses on BOO basis.
It was given out that NMMT Undertaking has 132 buses which are more than 10 years old, 30 which are about 8 years old and 105 which are about 2.5 years old. all of them run on diesel.
As per RTO prescription, diesel buses which are 10 years old or have run 7.5 lakh kilometers, should be scrapped. They are regarded to have lost their roadworthiness. Sister organizations like MSRTC and TMT which are known for regular maintenance, are scrapping their buses when they complete 10 years. In extraordinary. Cases, Such overage vehicles can be used on short routes or as school buses!
It is in compliance with this rule that NMMC has now given the green signal for scrapping the old buses.
At the other end, RTO has approved 78 routes to NMMT. To run services on that many routes, the Undertaking would require 365 buses, it is estimated. But NMMT has an inventory of 281! The proposal to take buses on BOO (Build, Own and Operate) basis has been sent back. How is the undertaking going to manage its affairs?
Will it amount to causing inconvenience to the poor passengers?

Cess on the rise

Tuesday 23 September 2008
NMMC marches ahead with cess collection
Vashi : The Cess department has proved to be the most productive organ of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. During the first five months of the financial year, it has recorded a net collection of Rs 100 crores raising the hope of not only hitting but even crossing the annual target.
During the last three financial years, the department has systematically surpassed the target. In 2005-06, it collected a sum of Rs 126.52 crores against the target of Rs 177.00 crores. In 2006-07, it achieved Rs. 162.00 crores against the target of Rs 152.00 crores and suring the subsequent year, it posted a collection of Rs 209.60 crores against the target of Rs 195.00 crores. That is what prompted the administration to set target of Rs. 288 crores for the current year. Considering that the business activity is growing at a phenomenal rate in the city, it should be considered a reasonable target though in percentage terms, it works out to about 38%.
The month wise collection figures during the current financial year are encouraging. April 2008.. Rs 22.47 cr May… Rs 17.27 cr June… Rs 20.40 cr july… Rs 20.60 cr August… Rs 25.40cr
That gives a total of Rs 106.14 crores for the five months. “This has been achieved in spite of large scale agitation and protests mounted by the small scale entrepreneurs of TTC MIDC,” says an official of the Cess department. Even large industrial are used to postponing the payment of Cess. All these factors have made the department to feel confident of achieving the stiff target set for the year.

Revised fares come into effect

Tuesday12 Aug 2008
TURBHE : The increase in fares announced by Navi mumbai Municipal Transport came into effect on 11 August, 2008 after the under tacking received the green signal from the Regional Transport Authority.NMMT had announced an increase in its passenger fares by Rs 1 per trip. Consequently, the stage wise fares stand revised as below: 0-2 kms- Rs 4 (up from Rs 3) 2.1 km -4 km - Rs 5 (Rs 4)The fare for the longest distance of 38.1km to 40 km has been increased from Rs 22 to Rs 23.Regular passengers have however reacted angrily to the fare hike. Vartika M, a resident of Airoli, said, "BEST, the locla undertaking's nearest competitor, has worked out very attractive scheme of a daily passes costing Rs 25 on week days and Rs 20 on Sundays and holidays. In the face of such attractive offer, NMMT's fare revision is unacceptable. The Corporation better rethink its move," she added.Shubhangi Godhone, a resident of Nerul, said, "We walk long distances even if a shop offers small discounts. NMMT's move amounts to upsetting such benefits."

Make youth IT savvy and stop musing the name of shivaji, says R R Patil

Fri 16 May 2008
KOPERKHAIRANE: "Give the youth computers and make them IT-savvy. Don't give them just vada pave. After using the name of Chatrapati Shivaji just for political interests, the Shiv Sena is now proposing to use the same name for promoting Vada-pav. We will no more allow the defiling of Chatrapati Shivaji's name or misusing of his stature", said the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Maharashtra, R.R.Patil. He addressed a large gathering of supporters of Sanjeev Naik who is contesting on behalf of Congress-NCP-RPI-Lal Nishan alliance for the Thane Lok Sabha by-election. This event took place at the R.F.Naik school ground on May 14.Shri. R.R.Patil further stated that the fact that Sanjeev naik was chosen for contesting the election on behalf the alliance testifies the party's trust in him and also his concern for the welfare of the city and its citizens. A galaxy of State leaders graced the dais, and they included Public Work and Development minister Chagaan Bhuj-bal and Guardian minister fo Thane districts Ganesh Naik. the Local leaders, present during the occasion, included Mayor of Navi Mumbai Anjani Bhoir, Deputy Mayor Shashikant Birajdar, Navi Mumbai Congress President Namdev Bhagar, NMMC opposition leader Dashrath Bhagat and others.Chagan Bhujabal in his speech said that Sharad Pawar and sonia Gandhi made use of their power for the welfare of the people, particularly the poor section. He waged a scathing attack an shiv Sena which he said indulged in using abusive language, making false and malicious propaganda, hurling stones, breaking glass panes and destroying properties. He added that the Shiv Sena opposed all the welfare proposals like the mandal commission, the women's reservation bill and the renaming of Marathwada University

Many political party offices in Thane unauthorized

The District Collector S.S.Zende has asked the Thane Municipal Corporation to take immediate action against the unauthorized political party offices in the city.

