Navi Mumbai, Sandeep Naik, Standing committee chairman, NMMC, City development, thane 25,

Mla Sandeep Naik Makes His Debut By Taking Up The Issue Of Gutkha In State Assembly

2009-12-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

MLA Sandeep Naik made his debut at the winter session of the state assembly by taking up the issue of gutka in the state.

It maybe recalled that a raid was recently conducted by the Food and Drugs department at Vashi in which huge amount of gutkha, adulterated with magnesium carbonate along with adulterated tea was seized. Consuming Gutkha can be injurious to health as this may lead to dangerous disease like cancer, while tea is a common beverage of people. This issue was taken up by Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik in the recently held winter session of the state assembly. His concerns were taken cognizance by the State Minister for Food and Drug department Ramesh Bagwe. In the state assembly when this issue was taken up by MLA Sandeep Naik in the question hour session, Ramesh Bagwe assured that the racket of adulteration will be busted. He further informed that in the case, one has been arrested and action will be taken under the Food Adulteration Prohibition Act.

Mla Sandeep Naik Orders Administration To Make Playgrounds With Private Schools Available For Public Utility

2009-12-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

In the weekly Standing Committee meeting, the subject of bettering conditions of all city playgrounds was taken up by members. Chairman of the committee MLA Sandeep Naik called for better planning and conduct of these sports.

During the weekly Standing Committee meet, member Sudhakar Sonawne in a motion of objection questioned why was NMMC schools sports being organized on playgrounds that were not developed and were not fit for students to play any sport. Sudhakar Sonawane was referring to the regional sports meet of NMMC schools that were organized in a private playground. He alleged that the playground in question has full of wild growth of shrubs at several places and there were no sheds for protection from the scorching sun leading to the conduct of sports meet in very inhuman condition. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik however pointed out that at times conducting sports meets on such undeveloped grounds underlines the need and draws attention of developing these grounds. He called for better planning and conduct of these sports.

Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata clarified that earlier the corporation had no sports officer. He added that he had initiated the appointment of a sports officer and all the grounds have been surveyed and a report submitted, according to which each ground will be taken up for development subject to availability of funds. The question is “why is NMMC organizing sports a private ground when NMMC has invested over Rss 3 Crores in the construction of its own stadium in CBD Belapur?” Shivram Patil drew attention to grabbing of playground land by educational institutes in the city. He called upon NMMC to take over these lands and develop the same to make it accessible to children of the city. MLA Sandeep Naik called upon the Commissioner to prepare a status report of playgrounds adjoining educational institutes and take over the same fro public utility. He said that in the last few years, there have been a rise in the number of sports tournaments being organized in the city, which is a good sign and added that there was a need to make someone accountable in this department.

Incidentally almost all lands adjoining private schools in the city are taken over by leaders and relatives of past and present legislators or ministers in the ruling Congress-NCP government, which would blunt the local municipal body’s intentions. Speaking to the media later, MLA Sandeep Naik reiterated his take on the subject.

Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik Orders Administration To Issue No More Property Tax Chalans

2009-11-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Big Jolt To Sitting Nmmc Corporators – Standing Committee Chairman Orders Administration To Issue No More Property Tax Chalans Or Water Connections To Illegal Hutments
The week’s Standing Committee meet saw MLA and Chairman of the meeting Sandeep Naik passing a rather significant order to the administration. He has asked Commissioner Vijay Nahata to completely stop issuing property tax chalans to illegal settlements and do not give water connections to any hutments post his orders.

This is Standing Committee Chairman of NMMC and MLA Sandeep Naik not just holding the administration responsible for rise in encroachments but giving a diktat that can have far reaching implications on the local politicians counting on increasing slum hutments before municipal elections 2010 to secure their victory. The Chairman has said that if NMMC officials had not given water connection or property tax chalans to encroachments, the same could have been controlled. And in order to control them, the chairman passed the historic order banning the administration from issuing any property tax chalan or giving any water connections to illegal hutments and encroachments in Navi Mumbai. The subject was taken up by Shivram Patil during the weekly Standing Committee Meet. It was during this debate, that the Chairman passed this order. Speaking to the media later, MLA Sandeep Naik said that while Navi Mumbai was better off in comparison to neighboring city Mumbai, there still was a need to form a high power committee that would have representatives of all government bodies have a stake in Navi Mumbai.

As far as the continuous rise in encroachment and illegal hutments are concerned, MLA Sandeep Naik said that constructing a compound wall in such areas was the only solution. The Chairman also made some significant and easy-to-follow suggestions to Commissioner Vijay Nahata. He said that there was a need to make ward officers accountable in every ward and those wards that registered less number of increase in encroachments should be rewarded or promoted and inefficient ward officers could even be demoted. If the NMMC administration practices and follows the diktat and suggestions of the Chairman in true spirit, it could definitely regulate the increasing encroachments in the city. But the “if” here is a big one as municipal elections are round the corner and this is peak time for multiplication of illegal hutments by local corporators to secure their seats in Municipal Elections 2010. And this includes the ruling NCP corporators of NMMC as well.

Helpline Started By NMMC To Curb Malaria

2009-11-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

After the NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik directed the administration to conduct special drives to curb the spread of malaria and dengue, NMMC has started its preparations, said DMC of Public and Sanitation department Babasaheb Rajale.

Under its various drives to control malaria and dengue, NMMC has started a helpline number 27572250 where citizens can report cases of these diseases. With the unexpected rains, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik had asked the administration to initiate drives between Nov 15 to Dec 15 to control the spread of malaria and dengue. Under this, the department has also started additional fumigation activities. NMMC has also deployed 261 workers for its fogging activities.

Rising cases of malaria has definitely become a concern for the administration as this year, 1,637 cases of malaria have been reported.

Mla Sandeep Naik Inspects Quality Of Road At Thane Belapur Road

2009-11-26T21:16:00.000-08:00

MLA Sandeep Naik paid a visit to inspect the work going on, on the Thane Belapur Road concretization work.

MLA Sandeep Naik visited the ongoing work at the Thane Belapur road to inspect the quality of work being done and the pace at which it was being done. Sandeep Naik’s visit started from Thane near Mukund Company. Sandeep Naik was accompanied by NMMC City Engineer Mohan Dagaonkar along with other NMMC officials. Sandeep Naik along with the officials walked down the road stretch crossing Airoli, Chinchpada, Ghansoli, Koperkhairane and then lastly at Mahape. During his visit, Sandeep Naik informed to the media that while the construction work of a three lane road in progress along with construction of flyovers, it was found that the work of moving very slowly. He said that paid a visit to check if the administration was having any obstacles in completing their work.

Sandeep Naik further inspected the potholes and patches and if it was duly filled by the contractor. He insisted that to ensure that quality work of being done, inspection was necessary. Speaking on maintaining the quality of roadwork being done, Sandeep Naik said that a third party inspection would also be invited. He added that they have proposed footover bridges for commuters who presently have no option to cross roads amidst heavy traffic to reach MIDC.

Beautification Of City Ponds Forms Main Discussion At Nmmc Standing Committee

2009-11-24T22:07:00.001-08:00

The NMMC Standing Committee recently approved the revival of city ponds, which are reeling under pathetic conditions. In the meeting Standing Committee member Shivram Patil raised concern over the delayed work done by the administration to speed up the tender process for the beautification of the ponds.

The recent NMMC Standing Committee saw important discussions on the conditions of ponds in the city. Navi Mumbai boosts of many water bodies, which are found in nodes like Vashi, Turbhe, Ghansoli, Digha, Airoli and others. However, due to negligence over the years by the administration, these water bodies are dying a slow death. The beauty of the ponds are marred with immersions of religious idols which are still seen floating in the pond. There is dumping of debris and washing of clothes in the pond by the locals which has deteriorated the beauty of these water bodies. However, very soon these ponds will get a new lease of life as NMMC has decided to beautify the city ponds at an approximate cost of Rs 16 crores. This became the main topic of discussion in the NMMC Standing Committee meet where member Shivram Patil accused the administration of moving slowly on the tender process to beautify ponds. The administration has received funds from the MMRDA for the same. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik too urged the administration to bring in more proposals to beautify the city ponds. Presently only one proposal has been put forth by the NMMC administration.

The administration has been asked to bring in a presentation how the planning of the project which, would receives suggestions from the Standing Committee.
NMMC has already demarcated space in the pond where locals can wash their clothes. A wall is constructed to avoid the dirty water mixing in the pond. Even residents in the city have voiced concern over the deteriorating condition of ponds and said that there was an immediate need to restore them.

The tenders have been taken out and work orders would be given out by December, said the Commissioner.

State Assembly Highlights

2009-11-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

The maiden session of the newly-formed Maharashtra Assembly, which witnessed unruly scenes on the first day, ended with after the Speaker was elected. The winter session will begin on December 8 in Nagpur, was announced on the last. In our weekend bulletin today we bring to you all the highlights of the three days of the maiden session of the newly formed Maharashtra Assembly.
The maiden session of the newly-formed Maharashtra Assembly, which witnessed unruly scenes on the first day, ended with the Governor S C Jamir’s address. Here are the other highlights.
The maiden session of the newly-formed Maharashtra Assembly ended with the Governor S C Jamir’s address. The Governor addressed a joint sitting of the 12th legislature today. All the MLAs in the 288-member House were administered oath. The winter session will begin on December 8 in Nagpur, it was announced here.

State Excise and Non Conventional Energy Minister Ganesh Naik and Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik took oath in the assembly. The father-son duo arrived together for the first session of the new assembly at Vidhan Bhavan. Ganesh Naik took the oath with the other top Ministers of the state. On the other hand MLA Sandeep Naik took oath post lunch.

Young MLAs, from whom there are sky high expectations, chose to remain silent learners in their debut session. From Amit Deshmukh Praniti Shinde to Prashant Thakur and Sandeep Naik all followed the same strategy. Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik voiced confidence of that the team of young MLAs and senior would spell progress for the state.

Airoli Mla Sandeep Naik Thank Voters

2009-11-18T21:19:00.001-08:00

The Navi Mumbai NCP had held a meet at the grounds of RAF Naik School in Koperkhairane to thank all the voters who voted in the state assembly elections.

The meet held by the NCP party at the RAF Naik grounds in Koperkhairane received massive response from the people. The meet was held to thank all the voters who voted in the state assembly elections. Addressing the crowd, Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik said that a lot of hurdle and obstacles was faced in the state assembly elections with the all the opposing parties coming together, but the voters voted for development. He added that his responsibilities towards the people had increased after becoming the MLA, but he would not work as an MLA but as a party worker of the NCP.

He further thanked the voters for voting for him. Later on, Belapur MLA Ganesh Naik addressing the present stated that the voters had rejected money power in Belapur and hooliganism in Airoli and voted for them. He further expressed distress over his opposition. He assured 4 FSI for slum dwellers and 2.5 FSI for CIDCO dilapidated buildings. Also present in the meet was Thane MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik, MLA Shashikant Shinde, Mathadi Leader Narendra Patil, Mayor Anjani Bhoir and others.

Belapur Mla Ganesh Naik And Airoli Mla Sandeep Naik Take Oath In The First Session Of The New Assembly

2009-11-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

As the 288 members of the state assembly took oath, MLAs from Navi Mumbai – State Excise and Non Conventional Energy Minister Ganesh Naik and Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik taking the oath. Take a look.

In the midst of all political drama State Excise and Non Conventional Energy Minister Ganesh Naik and Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik took oath in the assembly. The father-son duo arrived together for the first session of the new assembly at Vidhan Bhavan. Ganesh Naik took the oath with the other top Ministers of the state. On the other hand MLA Sandeep Naik took oath post lunch.

This time NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar had given Ganesh Naik two plum portfolios. In contrast to the controversial Environment Dept., this time Sharad Pawar had given Ganesh Naik Excise and Non Conventional Energy that includes working on policies that can have far reaching impact on the energy resources of the state. With Ganesh Naik inducted as Minister in the state cabinet, his elder son Dr. Sanjeev Naik sitting in Delhi and younger son a MLA colleague, the expectations from this tenure of Ganesh Naik for the state and Navi Mumbai is sky high.

CIVIC BODY aims to complete A STRING OF LONG pending jobs Within THE NEXT three months

2009-11-12T23:26:00.000-08:00

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation aims to accomplish several unfinished projects and public works within the next three months, before the code of conduct for the corporation elections scheduled in early 2010, comes into effect.
During the Standing Committee meeting held on Thursday, the group, led by newly-elected MLA and standing committee chief, Sandeep Naik, highlighted several health related issues and urged the civic officials to work on them more rigorously. "Normally in October and November, the number of dengue and malaria cases typically rises, but we are adopting better measures to handle the prevention of the disease as well as its treatment this year. The concerned department will conduct more fumigation and cleanliness drives over the next one month to control the spread of disease as well as look into medical facilities and increase them if need be," stated Naik.
Another key priority for the civic body will be to provide 24x7 water to the city as early as possible. "Morbe Dam, which is the main source of water for Navi Mumbai has a capacity of 450mld, but currently we are taking only 320mld. Our efforts will be to supply entire 450mld to the people of Navi Mumbai. As of now, NMMC is already giving 24 hours water supply in some parts of city, but we will try to cover the remaining areas by the end of the next quarter," added Naik.
The civic body's list of works is clearly defined for the next quarter. "From improving the corporation's co-ordination with other state government companies like MTNL and CIDCO, to simultaneously working on the corporation's inter-department co-ordination, it is all going to be part of the new initiative, spearheaded by the standing committee, and executed by the civic administration.
On his part, Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata said that the corporation's team will work overtime to curb the mosquito menace in the city and ensure that the cases of malaria and dengue are kept under control.
DNA News

NMMC has issued notices and if the societies continue to waste water

2009-11-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

MLA Sandeep Naik had reiterated this during the weekly Standing Committee meeting when the subject of 24 hours water supply from Morbe Dam was raised by a member. When the proposal of laying additional pipelines from Morbe Dam came for approval, Sandeep Naik said that Navi Mumbai was lucky that it is getting regular water supply and is working towards 24 hours when neighboring cities like Mumbai and Thane, though being rich corporations could not even dream of this as they failed to plan anything like this for their cities.

The NMMC was charging residents only Rs. 4.75 per unit as water charge while the difference of Rs. 3.25 is being borne by NMMC. This is a financial burden and even then there is continuous wastage of water by big housing societies. That’s why NMMC has issued notices and if the societies continue to waste water, NMMC will register serious charges against them.

The action will include collecting penalty or even disconnecting water supply to erring housing societies. The administration is also using the help of advertisements to create awareness on this front. We also tried to gauge the response of tax paying citizens on this initiative of NMMC and will it benefit.

A Truly people’s victory

2009-10-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Success of belief in vision and reality of progress & development ignoring the divisive issues of caste creed, religion & region.
DNA News.

Proving All Critics Wrong – It’s Again Ganesh Naik The Badshah Of Navi Mumbai

2009-10-23T22:17:00.001-07:00

Dynastic rule was made the single biggest allegation against the Naik family in these assembly elections. Every candidate made this an issue to attack Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik’s candidature appealing voters to vote against them. But the voters have given a fitting reply to these allegations said Ganesh Naik after the results were announced as he once again established that he is the badshah of Navi Mumbai.

With Dr. Sanjeev Naik having been given the parliamentary candidature from Thane Lok Sabha constituency, the allegations of dynastic rule by the Naik family had begun. And when Sandeep Naik’s candidature was announced from Airoli, the opposition made dynastic rule of the Naik family a poll issue. So much so that the Congress corporators united and resigned from the party naming the past district Chief Namdeo Bhagat as the Congress rebel candidate against Ganesh Naik in Belapur constituency and Vasant Mhatre as the Congress rebel candidate from Airoli constituency. But the rebel factor seems to have had no impact on the electoral results as NCP candidates won with a comfortable lead in both Airoli and Belapur constituency. When the media posed this question to Ganesh Naik, he said that he has never criticized the act of the Congress rebel even during the elections.

On the questions of allegations of dynastic rule, he said that the voters of Navi Mumbai have given a fitting reply to these allegations by voting for progress and development. Ganesh Naik also shared with the media his immediate priorities for his constituency. Ganesh Naik thanked voters for continuing to support progressive thoughts and stable leadership. There were so many allegations of dynastic rule, criticism and rebel factor against Ganesh Naik in Navi Mumbai during these elections but the results have established again that Ganesh Naik is indeed the badshah of Navi Mumbai politics and the citizens’ first choice for their leadership.
NMTV News

Airoli Mla Sandeep Naik Pays Gratitude For Voters Support And Faith

2009-10-23T22:16:00.002-07:00

During the last public rally, Sandeep Naik had appealed to voters to show the same trust in him that the voters had shown in his father Ganesh Naik and brother MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik. And the statement seems to have appealed with the voters who have elected Sandeep Naik as their MLA from Airoli constituency.

This appeal of the young and dynamic NCP candidate from Airoli seems to have appealed to voters of Airoli constituency all the way to polling booths. Sandeep Naik stands for the third generation leaders of the Naik family. He is progressive, dynamic and provided good governance as Standing Committee Chairman of NMMC for almost three consecutive years. He represents that breed of young politicians who know what they are saying – the breed that is sensible, make intelligent talks and then walks their talks. As Standing Committee Chairman of NMMC, Sandeep Naik earned the reputation of taking courageous decisions. His work and popular drive of “Chairman at your Doorsteps” helped Sandeep Naik meet people across Navi Mumbai, from posh localities to the dusty roads of gaonthan and slum settlements around the city. Throughout he earnestly tried to solve civic problems. His work had impressed the party leadership of NCP so much that despite opposition, Sandeep Naik was given candidature from Airoli constituency.

And indeed Sandeep Naik lived upto the faith shown on him as he won the elections from Airoli constituency with a margin of 11957. Post his victory, Sandeep Naik said that his priority would be public work in Airoli. He also thanked voters for showing the same faith in him that they have shown in Ganesh Naik and MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik.
NMTV News

Ganesh Naik Wins From Belapur And Sandeep Naik From Airoli

2009-10-23T22:16:00.001-07:00

NCP Congress Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik beat his nearest poll rival BJP-Shiv Sena’s Candidateds with a margin of 12, 873 while Sandeep Naik has won from Airoli constituency with a margin of 11, 957.

Navi Mumbai does not want change – the voters have voted for continuity and progress – continuity of Ganesh Naik’s leadership in Navi Mumbai and his progressive thoughts. And this time voters have not just shown belief in Ganesh Naik’s leadership but have extended their faith to his son Sandeep Naik – the Congress-NCP candidate from Airoli constituency as well as both the father-son are the voters choice of MLA from Belapur and Airoli constituency. As the counting for the Belapur constituency began from 8 am at the counting center at Vashi, Ganesh Naik’s lead just kept increasing in every round. By the time the 22 rounds of counting ended, NCP-Congress candidate Ganesh Naik secured 59, 685 votes as against his nearest poll rival BJP-Shiv Sena candidate Suresh Haware’s 46812 votes, giving Ganesh Naik a victory with a margin of 12873 votes.

Speaking to the media post his victory, Ganesh Naik said that the voters of Navi Mumbai have proven that he is after all the people’s candidate. On the other hand all did not seem well in the Airoli constituency when the voting began.

Only when counting of votes began from Koperkhairane and reached to sectors of Vashi and Turbhe, did Sandeep Naik winner with a lead of 11957 votes. The total votes that Sandeep Naik garnered were 79075 as against the 67118 garnered by Shivsena condidate. Post his victory, Sandeep Naik thanked voters who showed confidence in the party leadership of NCP.

The tradition of secularism & communal harmony is the hallmark of the Naik family & it is being followed generation to generation. After the Lok Sabha elections, the state assembly elections had become the biggest challenge for the first family of Navi Mumbai. And neither the change mantra, nor dynastic rule or Congress rebels could change the results that have proven that the support to the Naik family is as heady and strong even now as it has been for 4 decades. Indeed Navi Mumbai's love affair with the Naik family continues.

Father-son duo clean sweep in Navi Mumbai

2009-10-23T05:33:00.001-07:00

INDIAN EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
IT WAS a clean sweep for the Nationalist Congress Party in Navi Mumbai with the father-son duo of Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik emerging victorious in Belapur and Airoli, the two Assembly constituencies in the satellite city.
While it was a smooth ride for three-term MLA and state excise, labour and environment minister Ganesh Naik against BJP's Suresh Haware, son Sandeep Naik faced nervous moments as Shiv Sena's Vijay Chougule steadily garnered more votes in the initial phase of the counting. Despite having lost to Sandeep's brother Sanjeev Naik in the Thane constituency in the recent Lok Sabha elections by over 40,000 votes, the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance had again fielded Airoli corporator Chougule to challenge the Naik supremacy.
In what seemed like a neck-to-neck fight in the first 15 rounds of counting, the battle tilted heavily in favour of NMMC standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik. In the remaining eight rounds towards the end, Chougule suffered serious setbacks in Bonkode, Kopar Khairne and large parts of Vashi.
Chougule, at one point, saw a lead of 2200 votes against Naik when votes from Airoli were being counted. In the end, however, out of the total of 1, 57,751 valid votes cast in the constituency, Naik got a lead of 11,957 votes. Naik got 79,075 votes while Chougule managed 67,118.
When asked the reason for not securing a good number of votes from Airoli, Sandeep said, "All party workers have worked equally hard in all places. It is just natural that some people have a stronghold in certain areas. But since a majority of voters have shown trust in me, I will try to win over the rest of them too," Sandeep said.
Chougule, a former right hand man of Ganesh Naik left the party to rejoin Shiv Sena in 2007.

Naiks sweep Navi Mumbai

2009-10-23T05:31:00.002-07:00

( ) I have always been the people's candidate. Our victory proves that people identify with the ideals of Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi and... have lots of affection for us.
GANESH NAIK (60, NCP), five-time MLA, whose son has now won his first Assembly election

It's official. The Naiks rule Navi Mumbai.
Not only is 60-year-old Nationalist Congress Party leader Ganesh Naik back for a fifth term as MLA, this time he has son Sandeep (31) in tow.
Naik, a minister with three portfolios in the outgoing government, beat his nearest rival -- top builder but political novice Suresh Haware (53) of the BJP --by over 12,000 votes in Belapur.
Son Sandeep, a corporator since 2005, defeated Naik loyalist-turned-arch rival Vijay Chougule (47) in Airoli by 11,907 votes.
"I have always been the people's candidate and they have once again proved it," said Naik.
"Our victory proves that people identify with the ideals of Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi and, at the local level, they have lots of affection for us."
Added Sandeep: "This victory is a vote for progress, secularism and peace."
Thursday's twin victories, combined with the fact that elder son Sanjeev (37) -- a former Navi Mumbai mayor -won a Thane Parliamentary seat in the national election held earlier this year, will boost Naik's status further within the NCP and cement the region's status as a family bastion.
The father-son duo successfully battled anti-incumbency, the emergence of the MNS and rebels candidates from the NCP and alliance partner Congress -- local Congress president Namdeo Bhagat (46) jumped into the fray as an Independent after he lost his ticket in seatsharing negotiations. The Naiks' main poll plank was development, with father and son repeatedly citing the Morbe Dam as a major achievement and promising more along the same lines.
The purchase of Morbe has made the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation -- where the NCP is in power too -- the first in the country to own its own dam.
With the pipelines ready, Navi Mumbai is now all set to receive 24x7 water supply, beating even neighbouring megalopolis Mumbai in this respect.
Other much-touted achievements include the 14-km ThaneBelapur Road Project, the only highway in the state on which no toll is levied, and the introduction of Volvo and CNG buses for public transport.
The NMMC is also planning to earn carbon credit by reducing methane gas emissions and converting garbage into fuel and fertiliser.
As for the future, the Naiks have promised an independent power generation project to ensure 24-hour power supply to the city.
Other promises include more vertical growth, especially for dilapidated buildings and no increase in taxes.
Hindustan times news

Navi Mumbai puts faith in Ganesh Naiks

2009-10-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

Thane district Guardian Minister and Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) candidate Ganesh Naik retained his Belapur seat registering 59,685 of the total 1,46,342 votes cast during October 13 assembly polls. Shiv Sena-BJP's joint candidate Suresh Haware, who was expected to give a tough fight to the NCP heavyweight, garnered 46,812 votes, while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) candidate Rajendra Mahale and independent contestant Namdeo Rama Bhagat bagged 19,569 and 14,516 votes respectively.
Naik maintained lead over other candidates right from the first round of the counting, held at Vashi's Sacred Heart School on Thursday. The veteran leader registered 429 more votes than Haware who received 2,222 votes in the first round. The initial two rounds saw Naik and Haware competing closely, but from the fifth round, the gap between the votes bagged by the two widened with Naik getting 3327 votes and the builder-turned-politician scoring 1,429 votes at the end of the round. By seventh round, Naik's lead soared by 6,418 and after 14th round he was 9,619 votes ahead and continued the rally till the final 23rd round.
Though, Naik enjoys strong voters base in Belapur, entry of the renowned builder Haware into politics around six months ago had led to few uncertainties in the constituency as the BJP along with ally Shiv Sena, ensured the saffron alliance left no stone unturned to see Naik's defeat. Besides, the last minute rebel by Bhagat and other city Congress corporators triggered speculations whether Naik would be able to make it to the House for the fourth term.
Bhagat, was expected to eat into maximum of Naik's votes, but that could not be seen happening for the ex-Navi Mumbai Congress chief. On the other hand, MNS's Rajendra (Pappu) Mahale receiving votes close to 20,000, is considered as the crucial factor behind BJP-Sena losing the seat.
"The victory is due to the love and faith people of Navi Mumbai have in me. People have elected me because of the hard work put by me and our activists for the city through corporation and other channels," said an elated Ganesh Naik. When asked whether the lead he took was up to the expectations, he said, "For me winning the election is more important. If the lead is not as per the expectation, then it's because of the non co-operation by some of the city Congressmen. However, we are happy with whatever support we received from others in the Congress party."
DNA news

Three cheers to the first family

2009-10-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

After elder son Sanjeev Naik wins parliamentary polls, Ganesh Naik and younger son Sandeep make it to the Assembly

By clinching both the assembly seats from the city, Airoli and Belapur, the Naiks underlined their supremacy in Navi Mumbai politics on Thursday. Minister in the incumbent Ashok Chavan cabinet and sitting Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA, Ganesh Naik, retained his Belapur seat by overcoming tough challenges put up by Shiv Sena-BJP candidate Suresh Haware and other assembly aspirants, while his younger son Sandeep surpassed Navi Mumbai Shiv Sena chief Vijay Chauguley in Airoli. Ganesh Naik's elder son Sanjeev is already a MP from Thane.
"Ganesh Naik has put 40 years of his life for the wellbeing of Navi Mumbai. His two sons are also working for the development of the satellite city 24X7. During campaigning, the NCP was accused of indulging into dynastic politics as Sanjeev is already representing Thane Lok Sabha seat and Ganesh Naik and Sandeep were contesting from Belapur and Airoli respectively. But the charges levelled by our opponents did not fruition as seen from the two wins," said Deputy Mayor and NCP leader Shashikant Birajdar.
He further said, "The victories by Naiks was, in fact, of all those who believe in secular ideology since people speaking different languages and hailing from all the castes and religions elected him as their leader once again. Naiks are idols for all party activists working at the grassroots level."
"Our opponents in Airoli and Belapur tried to woo voters by using money and muscle power, but the work by Naiks and their popularity sailed through all odds," the Deputy Mayor accused. The NCP though is not pleased with the low margin with which Ganesh Naik bagged the seat considering the thumping victory he had registered in the 2004 legislative assembly polls.
Birajdar said, "Winning is important for us, but as a party unit, we are not pleased with the low margin. It is high time we take corrective measures as we have worked really hard in every nook of the city, but could garner low votes in both the seats. It definitely is not a matter of pride for us. We will work harder so that we don't land in trouble during the municipal elections to be held over next few months."
DNA news

Airoli Constituency Candidate Sandeep Naik ,Cast Their Vote

2009-10-15T22:13:00.001-07:00

Congress – NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik cast his vote from the Airoli constituency with his father and mentor Ganesh Naik and the entire Naik family at R F Naik School at Koperkhairane.

If there is any candidate who seemed to have gone on a spree of seeking blessings of the God AlMighty before casting his vote and beginning the V-Day it was Sandeep Naik. The dynamic youth candidate from Airoli started his day with a series of visits to religious places, first from the home of a well wisher and then at Bhavkeshlwar Temple.

From Bhavkaleshwar Temple, Sandeep Naik headed to Shaneeswar Temple at Nerul. After Shaneeswar Temple, Sandeep Naik stopped at the Durgah at Bonkode village. And after seeking blessings, Sandeep Naik arrived at R F Naik where he cast his vote in the presence of his father Ganesh Naik, brother MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik and other members of the Naik family. His brother MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik after the family caste their vote. Though this is Sandeep Naik’s first assembly elections, his seasoned style of being a youth politician has already earned him a lot of admiration of the party leadership and public. Beyond any doubt, Sandeep Naik belongs to that young brigade of politicians who hold a promising and progressive future for the state of Maharashtra.

Sandeep Naik said, ”Residents of Navi Mumbai should vote for the candidate who is educated, dedicated and cultured.”

2009-10-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

The day-long campaigning, rallies and public meetings have come to an end and the fate of those contesting from Belapur and Airoli assembly constituencies is now in the hands of over six lakh voters who will exercise their franchise on Tuesday. Apart from the above candidates, eight more candidates are in the fray. Since the number of candidates is more, the voter turnout will have a direct bearing on the final result. On the other hand, Airoli constituency NCP-Congress alliance's candidate Sandeep Naik Sand, "Residents of Navi Mumbai should vote for the candidate who is educated, dedicated and cultured.”

Matang Community Announces Support To Ncp-congress Alliance

2009-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Rashtriya Bhujan Paksh, Akhil Bhartiya Matang Samaj declared its support to NCP-Congress alliance candidates from Belapur and Airoli Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik.

Even after 61 years of Independence, the members of the Matang community have lived an underprivileged life. They have been struggling for equal status and rights in the society but the government have always eluded their aspirations. Perhaps seeing a ray of hope to in the form of NCP, the community has decided to pledge their support to the NCP-Congress alliance candidates from Belapur and Airoli Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik. The community’s National President Babasaheb Gople appealed to his community to vote for the NCP-Congress alliance.

In the Thane district, the Matang community constitutes 5 lakh of the population and if this number is converted into votes then the NCP candidates do hold an upper hand in the state assembly elections.
NMTV News.

Congress-NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik and Congress-NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik Pay Visit To Apmc Market At Vashi To Garner Votes

2009-10-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Congress-NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik and Congress-NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik met the Mathadi workers at the onion and potato market and grain market in APMC, Vashi.

The NCP continued its election campaign this time at APMC Vashi where Congress-NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik and Congress-NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik met the Mathadi workers in APMC. The rally began from the onion potato market where the candidates addressed and the crowd and got to know their issues.

The Mathadi workers and Mathadi leader Narendra Patil openly expressed their support towards the NCP candidates. From the onion potato market, the NCP candidates headed towards the grain market where they received a huge response of supporters.
NMTV News.

Safety, Security, Peace And Harmony To Airoli – The Crime Capital Of Navi Mumbai Is My Top Priority – Says Congress-ncp Airoli Candidate Sandeep Naik

2009-10-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Amidst thousands of party workers and supporters, former Dy. Chief Minister and NCP State Chief R R Patil arrived in Airoli to campaign for Congress NCP candidates from Airoli and Belapur Sandeep Naik and Ganesh Naik. Addressing such a huge rally in front of senior party leaders for the first time, Sandeep Naik stole the show as the dynamic youth candidate promised safety, security, peace and harmony by making the city terror free as his priority.

Addressing his first rally of this magnitude, Sandeep Naik was a picture of confidence and determination as he said the right things and made the right promises. The Congress-NCP candidate from Airoli spoke of making Navi Mumbai terror free, which attains significance since he is contesting from Airoli – a constituency that has the notorious identity of being called the crime capital of Navi Mumbai. Over the years, murders, thefts, gang shoot outs like incidents have made people of Airoli live in an insecure and fear – filled atmosphere. Senior journalist Vikas Mahadik says that it was after NMMC was established that the greed for political power brought out the worst crimes in the city.

In the past, citizens of Airoli have often voiced this fear. Hearing these residents of Airoli, it’s not difficult to assess what residents of Airoli expect from their candidate in these elections and perhaps that’s why Sandeep Naik promises safety, security, peace and harmony to Airoli since the official contest began post the nomination filing ceremony as well. Besides his promise of making Airoli terror-free, Sandeep Naik’s fiery speech during R R Patil’s visit also touched upon the achievements of the ruling NCP in NMMC – from Morbe Dam, to providing municipal services and amenities to slums, villages and city settlements, school vision and making 100 beds hospital in Nerul and Airoli. On a secular note, he spoke of how his father Ganesh Naik has always taught them to practice the religion of humanity.

On the other hand, Congress-NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik spoke of the lead the secular alliance got in Navi Mumbai during the parliamentary polls early this year and spoke of ensuring a 25, 000 plus victory in both Airoli and Belapur this time round.

The manifestoes of the Congress-NCP candidates from Navi Mumbai were also released on the occasion at the hands of R R Patil. Another significant highlight of the event was that scores of Shiv Sainiks and Manse party workers officially entered the NCP on the occasion. The prominent entrants were Shivram Patil and Anita Patil who have defected from the Shiv Sena to join the NCP, Mohan Madhvi and former corporator Nandu Chauhan.
State NCP Chief R R Patil said that the massive numbers present in the rally should replicate in the victory margin of the candidates.

R R Patil was all praises of both Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik. The leader spoke of the qualities of Sandeep Naik that makes him a promising contributor to the future of Maharashtra and its progress. He also praised the leadership of Ganesh Naik. He appealed to voters to vote for authorized candidates of all parties. R R Patil also stressed on the need of voters electing candidate with a good track record. Addressing the media after the event, R R Patil reiterated the reason why the party had given candidature to Sandeep Naik from Airoli.

And on the question of rebels, R R Patil hit out at them stating that people who do not stay loyal to their parties who give them an identity, name and fame can never be loyal with the public either. R R Patil voiced confidence that the secular alliance will come back to power in Maharashtra with a thumping majority. Sandeep Naik powerful speech, Ganesh Naik’s public appeal and R R Patil’s confidence in the party’s candidates has positively fine tuned the election fever and injected enthusiasm in NCP party workers ahead of elections.

Till date there has been no leader who has taken up the challenge of combating terror and crime that plagues the crime capital of Navi Mumbai – Airoli. But now voters are convinced that in Sandeep Naik there perhaps is the hope and surety of attaining safety, security, peace and harmony in Airoli.
NMTV News.

Sandeep Naik - fairest & cleanest record

2009-10-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

Background and profile
• Well educated (Graduated) with course MBA
• Son of minister Ganesh Naik
• Corporator from ward 39
• Elected chairman of Standing committee for three years
Clean Background
Notable work done
Work done during tenure as Corporator
• Best budget for two consecutive years
• Transformed villages of satellite city
• Took futuristic decisions
• Underground wiring of electrical cable in villages condominium work done
• School infrastructure work for 51 schools.
• Setup of sailing club for youth
• Conducting Sports and cultural eventsat mega scale science past 15 years
Personal starengh
• Known for his planning , organizing and good communication skills.
• Good relations with all communitiesand sections of the society
• Known for his good character
• Tech- savvy
• Well travelled around the world
• Study visits abroad
Elective merit
• Proven work
• Well educated
• Young and dynamic
• Visionary and futuristic
• Support of all communities
• Party Ideology
Secular, work with all communities together
DNA news

Congress-ncp Airoli Candidate Sandeep Naik’s “chairman At Your Doorstep” Drive Makes Him A Popular Candidate Among Voters

2009-10-08T21:50:00.001-07:00

NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik has a long list of public work that he executed as chief of the NMMC Standing Committee. As he runs for elections as the Congress-NCP candidate from Airoli, he shared with us some major projects of NMMC that give him a sense of satisfaction.

Sandeep Naik, as Chairman of the NMMC Standing Committee to his credit has various projects that he successfully executed in NMMC besides inculcating a culture in NMMC administration to bring about a change in municipal functionary. He directed the civic body to plan and execute major projects from Morbe Dam, to Thane Belapur Road to even beautification projects and more. Over two and half years of being the Chairman of NMMC Standing Committee, Sandeep Naik set an exemplary example of a relationship of mutual trust and respect between bureaucracy and the elected representatives. Quality and professionalism are his mantra for civic works. And this has earned his respect and admiration of not just the public but even the Congress (Show Sonia Gandhi) and NCP (Show Sharad Pawar) high commands who chose him as the secular candidate from Airoli constituency.
The Airoli candidate also shared with us his experience of working at grass roots through his drive that is popularly known as “Chairman at Your Doorsteps”. Beyond any doubt, Sandeep Naik’s work as Chairman of Standing Committee and specifically his successful attempt to reach out to voters through “Chairman at Your Doorsteps” drive has made him a popular candidate among voters in these elections.
NMTV News

NCP Airoli Candidate Sandeep Naik Rallies At Vashi

2009-10-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Congress-NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik continued is election rally from Kopri village to sector 28, 29 and 14 of Vashi to meet the residents. With the elections just a few days away, Sandeep Naik was seen alone campaigning in these sectors. Present along with him was his uncle Dyaneshwar Naik. Sandeep Naik said that it was a great response that they received from supporters during the rally. He said that there agenda and mission was to convert Navi Mumbai into a world class city which they were confident of doing.
NMTV News

Thane Belapur Highway Project nearing completion

2009-10-07T22:47:00.001-07:00

The Thane-Belapur highway is the only six lane concretised highway in the country on which toll is not levied. Yet, there has been no compromise on the standard and quality of construction of the highway The quality of construction of this highway was proved when despite the diversion of Mumbra highway traffic to this road, the additional load did not have any effect on it. To ensure long lasting quality of work, NMMC Standing Committee chairman Sandeep Naik himself inspected the road work regularly and issued orders accordingly to NMMC officials. This has resulted in top quality work on the road that is shining today It is Shri Ganesh Naik's huge contribution to the progress and development of Navi Mumbai that has earned him the sobriquet of the city's architect. The settlers in the region while driving on this road experience the fruits of such strong and inspiring leadership in the city Shri Ganesh Naik, by ensuring a toll free highway in his constituency has earned loads of appreciation from the residents of Navi Mumbai and Thane.
To prevent accidents at pedestrian crossings in Rabale, Ghansoli and Kopar Khairane and to ensure smooth flow of traffic, work on four flyovers in the reglon was taken up. That work is in its final stages now Twin directional street lights on the 14 km highway, dense greenery, flyovers and foot over bridges at crossings, the magnificent corporate buildings along the road, the competing Thane-Belapur local trains will all make a drive on the road seem as an exhilarating journey in a foreign locale.
Hindutan times

Kerala community gives their community support to congress-NCP candidates from Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik

2009-10-07T22:46:00.001-07:00

NCP South Indian Cell held a meet at Kerala Bhavan, which was presided over by Congress-NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik and Congress-NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik. The Malayali community has always been with NCP because his mantra is Live and Let live, said Ganesh Naik.

The NCP South Indian Cell of Navi Mumbai held a meeting with the members of the Kerala community. The meet was presided over by Congress-NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik and Congress-NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik. During the meet, the members of the NCP South Indian Cell appealed to those present to come out on October 13 and caste their right to vote. With the secular stance that Ganesh Naik has always taken during his entire political life, he has become more of a savior for the each and every community. Speaking to the media, he stressed on this point and said that he always believed that Live and Let live.

President of South Indian Cell of Maharashtra Bhupesh Babu was also present during the event. Like any other community even for the malayali community, Ganesh Naik is a guardian and secular leader beyond compare. Members of the community expressed the same to us after their meeting with Ganesh Naik.
NMTV News

NMMT’S AC Volvo buses –a refreshing change to the old dilapidated buses

2009-10-07T22:45:00.001-07:00

In what could be called a historical achievement for NMMT, the transport body started AC bus services on the Belapur-Bandra route. To get a feel of this bus and know the response of the commuters, Sana Warsia traveled from this new bus to Bandra. And what they received was an overwhelming response with the commuters saying that NMMT’s AC bus service was definitely the best.

As passenger comfort becomes an ever-higher priority, Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport commenced its air-conditioned bus services between Navi Mumbai and Bandra. Despite facing stiff resistance from the BEST for starting air-conditioned bus services on the Belapur-Bandra route, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport under the visionary guidance of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and leadership of NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik, introduced the additional service, which is not just turning out to be a profitable route for them but also a cool ride for the commuters. To know how cool this ride was we traveled from Vashi to Bandra.

While we were sweating out in the heat, the moment the 501 Belapur to Bandra bus arrived and its door slid open, we were welcomed with a waft of cool air. Red and low-floored, the bus looked as sleek as ever. Once inside, it was as cool as a Rajdhani Express while the ticket fair very un-Rajdhani. We had to pay just Rs 30 from Vashi and usually those traveling from Belapur have to pay Rs 45. The scene inside was that of wide aisle, really large windows and plush seats. There was an emergency exit, a first aid kit, yellow painted handles and carpeted floor. Mumbai and its dust clouds swirled past outside the window making us feel like a tourist who was sightseeing around Incredible India in an air-conditioned bubble. No dust getting into our ears, no strange sweat dripping onto our arms and no smelly body odours assaulting our nostrils, what’s more, soothing music played out of the deck. Even when the bus stopped to pick up passengers, there was no jhatkas or jerks, with all looking chilled out as if they had found nirvana.

Like the commuters, we were in awe of the bus service provided by NMMT. The transport body procured the buses under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission after many passengers had requested them to start bus services connecting the satellite city to Mumbai. Later, the bus was running over the famous Bandra bridge, the sea looking blue and the air feeling clean. Soon, the door slid open at Bandra railway station. We were out of the bus in the heat and grime of incredible Mumbai and with distress, wondered why did Bandra come so soon?
NMTV News

Huge response and support from masses for the young and dynamic Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik

2009-10-07T22:44:00.001-07:00

And on the other hand Ganesh Naik continued campaigning for his son Sandeep Naik – who is the candidate from Airoli constituency.

The young and dynamic Chairman of NMMC Standing Committee Sandeep Naik continues to draw tremendous response from voters in 150 Airoli Constituency. The Congress-NCP candidate is personally being introduced to the voters in the Airolii constituency by his father and sitting MLC Ganesh Naik who himself is the secular alliance candidate will be contesting for 151 Bealpur seat. While Ganesh Naik is ensuring to appeal and reach out to voters across Airoli constituency, Sandeep Naik as Standing Committee Chairman is already a popular and respected name in Airoli. His various visits to the city area, slums and villages across the city during Chairman at your Doorsteps drive has given him an edge on his understanding of public issues most of which he has solved successfully as well. Perhaps that's the reason why his candidature from Airoli is being welcomed with open arms by the seniors and youth alike.

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik however continues to leave no stones unturned to ensure a smooth victory for Sandeep Naik. This time the media caught the father-son duo campaigning in wards 14, 15, 16 and 17 to meet the people. The eminent presenties here were VP of NCP Cell Chandu Patil, Corporator Anant Sutara and Corporator Jabbar Khan.
NMTV News

Sandeep Naik visits Dargahat Ghansoli

2009-10-07T22:43:00.001-07:00

Congress-NCP alliance candidate from Airoli constituency Sandeep Naik was accompanied by his father and Thane guardian minister Ganesh Naik during the campaign rally at Ghansoli. Following his father’s footsteps, Sandeep Naik has also always had a secular stance without creating any differentiation between people of different caste or creed. He recently visited the durgah at Ghansoli where he was heartily welcomed by the people of Muslim community.

The programme was conducted by the minority cell, where the President of the cell Jabbar Khan was also present. During the rally Ganesh Naik made an appeal to the voters to caste their vote to the candidate.
NMTV News

'Sandeep Naik have worked at the grassroot level for city'

2009-10-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Sandeep Naik, the youngest contestant from the satellite city - and the son of sitting MLA, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik - is a picture of confidence. It's nine in the morning; he has already been up for three hours, knocked off a series of meetings and is all set for another 16-hour work day on the campaign trail. Sandeep Naik takes time out for an exclusive interview .
Q. Older brother in Parliament, father in Assembly and you in the corporation - it seemed like the perfect arrangement for the Naik family. Then, why this move to contest the Assembly elections and become an MLA?
A. It is not my decision or the family's decision, but the insistence of the people that has lead me to contest the Assembly election. In fact, I was quite content working at the corporation level and given the aspirations of many candidates, the demands of other hopefuls, I was not even thinking about contesting. But, our party leaders - and all the people - thought that it was time for me to take up larger responsibilities, expand my reach and serve people on a bigger scale.
Having said that, Naiksaab's original Belapur Assembly constituency got split into five constituencies, post delimitation, with two of them falling under Navi Mumbai. Since he has done a lot of work in this constituency over the past 20 years, it makes sense for his party to get its own MLA elected in the newly carved constituency.
Q. But then, your candidature has given your opponents a chance to rake the issue of dynastic politics. Doesn't that affect you, and your chances?
A. Had I been a green horn making a backdoor entry, with no grassroot experience, there would be some substance to such talks. But I have cut my teeth right at the basic level, getting elected by the people as a corporator, understanding every problem being faced by them, solving every issue of gutter-water-meter (drainage, water supply and power). As the Standing Committee chairman, I have visited every nook and corner of the city and know about the issues that matter to the people. And today I am ready to take up their issues at the state level and work as an MLA for the betterment of Navi Mumbai.
Q. What about the allegations that the Naiks are buying out people?
A. (Laughs). We have not bought out people, but we have won them over. Navi Mumbai comprises of highly educated people, who understand everything and know what to expect from their elected representative. Now, tell me is it possible to buy out lakhs of intelligent, educated people spanning across two huge constituencies.
Q. You have been campaigning aggressively over the past few days. What is the response from the people?
A. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the warm welcome that I am getting everywhere.
People from every community - Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs - and every segment of the society, are laying the red carpet for us. In fact, my father accompanied me (to Airoli) only on the first day, to formally introduce me to his people as their own candidate and ever since, I have been campaigning on my own. All my working at the grassroot level and the support of our corporators in every part of the constituency is paying dividends.
Q. You already have a lot to your credit as the Standing Committee chairperson. Is that coming in handy while campaigning?
A. Of course, your work speaks for you. The systematic implementation of a huge water supply plan, the creation of a fantastic road network and good connectivity, comfortable intra-city and inter-city transportation - it's all there for people to see. Besides, we have done a lot of work at the civic level. For instance, in education, we have set up municipal schools that are at par with private schools. Towards recreation, we have created beautiful parks and gardens. For enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the city, we have created water bodies and executed systematic street designs across the nodes. It's all happening, even as we make Navi Mumbai truly an example of a great planned city.
Q. We have known you as the able back office man, putting everything in place when your brother (Sanjeev) was contesting the Lok Sabha polls? Who's manning the back office now?
A. We have huge support from our workers, corporators and other people. Every body is contributing whole-heartedly. The planning and the system is already in place; the people just have to work on the given plan, which they are doing.
Q. Your brother defeated Vijay Chauguley in the parliamentary polls. Are you aiming at his complete decimation with the Assembly win?
A. I am an educated person, doing good work for the people and seeking their votes on the strength of my work and my abilities. I don't even want to give a thought to my opponents; my focus is on the people.
Q. And what's your take on the rebellious Congressmen, who are contesting as Independent candidates?
A. They are fighting a lone - and a lost - battle. Not only their seniors at the state and national level are with us, but even their juniors at the grassroot level in Navi Mumbai are supporting us. So, we don't have to worry about independent individuals fighting for their own cause.
Q. What can the people of Airoli constituency expect if they make you the MLA?
A. Navi Mumbai will have the advantage of having its own people across all levels - right from the parliament to the assembly, right down to the corporation. Our own people in key positions will help us in getting faster clearance for proposals and faster execution of development work. There would be no deviation on account of politics, since we will all be on the same side, with the same goal and the same vision. Talking specifically about the Airoli constituency, I have a lot of micro plans. One of them is to revive the industries in the Thane-Belapur Industrial Area, which will create a lot of new jobs and give a boost to the local economy.
Q. During the Lok Sabha polls, the MNS factor proved crucial to NCP's win. This time, there is no MNS candidate in Airoli constituency. Will it pose a problem to your chances?
A. The voters of MNS - young, charged and conscious - are also our voters. So, this time round, those votes will come directly to us.
Q. And by what margin do you hope to win the elections?
A. Let the people of Airoli constituency decide that!
DNA news

Sandeep Naik visits Navratri in Airoli

2009-09-30T22:16:00.001-07:00

To seek the blessings of goddess Durga, NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik visited the Navratri mandals at Gotivali. Sandeep Naik also visited the household durga idols and interacted with the residents.

The streets of Gotivali in Navi Mumbai were decorated and lit up with the festive lights but what made the atmosphere charged, was the presence of NCP’s youth candidate from the Airoli assembly constituency Sandeep Naik. Dressed in a simple white kurta, Sandeep Naik exuberated the aura of youth and dynamism. In lieu of the upcoming state assembly elections, he visited the various Navratri mandals of the node to seek the blessings of the Goddess Durga. At the same time he also visited household durga idols and interacted with the people. The locals showed their gratitude to this young leader and welcomed him with shawls, bouquets and smiles.