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES are expected to uphold the law. In a place like Thane, known for its hordes of illegal structures, it has come to light that most of the offices of political parties do not have the necessary permissions. Till November 2006, it was found that of the 115 offices of various political parties here, only 17 were authorized. The information was given in response to a query by Nitin Deshpande, President of Forum of Alert Citizen, Thane, under the Right to Information Act. In its reply, the Thane Municipal Corporation said only 17 had the required permission. In the wake of the ongoing by-election to the wake of the ongoing by-election to the Thane Lok Sabha constituency, the Thane district collector’s office has ordered a probe into the unauthorized party offices.The Collector issued the letter to the TMC asking it to look into the matter, after a letter by Deshpande in May. The latter had submitted a letter to the Collector along with the list of the unauthorized offices in nine wards of the TMC obtained under the RTI Act in November 2006.“This is a list of only nine words in Thane city. If there wards, can you imagine how many more unauthorized ones would there be in the rest of Thane parliamentary constituency? People’s representatives, who make the law, are supposed to be the protector of these laws. But if they do not follow the law, how can the voters confidently vote for them? There is not a single political them? There is not a single political party that has built all its offices in an authorized manner, “said Deshpande.“We have also asked the TMC to immediately remove the unauthorized election paraphernalia belonging to the political parties, and they are supposed to keep us updated on the matter by filing a daily report,” said S.S.Zende, District Collector.Prabhuraj Nimbargi, Municipal Secretary, told Lives that the TMC had initiated action from the time the code of conduct was implemented. “From April 24 to May 6, we have destroyed 924 banners, 435 posters, 869 flags, 320 cutouts, nine pandals, 397 advertisements and 9 writings on the wall. Thus, in the last 12 days, we have removed 2963 unauthorized election propaganda material put up by the candidates, “he informed. He, however, claimed that the issue of illegal party offices was not related to the election code of conduct. They will be dealt with like other unauthorized constructions in the city. “The candidate’s offices where place should be authorized and we are looking into it but other offices are not the current concern,” he remarked.Dshpande, though opposes this, saying, “The people from the same parties are competing for the by election, and as per the law, any people’s representative associated with any kind of unauthorized or illegal construction should be removed from his post. The Bombay High Court has time and again taken stringent action against this.The Corporation had to remove about 2000 unauthorized materials within a week indicating that this problem should be given due consideration by the corporation,” he remarked.

Builders hops to rope in prospective buyers with the dip in inflation

Nov 21, 2008
The real state of real estate
Global economy recession and overall inflation in the rate if interest of housing loans has adversely affected the builders' community in the city, which was a couple of months ago the creamy layer for the investors.
Speaking to The Times of Navi Mumbai, the sub-registrar at AMPC complex, Gopinath Kolekar informed, "The statistics of documents registered in October 2007 had shown the figure fo 657. Comparatively, in October 2008, the total number of documents registered has drastically decreased to 526. The market rates of real estate is maximum in Vashi node and the minimum rate is that of Ghansoli node."
On further probe, he disclosed, "In October 2007, the rate of a flat in Vashi, sector 1 was Rs 36,000 per sq metre and that of an office and a shop was Rs 47,000 per sq metre. Whereas, in October 2008, the rate is Rs 40,000 per sq metre for a flat and Rs 50,000 per sq metre and Rs 60,000 per sq metre for an office and a shop respectively. In Ghansoli, in October 2007, the rates of a flat, an office and a shop were Rs 15,000 per sq metre, Rs 26,000 per sq metre respectively. Whereas, in October 2008, the statistics has revealed the rates of a flat, an office and a shop as Rs 27,600 per sq metre, Rs 34,500 per sq metre and Rs 41,400 per sq metre respectively."
Naresh Shah, a share market investor and property consultant revealed, "The present situation of slump in world economy has shaken the roots of almost economy has shaken the roots of almost all the sectors and the builders' community is no exception. The economy recession across the globe has affected the share market. Two years ago, the sensex was at 8k and went up till 21K and again dipped 8k and later stabilized at 10k. The rise in share market sensex was due to the investment by FII (Foreign Institutional Investors) and the down fall is also due to the withdrawal by FII. The stabilization of sensex between 8K and 10K is only due to the strength of the Indian market."

Managing director of Haware Engineers and Builders, Suresh Engineers and Builders, Suresh haware said, "In real estate, there are two groups, an investor and a buyer. The buyer purchases property for his own use."
Haware father added, "The builders in the city have reduced the production. Presently, they are not investing in the new projects. They are undertaking projects only to finish the available stock in the market, which will be disposed off by the builders together. Eventually, the buyers will increase. Compared to mumbai, the city of Navi Mumabi, the city of Navi Mumbai is different since the latter is a representative place. The escalating hike in property rates, a few months ago, in some nodes of the city was an artificial hike. The residential rates along the Palm Beach Road is one such fine example of an artificial hike. That has reduced the buyers to 25-30 percent. But, the Palm Beach Road area is not a representative of Navi Mumbai."
Haware concluded, "People have offered SOPs (incentives) like the exemption from stampduty, reduction in rate of interest by at least 1percent and 10 percent interest on bank deposits. Once implemented, the buyers will come back in the active market."
Rajesh Prajapati, the managing director of Prajapati Builders said, "The global recession has had a direct impact on the realty market in the city. There is a shortage of customers. Most people are opting for ready possession flats instead of booking an Undset-construction flat. They claim that it is risky to invest in the latter since they fear that the project won't be completed in time and may delay the possession and deadlock their investment. Though some customers expect a reasonable rate for a ready possession flat, some are even ready to shell out extra money to get the possession of a ready flat rather than investing in an under-construction flat. Eventually, the builders are not undertaking new construction projects but are finishing the existing stock."