Later on, he also visited some mandals in Ghansoli. Sandeep Naik expressed that while the node has people from all religions, they always celebrate all festivals with the same fervor and gusto. Praying to Goddess Durga, he asked for strength to fight corruption.
NMTV News

36 sects of Rajasthani community offer their support as gratitude to NCP candidates Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik

2009-09-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik and NCP Airoli candidate Sandeep Naik met the Rajastani Community at Vishnudas Bhave auditorium in Vashi where they interacted with this community and got to know their issues. Even since the elections have been declared, representatives from all communities have been declaring their support to Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik.

36 sects of the Rajasthani community living in Navi Mumbai came together at Vashi to honour NCP Belapur candidate Ganesh Naik and NCP Airoli Sandeep Naik for their work and give them their support and wishes for the upcoming elections. Both the candidates were honored by tying turbans on their head.

Ganesh Naik – a leader for the last 40 years is known for his work and achievements. His dedication to the cause of progress and development of Navi Mumbai commands respect and honour from all. And as a part of showing their support and gratitude, people from all communities have been inviting Ganesh Naik as he runs for elections again. Rajasthani community is one of the many communities who are witness to the peace and security that Ganesh Naik has provided them as a guardian for villagers and migrants.

Humbled by their support and wished, Ganesh Naik shared with the audience how since his childhood he has never differentiated between people of different castes or creed. Later on speaking to the media, he appreciated the honor given to him by the Rajasthani community.
NMTV News

NCP-Congress alliance candidates Sandeep Naik and Ganesh Naik from Airoli and Belapur constituencies

2009-09-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

On the first day of campaigning, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik accompanied his younger son Sandeep during the visits in Airoli constituency, while Sandeep's elder brother and Thane MP Sanjeev is expected to join them soon. The trio will carry out rally in both the constituencies accompanied by party corporators and supporters.
"We all are serving the city- I as the NMMC Standing Committee Chief, my father as the Thane Guardian Minister and my elder brother Sanjeev as the MP of Thane. It has been decided that we together will approach the city residents to seek their votes," said Sandeep Naik, who is contesting the assembly polls for first time.
The father-son duo has been visiting door-to-door in various sectors of Airoli and has already covered pockets of Anand Nagar, Ganesh Nagar, Ram Nagar, Ganpatipada, Sathe Nagar, Vishnu Nagar, Ilthanpada, Hanuman Nagar, Chinchpada, Yadavnagar and various wards of Airoli constituency. "We are trying to reach-out to each and every voter of the city. Besides, we are also conducting meetings in chowks. We plan our visits and meetings as per the convenience of voters," added Naik.
It's not only candidates, even the party workers and corproators are also busy visiting voters. "We are ensuring that people are not forgetting the services given by the Naiks, who have worked only with an objective over the years - the development of Navi Mumbai," said a Congress worker from Airoli.
NMTV News

Peace, Harmony and security will be my first priority says Airoli NCP candidate Sandeep Naik

2009-09-29T22:26:00.001-07:00

NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik filed his nominations as the NCP-Congress candidate from Airoli. One of the youngest candidates in the race to the assembly, Sandeep Naik will fight the elections against Shiv Sena-BJP candidate.

NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik filed his nominations as the NCP-Congress candidate from Airoli constituency. Till the last minute the NCP party had not made any formal announcement about his candidature but like we said earlier, there is no other leader with an impeccable track record of personal conduct, public work like that of Sandeep Naik. Also the resources and mass following of Ganesh Naik are needed to take on the Shiv Sena BJP alliance candidate Vijay Chougule from Airoli. Hundreds of party workers and corporators arrived outside Saraswati Vidyalaya at Airoli - the nomination center for Airoli constituency in support of Sandeep Naik's candidature.

As Sandeep Naik was filing his nominations inside, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik arrived with MP Dr Sanjeev Naik at the center. Earlier after filing his nominations at Konkan Bhavan Ganesh Naik had voiced confidence of the NCP winning in both the constituencies. NCP Congress Candidate Sandeep Naik said that he was gratified with the party leaders supporting his candidatures. He added he was feeling happy after filing the nominations. NCP Congress Candidate Sandeep Naik too exuberated confidence of the work he's done as he officially entered the race to assembly. He said that bringing security and peace to the lives of citizens in volatile Airoli will be his priority.

The amount of support, the presence of supporters and confidence of candidates as already given an edge to the NCP candidates in both Airoli and Belapur. The prominent leaders who were present at Airoli were Mathadi Leader Narendra Patil and MLC Manda Mhatre.
NMTV News

NCP leadership will strive for development of city

2009-09-26T02:54:00.000-07:00

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said that even if NCP got two seats less after its alliance with Congress as compared to last elections, it is the duty of the party to keep Maharashtra united. "I am sure that our party leaders will do it successfully," Pawar said while addressing Mathadi workers on the occasion 76th birth anniversary celebrations of Mathadi leader and former MLA late Annasaheb Patil on Friday at Onion Potato Market, Vashi.
Asking the workers to vote for NCP candidates Ganesh Naik and Sandeep Naik during October 13 assembly elections, Pawar said, "We are here to create leadership which will benefit Mathadi workers, the leadership that will strive for the development of Navi Mumbai on all fronts."
The party ticket was given to Sandeep Naik, the younger son of Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. "Narendra Patil is indeed a strong leader but the right things will take place at right time. Let the time come and he will surely get what he deserves," Pawar said.
NMTV News

Sandeep Naik, the Standing Committee chief of NMMC filed the nomination from Airoli constituency at Saraswati Vidyalaya, Airoli as NCP candidate

2009-09-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

Candidates from major political parties filed their nominations for the October 13 assembly elections from Belapur and Airoli seats on Thursday.
Sitting MLA and Thane District Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik also filed his nomination as NCP candidate from Belapur in the presence of huge number of supporters. Besides corporators, NCP MLC Manda Mhatre, Mathadi leader Narendra Patil and sitting MP and his elder son Sanjeev Naik also accompanied Naik at Konkan Bhavan. Naik, who has served two terms as MLA would be contesting from Belapur while his younger son Sandeep will contest from Airoli. "We will be victorious in both seats since we have been in the forefront of the development in Navi Mumbai," Ganesh Naik said.
On the same day, Sandeep Naik, the Standing Committee chief of NMMC filed the nomination from Airoli constituency at Saraswati Vidyalaya, Airoli as NCP candidate. "Mathadi leader Narendra Patil, MLC Manda Mhatre, corporators and people from all caste and religions accompanied me. I would request to exercise their franchise in the favour of the right candidate," Sandeep added.
DNA News

Navi Mumbai police holds Iftaar party at Vashi

2009-09-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

As the month of Ramadan comes to an end, number of Iftaars have increased. While the Iftaar at Bonkode village saw the participation of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, the Navi Mumbai Police organized an Iftaar Party at Vashi.

While the celebration of the Ramazan month may be coming to an end, many communities are holding Roz-Iftaar. One such feasting was seen by the Navi Mumbai Police which organised an Iftaar party at Vashi. The event was graced by Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. Also present was Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Gulabrao Pol along with Ali Shamsi. The Iftaar party saw a huge gathering of muslims coming together to break the fast together. Later on, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and the guests present spoke to the media.

On the other hand, an Iftaar party was also held at khairane village where NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik was present. The Iftaar party held by the KGN Welfare association was held at the Jama Masjid in Khairne. Sandeep Naik was welcomed with shawl and zaree cap. The Muslim community then read the Magrib prayers and broke their fast.
NMTV News

A visionary leader

2009-09-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

Navi Mumbai will soon have the maximum number of world-class public utility amenities. This is only the beginning
The youngest ever standing committee chairman of Navi Mumbai municipal Corporation Shri Sandeep Naik , turns 31 on today and is already an iconic youth leader in the city , with his multi –dimentional focus to make Navi Mumbai the best city in the world
Taking to media persons, Shri Sandeep Naik stressed that the city will son have the maximum number of the world-class public utilities. He said ,”this is only the beginning . we need to sustain and maintain, even as we keep on adding more with our collective effort.”
Sandeep Naik’s passion and dedicationin kho-kho, Kabaddi and Cricket at School and term –sprit traits that is evident, as he leads from the front a vibrant, new city into the millennium . his father, the state minister for Excise and Environment and the district Guardian minister Shri Ganesh Naik groomed and inspire up the essential at a very fast pace to meet the demands of rapidly changing modern times. Shri Sandeep Naik has already established himself as the most popular youth leader in the 21st Century City.
In 2005, Shri Sandeep Naik was elected the corporator and member of the NMMC standing committee , which is the second most important body of the corporation after general boby .
He is already proving to be a capable chairmen as also a champion of environmental concerns, as expert in agriculture, an ardent promoter of science and ultra –modern technology , an able administrator, a progressive thinker and able all a vibrant youth with a very positive and constructive spirit.
Even as he took over the affairs of the civic corporation as a leader of the ruling majority NCP in the city, his elder brother Shri Sanjeev Naik was elected to the parliament , thus making it easy for more funds from the central government to NMMC for infrastructure development in the city , villages , slums and nodes. He initiated visionary measures tougher change in municipal functioning. He stressed on good school building for the NMMC School where children from poor and weaker section come to study, well –designed and maintained gardens and parks in the city. He called for global standard in the development of the proposed regional park with a science centre and food plaza in Nerul.
His maturity in the way he conducts the standing committee meetings belies his young age. He comes prepared with complete homework, and agenda for the meeting, initiating healthy debate , showing respect for the opposition , admonishing official when wrong and complementing them for good performance, getting the municipal chief meet members demands wherever justified and finely summing up each subject, weighting the pros and cons even while acknowledging problem areas and suggesting solutions or issuing order to the administration . This confidence comes from his ‘chairman at your doorstep,’ tours to every nook and corner of all wards in the city. He is firmly rooted to the ground to every common citizen as his vision for the city in very futuristic.
The budgetary allocations of the corporation under his chairmanship are a standing example of shri sandeep Naik’s visionary leadership. He approved provisions for the civic work inside condominiums, development and beautification of gardens, parks and ponds, corridor improvement plane for palm Beach road , implementation of e-governance and integrated solid waste management project.
Shri Sandeeep Naik’s initiative led to budgetary provisions for a science museum, planetarium, swimming pool, indoor-stadium, water re-cycling , use of non conventional energy and citizens’ help- desk. Quality amenities for a good lifestyle for all income groups, timely execution of projects are his recommended tools for good, turning the vision into realty. The improvement of the city is the foremost thought mind and during every foreign trip he is possessed wanting to gain new concepts, in order to make Navi Mumbai, the world’s best city with global standard infrastructure and public amenities.
Be it starting quicker and comfortable waterway services, Volvo public transport services development for tourist destinations in the city, expediting the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial in the city, Shri Sandeep Naik has developed network of expert well –wishers and senior citizen to guide his and suggest measures for better implementation.
Capable of taking decision and keeping a vigilant control of the administration, the young Shri Sandeep Naik believes in co-operation and co-ordination between the administration, and elected representatives for the smooth, forward movement of the chariot of development. Azim Premji’s work philosophy-‘work hard .work smart’. Shri sandeep Naik’s responsibility to the warning of global warming was in founding the NGO Green Hope in 2007. Planting of lakh sapling last years, he lead organization to a two lakh tree plantation drive in the city this year. He founded Green hope to promote environmental awareness and ethical relationship between nature and citizen. Hri Sandeep Naik dos not merely stress on planting sapling but on ensuring their survival and conserving them so as to achieve optimum green cover in a rapidly expanding concrete jungle.
Harmony with the environment alone can provide a conductive atmosphere for the long –term and sustainable growth of the city and its citizen and shri Sandeep Naikhas pressed Green hope into this several with this aim in Navi Mumbai .
This multi –dimensional singular focus to make Navi Mumbai world’s best city , marks Shri Sandeep Naik as the city’s best bet. Well-wishers all over the globe are pouring choicest birthday wishes on Navi Mumbai’s greatest and most youthful hope- Shri sandeep Naik.
Times of India News

Leadership moulding champions

2009-09-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

Interested in sports since childhood, Sandeep Naik takes special interest in providing world-class sports facilities to nurture the future champions
It is said ,”champions are not made in the gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision.’
Sport loving youth leader shri Sandeep Naik has moulded several sports champions in Navi Mumbai . as present of Navi mumbai krida Sankul , he provided a platform for grand competitions to nurture sports talent and display their talent on a global arena.
Shri Sandeep Naik is an ardent sports man, who exhibited kho-kho playing skills during his school days and cricket ing prowess on behalf of a club on foreign pitches. Popular youth leader, corporator, able chairman of NMMC standing Committee, environmentalist, educationist, agriculturist, progressive thinker, science and ultra-modern technology oriented sums up the multi –faceted personality of Shri Sandeep naik. Today, on his birthday, it is an occasion to recall the sports-related promotional activities of Shri Sandeep naik, a powerful striker of sixes and fours in politics.
Along with knowledge, foresight too is equally essential. Both these trigger welcome changes. Progress takes place. Navi Mumbai is savoring the fruits of many such foresighted decisions of guardian minister Shri Ganesh Naik .Promoting sporting events is one such decision. He encouraged sports persons by starting the MLA trophy Game in 1992 in Navi Mumbai. In course of time the baton was passed on from Shri Ganesh Naik to Shri Sandeep Naik.
India’s cricketing champion master blaster Schin Tendulkar mentions his key to success as ‘Dream big and commit your self completely to the fulfillment of the same.’Shri Sandeep Naik too believes in doing whatever he undertakes on a grand scale he thus changed the face of sports in the city. He transformed the tournament into a grand sporting festival. He gave it an Olympic-like feel and significance. the Navi Mumbai Festival organized from 28to 31 January, 2008 saw the conduct of several games like kho-kho, Kabbadi, Cricket, football, athletics, long jump, Relay Race, etc in different grounds in Navi Mumbai .Nearly 12000 students from 150 NMMC and private schools in the city competed in the festival game.
A leader is a dealer of hope. Imbibing hope Shri Sandeep Naik infused a rare self-confidence to achieve objects in sportspersons in the city. He provided a grand platform to the players in the form of Navi Mumbai Krida Sankul . The festival provided them the opportunity to hone their abilities and strengths and remove their abilities and strengths and remove their weakness. They got an opportunity to discover and study improvements while competing with best competitive players. He encouraged sportspersons by awarding grand cash prizes.
Sportspersons who excelled in the games will be shortlisted for specialized training by sports experts under the auspices of the Krida Sankul .Several promising sportspersons have emerged from the MLA trophy and the sports festival.
Be it Karuna sawant ex-student of R F Naik High School Bonkode and national player, or athletes shairan Nadar and Rahul Retherekar of kho-Kho champion Sachin Palkar of Radhikabai Megha school all have emerged as stars in these tournament
Body – builder of Sterling school , Nerul Hement Phalke, weight-lifter Vishal Dhanawade, athlete Vishaka rao, Kabbadi player, tushar mbokar, Nilesh Chikne , Kho-Kho Player Akash Khatade, Kiran Salunkhe a national level sportsman – all were lauded for sports for their spectular performances by the sports –enthusiasts witnessing the games. Several such examples could be cited.
Making plans is easy. Action is difficult. Translating specific thought into desired action is the most difficult. Shri sandeep naik is the constantly making determined efforts to ensure the success of Navi Mumbai sports person in the national and international sports arena , since the last several years. He expressed hope to relies his efforts for establishing a world class sports complex in the city.
He represented the state Kho-kho team in the 1992 national meet Hyderabad. While in junior college he earned laurels as an all –round cricketer at the enter –club tournament abroad.
Sportsmanship is rare where politics dominate. However Shri Sandeep Naik shows Sportship in politics too. This youthful leader is full of promises and prospects and the journey has just begun.
Your life’s real flight in yet to be,
The test of your thoughts is yet to be,
Now only a piece of land is measured,
The whole sky remains to be measured ahead.
Times of India News

Three glorious tenures

2009-09-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

Under the chairmanship of Sandeep Naik, the NMMC’s standing committee has excelled in performance
The three glorious tenures of the chairman of the standing committee of Navi Mumbai Munispal Corporation, Shri Sandeep Naik saw the fusion of inspiration, performance a and excellence. The birthday of this youthful leader who has already made his mark on the Navi Mumbai horizon with his able leadership qualities is an occasion to recall his remarkable track record.
Shri Sandeep Naik is the second son of state minister for Excise and Environment for excise and district Guardian Minister Shri Sandeep Naik, a political university personified and a social worker. Hence Shri Sandeeo Naik was blessed with those traits from his childhood itself guided by his father, who was his source of inspiration and energy; he developed His own imbibed leadership qualities.
When he was appointed the chairman of standing committee in the very first term he was elected as a corporator. Knowledgeable and senior corporators and official raised their eye- brows in concern. Soon the highly qualified and learned Shri Sandeep displayed. His capability and dispelled their fears. He has successfully borne the mantle of the chairmanship till date living the sentiments of the majority and upholding the noble principles of democracy.
Shri Sandeep Naik has time and again displayed his awareness of the citizen’s issues, emotion and concerns, in the decision taken on various issues raised in the meetings. He has taken some tough decisions too, when they were imperative.
On October 15, 2007, he ordered the administration to strict action on the illegal structures that obstructed the corporation’s development projects. In the same meeting, water shortage in the due to water distribution flaws, was discussed. He took a firm stand no compromise would be made on essentials services like water supply .He remarked that the irregular water supply. He remarked that the irregular water supply was improper when a promise of 24-hours water supply was made in the budget. He instantly ordered the administration to improve the water supply by studying the zone wise supply modus and quantum from each source.
Shri Sandeep Naik is perhaps the first chairman of the corporation who chaired the budget meeting for hours, uninterrupted and made innovative suggestions like the citizen-card and infused fresh thing of the budget
In “Sabhapati Aaplya Anganaath”
(Chairman in your compound), a unique programme, Shri Sandeep Naik took the municipal Officials to the citizens, which was well –appreciated all over the city. He personally heard and solves the problems of the citizens along with the official in every ward in the municipal area. He insisted that the official reach out the citizen instead of the citizen coming to the corporation office with their work culture. He gave relief to thousand of residents by approving the historical decision of undertaking repair work inside condominiums. He also approved the Rs. 52. Crores children’s park in Nerul. Several such constructive and significant decisions were taken under his chairman ship of the standing committee.
People’s representative should be aware of his responsibilities. Shri Sandeep Naik for tow years gave satisfying replies and solutions to queries raised by citizen on civic issues. Shri Sandeep Naik issued orders and to the administration and solved problems within specified time. If the problem could not be solved he sought detail explanation and justification and communicated the same in writing to the concerned citizen who raised the said issues. Navi Mumbaies appreciated and commented this exercise whole- Heartedly.
Sandeep Naik has proved to be chairman with decision –making ability who can take charge of the municipal administrations. He firmly believed that proper co-ordination between the municipal administration and people repersentive was very essential for the forward movement of the chariot of the development of the Navi Mumbai and hence he always tried to establish dialogue between the two successfully . He work in as much as the timly completion of the same.’ quality is a continuous process and should be continued ‘ on which Shri Sandeep pays the minutest attention.
“People representatives are trustees and not owners of public property,” the youthful leader Shri Sandeep Naik has applied thought of Mahatma Gandhi in practical life. He rarely uses the official car provided by corporation. He generally uses his personal private vehicle. With the threat of terrorist attacks looming over public places, a decision to install closed circuit cameras in Vishnudas Bhave auditorium for the curity of the audiences. Shri Sandeep Naik personally contributed Rs. 3.51 lakhs from his honorarium and Rs 1.17 Lack from his fund to install the same.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal corporation scaled several heights during the tenure of shri Sandeep Naik and Chairman till date . NMMC is the first Corporation in the country to have its own source of water supply post—independence, and the first civic body to introduce cess in lieu of octroi . it won the first frieze in the state in Sant Gadge Baba cleanliness drive in 2005-2006. NMMC also won the first Prize in the competition of water supply organized by the urban development department of the central government. The corporation was adjudged the best in the state in the implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. The corporation has added several such feathers to its cap.
Shri Sandeep Naik work pattern display the ‘work Hard, Work Smart’, slogan of Wipro’s Chairman and world renowned industrialist Azim Premji.
Shri Sandeep Naik’s Personality can be rightly defined in the poetic lines penned by, India’s former president Shri A.P.J. About Kalam on ‘Youthfulness’,
‘I am youth citizen of this country Endowed with technology, knowledge and inspired with patriotism Small objectives are a crime,
I know this keeping a board view in mind, I shall sweat
I have the objective of making this country progressive.’
Times of India News

“Politics is about Doing Social work”

2009-09-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

In a question and answer session with TOI , Sandeep Naik, chairman, standing Committee, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation say he wants to make Navi Mumbai truly a city of the 21st century
How would you describe you’re self?
I consider myself a Go-getter not for my sake, but for those around me and society. I keep exploring new and innovative ideas and do my best to implement them. I can never sit idle.
You have always said that your father, state minister Ganesh Naik , is your inspiration . What do you admire about him?
His dedicate to social work and constant Endeavour to do good for the society and help the people in need is what I have always admired . His secular credentials that has ensured peace in the region even during the worst testing times are very inspiring .I admire his stamina. He never seems tired, He has been my best teacher.
Your brother sanjeev naik too has been very successful .What do you think about it?
He has worked hard from the grassroots level and reached a great height today . yet he is humble and connected to the people. He knows the pulse of the people.
Did you always want to be in politics?
My father, brother and others in the family were activity into politics. For us politics is all about social work. The inclination to the social work was always there. I guess my entering the political arena was destined.
What was going through you mind when you actually took the plunge?
It was a huge responsibility that I was taking up. I knew I would lose all my privacy and be in limelight what was exciting through was that I could now take up more causes for the people. I had seen the great work of my father over the years and how he had made a difference to the lives of thousands of people. I too wanted to be of use to the society which has given us so much love and affection.
Did you find I difficult initially?
I would rather call it a learning experience. Once you have succeeded in overcoming a difficulty, there is nothing more to do. I will always consider myself a student of politics and try my best to negotiate every turn.
You have big plans for the city of navi Mumbai .
I want to make Navi Mumbai truly a 21st century city, not just in term of economic progress and infrastructural development but also ensuring fulfillment of all the needs of the residents. It will be a city that will take care not just of the present needs but also of the future .we have taken several steps in this regard like the future. We have taken several steps in this regard like the water supply project. There will be many more.
What are your dream projects for Navi Mumbai?
I want land marks in the city that will be both useful and admired by all. Every great city has such projects that make them distinctive. Skywalk, water tourism and amusement park are some of the ideas I have already start working on.
From the beginning you have stressed on the need for change in the working of the administration.
Yes, I have always stressed on the introduction of trans patency and accountability in the working of the corporation. There has been progress on this front.
There is scope for more. There is need for a proper system in the functioning of the administration with specified procedures, rules and regulations. I shall ensure that happens.
You have been taking a lot of interest in the environment protection through your NGO Green Hope. what are your plans?
Green Hope was established in October 2007 to deal with urban issues primary in Navi Mumbai and its surrounding areas. As per Indian traditions, green symbolizes hope and growth. It is associated with regeneration and re-birth, something very close to nature. Through Green Hope, we have been involved in various activities related to nature and environment. The object is to handover earth in a better shape to the next generation and prevents it from further global warming.
You are working in the education field as well through Navi Mumbai shikshan Sankul. The mock exam conducted by you was huge success.
The board examinations are very important mile stone in the lives of the students. However, the pressures involved many a times do not allow the student . however, the pressures involved many a times do not allow the student to per opportunity to the ability. Through exam I wanted to give an opportunity to the student to get over their initial fear. It also help those who could not afford tutorials. By ensuring a similar environment as the board exam, the students had a very clear idea of what to expect later. We also felicitated them to ensure their hard work did not go waste and to inspire them further.
Sport has received a lot of attention. How important do you think it is in the scheme of things?
Very important .sport is an integral part of ones overall personality development. Many times it is neglected in favors of academics. I believe both should be given equal importance. Sports make one mentally and physically stronger not just for academics but also to face life.
How has your stint as the chairman of standing committee of NMMC helped you evolve?
It has helped me understand civic issues from close quarters and also analyze them. Since I have to take decisions, it brought a lot of responsibility I have insured that no decisions are taken in haste. I have also made sure that all the members including those in the opposition get an opportunity to air their suggestions
For the first time, the audit backlog is being cleared by NMMC. How important is it?
There is a great need for it to ensure transparency in the working of the administration. Public money is involved here and the people should be assured that their money is not being wasted or misused that their money is not being west or misused. The audit will also help us understand the mistakes of the past so that amendments can be made for the future. It will help us frame better policies henceforth.
You have taken several important decisions for the city which have fructified. What would you consider your major achievement so far?
Several decisions, which include:
• Deaf and Dump school for the physically handicapped student at Rabale
• Eco –friendly artificial pond for Ganpati immersion at kopri village
• Common work common wages for 3200 contract workers
• Conversion of overhead electrical wiring into under ground wiring in 44 villages of the city
• Free crematorium services in the city
• Ensured the passage of a resolution to not increase water , property and Cess charges in the city as per the promise of honorable guardian minister Ganesh Naik who has assured it for the next 25 years
• Laying of Morbe dam water pipeline from Kalaboli to Dighe
• Concretization of 14 km Thane – Balapur road, which is considered one of the best in the country.
• Sanction of 52 crore children park project in Narul
• Modernization and renovation of municipal school buildings
• Water pipe line laying in condominiums thereby giving a new lease to 25,000 building in the city
• E- tendering facility to speed up work in NMMC
• Facility to resident to complaint at NMMC Citizen facility centre through internet, mobile and website.
• Work has stared on modern on a modern state –of –the art NMMC headquarter on Palm Beach road.
• Procurement of fertilizer and fuel from 550 metric ton of garbage that is generated every day in the city
• Youth is increasingly entering politics. Will it make a difference?
Yes definitely. The educated youth will bring in new innovative ideas. They are also not afraid to experiment and take bold decision .the youth today understands the importance of tradition and know how to use it best by adapting it to modern technology and times. They will also bring a breath of fresh air which is good for politics.
• You have had a dynamic start to you political career. How do you intend to keep up the momentum?
I will never stop. I take this as public life for the social good of the people and not merely politics. The fire within me will keep burning. It basically run sin the family. If you have in public life for years and yet seems so energetic and enthusiastic.
• There are a lot of expectations from you. You think you will succeed?
Success is a relative term. I am confident of always doing my best. The rest is for the people to decide.
Times of india News

NMMC Headquarters could be the country’s new iconic marvel

2009-09-12T00:42:00.001-07:00

The satellite city would be soon getting an iconic structure in the form of the NMMC Headquarters under construction at CBD Belapur.

Speaking on this iconic structure, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik, who is credited for pushing the project for a take off, said that there was a need for centralization of the various departments of NMMC, which would be achieved through this structure. While the building took time to get underway, the construction had already started. A unique factor of this building is that it would be an eco-friendly structure.

The construction is in full swing with the raft of the basements fitted that in another 18 months the structure would be complete. Someone has very rightly said that patience is always rewarded, For over a decade, the corporators and officials of NMMC were waiting to have their own headquarters and as the work begins in full force at the site, looks like the wait is soon going to be over that too in style. For the project promises to not just be an iconic structure and a marvel of a landmark, but the NMMC Headquarters promise to be a civic wonder like no municipal corporation in the country.
NMTV News

150 acres of water body to be beautified into recreational space at Nerul holding pond

2009-09-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

To the delight of Navi Mumbaikars, the satellite city is soon going to be gifted with an entertainment and recreational centre at the water body at sector 26 of Nerul. The NMMC General Body approved the estimated expenditure of Rs 98.40 crores for beautification of this holding pond adjacent to the Palm Beach Road.

Have you ever wanted to just have a small picnic spot with barbecues, or go for a leisure walk amongst greenery or just sit by a lake and watch the sunset? Well if you probably miss out on this if you are a resident of Navi Mumbai. But if NMMC does translate one of its ambitious projects for Navi Mumbai, all this could be a reality for Navi Mumbaikars. For the civic body has decided to beautify the 150 acres water body and its surroundings in Sector 26 Nerul adjacent to Palm Beach Road. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik says that there aim is to develop the water bodies of the city making them into a tourist destination.

The proposed plan, map and amenities for recreation and entertainment has been designed by Hiten Sethi and Associates as also the estimated cost which is Rs 98.40 crores. Hiten Sethi, CEO of Hiten Sethi and Associates says that in this particular plan, they have tried to retain the mangrove stretch and the water body and designed around it. In fact the storm water drain would also be re-routed to avoid the smell near the water body.

Hiten Sethi stressed that there is a need to develop iconic structures in the city. This one would definitely account for that as they plan to give the structure a crystal kind of look and would be calling it the Jewel of Navi Mumbai. The proposed beautification plan includes an entrance plaza, parking facility, toilets, walkways, jogging track, food plaza, exhibition ground, gymnasium, swimming pool, health spa, indoor games facility, hotel, party lawn, aquarium, sand pit, butterfly garden, botanical garden, picnic park and gardens.

The unique feature and the main tourist attraction is likely to be the bailagio which works on the fire on water concept. While the work on the basic infrastructure would be done in the first phase, the beautification of the water body is proposed to be done through the Public Private Partnership. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik voiced confidence of the work that Hiten Sethi will do and says that since the project will be made on PPP basis, it would also generate revenue for NMMC.
NMTV News

Go the ECO friendly immersion way this Ganesh Utsav with artificial ponds

2009-08-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

MCGM and NMMC has created many artificial ponds across the city in an effort to curb the pollution that its caused to the water bodies post every Ganesh Chathurthi. But how many people are aware of the ways that they can follow to go all the way for an eco-friendly Ganpati celebration.
This year in Mumbai alone, the Ganpati celebrations is seeing over a 100,000 sarvajanik and household idols of Lord Ganesha immersed in the sea and lakes. This means an ever increasing rise in the faith and devotion of His believers. Unfortunately, this also means is that water bodies all over India will get another annual dose of thousands of tones of plaster of Paris, polythene bags, thermocol, plastics, and toxic chemical dyes. In the early days, idols were made of clay and painted with natural colors. But with rising costs and increasing demand, the manufacturing process has become more commercialised. Manufacturers have been using plaster of paris and artificial colors in lieu of the biodegradable materials used earlier causing a lot of harm. For instance after the idols are immersed, they’re found washed up all over the beach as Plaster of Paris is insoluble in water. The chemicals in the colors dissolve in the water, making it toxic and killing several aquatic animals. The festival in its present form has not only been harming the environment but also showing disrespect to India’s favorite deity. But in the NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik, the city has found strong voices urging to promote artificial pond to celebrate Ganeshutsav the green way.
On the other hand, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik has also reiterated during meetings the need to promote artificial ponds. Artificial ponds have been made in both Mumbai and in Navi Mumbai at three places at Vashi, Kopri and Nerul. So if you are going to be a part of immersion rituals soon, here’s your chance of joining the mission of your bit for environment by celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi the eco-friendly way at artificial ponds.
DNA News

Election code of conduct makes it a pre-poll extravaganza in NMMC

2009-08-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

In order to ensure that no public work gets hampered after the code of conduct comes under effect, the NMMC Standing Committee approved proposals worth Rs. 15 Crores 50 lacs in back to back two meetings held this week. Take a look at where all your taxes are being spent with a report from the NMMC Standing Committee meet.

With the election code of conduct looming large, the ruling front of NMMC is in the rush to clear pending proposals. This was evident as back to back to Standing Committee meetings were held this week on two consecutive days. The Standing Committee cleared over 60 proposals on the agenda, sanctioning civic projects worth over Rs 15.5 Crore.
Besides this the Standing Committee approved 28 administrative proposals that show an estimated budget of Rs. 5 Crore 80 Lacs 13 Thousand 948 for various public work. After this approval, the administration will now call for tenders for these proposals. In totality over 60 proposals were approved to execute civic projects worth over Rs 15 Crore 49 lacs 76 thousand 905. After the two marathon meetings and evident rush to clear proposals of corporators before the election code of conduct, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik said that they just want to ensure that public work is not hampered during election period.
NMTV News

Swine flu scare makes independence day celebrations a low key affair

2009-08-17T22:46:00.001-07:00

Under the cover of the swine flu scare, Independence Day 2009 became a rather low-key affair in the city. Nonetheless every celebration was full of fervor, ardent devotion and immense patriotism.

COLLECTOR EVENTS
At the Thane Collector’s Office, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik hoisted the flag in the presence of Thane Collector A Jharhad and Thane CP Anil Dhere. Civilians, students, freedom fighters were honored at the hands of Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik for their noteworthy contributions.
NMMC KK WARD OFFICE
NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik hoisted the national flag at the KK ward office.
Unfortunately, the state’s continuous directives on swine flu scare ended up in robbing the spirit of Independence Day celebrations especially for city schools that remained shut on the day. However, despite the swine flu scare, one did see many acknowledging the sacrifices of freedom fighters by participating with patriotic fervor in ID celebrations across the city.
NMTV News

Standing Committee takes up dissussion of Swine Flu

2009-08-17T00:39:00.001-07:00

Soon after NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik took charge of the meeting, the issue of swine flu and the steps needed to tackle the same at NMMC level were taken up for discussion. As soon as Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik walked in the standing committee meeting hall. Chairman Sandeep Naik shared with members why he and the Commissioner called late by 15 minutes. He acknowledged the fact that Chairman Sandeep Naik proposed discussions on swine flu first. Chairman Sandeep Naik addressed the criticality of swine flu and the need to impart the right information to the corporators and citizens to ensure that fear was not created but at the same time precautions were taken. He said that it was needed that the corporation should have its own stock of medicines and masks for swine flu for any emergency.He added that they would call for a special meeting for corporators so that they were educated on the disease and its precautions. Chairman Sandeep Naik informed that corporators have to play mediators between NMMC administration and citizens. He added that the NMMC had a system to take any critical case for test and diagnosis to Kasturba Hospital. The Chairman has also advised the administration to begin a help desk at the NMMC hospitals and medical center with toll free numbers for ensuring the right communication of the disease to citizens.
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Water mgmt award for NMMC

2009-08-17T00:37:00.001-07:00

For the second consecutive year, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has bagged the National Urban Water Award 2009 for excellence in water management and service to urban poor. The award was conferred upon by President Pratibha Patil at a ceremony held in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on Thursday. NMMC won the award for providing round-the-clock water supply to the city, even in slums and gaothan areas at lower rate and curbing wastage of the precious resource. Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata and Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik accepted the award on behalf of the civic body.Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Urban Development Saugata Roy, Secretary of Urban Development Ministry Dr M Ramchandran and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.Over 90 nominations from various cities across the country were received for the award this year. Nahata made a detailed presentation before a team of 13 experts of NMMC's achievements in water management and waste management while answering queries raised by them. The award was instituted by the Government of India in 2008. The award, instituted by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), is aimed at honouring urban local governments and water boards that had taken significant steps towards effective water management and improvement in service delivery.It was only befitting that Sandeep Naik received the award, since he was instrumental in getting the pipelines laid to bring the water to the city, the dam for which was envisioned by his father Ganesh Naik in early 2000 and the plan was executed by his older brother Sanjeev Naik, who was then the Mayor of Navi Mumbai, despite much opposition from all quarters.

NMMC Standing Committee approves over Rs. 25 crores worth tenders to carry out sewerage lines work in city Gaonthan areas

2009-08-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

The NMMC Standing Committee approved tenders bid over Rs. 25 Crores for carrying out sewerage lines work in gaonthan areas. The contractor to win the highest out of this again is Swastik Infralogics. NMMC’s sewerage lines change and repair work has now entered city gaonthan areas. This is one of the most crucial work that the ruling NCP is banking upon in lieu of the upcoming assembly and later municipal elections as well. We bring to you the name of the contractors who walked away with the contracts of doing this job after this week’s Standing Committee meet. SWASTIK INFRALOGICSSwastik Infralogics was awarded tenders bids worth Rs. 12 Cr. 82 Lacs 64 Thousand 436 to carry our work in the villages of Pawne, Karave, Bonkode, Koperkhairane, Digha, Agroli, Kille Gaonthan, Darave, Diwale, Shahbaj and Phanaswadi. ASK INFRASTRUCTUREAsk Infrastructure was awarded tender bids worth Rs. 6 Cr 14 Lacs 28 Thousand 686 to carry out work in villages on Belapur, Turbhe and Ghansoli. MANGALMOORTHI ENTERPRISESMangalmoorthi Enterprises was awarded tender bids worth Rs. 1 Cr 9 Lacs 96 Thousand 882 to carry out work in the villages of Juipada, Sanpada and Kopri.GURUR CONSTRUCTION COMPANYGorur Construction Co. won two tender bids worth Rs. 2 Cr 5 Lacs 15 Thousand 367 to carry out work in the villages of Talavli and Gothivli. AJAY CONSTRUCTIONSAjay Construction won two tender bids worth Rs. 1 Cr 37 Lacs 8 Thousand 955 to carry out work in the villages of Diva and Nerul.The other contractors to win single bids included : • Pravin Enterprises to carry out work in Sarsole village for Rs. 26 lacs 68 thousand 768.• Om Construction to carry out work in Shirawane village for Rs. 1 Cr 3 Lacs 4 Thousand 74.• Om Murugan Enterprises to carry out work in Vashi village for Rs. 38 lacs 53 thousand 17.• V B Bhoir Construction to carry out work in Juhugaon for Rs. 64 lacs 69 thousand 177 / 6 months• Shriraj Enterprises to carry out work in Airoli village for Rs. 1 Cr 2 lacs 95 thousand 344In totality, tenders worth over Rs. 25 Crores have been approved to carry out sewerage pipelines work inside gaonthan areas in the city. Speaking on the same, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik said this. Commissioner Vijay Nahata too shed light on the work.

The powerful and influential Naik family

2009-08-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

”Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik and NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik arriving at the same venue made for a powerful picture. Because this is for the first time after MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik won the parliamentary elections that the trio came together on the same dais. The love affair of Navi Mumbai with the Naik family started off with Ganesh Naik and has passed on to his sons so much so that today Ganesh Naik holds two significant portfolios of Environment and Excise in the state, his elder son MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik is the spokesperson of NCP in the parliament and his younger son Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik holds the keys to NMMC treasury. Ask Ganesh Naik what he has to say on the powerful tri that they represent and this is what he has to say.

Indeed with the Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik and NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik brought to life the impact of the three most powerful and influential men of the first family of Navi Mumbai.

First batch of NANO cars in Navi Mumbai

2009-08-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

Tata’s Nano has reached Navi Mumbai. It was historic moment when the batch of Nano cars was distributed to the customers at an automobile showroom in Nerul. The keys were handed over to the vehicle owners at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik in the presence of MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik and NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik.

When the Nano entered the automobile market, United State President Barrack Obama challenged the U.S. automakers to create a credible model to survive and succeed in the competitive global market. Don't dismiss the Nano as a small, poor man's car that will cause a mere ripple on the world market. The Nano is a radical innovation, with the potential to revolutionize automobile manufacturing and distribution. Popularly known as “the People’s Car” – the Nano has reached Navi Mumbai as well. The first batch of six Nano cars was handed over to the proud owners of the car in an automobile showroom in Nerul at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik in the presence of Thane MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik and NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik. And when they got a chance, how could the Ministers and his sons miss the chance to experience what it feels like sitting in the people's car.

Over the environmental concerns that are being raised with Tata Nano’s launch, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik said that the idea of the Nano shifting to gas should be promoted. Nano has also given hope to persons with disabilities to have a car of their own provided that the Tata’s consider designing disabled friendly vehicles. Vikram Sinha, the Head of Corporate Relations of Tata Motors says that they would consider this seeing the demands. Excited Tata Nanos owners too spoke to us.

Experts feel that the problems of energy scarcity, environmental pollution and road congestion should not discourage Ratan Tata from making and selling as many Nanos as he can. First, the Nano is more energy efficient and affordable than any other car. Moreover, the explosion of vehicles will force regulators to control pollution, pressure governments to build better roads and motivate innovators to produce more efficient engines. The Nano has the potential of flourishing despite the recession or softening its sting because of its extraordinary low price. It's a radical innovation precisely because it is a poor man's car.

Standing committee approves proposal to make 100 beds mother- child care hospitals at Nerul and Airoli

2009-08-09T22:44:00.001-07:00

Two of the most awaited proposals of constructing 100 beds Mother Child Care Hospitals in Airoli and Nerul was sanctioned at the weekly NMMC Standing Committee meet. Both the hospitals will be made at a cost of nearly Rs. 70 lacs.

The NMMC is finally going to begin construction of two 100 beds Mother Child Hospitals in Airoli and Vashi. The proposals for the same were sanctioned at the weekly Standing Committee meet. Both the hospitals will be constructed by Supreme Infrastructure India Ltd. The 100 beds Mother – Child Care Hospital in Sector 15, Nerul will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 33 Crores 74 lacs 83 Thousand 539 in a time period of 28 months. While the 100 beds Mother – Child Care Hospital in Sector 3, Airoli will be constructed by Supreme Infrastructure India Ltd. for Rs. 34 Crores 69 lacs 15 thousand 455 in a time period of 20 months. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik explained that there are many middle class families living in Nerul and Airoli who during any medical emergencies had to either rush to the hospital at Vashi or private hospitals. These two hospitals will bring relief to them.

Raksha Bandhan celebrations at standing committee

2009-08-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

Raksha Bandhan is an age-old tradition of celebrating the eternal bond of love shared by brothers and sisters. The celebrations of the day were seen even at the weekly NMMC Standing Committee meet as well. Take a look.

Raksha Bandhan is one of the most significant festivals and is celebrated with much euphoria in India. It’s the celebration of the special bond between a brother and a sister – an integral part of the Indian heritage for generations now. Sisters on this day tie ‘rakhi’ to brothers for the strengthening for their good health, wealth, happiness and success and brothers in return gives his silent word of honor to protect their sisters from danger. Legend has it that Rakhi Purnima originated when Indrani, wife of Lord Indra, prepared a talisman, which she tied on her husband's wrist on Sravan Poornima to win the battle against the demons. The power of the talisman made the Gods victorious. Ever since, on Sravan Poornima, the tradition of tying the thread began. While tying the rakhi, the sister chants a holy mantra, which means, "I am tying a Raksha to you, similar to the one tied to Bali, the powerful king of the demons. Oh Raksha, be firm, do not waver." Traditional tilak is put on the forehead of the brother and the brother blesses his sister. The celebrations were also seen at the weekly Standing Committee meeting where members of Prajapita Brahmakumari arrived and tied rakhi to Commissioner Vijay Nahata, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik and all the members and officials present during the meet.

Raksha Bandhan has been and always will be an occasion to cherish and strengthen the beautiful bond shared by brothers and sisters.

SANDEEP NAIK – THE GENERATION-NEXT BRAND OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP – A FEATURE ON THE EVE OF HIS BIRTHDAY

2009-08-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Simplicity and modesty – that’s what strikes you the moment you first meet youth leader Sandeep Naik. Sandeep Naik, the younger son of State Minister Ganesh Naik came to the helm of affairs at NMMC at a time when there were growing demands in the fast paced changing times in the developing city of Navi Mumbai. He rose to the occasion and excels.

Born in Bonkode – a small village in Navi Mumbai at a time when people from all over the country were migrating to Navi Mumbai, a new city, a futuristic city. Sandeep Naik is his formative years developed leadership skills from being a good sportsman at school. His teachers at R F Naik School at Koperkhairane recall Sandeep Naik’s student days. He imbibed the quality of competence and team spirit from participating in other school activities.

Sandeep Naik entered politics officially when he filed nominations of the civic elections of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation in 2005. He was elected corporator. As a corporator Sandeep Naik conducted various civic work. Sandeep Naik is the Chairman of the Standing Committee of NMMC since 2007. His leadership traits are evident from his conduct of the Standing Committee meetings. Though very young, he generously allows the senior opposition members have their say in the meetings. He displays courage in admitting errors by the administration. Sandeep Naik diplomatically handles adverse situations and skillfully handles fiery sessions. Over the years he has learnt the art of committing assurances from officials. Sandeep Naik, as Chairman of the 2nd highest body of the municipal corporation, initiated visionary steps to bring about a change in municipal functionary and making transparent and accountable. Sandeep Naik has set an exemplary example of a relationship of mutual trust and respect between bureaucracy and the elected representatives.

Call him the lucky mascot for NMMC, that under his direction various ambitious projects of NMMC have been concluded successfully. This includes the hi tech STP Plants, concretization of the Thane Belapur Rd, completion of Kalamboli Digha pipeline work, mobilizing work on getting 24 hours water supply from Morbe Dam and NMMC HQ.

Though the youngest Standing Committee Chairman in the city so far, Sandeep Naik’s maturity is evident as he sums up every subject on the agenda and every motion discussed in the meetings. He evidently does his homework and is aware of every civic issue in the city. This he gathers through “Chairman at your Doorsteps” where he personally visits every ward in the city.

Like a true leader Sandeep Naik has given direction to the municipal perspective in the city. Quality and professionalism are his mantra for civic works.

Sandeep Naik founded Green Hope in 2007 to promote environmental awareness and initiate an ethical relationship between nature and citizens. He did not stress merely on planting but to ensure in a rapidly growing concrete jungle. Through Green Hope Sandeep Naik involved the participation of small and big industries in a big way, schools and colleges, government organizations and NGOs, social and political leaders and professionals from all walks of life to participate in his 2 lakh trees planting drive this year. Through Green Hope Sandeep Naik is surely attempting to orchestrate environmental harmony for nature’s symphony with Navi Mumbai.

Sandeep Naik is a youth icon not merely for his leadership skills but for the multi faceted dimension of his personality. He manages much more than any youth can dare to in all 24 hours every day. From conducting preparatory examinations for board students, to holding youth meets, to organizing sports festivals, career guidance festivals – Sandeep Naik is a role model for today’s youth.

Leadership without vision can last only for a short term. However Sandeep Naik’s leadership in the city will stay for a long term. Like a true leader, he has developed a network experts, genuine well wishers and senior citizens whose suggestions and guidance he appreciates and accepts. Beyond any doubts, Navi Mumbai in the young Founder President of Green Hope and the NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik has infuse fresh thoughts and is driving positive changes. On the eve of his birthday we hope that he lives up to expectations and fulfills greater responsibilities in the coming years to justify his iconic stature as the “Generation-Next Brand of Politics in Navi Mumbai”.

NMMC standing committee approves last phase for condominium work in the city

2009-07-24T22:20:00.001-07:00

The NMMC Standing Committee approved the last phase of work inside condominiums worth nearly Rs. 37 Crore this week.

Approvals of nearly Rs. 33 Crore for executing work inside condominiums is going to bring major relief to apartments owners living in unhygienic and pathetic environs within CIDCO condominiums. The biggest issue of CIDCO condominiums is the decade’s old sewerage and water pipelines. Most residents living within condominiums hail from economically weaker background and could not carry out timely repair and maintenance work. And the increasing population only aggravated these civic issues. Since, NMMC did not have a policy in place to spend funds inside CIDCO condominiums, the conditions of water and sewerage pipelines became worse by the day, raising grave health issues for residents. In wake of the gravity of the issue, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik followed up the matter with the Chief Minister’s office and finally got a policy in place that permitted NMMC to carry out civic work inside condominiums. Soon after major allocations were made NMMC budgets and this week’s Standing Committee meeting sealed the final phase of civic work to be carried out within condominiums within city limits. After the members approved 30 proposals to carry out work within condominiums worth Rs. 37 Crore 17 lakhs 27 thousand 422, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik informed the need to carry out the work inside condominiums and how NMMC got the approval for these work.

The Chairman said that they were happy that finally work of tax paying citizens living within condominiums was undertaken in the city. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation will be utilizing funds granted under the JNNURM for this work.

Where is NMMC investing public taxes – take a look at all the work approved at the weekly NMMC standing committee

2009-07-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

When you pay your taxes to NMMC, it is spent for your amenities, facilities and making quality of life better in your neighborhood. NMMC Standing Committee and General Body meetings are specifically for those of you who want to know how you’re hard earned taxes are being spent. Deliberations and the work that will be carried out in the city after this week’s Standing Committee meet.Here’s a quick glance of what the work that the NMMC Standing Committee has approved this week: · The Standing Committee approved the proposal of repairing the gutters and footpaths at Turbhe’s Indiranagar. The contract has been awarded to M/s New Eagle Company at Rs. 26, 10, 821. The time period of the work is 3 months.· The Standing Committee approved the tender bid of M/s Ajwani Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for improving roads in Sector 20, Airoli at the cost of Rs. 58 lacs 26 thousand 691. The time period of the work is 3 months.· The Standing Committee approved the tender bid of Ajwani Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for widening and repairing the roads within Shirwane to Ashirwad Hospital at the cost of Rs. 11, 10, 327. The time period of the work is 1 month.· The Standing Committee approved the tender bid of Om Construction for improving gutters within Nerul’s Shirawane G.E.S’s Plot No. 40 Timber Market to Mini Mahal Hotel. The work has been awarded for Rs. 54, 75, 947 and the time period is 4 months. · The Standing Committee approved the administrative proposal to call for tender bids for making gutters between Airoli’s STP Chowk till crematorium. The estimated amount of the work is Rs. 15 lacs 37 thousand 359.· The Standing Committee approved the administrative proposal to call for tender bids for improving gutters and footpaths at Airoli’s Samata Nagar. The estimated amount of the work is Rs. 17 lacs 62 thousand 502.· The Standing Committee approved the administrative proposal to lay inter lock tiles in Sector 6, Sarsole village, Nerul. The estimated amount of the work is Rs. 24 lacs 04 thousand 540.· The Standing Committee approved the administrative proposal to construct the security wall at KHSR, Sector 19A Nerul. The estimated amount of the work is Rs. 14 lacs 87 thousand 526.· Another significant proposal to be taken up during the meeting were the audit reports of departmental work for the years 1997 – 98, 2001 – 02, 2003 – 04 and 2004 – 05 that were earlier sent to the Commissioner for compliance. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik gave details of this proposal.

All the major civic tenders are approved before election code of conduct is implemented.

2009-07-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Projects worth over Rs 120 crore have been pushed through in a matter of two days in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) General Body and Standing Committee Meeting held on Monday and Wednesday, respectively at NMMC Headquarters, Belapur. The city corporators are ensuring that all the major civic tenders are approved before election code of conduct is implemented. However, not many corporators are happy with this move. "Authorities and some corporators are trying to push maximum civic tenders before code of conduct is implemented and in the process they are allotting excess work to some contractors," stated Ravindra Ithape, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Nerul corporator. He added that altogether 29 condominium work tenders worth Rs 36 crore have been given among 13 contractors."Some of the contractors have been given work beyond their eligibility. Swastik Infologics has been given work worth over Rs 13 crore, while its eligibility limit is just Rs 3 crore. It has received minimum seven contracts. Similarly, the name of Sriraj Enterprises is repeated any many places. At one place, the corporation is speaking about transparency and on other hand, they are favouring personal interest of some politicians," Ithape added. In the General Body Meeting also major project of Children's Park worth Rs 52 crore and other civic work worth Rs 20 crore are approved. Besides, renting of shops of Shirvane's Shopping Complex proposal was initially not approved by any corporator, rather 13 corporators opposed it. "Ideally, once the proposal is opposed by maximum corporators, it should be disapproved by the House and should come back for discussion only after three months. But, ruling party took up the proposal in the same meeting and sanctioned it. This itself indicates how ruling party is using their 'power' in the corporation's work," stated Namdeo Bhagat, Congress' Nerul Corporator.However, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik denied all the allegations and said, "All corporators are unanimously approving all civic tender proposals, because corporation election will be held next year, and all of them will be answerable to the public. Therefore, they are giving immediate approvals to civic tenders like condominium work and so on." Naik added, "The works under JNNURM has to be finished within time, otherwise Union government won't sanction funds for next phase of works. So, we are ensuring that all the approvals are sanctioned as soon as possible so that city is benefited maximum." When contacted, Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata stated, "Each condominium work proposal is treated as independent case and contractors applying for this work should have minimum experience of doing similarly work of worth Rs 3crore. In that case, he can apply for one or more tenders. Besides, the tender is being allotted considering the eligibility and lowest quotation put up by the contractors."Members of NMMC's standing committee are a busy lot these days

Promises to green every square inch of space in the city (Navi Mumbai)

2009-07-20T23:02:00.001-07:00

Vashi “planting trees is the only way of neutralizing the impact of global warming from that point of view, the programme of planting 2,00,000 saplings launched by NGO Green Hope is laudable,” said Environment Minister Ganesh Naik at Vashi on Sunday. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the programme . Film star Sachin Khedekar was the Chief Guest.
Earlier, explaining the perspective of the programme, Chairman of Green Hope, Sandeep Naik said,”Last year we planted 1, 00,000 trees and ensured 75% survival rates. This year, we have doubled the target. We will continue to plant trees till every square in of open space is greened.” He invited one and all to come and collect plant s of their choice for the purpose of planting.
The organization has prepared 16 varieties of saplings including Raintree, Gulmohur, Kadamba, Limbu, Suru, Jambul, Badam, Accacia, saptaparni, awala,parijaat, Bakul and bel.

Green Hope Navi Mumbai

2009-07-20T05:15:00.001-07:00

Actor Sachin Khedekar and MLA Ganesh Naik look on as members of green hope, Navi- Mumbai – based organisation, plant trees on Vashi Road on Sunday . The organisation launched a drive to plant two lakh trees in Navi Mumbai.

NMMT elections held

2009-07-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

The NMMT elections commenced at the NMMC HQ in which Umakant Namwad was elected unopposed as the new transport committee chairman. Subhash Sonavane, Chairperson of Election, Raigad District Collector along with Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik, Ex-Chairman of NMMT Sasi Damodaran, Transport Manager Jitendra Papalkar, Municipal Secretary Chandrakant Deokar and other members were present on the occasion. He further spoke on the future plans of NMMT.

NMMC standing committee approves fill-gap encroachment tender, issues recommendations for revamping anti-encroachment department

2009-07-12T22:07:00.001-07:00

The weekly Standing Committee of NMMC approved the proposal of giving the contract of supplying equipments for anti – encroachment drives of NMMC to CIDCO authorized contractor P P Bhalerao Civil Engineer and Contractor. The contractor has been appointed only to fill the gap period till the fresh tender process is completed. During the discussion of this tender bid, members made some very significant suggestions for the fresh tender to ensure that Bhise like scams do not happen again.
Have an independent NMMC team from the level of an officer at the ward office, to three zonal level officers and one Dy. Municipal Commissioner to head the team of NMMC’s anti-encroachment department, cross verify every anti-encroachment drive conducted by department at the ward committee level, buy the equipments required for the carrying out anti-encroachment drive instead of renting it from the contractor, maintain period check of encroachment in the city through satellite mapping and ward office records, train official to use software like SAP for checking chalans and clearing bills – these were some of the most significant suggestions that the Standing Committee made to the administration in this week’s meeting. The Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik instructed the administration to incorporate these suggestions before floating the fresh tender for encroachment post the multi-Crore H B Bhise scam. The discussion came up when the members approved the contract of supplying equipments for anti – encroachment drives of NMMC to contractor P P Bhalerao Civil Engineer and Contractor. P P Bhalerao is the CIDCO authorized contractor. He has been appointed only to fill the gap period till the fresh tender process for encroachment is completed. Namdeo Bhagat pointed out that making one DMC in-charge of many departments was the root cause of the Bhise scam.
Earlier Shivram Patil gave the reference of a message on the Bhise scam doing rounds that has put NMMC to embarrassment. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik informed us that the root cause of the Bhise scam was total system failure of the administration. The Chairman also informed that the members have given administration suggestions that will not just make NMMC’s encroachment drive transparent but will also check Bhise like scams. Even though the suggestions are welcome, almost all contractors in NMMC are proxy of contractors. Most of the relatives and kin of corporators take NMMC contracts. So it will not come as a surprise if the suggestions made by members are not implemented by the administration.

Navi Mumbai Shikshan Sankul felicitates meritorious students in the city

2009-07-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

With the aim of encouraging students for their performance on the board examinations, 124 students of SSC and HSC from Navi Mumbai schools were honored at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. Organized by the Navi Mumbai Shikshan Sankul, the uniqueness of the event was that special children were also a part of the honoring ceremony, reports Nilofar Shaikh.
Young brilliant minds of Navi Mumbai have done the city proud in the HSC and SSC examinations and every effort to recognize the achievements of the students is welcome. So was the one taken by Navi Mumbai Shikshan Sankul. State Environment and Excise and Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik presided over the event as the Chief Guest. Navi Mumbai Shikshan Sankul invited the top 50 rank holders from English and Marathi medium schools that included 124 students from across the city and honored them with cash prizes, trophies and certificates. Ranging between Rs. 2000 to Rs 1 lac, the Sankul awarded a total cash prize of over Rs. 6 lacs to students.
The highlight of the event was that special children who are rarely a part of such honoring ceremonies were the special invitees. These special students that included physically challenged and deaf and deaf-blind too were awarded with trophies and cash prizes. The top three toppers of HSC were also honored during the event. The highest cash prize of Rs. 1 lac was awarded to Harshal Chavan who stood first in Mumbai Division of HSC Board.
Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Gulabrao Pol was also present during the event. In his address he appreciated the efforts of the Navi Mumbai Shikshan Sankul, headed by Sandeep Naik (SGHOW JANTA DARBAAR CLIPPING), for taking initiatives like these to encourage students. Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik on the other hand gave students food for thought by telling them that all degrees and qualifications were a waste if students did not grow up with characteristics to become responsible citizens of a society. This advice hit a chord with the students as Harshal Chavan walked on stage to promise the Minister that students would live up to the expectations that elders had with them.
After the ceremony, excited parents and students spoke to us and were all praises for the event organized by the Navi Mumbai Shikshan Sankul. And here’s what excited students had to say about the event. When personal efforts of students meet social contributions of NGOs like the Navi Mumbai Shikshan Sankul, it goes a long way to build a tradition of excellence in education.

Get another commissioner for doing work- retorts standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik

2009-07-06T02:57:00.001-07:00

after members express dissatisfaction over maintenance of public toilets Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik once again came down heavily on the administration officials after members expressed ire over poorly maintained public toilets. The Chairman said that if the civic chief was interested in only making announcements, then they should get another chief to execute public work.
This week the administration continued to be at the receiving end of the Standing Committee Chairman and member’s ire only the issue was different. Members expressed dissatisfaction over the pathetic and highly unhygienic conditions of public toilets in the city due to lack of maintenance. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik said that every time the issue of toilets, members have stressed on spending funds on maintenance as Crores was being spent in making the public toilets. Dissatisfied over the administration’s performance, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik said that may be the corporation needed another Commissioner who’ll work since the present civic chief is only making announcements. Earlier during the meet Digha corporators Aparna Gavte had brought photographs of a public toilet in her ward that had is miserable conditions just a year after the inauguration because of lack of maintenance. Recalling that corporators had been to the inauguration, Chairman Sandeep Naik said that the photographs exposed poor quality of work by contractors.
The Chairman said that may be its time that the administration got officers who will execute the aims and objectives of public work. He said that the administration officials should not wait for corporators to visit wards but ensure that end citizens get the benefits of civic work. Raising a very significant concern, Chairman Sandeep Naik said that in slums and gaonthan area, due to the unhygienic conditions prevailing in toilets many poor loose their lives not even knowing the cause of it.
Speaking to us later, the Chairman reiterated the concerns and the instructions he had given the administration. We also asked the Chairman that he has always taken the case of administration over non-performance but with little results. The Chairman said that they plan to order enquiries into dept. soon if the negligent attitude of officials continues.

News buildings under school vision but security is missing

2009-07-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

The NMMC has redeveloped municipal school buildings across the city under its “School Vision” but absence of security might result in draining public funds in the near future. The concern surfaced after this week’s Standing Committee meet.

This week the NMMC administration presented a proposal of constructing a security wall around NMMC School in Sector 4, Nerul – the reason for making the wall at the cost of Rs. 21 lacs 4 Thousand 4 Hundred and 467 of your taxes? Well, the administration says the grills around the school have been stolen. Despite the school having security guards, the grills were stolen exposing just how secure all municipal schools in the city are. The issue is more concerning as NMMC has redeveloped scores of municipal schools across the city and if there are such security lapses then there could be a spate of robberies in the newly built schools as well, which will continue to drain public taxes. Worst still is the fact that there is no one taking accountability of such security lapses. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik says that this reflects on the loopholes in administrative functioning and calls for the need to get efficient officers on board.
It isn’t just about thefts but in the past there also have been allegations of drug peddlers misusing municipal school premises after dark. While there is a need for the administration to pull up its socks and take the issue of security of schools, accountability is still elusive. This means public funds being drained in the name of such proposals will continue to haunt the civic treasury.

Standing committee reprimands NMMC administration for orders presenting sterilization center proposal at general body with report on contractor’s perf

2009-06-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik reprimanded the administration for doing loose talk ignoring the dogs menace in the city. He sent back the sterilization center proposal asking the administration to present the proposal before the general body with a detailed report of the contractor’s performance.

Every citizen in the city is aware of the worsening dogs menace in the city with the numbers of stray dogs continuously rising exposing the failure of NMMC’s sterilization drive. But the NMMC administration seemed to take the issue a little too lightly that irked the members during the weekly Standing Committee meet. Not only did the official in charge of the department giving unconvincing replies to queries but also seemed to be giving wrong information. Member Namdeo Bhagat suggested that the administration advertise for more competitive contractors for the job and study the dog sterilization programs in other cities. The officer’s response to this irked Namdeo Bhagat.

J D Sutar said that the NMMC’s sterilization drive was suspicious as the number of dogs has been increasing in every ward. Shivram Patil too backed J D Sutar’s apprehensions about the drive by stating that if the contractor’s work was audited it might just expose another encroachment drive.

He added that there was need to do the audit of the NMMC Health Dept. because contractors of the dept have not changed for over a decade. Though the official replying to the queries gave numbers of the dogs caught and sterilized, Ravindra Ithape said that he and other corporators had never seen vehicles for catching dogs on roads. Another lie that the official seemed to telling the members was exposed by Corporator Aparna Gavte who said that the official was giving misleading numbers to the house about Digha as vehicles for catching dogs had not come there for months. Another important issue was raised by the Chairman Sandeep Naik himself who asked why was NMMC proposal to develop the dog control center under a flyover when the place did not belong to NMMC to which the Commissioner replied that the development plan for the city was still not ready.

However, members refused to accept the explanation. Shivram Patil said that every Commissioner who comes says he needs 6 months to make the development plan. Chairman Sandeep Naik too said that the Commissioner was in office for 2.5 years so his reasoning was not acceptable.

The Chairman went on to criticize the fact that many were laughing when the issue was being discussed. He further sent the proposal back reprimanding the officials stating that hence further non sensical answers would not be tolerated.

Speaking to NMTV News, Sandeep Naik stated the reasons they sent the proposal back. He added that they have asked for a detailed report of the contractor’s work. He said that the administration needs to coordinate between the departments responsible for rabbies injections and sterilization program.

Standing committee sanctions Rs. 50 Crores for making power lines underground

2009-06-21T22:06:00.001-07:00

The NMMC Standing Committee has sanctioned Rs. 51 Crores to make power line in villages in Navi Mumbai underground. The proposal does not include Digha village, Mahape village and Adhavli-Bhutavli.

Yet another proposal pending for years is likely to see the light of the day after this week’s Standing Committee meet. The members, after deliberations approved the tender bid of Rs. 51 Crores to make power cables underground. The proposal is going to be done in collaboration with MSEDC. The NMMC will spend Rs. 51 Crores and recover the same from MSEDC by adjusting the amount against MSEDC bills. This will help NMMC recover Rs. 51 Crores over a period of few years. The members raised several concerns about the tender that was presented in a rather unclear and confusing manner like all proposals drafted by the administration. Some significant points raised was by member Namdeo Bhagat who said that NMMC should not pay the Rs. 21 lakhs as supervision charges to MSEDC as it was the latter’s job that NMMC was doing at its cost because MSEDC did not have funds to do this. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik too made an important suggestion.

Since this proposal requires approval from MERC and then the state government, members said that the administration should ensure that the delay in getting approvals does not end up in escalation of the tender bid like in the case of NMMC HQ. Sandeep Naik however voiced confidence that the work will be done smoothly. He said that the villages that have not been included in the proposal will be adjusted in the cushion amount of 25% in the tender bid. The NMMC will complete the work in a period of 12 months.

Will the new proposed handicap training centure become another white elephant for NMMC?

2009-06-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

The NMMC Standing Committee approved the bid of Unique Construction Corporation for constructing the training and education center for the handicapped in Sector 30 A, Vashi at a cost of Rs. 4.25 Crores. The proposal was approved amidst concerns that parents of disabled children and organizations working for persons with disabilities should have been called for a hearing session before finalizing the plans for a Handicap Training Center of this magnitude. Members of the Standing Committee have also demanded the appointment of a capable administrator for this project.

NMMC is going to build a landmark project that perhaps no other municipal administration in the country has so far for students with different abilities. The corporation approved the bid to construct the first phase of the handicap training center with state of the art educational and training aids for the blind, dumb, deaf, mentally and physically challenged and other students with different abilities. The center will be built in Sector 30 A, Vashi. While all members welcomed this historic landmark project, several concerns that should have been discussed earlier were brought up at this Standing Committee meet. NGOs and persons with disabilities met Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik and gave appeal letters stating disappointment that parents of disabled children and organizations working for persons with disabilities should have been called for a hearing session before finalizing the plans for a Handicap Training Center of this magnitude.

NGOs working for persons with disabilities and parents of special children also met the committee’s member Shivram Patil with the same appeal. However, the Commissioner explained to the members that the appeal of the NGOs and others was just a conspiracy of private special schools. He informed the members that NMMC provides everything free of cost for special students in their school. On the other hand private institute charge a hefty sum and the vested interests in private schools dread the new NMMC Handicap Training Center.

With the Commissioner’s explanation, the members unanimously agreed that the proposal should be passed. The Chairman Sandeep Naik said that the project was a commendable and needed initiative but however appealed to the administration to invite persons with disabilities and their parents and guardians for a session to initiate debate and suggestions about the requirements of the handicapped, so that they too have a say in the developing of the center and are informed of the facilities to be provided in the same. Another significant suggestion was made by member Namdeo Bhagat who said that a project of this magnitude for special children needed a qualified official to handle it. Hinting that the project is being made without an administrator of the caliber to work in the area of special children, he asked the administration to get such an official for the project.

Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik backed the suggestion of Namdeo Bhagat. Chairman Sandeep Naik said that the members will see to it that they get a qualified administrator to run the first-of-its-kind Handicap Center for Special Children at Sector 30, Vashi sooner than later. However, Commissioner Vijay Nahata did not seem keen to this suggestion made by the Standing Committee stating that he had the best team to run the Handicap Training Center and the Commissioner would heading the project at any point in time so there was no need to get any other official.

It’s unfortunate that NGOs woke up so late with their concerns about the training center as the proposal was first approved by the general body. Beyond any doubt, it requires an administrator and teachers with skill and ability to run a center for special children and while this looks like good beginning, it will be a big challenge to get the center running as shown on paper with many recurring cost and specially trained professionals. Otherwise, this project too will become another white elephant for NMMC

Justice to the poor at last! NMMC standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik get 10% reservation policy for the poor approved

2009-06-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

Better late than never – that’s what NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik seems to have practiced in the case of getting the 10% reservation policy for the poor activated in the NMMC – Hiranandani Super Specialty tie up. Fulfilling the promise that NMMC of getting super specialty medical services for the poor available free of cost at the NMMC Hospital, Standing Committee Chairman brought the proposal for the reservation policy and got it approved at a special general body meet.

Fortis Super Specialty was to make super specialty and additional medial services accessible to the poor. But it’s been months the Hiranandani – Fortis Super Specialty went functional but the NMMC’s administration showed clear apathy and neglect in presenting the revised policy for referring poor patients to the Hiranandani – Fortis Super Specialty Hospital. We had met Sandeep Thakur – city’s own lone crusader for public issues.

Sandeep Thakur had said that the delay could be intentional to benefit the private parties. In his defense Commissioner Vijay Nahata had said that says that on their part the administration presented the proposal for forming the policy based on the agreement signed but if the committee did not approve the proposal, it’s not his fault. He however, assured us that the administration would present the proposal in following week’s standing committee meet.

However, NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata failed to keep his word as the administration did not bring the proposal in the next week’s Standing Committee meet either. When we asked the Commissioner the same, he lamely said that the administration needs more time.

While the Commissioner failed to keep his word twice, the corporators were facing flak for keeping mum on the issue. But two corporators Namdeo Bhagat and Shivram Patil proved that they were not thick skinned like the rest as they raised the issue in the weekly Standing Committee meet of May 27.

In the Standing Committee meet of May 27, corporators Namdeo Bhagat and Shivram Patil raised the issue of the 10% reservation policy for poor patients Fortis – Hiranandani hospital. Namdeo Bhagat attacked the administration for the delay in complete sarcasm questioning why the administration had shown haste in beginning the hospital without taking the benefits due to NMMC from the tie-up. Chairman Sandeep Naik announced that they would convene a special general body meet and formulate the policy by June 10.

On June 9, a special general body meeting was called at the NMMC HQ. The proposal was brought in the name of the Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik. Members presented participated in a healthy debate giving suggestions for the criteria drafted for the 10% reservation of beds for the poor in the Fortis – Hiranandani Hospital. For once even the administration’s response was enthusiastic as the Commissioner accepted some significant suggestions made by corporators. After an hour of suggestions and deliberations, the proposal was approved by the general body meeting. Corporator Vithal More voiced disappointment over the delay that the administration exhibited in getting the revised proposal.

Several corporators including Vithal More credited their Chairman for bringing it to the general body for approval. Social activist Sandeep Thakur echoed the feelings of tax paying citizens of Navi Mumbai as he welcomed the approval of the policy. He added that the administration needs to implement the policy in the same spirit as it has been presented on paper.

The 10% reservation policy has been brought to make super specialty medical services accessible to the poor free of cost but there is still concern over the prices of the consumables that are as high as the operation cost. To ensure this doesn’t happen, the Chairman Sandeep Naik has called for the administration to fix the rates of consumables at par with charitable hospitals.

Further to ensure that implementation is transparent and successful, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik says that they have called for every three months auditing of the policy. This would help study the lacunae that will surface only after implementation. He says that the 10% reservation policy is the right of the poor and underprivileged, that’s why they intend to keep the policy open for discussion. Sandeep Thakur welcomed the suggestion of auditing the implementation of the policy.

The approval of the general body meeting has opened the doors of Fortis – Hiranandani Hospital for the poor and weak to avail affordable super specialty medical services. Citizens from across the city welcomed the decision. Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had made the promise of making super specialty medical services available for the poor on January 26, 2006 during the official ceremony for the public private partnership – three years later, his younger son Sandeep Naik kept the promise made by his father to the citizens of Navi Mumbai.

NMMC standing chairman’s second “Telescopic” visit exposes pre-monsoon work yet not complete

2009-06-07T21:56:00.001-07:00

NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik re-visited the nullah cleaning work across the city to inspect if the administration had indeed followed up on the instructions given during his earlier visit. However, disappointingly, nullah cleaning work was still lacking in many areas.

Visiting the major nullahs of the city including the ones at CBD and Vashi, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik once again found that while 95% of the work was completed, there was still work pending in the cleaning of nullahs as he found that the main bullahs were still blocked.

While the Chairman stated that in a few days he would be yet again carrying out a surprise inspection of the work done, we asked him when Navi Mumbaikars could expect the pre-monsoon work to be completely over. To this he stated that while this was the work of the administration, their involvement has definitely sped up the process. The chairman visited CBD, Vashi and APMC for his visit and has again given out instructions to the respective depts to speed up the work. He was accompanied by City Engineer Mohan Dagaonkar during his visit.

Plantations at Parsik Hill on world Environment day with mangrove plantation soon to follow

2009-06-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Its World Environment Day today. The day when man organizations carry out plantation drive to keep up the theme of this year which is tacking climate change.
Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik, on World Environment Day appealed to all put in good efforts to carry out mass plantation and maintain it.
On this day, he even informed that very soon mangrove plantation would be taken up by the corporation within two months.

NMMC starts watering its plants

2009-06-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

With continuous follow up of the issue, it came as a major relief for tax paying citizens as work on the Palm Beach Road was started in full swing.

the matter of the deteriorating conditions of greenery on Palm Beach Road with the NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik who assured of bringing the greenery here back to life and restoring its beauty. And a day after this, we spotted labours at work on Palm Beach Road. Water supply to suit the plantation, red mud for plants with labours of the work across the stretch is being done in full swing. The city awaits to see the greenery and Palm trees in its original luscious green-self and hopes that soon the glory of this pride of Navi Mumbai will be restored to the T.

NMMC standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik sets another precedent by calling joint NMMC –MSEDC meeting for coordination over public work

2009-06-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

He’s known for setting right examples and he set another one. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik invited MSEDC officers to NMMC to initiate coordination between both the government offices and set the right spirit in execution of public work.

One grievance that has always surfaced in the city is the lack of coordination between government offices during execution of public work that often ends up inconveniencing citizens. And though, time and again the need for bringing one government office in sync with the other is emphasized upon, it never happens. That’s where this meeting attains significance. An initiative of the NMMC Standing Committee Chairman, this joint meeting between NMMC and MSEDC was held at the NMMC HQ at Belapur. After his visit to check status of pre-monsoon work in the city a few days back and interaction with NMMC officials on field, Chairman Sandeep Naik felt that there was an urgent need to meet MSEDC to address long term and short term issues that directly affect commoners in the city. So the Chairman invited MSEDC officials to NMMC HQ and held over an hour long progressive interactive session where both MSEDC and NMMC officials tabled their issues and appeals in front of the Chairman.

The Chairman invited all the people present to join the discussion, which included senior corporators of NMMC. Some of the significant issues discussed included the open power DP boxes that are an open fatal threat to citizens, more so with the approaching monsoons.

Besides this, NMMC officials also raised the issue of power cables passing through city gutters that were causing obstructions. Another topic of discussion was making over head power cables underground. MSEDC too voiced their concerns in regards to NMMC office. At the end of the meet, Chairman Sandeep Naik said that NMMC and MSEDC have to join hands to work on short term and long term public work – the short term including doing necessary covering of DP boxes and cabling work before monsoon and the long term including underground power cable project like subject where coordination between NMMC and MSEDC was missing but highly required.

This NMMC-MSEDC meeting is one of the most needed initiatives in Navi Mumbai. Corporators present during the meeting appreciated the Chairman Sandeep Naik’s initiative. Beyond any doubt Chairman Sandeep Naik has set another precedent that will help MSEDC work in tune with NMMC. The spirits between the government offices have been set right and the first step towards coordination for public work has begun – now its time to see the action.

The Issue of 10% reservation policy for the poor at fortis - Hiranandani at standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik meet

2009-05-29T22:41:00.001-07:00

corporators have a dead conscience because they fail to stand up for the basic rights of the poor always but NMMC does have corporators whose conscience suddenly woke up after our report. Two such voices were heard at the weekly Standing Committee meet where corporators Namdeo Bhagat and Shivram Patil raised the issue of the 10% reservation policy for poor patients Fortis – Hiranandani hospital. Chairman Sandeep Naik announced a special general body meet to formulate the policy by June 10.

It may be recalled that how NMMC’s very purpose of giving away half of the poor man’s hospital building at Vashi to Hiranandani – Fortis Super Specialty was to make super specialty and additional medial services accessible to the poor. But it’s been months the Hiranandani – Fortis Super Specialty has gone functional and the NMMC’s administration’s revised policy for referring poor patients to the Hiranandani – Fortis Super Specialty Hospital is still not in place. We had met Sandeep Thakur – city’s own lone crusader for public issues.

Sandeep Thakur had said that the delay could be intentional to benefit the private parties. Despite his assurances, Commissioner Vijay Nahata failed to bring the revised proposal in the Standing Committee for second week in a row and with corporators not raising the delay on part of the administration, there was reason to believe that corporators have a dead conscience but two corporators in NMMC whose conscience woke up suddenly after our report. In this Standing Committee meet, corporators Namdeo Bhagat and Shivram Patil raised the issue of the 10% reservation policy for poor patients Fortis – Hiranandani hospital. Shivram Patil said that NMMC has given place to Fortis – Hiranandani but the policy 10% reservation of the poor has not been formulated. He further asked the administration to specify the super specialty facilities that the NMMC would be getting in the Fortis – Hiranandani Hospital.

Namdeo Bhagat attacked the administration for the delay in complete sarcasm stating that the Commissioner and the Chairman get the credit for all the good work being done by NMMC then why does the media blame corporators for follies. He also questioned why the administration has shown haste in beginning the hospital without taking the benefits due to NMMC from the tie-up.

A defensive Commissioner Vijay Nahata who until now was blaming the Standing Committee for not approving the proposal, this time also blamed the general body for it. Realizing that administration was pushing the blame on corporators, Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik tried to salvage some pride of the corporators and said that it was the administration’s responsibility to get the proposal at the earliest.

He gave an assurance that they will formulate a policy in a special general body meeting to be convened for this soon. The Chairman’s announcement however did not stop Namdeo Bhagat who conscience seems to have come alive suddenly as had blamed corporators for sitting silent on the issue but said that he wasn’t one of those corporators who sat as mute spectators. He again lamented that when the delay is from the administration then why are corporators blamed for it. Taunting he said that the Commissioner and Standing Committee Chairman are glorified for the good work then why are corporators blamed for the apathy to public issues.

Standing Committee Chairman again concluded the issue by declaring that they will hold a special general body meeting to discuss the issue. When Shivram Patil urged to give the subject a deadline, Chairman Sandeep Naik assured it would be taken up within two days.

Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik reiterated the same. On the question of a date for the same, the Chairman said that it would be finalized by June 10. It is being alleged it due to the favorism towards Fortis-Hiranandani being showed by former Medical Officer Dr. Sanjay Pattiwar and present medical officer Dr. Paropkari that is one reason for the delay. However, now that the issue has been taken up by corporators, one can hope that finally the poor man gets benefit from Hiranandani-Fortis hospital.

Sandeep Naik visits wards to check pre-monsoon cleaning work

2009-05-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik toured the city wards to get a first hand information on the pre-monsoon cleaning work done in the city.

NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik took a tour of the wards from Digha to Turbhe to get a first hand information about the pre-monsoon work that has been completed by the NMMC administration. His first visit was to Digha where he physically visited the pre-monsoon nullah cleaning work at Ganesh Thakur’s ward. His next stop was to Airoli, then Koperkhairane and Vashi where again he met with the heads of the respective departments. He was accompanied by City Engineer Mohan Dagaonkar during his visits. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik spoke on the purpose of his visit.

He further expressed disappointment that 100% work as was expected was not there and the situation of the low lying areas was still grim. However, it was unfortunate to see that at many wards, the ward officers were themselves not present to give the status of the work completed. The same was expressed by the Standing Committee Chairman. Post his visit, Sandeep Naik has given a deadline to all ward offices to implement the changes and complete the pre-monsoon cleaning work by May 30th or else strict action would be taken against the erring officers.

Sandeep Naik is the Standing Committee chairman once again.

2009-05-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Times of Navi Mumbai

Friday, May 8, 2009,
He has become the chairman for the third consecutive year, as no other candidate expresses the desire to file their Nomination Papers from Navi Mumbai this year.

Vashi: From the last two years, NMMC’s Standing Committee’s chairman post has been held by Sandeep Naik. This year, he has become the chairman for the third consecutive year. “We won this post unopposed, as no other corporator filed his nominations papers for this post on Thursday, at the NMMC headquarters. So no voting was required.” Said NMMC secretary Chandrakant Devkar. Naik will be declared chairman of the standing committee 2009-10 led by the divisional commissioner of Konkan Bhavan on Friday at the standing Committee hall.

This decision has turned many heads in the Nationalist Congress party (NCP), as no other corporator has been given the chance to head important civic committees, other than Sandeep Naik by the party officials. This being the last year for the current corporators, there were many waiting in the queue for this post. However, no corporator from NCP expressed their wish to file their nomination for this post, as Naik expressed his interest. Although names of some of the committee members, like Anant Sutar, were in the air, the party leaders showed their confidence in Naik, who is expected to lead NCP in the civic elections next year.

“We were not even consulted when the decision regarding the chairman was taken. But we knew it will be him. We can only hope that Naik will make good decisions and will win the confidence of the common man, as we all will have to stand for elections within a year. Whatever decision is taken by this Standing Committee will eventually affect the Voter’s decision,” said one of the senior members, on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, the name for wards, president has also been filed. Out of sic wards, only one ward has been given to congress party; the remaining five are with NCP.

Nmmc Standing Committee Members Selection including Sandeep Naik.

2009-05-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

02.05.09,

The selection of 8 members to the Standing Committee was done at the special general body meeting convened at the NMMC HQ. The selection was necessitated due to the termination of the 2 years tenure of 8 members from the Standing Committee that included NCP’s Sandeep Naik, Ashok Patil, M K Madhvi, Devidas Hande Patil, Congress’s Avinash Lad and Sangeeta Sutar and Anant Sutar and Satvashila Karne of the Ashtvinayak group.
Of these Sandeep Naik, M K Madhvi and Anant Sutar have been retained while the new names to enter the Standing Committee are NCP’s Ravindra Ithape and Aparna Gavte, Congress’s Santosh Shetty and Shashikala Kale and Shivram Patil. Mayor Anjani Bhoir declared the names of the new members following which the Mayor, Dy. Mayor Shashikant Bhoir and DMC J N Sinnarkar felicitated the members. Sandeep Naik re-induction to the Standing Committee indicates that he is likely to continue as the Standing Committee Chairman.

With two successful terms as Standing Committee Chairman, Sandeep Naik has embarked on several major projects for the city. Sources reveal that despite Sandeep Naik’s reluctance to continue, the NCP wanted him back as Chairman so that Sandeep can continue the progressive work he has been doing in the crucial year of assembly and corporation elections

Nmmc Begins Pre-Monsoon work in the city.

2009-04-23T22:10:00.001-07:00

20.04.09,

Many of the storm water drains in Vashi and Koperkhairane were cleaned by NMMC. The work has been started as a part of the pre monsoon work of NMMC.

Storm water drains in various nodes of Vashi and Koperkhairane were cleaned by the civic body. Raising concerns over the problem of water logging during monsoons, the drains were cleaned by the civic body. We spoke to the residents of these areas who expressed their happiness over the cleaning drive. While appreciating the work of NMMC, residents also appealed that the civic body should clean these drains regularly and see to it that they are not being choked up by soil and other materials being used during road repairs and road construction. The cleaning of storm water drains is a part of the pre-monsoon work that has been started by NMMC. Another area of concern is that in several areas, road work is going on. This has to be attended to prior to monsoon. It may be recalled that in the Standing Committee meeting of month of January 2009, Chairman Sandeep Naik too had appealed to the administration to take care of the road work to ensure that residents are not inconvenienced during monsoon.

Looks like with the commencement of the pre-monsoon work, the administration has taken the appeal of the Chairman Sandeep Naik seriously.

Get set for 11 Swanky civic markets in the city by Diwali.

2009-04-04T02:16:00.001-07:00

Navi Mumbai: If Sources within the NMMC are to be believed then the city will soon get 11 new civic markets. NMMC has decided to undertake the redevelopment of 11 civic markets. The civic department has decided to redevelop 4 markets at its own cost, while, seven on PPP basis in different parts of the township. The decision was taken at the last GB meeting held recently, informed Sandeep Naik, ruling party leader and Standing Committee Chairman.

A Proposal for developing dilapidated market buildings was approved and a final decision was taken. According to the plans, the markets will comprise of Shops and systematic parking facilities, besides multi-storied parking arena at feasible points. The thrust was to explore the commercial feasibility and earn more and more profit. The civic improvements committee and the NMMC Commissioner, Vijay Nahata passed the Proposal to that effect stating that the markets need repairs and should be redeveloped to tap additional revenue.

Naik said expression of interest would be considered and subsequently bids would be invited for developing the markets on PPP basis. “We pointed out that, wherever possible, the space should be commercially explored and if the area is large enough and found feasible, then there will be a need for having a big parking lot. The Space for parking will be our prime priority, while the unused space will remain as it is and can be used for public purpose later,” an official added.

On the proposal to develop the market on PPP basis, Naik further said that the NMMC has prepared the plans and sent it for approval to the TPA. Officials inform that bids will be invited to develop the project after getting Permission for TPA. Accordingly all the markets would be re developed and thrown open for the public by Diwali end.

According to NMMC, the seven markets would be set at a cost of Rs. 15 crore and the money would be pumped in by the experienced and reputed developers. The NMMC hopes to earn Rs. 1 crore annually. As part of the market Vision 2008-2009, a multi-phase programme aiming to transform the existing markets into a consumer friendly was initiated by the NMMC Commissioner . NMMC accordingly made budgetary provisions of Rs 2. 90 cr for the financial year for development of the market vision.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 12.

2009-03-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week. Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him. HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Q.1. In Sector 15, CBD Belapur, the authorities have provided quite good and wide pavement by the roadside. This pavement is used regularly by the residents, students and office-goers and others. Invariably, the pavement is occupied by the vehicles and in particular, in front of the restaurants located in Sai Sangam and Sai Sagar building, by those who come to dine there in the evening hours, thus forcing people to walk on the road parallel to the pavement. Since the road is an extension of Palm Beach road, the vehicles move at considerably high speed, thus posing lot of risk to the persons walking on foot. I request the authorities to take appropriate action and prevent the use of pavement for parking of vehicles so as to make it available for safe walking. Dr.K. Singh

Ans: The Municipal corporation has taken action time and again against the vehicles parked in front of Sai Sangam and Sai Sagar building and nearby areas in Sector-15, CBD-Belapur. In response to your complaint, I have initiated action once again and the concerned department has assured to remove the parked vehicles within 8 days.

Q.2. Respected Sir I would like to draw your attention to numerous unauthorized garages which operate on roads in koperkhairane ,The problem is more acute on stretch between Koperkhairne station to Ghansoli station and Terna College road in sector 1. The auto garages work in open blocking half the road and create noise pollution and dirt in the area, Also lot of eve teasing take place in front of these garages No amount of police complaints have helped in clearing the problem .We request you sir to clear these unauthorized garages and make the roads clear for traffic

Thanking you,

Sachin Walavalkar

Koperkhairane

Ans: The municipal corporation regularly takes action against the illegal garages on the roads and footpaths upto Mahape bridge. The Koperkhairane ward office initiated action against 11 garages in the last 3 months, confiscated vehicles parked for repairs in front of these garages and deposited them in the dumping yard. This action is taken regularly. Since Ghansoli area was under the jurisdiction of CIDCO Ltd., action was taken by CIDCO Ltd. However now, the municipal corporation will step up action regularly against vehicles and garages on the road from Koperkhairne to Ghansoli railway station to control and prevent the menace.

Q.3. Sir, The Income-Tax Colony which is a major mass housing project consisting of buildings from Type 'A' to 'F' and comprising nearly 250 buildings of 2-3 storeys and row-houses, some of which are more than 100 feet from the ground level vertically and horizontally. At present the water is drawn from the main underground reservoir and is lifted to the water storage tanks installed in the buildings through various horse power motor pumps installed in the pump-houses. For the elimination of electricity and the hassles of lifting the water to such an extent and load-shading you are humbly suggested the feasibility of supplying water from the MBR which is under construction on Parsik Hills can be examined to the colony which is at its feet and also nearby areas. So as to save energy, time and money.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely

Prakash Narasingarao Mora

Ans: Your concern and suggestion for saving energy, time and money in supplying water to residents of Income Tax colony in Belapur is appreciated. I am glad to inform you that work on the pipeline from Kalamboli to Digha for Supply of water from Morbe has been completed and the construction of the MBR on Parsik Hill is nearing completion. The supply of water through gravity from the MBR on Parsik Hill will commence after the construction of the MBR is complete, and this supply by gravity will ensure adequate pressure for sufficient supply of water. Thus solving the problem of inadequate pressure of water supplied to Income Tax Colony in CBD Belapur. This supply by gravity from the MBR and Morbe is expected to be commissioned from December end this year.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 11.

2009-03-09T06:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Q) Over the years I have visited the superintendent’s office at Belapur and pointed out that there are growing number of persons disposing off construction rubble (including Sanitaryware) on the hill side adjacent to Sector 9, CBD. This has become like an epidemic and even the NMMC sweepers dispose off old tube lights on the hillside. While the concerned officials have made sporadic attempts to spruce up the area, this lack of civic sense will not stop unless punitive action is taken. Please see the attached picture of some more violations. People pay lakhs to renovate their houses but cannot pay a few hundreds more to dispose off the rubble and other waste by tempo or truck. A growing number of residents are renovating their homes and filling up their entrance staircase are and building a new staircase leading on the road against town planning rules. As a result, there is insufficient room for cars to be parked and at the time allow for adequate passage of traffic. Just the other day , it was exceedingly difficult for the fire tender to enter one of the lanes and the paramount reason was because of the encroachment of the road by these staircases, compounded by roadside gardens. A little civic sense, either inherent or forced upon by the administration would make our locality a better place to live in. Or at least, not contribute towards its worsening.

Ans) The Belapur ward officer has informed me that he visited the site and met you too and studied your grievance. He has assured to immediately get all the dumped debris picked up and the area is cleaned up. He will also display boards prohibiting the dumping of debris in this area and warning violators of punitive action by the vigilance squad. The said area will also be cleaned daily and surroundings kept clean and beautiful. The ward officer has also been instructed to physically inspect the site of illegal construction of Staircase in the row-houses and initiate action against the offenders.

Q: I live in Sector 17, Vashi. Recently, the wide foothpaths constructed by CIDCO have been reduced in width. Further, the parving blocks and the manhole covers are in so poor and unsafe conditions, that walking on them is dangerous, especially for senior citizens. The problem is compounded by the presence of several illegal hawkers occupying and blocking the foothpath forcing the residents on the dangerous roads.

Professor T N Rangarajan

Vashi.

Ans: The Vashi ward officer has been instructed to intitate action against the illegal stalls and hawkers in the foothpath near the Meenatai Thackeray Garden and adjoining area. They will be removed immediately. I have also asked the ward officer to get the debris cleared in the area immediately.

Q) Near GES Vashi Goan when you proceed form Sec 30 A to 31 A and take the route to left opposite Kerala House, there are two parallel roads going towards the Mumbai Pune Highway Junction. There is also an third Parallel Road. On the First Road I have described , as one enters from Swami Pravananad Marg one passes by Bharat Sevashram Sangha having Several Houses where priests and cancer patients reside. This raod was very good with necessary speed breakers and was well lighted at night and many trees on the right han d side of the road. Now there are several many problems come up. 1 Trees have become too big and branches are covering the light poles rendering dark patches that are unsafe at night. I suggest that the trees be numbered and cut or a few branches trimmed with permission form tree authorities so that lightning improves again. 2 The entry opposite Kerala House is having perennial water leakage and a lot of water is wasted in the morning /evening when pumping is going on. 3 Broken Construction material is lying at the entrance and at the end near the highway junction. With regard to the middle road that I mentioned , where a 16- storey building is narrowly at the corner it is an almost non existant road for about 50 m length. Yet big trucks ply through this road and most autorickshaw use this road joining the highway and also to the Sub way Connecting Vashi Goan to sectors 6/7/8. Tapan Kumar Bir, GES, Vashi Goan.

Ans) The pruning of overgrown branches is done by the corporation on a regular basis. However, the site mentioned by you will be specifically inspected and action taken within 10 days. The leakage of water was in the Pratibha pipeline near Kerala Bhavan,has been repaired six days ago and there are no leakages anymore in the said area. Notices have been issued to the concerned people who have dumped construction material adjoining foothpaths and roads from sector 30 A to 31 and action will be initiated against the offenders if they fail to remove them before the notice period. Action will be taken to remove the said material too. The traffic police have been asked to initiate action against the trucks and autorickshaws using the road to ply from Vashi Village to Sectors 6,7 and 8. I have asked the Vashi ward officer to check the prevailing situation in the grievances mentioned by you and take necessary action at the earliest. I thank you for the concern particularly for the families of Cancer patients and residents in that region. I am sure that your attention and our action will make a substantial difference for residents in the Vashi GES area .

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 10.

2009-03-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Q) In Sector 15, CBD Belapur, the authorities have provided a good and wide sidewalk by the roadside. This is used regularly by residents, students and office-goers and others. But invariably, the sidewalk is occupied by vehicles, particularly in front of the restaurants located in Sai Sangam and Sai Sagar Buildings, belonging to those who come to dine there in the evening hours , thus forcing people to walk on the road. Since the road is an extension of the Palm Beach road, the vehicles move at considerably high speed, thus posing a risk to pedestrians. I request the authorities to take the appropriate action and prevent the use of the sidewalk for parking vehicles so as to make it available for safe walking. Dr. K Singh, CBD Belapur.

Ans) The municipal corporation has taken action time and again against the vehicles parked in front of Sai Sangam and Sai Sagar buildings and nearby areas in Sector 15, CBD Belapur. In response to your complaint , I have intitated the action once again and the concerned department has assured the removal of the parked vehicles within eight days.

Q) I would like to draw your attention to the numerous unauthorized garages which operate on roads in Koparkhairane. The problem is more acute on stretch from Kopar khairane station to Ghansoli station and Terna College road in Sector 1. The auto garages operate in the open, blocking half the road and creating half the road and creating noise pollution and dirt in the area. Also, a lot of eve-teasing takes place in front of these garages. No amount of police complaints have helped in solving the problem. We request you to remove these unauthorized garages and clear the roads for Traffic.

Ans) The municipal corporation regularly takes action against the illegal garages on the roads and foothpaths up to the Mahape bridge. The Kopar Khairane Ward office intitates action against 11 garages in last three months, confiscated vehicles packed for repairs in front of these garages, and deposited them in the dumping yard. Such action is taken regularly. Since Ghansoli area was under the jurisdiction of CIDCO Ltd, action was taken by CIDCO. However now, the municipal corporation will step up action regularly against vehicles and garages on the road from Kopar khairane to Ghansoli railway Station to control and prevent the menace.

Q) The Income-Tax Colony is a major mass housing project consisting of buildings from Type A to E and comprising nearly 250 buildings of 2-3 Storey's and row-houses, some of which are of more than 100 feet height form the ground level. At present the water is drawn from the main underground reservoir and lifted to the water storage tanks installed in the buildings through motor pumps of varying horse power installed in the pump-houses. For avoiding the use of electricity and hassles of load-shedding and of lifting the water to such a height, I humbly suggest to you to consider the feasibility of supplying water from MBR which is under construction on Parsik Hills. Water can be supplied from here to the colony which is at the foot of the Hills and also to nearby areas thus saving energy, time and money. Prakash N Mora, Belapur

Ans) Your Concern and Suggestion for saving energy and time and money in supplying water to residents of Income-Tax Colony in Belapur is appreciated. I am glad to inform you that work on Pipeline from Kalamboli to Digha for Supply of water from Morbe has been Completed and the construction of the MBR and Parsik Hill is nearing completion. The supply of water from the MBR on Parsik Hill will commence after the construction of the MBR is complete ,and this supply by gravity will ensure adequate pressure of water supplied to the Income Tax Colony in CBD Belapur. This Supply by gravity from the MBR and Morbe is ecpected to be commissioned form December and this Year.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 9.

2009-03-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week. Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him. HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Dear Sir,

It had been my great privilege that I received the very first reply from the young and exuberant person like your goodself Mr. Sandeep Naik in respect of my grievances pertaining to sector 29's road from Nimit rickshaw stand to Rajiv Gandhi Udyan Entrance and its surrounding all around. At present excavation work is going on the right side of the garden as we enter from the Nimit Bldg. This is adding fuel to the fire since all the mud is being deposited on one side of the wall of the garden. How safe will this wall and the fencing remains is to be seen? " To inform you Sir, and as per your reply to my E-mail the WBM work was carried out by August 12th.08. But this work was not carried out in a manner which would give temporary relief to the traffic,or abled and disabled men,women,children and senior citizens. Your goodself had also given an assurance that after monsoon the complete resurfacing will be done. I request you Sir, to expedite this work to avoid roads from becoming bad to worse.This will be a boon to traffic, a sigh of relief from people of all age group, and praise for NMMC of which your gooself is a part with a lead role to play. I am hopefully waiting for the best result this time .

I thank you,
Sincerely,

K.S.Bajaj. Sector29,

Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400 705.

Ans: I am glad to inform you that the tender Proposal for asphalting of the road in Sector-29 Vashi is already placed for approval. Which will be done in a week’s time. Hence the work order will be issued immediately after the approval and the said work will be expedited as per your command. Thank you for your concern and good words about the response to your earlier query through this column.

Q2: I wish to bring certain issues to Sandeep Ji for his redressal 1. The road passing through the under bridge at Koparkhairane has not been repaired for the last few years. With such heavy traffic nowadays passing from there, a proper attention should be given for upkeep of that road, it is in bad shape with no coating, patching done there. Even the road divider has fallen apart, the stones are lying dislocated disrupting the traffic flow. It looks like the road is not under NMMC or there are ownership issues. Hope you would make some agency to take the accountability of its upkeep. 2. It was a great effort to reconstruct the Dmart circle without causing any hardships to the public. Most of the work was done during night time. All the tiling work was completed in nights only. I think it was a commendable thinking on the part of NMMC and the contractor. Why can't similar approach be taken for road repairs? Most of the road repair is done during day time, when the traffic cannot be stopped for long and hence immediately after repairs, the traffic starts flowing and the repaired patch is not given enough time to settle. More so, somehow the contractor chooses the peak time to repair the most congested area causing immense inconvenience to the public. Recently the patch work near D Mart circle was carried out at 6 PM, making the traffic completely crippled for about 30 minutes. The contractor does not even bother to park the truck (carrying charcoal mixture etc), road roller on the side of the road to allow traffic to flow. You may like to instruct the NMMC and the contractors to carry our the work at night so that the public is not inconvenienced and the repair work is more long lasting. Wherever work has to be carried out during day time, the contractor/NMMC should take proper care to park the trucks/road rollers etc so that public is not unduly inconvenienced. 3. The bus stops near the Dmart circle should be shifted at least 25 meters away from where they are presently (towards Vashi). Traffic on that road is very high and with the buses stopping at their stops, the traffic behind also stops and queues right up to the Dmart circle. If the stops are shifted 25 meters away, the traffic congestion can be reduced drastically. I hope Sandeep Ji would give his attention to the above points.

With Best Regards,

RAKESH GUPTA SECTOR 14,

KOPARKHAIRANE NAVI MUMBAI

Ans: The road work from the bridge near kopar khairane to the railway station and to the drain is in process for the administrative approval of the NMMC general body and the work is expected to begin within three months. The laying of the interlock paver blocks in the traffic island in front of the bridge and improving of the road dividers have been approved and the work will begin soon.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 8.

2009-03-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Q1 Hi this is regarding the auto rickshaw rates in our area.....we fail to understand y the charges here are so high compared to vat is being charged in and around Mumbai....vat is the reason for such high charges.....the worst part is even the auto rickshaws that uses CNG also charge the same….nobody to question them at all or rather the RTO who has the onus to fix the rates…….. Even the taxis in Mumbai charge Rs.13/- as minimum charge…then what is the difference between the auto rickshaws and the taxis…………. Moreover the share an auto rates are just skyrocketing …if u are aware of this ….especially from vashi station to MORAJ area……by meter its just 16-17 bucks ….but share an auto fellows charge 10/- per person and take 4 people thus charging 40 bucks one way…earlier they used to charge 8bucks when the minimum fare was 11 bucks….and now when the minimum charge is 13 bucks they are charging 10 bucks per person …….. isn't this day light looting of the helpless public…..i request u to look into this matter and at least do something to organize this share an auto business to and fro MORAJ area so that it gets affordable ….its just taking advantage of people's tolerance and helplessness and we are just not able to make out whom to approach in this regard and even if we approach that official would he take appropriate steps….. there is no proper share an auto stand to and fro MORAJ area outside Vashi station like how there is a stand for vashi area its totally disorganized and I can find one traffic cop once in a blue moon…and he tries to shoo away people here and there and may be try xtract something fm these rickshaw guys possibly….but no concrete effort fm RTO officials in this matter ….why the RTO is ignoring our area …why isn't any support coming in from your end….. Last year there was an effort from your side as to people can call these nos.9969854555/27650701 whenever the rickshwaw drivers deny to ply to any particular destination ….i felt this sort of an arrangement wud help people to convey their issues to the RTO but somehow there is no help coming in from that also…I personally have called these nos. umpteen no. of times but the response I get is "haan madam koi cop pahunch jayega site par aap rukiye ….." but by the time somebody turns up its too late and even rickshaw fellows know this and they are very casual about it….even today if I say that I am going to complain to RTO with the rickshaw no. they just are very very casual abt it and they know very very well that nothing would work against them ….if anything serious they can just bribe a cop and get things done …this is the attitude….
To add to the woes these auto rickshaw drivers just bully public saying "yahaan nahin jayenge wahaan nahin jayenge" …."nerul hai tho double metre dena padega" , " return bhi dena padega", "metre se Rs.10-20 extra dena padega"…. What is all this sir are they serious about their business or just trying to extract from the common public…especially bcoz of the fact that our area is not at all connected with bus service neither any places are easily accessible …its only by an auto rickshaw ….neither the NMMT is trying to do something about it..nor the RTO is supporting the huge population staying in the MORAJ area…… I seriously request you to look into this matter and take adequate steps

Thank you

ANUSHA SECTOR-14

SANPADA-VASHI

Ans: The major part of your question is pertaining to RTO and not NMMC. However I have made enquiries and the RTO has provided the following answer. The online CNG is yet to come in Navi Mumbai. As soon as CNG stations start in Navi Mumbai the rate of autorickshaws will be as in Mumbai. For autorickshaw complaints, citizens should lodge their complaints on-9969854555. This complaint too has been forwarded to RTO flying squad for action. Regarding the NMMT services, bus No. 23 has been scheduled to ply from major area to Vashi and CBD- via Vashi Sector-6, Vashi bus stand, vashi railway station (BSEL), samna press, moraj residences, sanpada, Juinagar, Nerul, Killegaothan, Belapur railway station and further through Sion-Panvel highway to Kalamboli bus station. 3 buses make 36 trips throughout the day on this route. The bus on this route is provided every 50 minutes.

Q.2) Dear Sandeep Naik I am a regular early morning walker on SEC 10 walkway. It is a beautiful place to exercise in the morning. I would like to bring to your notice that some repairs were carried out on the walkway. The contractor has not installs the side railing on the narrow ledge. I request you to kindly take up the installation of the side railing. It is must from safety point of view.

With warm regards

S.K.Gupta

Vashi

Ans: As per the contact, the footpath in sector-10 was widened and railings were erected and railings have been proposed in the balance walkway too. The inspection on October 24 revealed that the pipe railings were stolen, which will be replaced soon. Even the mound of mud in the vicinity will be cleared within two days.

Q.3) Dear Sir, There is encroachment on Cidco tender plot no 58 sector-24,Juinagar near Sundaram tower. We are unaware about the owner of plot. People occupying these plots are littering and defacing nearby area causing health hazards to people residing on Ganesh Mandir road area. Women and elder persons fear to stroll in that area after 10 pm. Please remove this encroachment.

vinod Papal

Ans: Dear Vinod Papalji, There are about 15-16 hutments on plot no.58 beside sundaram Tower in Sector- 24, Juinagar. However the plot belongs to CIDCO Ltd. And in the center of this plot is a small house of Shri Moreshwar Kathod, since the grampanchayat times. Since the said plot is with CIDCO Ltd., I have initiated action through CIDCO office to remove the encroachments on the plot.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 7.

2009-03-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Q1.) Dear Mr Naik
There was a plan to develop the back water cluster opposite Kalash Uddyan,Koparkhairane to a boating lake and a good jogging track around it. Kindlylet us know if you have set up any timeline for this beautiful and landmarkproject.regardsShivaji SanyalSector 12A, KoparkhairaneNavi Mumbai

Ans) It is not possible to do any kind of beautification work near the holding pond in front of Kalash Udayn, as it is close to the mangroves. The High Court has admitted an appeal on this matter. All beautification and other works can be executed only after the decision of the High court.

Q.2) Dear Sir, It is very hearty indeed to know TOI has sought the right way to access political leaders like Mr.Sandeep Naik to address issues faced by the public in Navi Mumbai. It is heartier to see that Sandeep Naik is responding positively!! This is what is expected from young leaders like him. I would like to draw his attention to a very rampantly seen practice nowadays in Navi mumbai. It is the issue of political posters display in every nook and corner of the city in name of 'birthday wishes', 'festival wishes' so on an so forth. This really makes the city's appearance so unhealthy and dirty. what is shocking is that no traffic signal, electric pole is spared to tie these posters. All these posters are displayed in the name of some "well-wisher". If leaders like Sandeep Naik really care about navi mumbai city's appearance, they can very well instruct these well-wishers not to display such posters and spoil the city's appearance. How will these well-wishers dare to disobey them?? Moreover it is such a big loss to NMMC as i am sure nobody would be bothering to even think of paying the requisite fees for permission to display. I hope Mr.Sandeep naik sets an example himself and would help in making navi mumbai a better place for people to live in.

From- Niranjan Damle

Akhurath, Sec 14, Sanpada,

Navi Mumbai

Ans) Thank you for your positive remark about this column and my replies. I share and appreciate your concern for the city’s appearance, health and cleanliness. The Municipal administration has been appraised of your concern and have directed the concerned officials and staff to take action more effectively against the temporary flexes, banners and posters defiling the body of the city. However, as per the Municipal Act, permission for display of temporary flexes for social, religious and political programmes, after levying rent for the space and advertising charges is allowed for seven days. Permission is not given for temporary displays in the traffic islands in Municipal area. The ward offices take action regularly against those defiling the beauty of the city by removing the temporary advertisement flexes displayed without permission. Further, to ensure that the temporary outdoor flex displays are controlled and does not give an ugly look to the city, the authority to sanction the permission, for such displays for 7 days for social, religious and political programmes, has been given to the ward officers. The advertisement policy, for display of temporary flex/banner/poster/wall advertisements, is being finalized by the municipal corporation. The implementation of this policy in the municipal area will control outdoor advertisement displays that spoil the beauty of the city. Also action will be taken against displays without permission as per the provisions of Maharashtra State Public Properties defiling rules, 1995. In response to your letter, I have asked party workers and well-wishers to set an example and abide by the municipal rules to keep the city clean and beautiful.

Q.3) Dear Sir, I am a resident of Sector-20, Kharghar. Although it is considered as modern area in the cyber city of Navi Mumbai, residents in Kharghar sector-20 are facing lots of problems. 1, Cable operators are biggest problem. After coming back, if you want to switch on TV, then you have to watch something with worst quality. The money they charge is at par with other cable operators, but quality is worst than any village cable connection. In all the towers they have made cable connections during building construction period for which they get money from builder. Then builder charge you for this while purchasing the flat. Once you shift to the apartment, cable operator charges you Rs 500 to activate the connection and Rs 200+ per month. Even if you complain about quality, they never bother to come and solve the problem. They ask user what better quality he/she wants to watch TV? When I tried to book Tatasky or DishTV, they refused to give me connection. Both Tatasky and DishTV replied that, cable walas in Kharghar do not allow authorized service persons of Tatasky and DishTV to install it. They literally beat these people. So these people have to take police protection to install Tatasky or DishTV at customers, if any. In CBD Belapur and Kamothe and other places in Navi Mumbai, it is possible to get these connections easily but NOT in the KHARGHAR. That is the reason there are no Tatasky or DishTV dealers present in Kharghar. 2. Although lot of sky scrappers is present in sector-20, service road is in really shabby condition. A small road with open drainages and road dug by MSEB at the corner, makes it impossible for people to drive on the road. Also street lights are never ON in the evening. 3. The footpaths at the entry of the sector are occupied by illegal slaughterhouses who sell chicken, mutton and fish in open. They cut the animals at the back side of their shop (open plot of Shah Group) and keep the blood & unwanted body parts there only. This is causes health problem (apart from rotten smell) for residents who has no other option but to walk / drive from there. The number of these non-veg selling shops are increasing day by day. Sometimes back Shetkari-Kamgar-Paksh celebrated there 61st anniversary in the open plot of Shah Group. During that time these non-veg selling shops shifted to other side of the road and after the celebration was over, they came back to their old places (and sizes of their shops also increased). The Kharghar Medical Centre is coming up, just opposite to these shops. I dont know how that medical centre is going to maintain health of the people admitted there with so much unhygienic condition in front of their main gate. 4. The stray dogs are increasing day by day. These dogs sleep during day time and throughout the night makes lot of noise. People who work hard during the day are deprived of sleep because of dog barking. Also walking alone in the late evening / night is also dangerous because of them. These dogs get their food from the above mentioned non-veg shops. 5. Apart from less bus frequency ( which was discussed some times back in New Bombay Plus), Auto rickshaw drivers are charging exorbitently. Minimum charge is Rs 15. From Hiranandani (higway) to Raghunath Vihar, they charge Rs 25. If you extend it till main gate of any tower in Sector-20, your cost if Rs 30. If you extend further from your building main gate to entry of your wing ( less than 20meters), the charge is Rs 35. There is no opposition to these drivers. Most of them are Gaowalas and are under 18 years and without driving licenses. So my sincere request to NMMC is to make sure that people who buy at such high rates should get at least some basic facilities which they expect. Regards Sandeep Joshi Sector-20, Kharghar

Ans) Thank you for your concern and response to this column. I am afraid that your first four questions raise issues beyond the jurisdiction of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Kharghar is in Raigad District and presently under the CIDCO administration. Even your last question about auto-rickshaw drivers does not come under NMMC jurisdiction. However, NMMC can address your problem to a great extent by increasing frequency and routes of NMMT bus services, which will bring big relief to citizens plying to in and from Kharghar. The NMMC transport undertaking has approved the policy of plying buses on Build, Operate and Own Basis. This will result in additional buses and bus routes in Kharghar region. We welcome any suggestions from you on this, which will be studied and decided upon. The NMMT services operative in Kharghar presently are as follows: BUS NO ROUTE NO OF BUSES TRIPS 26 Thane-Kharghar (Jalvayu) 6 48 29 Thane-Kharghar(jalvayu) 6 38 44 Dombivali-Kharghar(Gharkul) 8 88 52 Belapur Rly Stn – Taloja Village 3 45 53 Belapur Rly Stn-Sanjvani Int. Sch 2 28 54 Kharghar Rly Stn - CISF 3 32 55 Ghansoli(Nagdev) –Kharghar (Jalvayu) 10 52 Thus 38 buses on 7 routes make 331 trips from 5.00 am to 12.30 am daily to and from Kharghar,presently, which will be increased further soon.

Q.4)
Human safety people coming out from Ghansoli Railway Station onto Thane Belapur road and vice versa are many and it is really dangerous for anyone to cross the road and go to other side for either his job or to catch a bus. The divider has been removed by NMMC a couple of months back and vehicles continuously move both ways preventing safe crossing. It is very much evident that anyone can get hurt due to a vehicle while crossing the road. It is much more dangerous when it is raining heavily and when it is night time. I wish to request Shri. Sandeep Naik, Chairman, NMMC Standing Committee to personally have a look at the situation and devise a means for the common people to cross the road. I have myself approached to NMMC officials stationed at Mhape Bridge and also officers from PBA Infrastructure to do something to safeguard the people but nothing concrete has been done and people are still at risk. Regards,

Paresh Joshii

Kopar Khairne

Ans) You have raised a very important issue, which has already been taken note of and is being addressed by the Municipal Administration. Under Phase 3 of the Thane-Belapur Road improvement work (construction of Fly-overs, Foot-bridges and slip-roads) the construction of a fly-over is in front of Ghansoli railway station is under progress which will facilitate crossing of the road by people and small vehicles. The work on the concrete slip-road adjoining the under-construction fly-over has been completed and small vehicles have started using it too, which has made crossing the road less dangerous presently. On completion of the flyover work, the crossing of the road will be comfortable and safe for the citizens.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 6.

2009-03-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week.
Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him.
HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Question-1

Dear Authority,

It’s good that now the residents of Navi Mumbai can bring their grievances regarding the civics issues in which they get the acquired information with resolution and also being published in New Bombay Plus.
I am resident of Vashi sector 9, Navi Mumbai, and writing the first issue that we face daily is regarding the water supply, as we are suppose to receive the supply of water 2 times in a day during morning and evening, but we have not received the supply of water completely even for one time in a week, even we do not get supply of water for months and we adjust to get the water from our neighbors who stay at ground floor as there is no pressure of water at the upper floors, as its being a prime location of Vashi and all the residents of sector 9 staying at (JN1, JN2 and JN3) are the major concerns for this issue and as we have read and heard that we are going to get the water for 24 hrs in future, but for now at least we can get adequate supply of water for our daily needs.

SYED SHAKEEL, VASHI

A: There was a problem at Morbe & Hetavane Dam due to heavy rains. And now I am informed that since last 8 days, supply of water to JN 1, 2 and 3 in sector 9, Vashi is adequate and the NMMC office has received no complaints about the same. By this time, this issue gets published; your problem would have been solved.
The work to enable 24 hours water supply is on, in full swing. As soon as work of the water pipeline from Kalamboli to Digha, the MBR on Parsik Hill and the installation of water meters in all buildings is completed, the 24 hours supply of water will commence.

Question-2
Hello,
Am Ms. Veena Thadani, staying at Sector 19 Kharghar and travel to Vashi for my office.
This is a mail to let u know abt the problems faced by commuters of NMMT buses in Kharghar to Belapur and further down.
The problems faced are as follows:
1. Shortage of buses plying towards Taloja to Belapur stn and back.
2. The timings are inconvenient... the buses generally run late.
3. The crowd at Kharghar is increasing day by day... but the buses are not increasing to such an extent.
4. There are lot of problems faced by the commuters traveling towards Kharghar fm Belapur stn and depot. The buses are so full that it is really very difficult for commuters to get into the buses.
This is a sincere request for you to take action and try to ply more buses for reducing the inconvenience caused to the commuters.
Hoping for a favorable reply fm you..
Rgds,
Veena

A: 31 NMMT buses make 257 trips through 6 routes in Kharghar area.
The regional transport authority for Mumbai metropolitan region vide its decision on July 8, 2008, has permitted the Kharghar to Dombivali and Belapur railway station to Taloja MIDC Hikal company routes.
Accordingly, 8 buses will make 36 trips on route No. 44 – Kharghar to Dombivali and 3 buses will make 24 trips on route No. 52- Belapur railway station to Taloja MIDC Hikal Company. Both those routes will soon be extended.
We have received sanction for 8 new routes in Kharghar, which will become operational after co-ordinating and arranging the requirement of additional buses and employees, which I am sure will ease the inconvenience of Kharghar residents a great deal.

The present buses and route in Kharghar are as follows :
48 trips by 6 buses on route No. 26 – Thane to Kharghar (Jalvayu)
38 trips by 6 buses on route No.29 – Thane to Kharghar (Jalvayu)
45 trips by 3 buses on route No.52- Belapur railway station to Taloja R.A.F.
42 trips by 3 buses pm route No. 53 – Belapur railway station to Sanjivani International School
32 trips by 3 buses on route No. 54 – Kharghar railway station to Owe gaon
52 trips by 10 buses on route No. 55 – Ghansoli to Kharghar (Jalvayu).
I acknowledge the need of more buses on more routes in the fast developing Kharghar node and assure you that the NMMT service will meet the increasing demand. It shall be my sincere endeavor to provide these at the earliest.

Question-3

Dear Sir,
I would like to bring the following to the kind attention of Mr Sadeep Naik Chairman Standing committee.

Thanks to our Corporator Mrs Mahale, the dwarf wall put up by MSEDC blocking the access between Basera building and Big Splash (Bawa Tower) was removed facilitating free movement of pedestrians.
However pedestrians are made to walk over electric cable lying exposed in the path. The other access to Big Splash by the side of MSEDC's pillar boxes is full of exposed cables, water pipes and debris. It not only obstructs free access but also presents a neglected appearance. Though this is a minor issue, in the light of the desire of NMMC to make Navi Mumbai “Clean and Green City" I am bringing this to your attention.

Regards
M V Rao
Vashi,

A: The Sub-station between Basera and big splash building in sector 17, Vashi, belongs to MSEDC and not NMMC.
we had already intimated MSEDC about putting the cables, lying in the open, underground.
The responsibility of changing or laying cables underground lies with the consumers using the
sub-station or the building in whose area it is erected.
Taking cognizance of your concern for a clean and green Navi Mumbai, to which we too are pledged to, I have asked the ward officer in Vashi to intimate the concerned people and do the needful at the earliest.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 5.

2009-03-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week.
Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him.
HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Q. As you know, Ganesh Utsav is coming near, and most of the roads in Navi Mumbai has been dug up. There are too many potholes. In some areas of Navi Mumbai like Seawood Circle, Bhaurao Patil Chowk, CBD, Arenja Corner, Vashi, RF Naik chowk, and Teen Tanki, Kopar Khairane, all the roads have been dug for the work of gas lines, Water pipe lines, MTNL lines or some such reason. These roads were once repaired, but again because of heavy rains and continuous movements of vehicles on the road, there is a very shabby condition. We request you to kindly look into the matter and solve the problems as it will be most inconvenient to bring the big idols of “Lord Ganpati” through such dirty roads.

Ans: I am glad to inform you that even though the roads have been repaired once, and because of heavy rains they are damaged, the same roads have been repaired once again by doing the work even in night shifts. They have also been asphalted. In addition, I would also like to inform you that the roads in areas where Ganapti Idol immersion (Visarjan) is done have also been repaired. The ponds too have been cleaned and a Kalash (big drum for disposal) in which flowers, garlands and other materials are disposed is put up near every pond. Also please note that all safety measures have been taken to avoid any untoward incidents during Visarjan.

Q.The road leading from the Palm Beach road junction to Sector 18, Nerul, in front of Vazirani Sports Club right up to the end is in very bad state. Starting from the Junction where the road had recently been constructed all the way to the end of the road, it had been done up very nicely. However, the piping work that was done has completely spoiled the road. The condition of the road including the Junction speak volumes about the shabby way in which the piping contractor has done the repairs which were accepted by the NMMC engineers. The whole road has already sunk much below the adjacent road level with wide gaping holes at several places and is very dangerous for people even to take their evening walk. I request NMMC to get this repaired in a proper manner at the earliest so that it can be restored back to its earlier condition.
NK Agarwal, Nerul

Ans: The work of this road was executed by CIDCO Ltd, last year. Some part of this road has been damaged due to the digging work for laying the Morbe Pipeline and Reliance company cables. The work of the re-surfacing and filling potholes and asphalting of the road is being taken up immediately and will be completed in ten days.

Q. Kindly look into the condition of the main station road and footpaths of Kopar Khairane leading to Ghansoli. People are forced to walk in the middle of the road as the part of the road has been dug up for the gas line has not been repaired. Water collects on both sides of the road, leaving only about 2 ft center portion to walk on. Drain covers have been removed posing a serious threat. Similarly roads from the station to internal garden plots are equally unusable. You will appreciate the problem if you walk through these places.

Ans: After the completion of the gas pipeline work from Kopar khairane to Ghansoli, the NMMC engineering department has completed the refilling of the dug trenches and relaid the roads. 30 Percent of the asphalting work too has been completed. The balance work will be completed by September end.
Wherever the drain covers are missing, new covers are being put in place and this work would be completed by the end of this month. I will personally follow through the completion of this Job.

Q. I am a resident of Sectoe 19, Nerul. Since last 8 years. NMMC is known for the mechanization of civic works in the city through specific departments, which enables residents to get their due rights.
The Ghanta Gadi domestic garbage disposal system is one good example of the same, which has ensured a dirt-free city. However, Where I stay, the Ghanta Gadi used to arrive at 10.00 am but now it comes at 7.00 am or earlier , resulting in many people not being able to dispose their garbage. The Sweeper of the building comes after 7.00 am and hence the garbage gets accumulated for two days. The two day old garbage emits a foul odour polluting the surroundings and rendering the NMMC Ghanta Gadi Service futile. Kindly change the time-table of picking up of the domestic garbage to avoid the above inconvenience.

Ans: I have enquired from the concerned department and have been informed that the garbage vans of the said area cover sector 5,13,17 and 19. The vehicle collecting your garbage leaves for Nerul From Belapur at 7.30 am and first goes to D Y Patil college and Hospital before coming to sector 19 after 8.40 am. The vehicle also collects the garbage brought by tata vehicles, which bring garbage from small roads in the surrounding areas. These vehicles also start work at 8.30 am. Althought the vehicle does not come at 10.00 am. It comes much later than 8.30 am. I request you to adjust to the timings which will not distrupt the total garbage pick-up from the region, and to accommodate to the said timing which will not distrupt the total garbage pick-up from the region, and to accommodate the said timing which is nearly 1 ½ hours after your inconvenient 7.00 am. I am sure you will appreciate the said compulsion to accommodate the needs of the whole city.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 4

2009-03-09T05:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week.
Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him.
HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Q Navi Mumbai has important National Highways and roads with increasing traffic day by day. It is often Noticed that when road accidents claim victims form the economically weaker sections, the municipal corporation hospital is unable to provide trauma care, which is the need fo the hour! I request your Sincere attention to do something concrete on this issue.
The roads in Sectors 8 and 8B are in a very bad condition and the road in front of Sai Mandir in Artist Village is repaired very frequently. Can you instruct the engineering department to find a permanent Solution for this and execute the work soon, which will benefit thousands of residents using these roads?

Ans: We have decided to lay Heavy duty paver blocks in front of the ‘Sai temple’ in Artist Village is repaired very frequently. Can you instruct the engineering department to find a permanent solution for this and execute the works soon, which will benefit thousands of residents using these roads?
Achyut Deshmukh
CBD

Q.Navi Mumbai is a planned city. But some important places are denied public amenities. In front of the fruit market there is too much crowd during business hours and the local residents and the frequenting these areas are inconvenienced due to the lack of public toilets in the area, will NMMC care to provide one here?

Ans.The NMMC Standing Committee has already approved the budget for construction of a public toilet for both men and women in sector 18, MAFCO Market, in front of fruit market in Sector 19 and near Mathadi Bhavan in Sector 19 at the meeting in last week of August. Therefore the tenders will be floated soon for the said work and I am sure this will address the Issue. I will personally see to it that the said work is expedited.

Q.The Jai Bhavani Market in Airoli Sector 03, is in a very bad condition, which is causing hardship to several citizens using the market every day, most of whom are women and children. When a lot of money is spent on roads, footpaths, etc, why is this market neglected? When will it be repaired?
Ramesh Dighe
Airoli

Ans: I agree that the Municipal body has to spend money on roads and footpaths, but as it has to do on markets, public toilets, gardens, drains and street-lights. Work on the Jai Bhavani market in Sector-03, Airoli will be taken up for repairs soon after the monsoon. The said market is in a state of disrepair and needs to be re-constructed, particularly as it is in a central location. The budget for the same has already been approved by the Standing Committee in August and the tender process should be completed soon to enable commencement of the work within a month.

Sandeep Naik ahead to solve Water crisis.

2009-03-07T02:59:00.000-08:00

Last Week, queues near water tanks were a common sight in the city. This week also, chances are that on Friday and Saturday, water supply in parts of Vashi up till Airoli will be limited.
To solve the water supply problem, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) delegates met the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) water supply department and other concerned Authorities on Thursday,
After listening to the Problems narrated by the corporators of the affected areas, standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik requested NMMC officials to seal water tanks that were charging monery. Besides this , Naik asked NMMC to take into account the water crisis seriously, as it could lead to a problem of law and order in the area.
Replying to queries of Naik in the meeting, NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata Said, “ On Thursday, we are meeting the MIDC CEO to find some solutions. Besides this, we are planning to make some alternatives arrangements for providing relief to the residents.”
MIDC is facing a water crisis, as their water reservoir, Barve dam is getting dried up. The water in the dam is insufficient for nodes, like Vashi, Kopar-khairane, Ghansoli, Airoli, and Digha, MIDC Supplies 130 MLD water to Navi Mumbai. At present, there is around 20-25 percent water shortage, out of 130 MLD, less than 80 MLD water has been supplied.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 3

2009-03-07T02:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week.
Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him.
HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Q. Navi Mumbai has important National Highways and roads with increasing traffic day by day. It is often Noticed that when road accidents claim victims form the economically weaker sections, the municipal corporation hospital is unable to provide trauma care, which is the need fo the hour! I request your Sincere attention to do something concrete on this issue.

Rayadu Krishnarao,
Vashi

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
I am glad to inform you that the Navi Mumbai Municipal corporation has been sanctioned a Trauma centre in its Hospital in Vashi by the Central government. The corporation has completed over 70 percent of the construction work for the same and the purchase of the medical instruments and equipments for the trauma center is in process. The purchase of hospital and office furniture has already been initiated. Tenders for the purchase of the trauma ambulance has been called for and awaits approval. The recruitment of required medical and paramedical officers /employees for the trauma center is also being done by the administration. The trauma center work is being done on top priority and all efforts are being made to start the same within 2 months.

Q. I would like to draw your attention to the pathetic condition of the Mother – Child Hospital in Airoli. The hospital needs urgent repairs, replacement of broken windows in some rooms and attendance to leakage problems. When will this be done? It is great inconvenience to the hundreds of patients like me coming to the hospital everyday!
Laxmi Parihar,
Airoli

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
We have decide to build a new 100 bed hospital at Airoli and hence, repairs to the same has to be done with proper care to keep the present hospital functioning. The tender for the repairs has been approved and the work order too has been issued. The windows in the machine room, in charge medical officer’s room and the injection room have been replaced. The leakage in the lift room was caused by the monsoon due to lack of windows, which have been provided now. The work to plug leakages in the ward on the first floor and the stair case too has been initiated. I am sure the above action will bring relief to the patients and hospital staff and all efforts are on to construct the new hospital in Airoli, Which will benefit residents in and around Airoli.

Q I have been reading and listening to reports of 24 hours water supply in Navi Mumbai. The residents have borne the brunt of Pipeline laying work all over the city. Has the work been completed? When will the 24 Hour supply materialse? Or is it merely a promise to be broken?

Kiran Gaikwad,
CBD Belapur

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
The 24 hour water supply in Navi Mumbai is a dream coming very soon. The Kalamboli-Digha water pipeline work was approved for the supply of drinking water to the city for 24 hours. This work was approved to be executed in 3 phases. The first phase from Kalamboli to Arenja Corner in Vashi was Completed, barring some sectional work, in March this year. The second phase from Vashi to the Teen Taki area in Kopar Khairane was Completed in July with Some Sectional Work yet to be done. The third phase from Kopar khairane to Digha is scheduled to be completed in a Week and all balance sectional works is due to be completed by the end of September. The delay in the works has been caused due to delay, in allotment of land by CIDCO for the MBR tank in CBD, in permission form PWD, MSDRC for laying pipelines at 3 Places through the railway lines and laying Pipelines through Land under their Jurisdiction. However, everything has been sorted out and the promised 25 Hours Water Supply in the City will soon be a reality later this year.

Q As a regular commuter on the Thane –Belapur road, I have faced undue delays and inconveniences, due to the ongoing construction work. How long will I have to bear this and what is being done about the bad quality of the work, which has been in the media spot-light?
Rajaram Patil
Turbhe

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
Such a Massive road concretization work in the city has been taken up by the NMMC for the first time; I sincerely regret the delays and inconveniences caused to you and thousands of commuter’s everyday on this road. However I assure you that after having given 3 extensions on this contract work for Valid reasons , stated below, the total work will be completed by June 2009, Which includes repairs to the faulty spots, lighting, beautification on dividers, and rehabilitation of the road project affected, fly-over’s foot-bridges and sleep lanes. The biggest challenge has been the execution of this major widening work of the six-lane road without disrupting the present heavy traffic on this road. The delay has been caused due to the present 34,000 heavy vehicles daily, including trailers and containers to JNPT increasing to 55,000 due to diversion of traffic to Thane – Belapur road from the Mumbra bypass at work is not completed on the same. This has gravely affected the planning of the construction schedule on the Thane –Belapur Road. To avoid congestion and traffic jam on road, the work is being undertaken patches. Further the dealy in laying the lines of MTNL,Relaince,MSEB, Tata Telecom and Various other Organizations, the shortage of cement , the Kalamboli-DIgha water pipelines works, the pipeline work of GAIL and Mahanagar Gas Limited, the delay in Transfer of Lands form MIDC belonging to Companies coming in the way of the said road widening and the delay in getting land due to legal proceedings for Rehabilitation of slums removed for the road widening have all delayed this project. All the construction faults have been identified and the rectification works are being done. Some of the repairs will be done after monsoons. The contractor’s payment too has been held up for the same. I am sure that the Thane-Belapur road, When Completed, will be a pride of the city and I assure you that the pains undergone by the citizens will be a pride of the city and I assure you that the pains undergone by the citizens will be deservingly rewarded with a grand result- the best road in the region.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay plus connect 2

2009-03-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week.
Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him.
HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Q. I am a resident of Ambica Dham, Ghansoli. Adjacent to plot no. 23, there is an open plot of Cidco. The residents of nearby sectors have turned this into a garbage ground. This is causing serious health problems for the residents. No one comes and clears the garbage for months at a stretch. I request you tot kindly look into this matter and do the needful.
Philomina Thomas
Ghansoli.

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
CIDCO is the planning authority for Ghansoli node and hence the removal of debris is the responsibility of CIDCO ltd. Neverthless, we are initiating action in the said case by communicating the same to the concerned officials at CIDCO.

Q. In the development plan of the satellite city, provision of a garden is made in Sector-25, Nerul. The apartment surrounding the garden plot viz. Millenium park, Shreeji Plaza and Neel Empire are occupied Since 2003. Though preliminary works commenced long back, the garden is yet to be developed. The prolonged delay in converting the piece of land into recreational icon is hard to digest. I do not believe budgetary allocation is the constraint. Systematic implementation of the projects approved by the standing committee is either ignored or given step-motherly treatment. In Sector- 25, we have no other place for recreation. My writing is not intended to blame the authorities, but to awaken those responsible for up-keeping the city.

N V Unnithan,
Nerul

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
I have already approved the tender bid for constructing the compound wall and foothpath of garden in sector-25, Nerul, at a cost of Rs.10.40 lakhs, in the last week of July 2008. The said work is to be completed in 3 months.

Q. We need a bus stop near new ‘little World’ Kharghar. I would also request you to extend the bus services on route no. 54 to Talojaand provide a shade at the bus stop between CISF Kharghar and Taloja.

Md. Khurshid Alam,
Kharghar.

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
I have initiated action for surveying the location to provide a bus stop near Little World Kharghar, after which it will be constructed within 7 days. As far as the frequency of bus services of route no. 52 to Taloja are concerned , we shall increase it after the RTO approved it, within 30 days. CISF has started erecting bus stop sheds between CISF Kharghar and Taloja. Within 3 Months the Work of bus shelters will be completed in Phases.

Q I stay at Sector 14, Sanpada which is cose to Vashi station. I was very impressed with the development/ Cleanup activity undertaken by NMMC/ CIDCO in Vashi and moved here expecting that this area will also develop. But to my surprise, I found out that our area remains neglected for last 3 Years. Expect one flyover ( which has come up very recently), all other civic facilities are in sorry state, The roads are in bad shape, there are no proper foothpaths; cement manholes break down within 1 Month of construction. There is no park in the area to Vashi Railway station. I request you to kindly address these issues.
Sudip Roy,
Sanpada

Reply from Sandeep Naik:
The gutter in sector-14, Sanpada has been cleaned on 13.08.08 and instructions have been issued tot do the cleaning regularly. The establishment department has been informed about replacing the broken covers of drains. The tarring of some roads in Sector-14, Sanpada is completed and in some places it is going on. For instance, work is on at the road in front of Shah Group companies adjoining Palm Beach Road, the road in fornt of Sadhu vaswani School form Moraj. The tarring of roads in the remaining section cannot be done due to rains and hence will be completed soon after monsoon. The covers of certain gutters have been replaced near the ‘Shiv Mandir’ and adjoining areas. The road and foot over bridge in the NMMC jurisdiction have been constructed recently and the remaining foothpath section falls under the jurisdiction of the Railways. Please keep us informed if you are not satisfied with the action taken.

Sandeep Naik on New Bombay Plus connect 1

2009-03-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,
As part of our ‘Reader connect’ initiative, we have started new column wherein you can Email us all your Grievances (related to civic issues) and we shall forward the same to the chairman of the standing committee of NMMC, Sandeep Naik. He will then personally look into the matter and shall take appropriate action. We shall publish your grievance and the action taken by him, ensuring full transparency every week.
Last week we got several mails from our readers and we forwarded some of them to him.
HERE is the response and action taken by him.

Q The condition of the roads in Kopar Khairane general including D-Mart circle and especially Sector-15, between the row houses starting form Baskin Robins to the vegetable market is very bad.

A. Part of the patch is not touched by the authorities for reasons best known to them. The entry itself has been partly blocked by iron pillars by the local shopkeepers and part of its is blocked by the motorcycles of the shopkeepers.
It is better not to talk about the road condition and a part has never been done up in past nine years.
I request the authorities to look into this matter.
Radha Krishnan
Kopar khairane

Reply by Sandeep Naik:
At Specific parts, the said road has been dug up for laying water pipelines and the patches have been covered up by WBM ( Water Bound Mecadam) repair work and the final asphalting work will be carried out after monsoon in the first week of October, 08. The iron angles have been removed and the road has been cleared for traffic.

Q. I stay in sector 29 and my complaint is regarding the condition of the roads going from the rickshaw stand opposite Nimit building towards Rajiv Gandhi Garden.

Reply by Sandeep Naik:
The condition of the road from Nimit rickshaw stand to Rajeev Gandhi Garden if of concern. The WBM work will be carried out by August 12, 08 as an immediate action. The complete resurfacing will be done after the monsoon season gets over completely.

Q. Being one of the thousands of chirstians who attend the Sunday service at the Sacred Heart Church at Sector 9 A, Vashi, I want to draw the attention of NMMC to the very disturbing condition of parking space opposite the church (Opposite ESIS Hospital). The condition of the patch of land is so bad causing tremendous strain to the motorists and to the vehicles, since during the rains, one cannot make out the depth of the puddles when filled with rain water. We shall be grateful if you can get the NMMC to attend the problem by doing up the patch of land which is used for parking Vehicles by those attending the church.

Prof (Mrs.) Matilda Lobo,
Vashi.

Reply by Sandeep Naik:
The WBM work would be carried out by August 14, 08 to solve the problem temporarily because of heavy rainfall. After monsoons the complete asphalting work will be done.

Q. I am a resident of Sector 18, kopar Khairane for the past 15 years. Unfortunately the condition of the roads in this roads in the area is deteriorating drastically and no repair work has taken palce for the last 2 years. During this period the roads were dug up innumerable times to facilitate laying of huge pipes/ pumps and then a shoddy job was done by just paving the road with mud and stones. Similarly, the foothpath on the left hand side of sector 18 opposite Pujab Maharashtra Bank is in a very bad condition.
I request your humble intervention in requesting the concerned authorities and ward officers to take cognisance of my complaint and do the necessary repair work of the foothpath and road with immediate effect.

Sujata pathak
Kopar khairane

Reply By Sandeep Naik:
The Complete survey of the said road and foothpath has been done. The complete repair work will be commenced in the first week of October,08. The estimates for the repairs have been called for and within a month’s time, the approvals on the same will be taken to release the orders.

Standing Committe Approved budget to Nmmc General Body

2009-02-27T21:09:00.001-08:00

26.02.09,
The approved NMMC budget 2009-2010 was presented in the General Body meet for discussions and deliberations With Sandeep Naik. The discussions on the budget would be held for two days. The Standing Committee proposed budget of Rs 1350.0743 crores has allocated additional funds for setting up a Citizen Help Desk, provding Citizen card, establishing an environment green house concept, beautification of the coastline and Palm Beach Road, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial, Children Park with Museum, tourists spots, gateways, multi-purpose library, sculptors in gardens, street furniture with boards and maps, skywalks, swimming pool, indoor stadium, condominium works, aquarium, planetarium, science centre and holding ponds. The additional revenue proposed by the Standing Committee to be generated are Rs 20 crores from cess, Rs 10 crores from property Tax, rs 4 crores from Outdoor advertisement displays, Rs 5 crores from Development charges, Rs 1.70 crores from water supply, Rs 4 crores from road and trench digging permissions and Rs 83 lakh from sale of STP purified water.

NMMC standing committee chairman Sandeep Naik stays proposals for NMMC HQ for Discussions.

2009-02-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

26.02.09,
The proposal for the construction of the NMMC HQ finally came to the NMMC Standing Committee this week. The earlier contractor of the project IVRCL lost the tender bid to Ashwini Infra-development Engineer and Contractors Pvt. Ltd. The latter bid the lowest for constructing the project that is Rs. 89 Crore 99 Lacs 47 Thousand 670. The proposal however awaits the Standing Committee’s approval. Since the administration brought this prestigious proposal without preparing any presentation and the members including J D Sutar, Namdeo Bhagat and others raised several queries, Chairman Sandeep Naik stayed the proposal. Addressing the members, Chairman Sandeep Naik said that the NMMC HQ that has been pending for years calls for setting a time frame this time round.

He also said that since this was a landmark project and was a specialized job, the NMMC must have a separate quality control department to monitor the HQ’s construction to nullify any room for errors or negligence.The Chairman also pointed out that the members were curious see and study the layout of the building plans to know where the various offices have been planned and how easily will these offices be accessible to the common public.

Hence, at the end of the discussions the proposal was stayed with the Chairman assuring to approve it before the election code of conduct came into effect.

Standing Committee chairman Sandeep Naik okays e-tendering.

2009-02-25T02:07:00.000-08:00

The pending part of e-tendering was passed by the standing committee of Navi Mumbai Muncipal Corporation (NMMC) on Wednesday. NMMC has decided to e-tendering process for various development works to be taken by the civic body from now onwards. Earlier, some of the corporators had opined that most local residents wishing to apply for small contracts will not be able to do so if the civic body decides to go ahead with this scheme.

“In this meeting we have decided to implement e-tendering for all projects, which are estimated to cost more than Rs.25 lakh. Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National urban renewal mission (JNNURM), it is mandatory to call the tenders through e-tendering so that all contractors get equal chance. Once the contractors become familiar with the process, e-tendering will be implemented in all tenders,” Said standing committee chairman, Sandeep Naik.

Corporators opined that the phase-by-phase implementation of e-tendering would help those contractors who are not tech-savy or computer literate.

“Normal tender process will not be stopped completely. Mostly, tenders called by NMMC are of small amounts below Rs.10 Lakh. Tenders passed below Rs.10-15 Lakh are attended by local contractors. Some of them are not tech-savy also. So this phase-by-phase change will help all of them to understand the process,” said Avinash lad, Corporator. Almost 1,600 tenders are passed every year for different projects by the NMMC. Meanwhile, NMMC officials said they would set up a help desk at the NMMC headquarters to help the contractors apply online. The civic body would also conduct a 15 –day training workshop for the contractors.

“Though e-tendering, new contractors will get a chance to apply for various works,” opined municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata.

NMMC Budget figure to increase by Rs.45.53 Crore

2009-02-20T21:28:00.001-08:00

Saturday,21.02.09,
The discussion on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) budget 2009-10 was Concluded recently by the Standing Committee and now the budget will be proposed at the general body meeting. The meeting is scheduled to take place from February 24-28,in which the budget of NMMT,Education Committee and the NMMC will take their final Shape.

After a three-day discussion, the Chairman of the standing committee Sandeep Naik has proposed an increase of Rs.45.53 Crore in the Present proposed budget, NMMC commissioner, Vijay Nahata, Previously Proposed a budget of Rs.1,304.58 cr, and now the proposed budget is of Rs.1,350.07 cr.

In this Budget, a Citizen Help Desk has been proposed,through Which residents can lodge online complaints and seek information on various issues, including online tax filling,etc. Apart from this, in order to Imrpove the existing Website, a sum of Rs. 50 Lakh has been added in the budget. Also,for the Promotion of Conventional energy sources, approximately Rs.1 Crore have been set aside in order to Procure a Solar heater, green house, water recycling facilities,etc.

For the promotion of tourisim in various nodes in the city, NMMC has proposed an additional amount of Rs 1.5 cr for the development of Parsik Hill, slums and Balaji and Nibban hillocks. A proper foothpath will be constructed next to the service road on Palm beach Road for the benefit of residents in the area.

Also, kerb stones are to be fitted on both sides of Palm beach road, for which a sum of Rs. 1 Crore has been proposed. Also to reduce number of accidents on this road, Rs.4 crore has been added in this budget, based on the suggestions by Standing Committee members.
A Sum of Rs.1.5 crore has been set aside for beautification projects in the city, such as the development of the seashore (Chowpati). The budget decided on for the construction of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial amounts to Rs 4 Crore, apart from Constructing an entrance gate for the city, for which Rs 2 Crore has been kept aside. The Sum set aside for the development and maintenance of gardens is Rs.2 Crore,apart from Rs 2 Crore for the development of a scientific museum or children’s garden; for special libraries- Rs 2 Crore, for ponds- Rs Crore, tax collection-Rs 2 Crore and for an indoor game stadium, Rs 4 Crore has been added.

With the standing committee increasing its budget, the proposed income of NMMC and its target has also been revised. To increase NMMC’s income, a target od Rs.36.5 Crore has been included by the standing Committee.

From the cess department, an additional target of Rs 20 cr has been assigned under the Abhay Yogna Scheme for industries that fall under the NMMC jurisdiction. This department has been asked to improve the overall cess collection. Similarly, an additional Rs.10 Crore has been added to present target of the Property tax department. Apart from this, the standing committee wants the property tax department to keep check on various information technology companies inj the city and verify their documents.

From advertising department, an encroachment penalty, penalties on debris dumping, an amount of Rs 4 Cr has been added in their present target. In this action against violation of marginal spaces, illegal encroachment at CIDCO developed areas, Goathan, slum area; etc, has been suggested to earn additional revenue.

For road repair work, Rs 4 Crore has been added to the present proposed Rs 12 Crore. From Collections of fee on various things form industries, a sum of Rs 3.67 crore has been added in the budget in order to get revenue for various development works.

Chairman Sandeep Naik Steers Studied Discussions on Proposed NMMC Budget-2009-10.

2009-02-19T04:50:00.001-08:00

28 Feb 2009,

The first two days of the budget discussions in NMMC Standing Committee saw Chairman Sandeep Naik steering a powerful debate and encouraging members to studied discussions rarely seen in any Standing Committee meet prior to this. The Standing Committee scheduled three back to back marathon meetings to discuss on the proposed NMMC Budget of 2009 – 2010. On day 1, only Chairman Sandeep Naik seemed to have studied the budget to have a healthy debate and discussion with the administration while on the second day, other members too joined the Chairman in the discussions. We bring to some of the highlights of the discussions:

• Chairman Sandeep Naik expressed disappointment on the figures of revenue generated from the cess department in the present fiscal. Despite DMC Cess Pendhari giving explanations on the incompetence of NMMC administration in several areas in this department, Sandeep Naik remained unconvinced and urged the administration to show more determination and efficiency in increasing the collection from cess this year.

• Chairman Sandeep Naik also asked the Town Planning Office to give a time frame when the administration will have the city’s development plan in place. For the last two budgets, members have been demanding the administration to ready the development plan but so far the latter has failed to do so, giving CIDCO an open ground to give away several plots and give permission for change of use.

• While the NMMC administration has been boasting of water audit, Sandeep Naik pointed out several lacunae in the water supply department and has asked NMMC administration to present a report on the actual supply of water to each segment of the city, the actual amount billed in each of this segment and the losses that the department has been incurring with the reason of the losses. Till day 2 of the discussions, the administration had not presented this report.

• Chairman Sandeep Naik also demanded NMMC to show the figures spent on making roads dug by contractors and the amount recovered from the contractors – this is one area where sources allege lot of corruption and wastage of public money takes place.

• On Day 2 of the discussions, other members of the Standing Committee joined the debates and discussions. On the subject of hoarding policy, Avinash Lad said that the corporation should increase the revenue projections from Rs. 4 Crore to atleast Rs. 10 Cr. Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik backed the demand and said that the corporation should alteast earn a revenue of up to Rs. 20 Cr from hoardings and advertisements. He said that the corporators had passed the hoarding policy as was presented by the administration and hence some officer should be held responsible if the collection is not at par with the promised projections.

• Vijay Mane exposed the corruption prevailing in the NMMC Fire Fighting Dept and hinting at the dept’s last Chief R T Mhatre said that he had allowed fire norms violations to take place. He also exposed that it was due to this that several towers in the city indulged in the practice of getting a fire NOC and then removing the equipments from the same project to install it in another project.

• After long discussions on license fees, NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata promised to form a separate department for issuing licenses.

• There were also a lot of discussions on the increasing encroachment and illegal structures in the city. Namdeo Bhagat said that the city was turning into Ulhasnagar. Chairman Sandeep Naik said that if illegal constructions in the city were not controlled, then future generation would question their role and will not forgive them. On this Commissioner Vijay Nahata said that within 15 days the administration will restructure the anti-encroachment squad.

• The biggest expose of the discussions by the members was the alarming levels of corruption prevailing in the ward offices of NMMC. All members said that there is a racket working at ward office levels to collect clandestine (under-table) fees from hawkers and illegal structures and encroachments.

• Chairman Sandeep Naik appealed to the administration to keep the common man as the epicenter of all their work. Join us the same time tomorrow to watch a report on the final day of budget discussions from the Standing Committee meet and the outcome and impact of these discussions.

NMMC gets State sanction for all JNNRUM Projects-Final Approval From Centre expected in a month’s time

2009-01-29T04:52:00.002-08:00

Dec-25,2008

And Christmas brought some very good news from NMMC. The Commissioner informed the standing committee members that he has the state have given its formal approval to all the projects that NMMC presented for funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Now the corporation is expecting the center’s approval for the same in a month’s time.The highlight of this week’s Standing Committee meet was the latest update from the projects being submitted under the JNNURM. The Commissioner Vijay Nahata informed the members that the 5 pending projects of NMMC were given the go-ahead by the Chief Minister Ashok Chavan in a recent meeting at Nagpur. The meeting was urgently called prior to the Chief Minister meeting the central government officials on December 28. NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata gave an insight to the Standing Committee members about the various projects that they will undertake with the JNNURM funds in Navi Mumbai. Speaking to the media later, he informed that the proposals include construction of underground storm water drain for Rs. 430 Cr, another for making three new STPs in CBD, KK and Sanpada and concretization and beautification of open nallahs for Rs. 437 Cr.Another project that has been approved by the state government to be sent to the center for JNNURM funds include 5 flyovers on Palm Beach for Rs. 458 Cr. The NMMC has also drafted one project for total computerization of NMMC systems.The projects also include one on solid waste management. The state government has approved the projects that will help NMMC get funds amounting to nearly Rs. 1400 Crore. In this 35% will be given by the center, 15% by the state and the rest will managed by NMMC. For its share, NMMC has applied for loans from MMRDA. The Commissioner voiced confidence in the Standing Committee of getting the center’s final approval to their projects in a months’ time and completing the projects in a period of two years. NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik congratulated Commissioner Vijay Nahata for getting the state’s sanction for all the proposed projects under the JNNURM.