Locals grope in dark in MSEDC-CIDCO tussle

Residents of K’ghar building wait for permanent supply

Veda Ramaswamy, Kharghar

May 25, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

Photographer - Veda Ramaswamy, DNA

As many as 10 buildings in sector 30, Kharghar which have been ready for possession since last one year are yet to receive permanent electricity supply from the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDC). The residents have been provided with a temporary power supply by MSEDC through a commercial connection, but it is costing them exorbitant amounts. Due to this, the residents have been suffering and their repeated attempts to make CIDCO and MSEDC provide them with a permanent connection have gone in vain.

Lotus Apartments, Our Nest, Patil Complex, Simran Pride, Dev Kripa, Sri Kripa, Seven Hills, Bhanu Hills, Sapphire and Ruby are the 10 buildings that are yet to receive permanent electricity in spite of residents beginning to gain possession since the last year. The temporary power supply provided costs around Rs 18 per unit while the normal rate is Rs 1.10 per unit. “My electricity bill was Rs 3000 this month. I do not mind paying if I had consumed so much power, but why should I pay the extra money?” said a worried resident from Sapphire building not wishing to be named.

The temporary electricity supply doesn’t avail the residents’ freedom to use high power consuming appliances like air conditioners or computers. Even the lifts aren’t functional in many of these buildings since they consume a lot of electricity. “Several buildings here are more than five-storeyed. Since the lifts don’t work, residents have no option but to climb the floors. I have even switched off my electric bell to cut down on consumption,” said a Lotus Apartments’ resident. Rehan Bharde, another resident from Our Nest said, “For the initial 1-2 months, we had no electricity supply throughout the day. Only at nights were we fortunate enough to get power. And now the temporary supply has been bothering all the residents since it incurs pointless additional expenses.”

The builders of these constructions have paid the Power Supply Infra Development Charges (PSIDC) to CIDCO required to obtain the infra for these buildings. “All the builders here together have paid Rs 4 crore-Rs 5 crore PSIDC to CIDCO around 7-8 months back. I have the required receipts and files as proof. Despite repeatedly calling CIDCO officials and sending them letters, there has been no action taken yet. The residents of these buildings are suffering since last year as they not only have to bear the inconvenience caused due to erratic power supply but also pay the extra money for the temporary connection,” said Anand Bhandari, a contractor. Bhandari also informed of arrangements being made for connecting transformers to the buildings so that the residents could escape paying such a hefty amount for a basic necessity such as electricity, but there has been no progress on that front either by CIDCO or MSEDC.

Not only are these buildings devoid of permanent power supply, but also various other buildings in sector 20 to sector 40, Kharghar are facing the same problem. “Many buildings are under construction in that area while few are ready but cannot be given for possession to residents since there is no supply of electricity in spite of the builders paying the required amount,” Bhandari added.

The agreement between CIDCO and MSEDC, dated October 27, 2010 is still pending. “The agreement is yet to be signed by CIDCO. They play the role of developers while we play the role of supplying electricity. Once the agreement is signed and approved, only then can we go ahead with providing permanent power,” said DR Saboo, Superintendent Engineer, MSEDC. When contacted, a CIDCO official on condition of anonymity said, “I am aware of the problem. But the Jt MD, CIDCO, Tanaji Satre, is out of town. He is expected to join on June 3. Once he begins his duty, only then can the agreement be signed.”

College-goers look to revamp wardrobes

With new academic session starting in just a few weeks, teenagers are flocking to stores

Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi

May 24, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

Wondering what to wear to your college this academic new year? Most of the young Navi Mumbaikars too are busy speculating what to wear and what not this season. They are busy revamping their wardrobe in an effort to look chic and stylish. Come June and most colleges in Navi Mumbai would begin with their new academic year. With less than a fortnight for their classes to commence, students are busy shopping and pampering themselves with new looks to get ready and face the exciting college life!

For most of the students, new year means new clothes and a new you! “It’s that time of the year when we get a hearty opportunity to go on a shopping spree. I recently went to Inorbit Mall in Vashi to purchase new outfits since the college is about to start. Last year, I wore a lot of traditional clothes. But now I have opted for an Indo-Western look. I have bought several black and blue coloured jeggings. They are quiet in fashion now and look elegant when teamed with long kurtas,” said Poorna Balasubramaniam, a student of SIES College, Nerul. Another student from MGM College, Nikhitha Vasan says, “I wasn’t familiar with accessorizing earlier. I have made it a point to concentrate on it now. It’s as important as your outfit. My picks for this season would be long chains, rings, metal bracelets and wooden bangles. I am looking forward to purchase them from Linking Road, Bandra this weekend.”

Not only are the colleges re-opening, but monsoon is expected to hit the city at the same time too. Students are busy purchasing to suit the season. They are opting for a fresh, cheerful look with bright colourful outfits for this monsoon. Monsoon is considered to be a season when you could experiment with colours. One can’t do much about the material as we need quick drying materials but can surely play with colours. This season is to mix and match all the shades of a spectrum, both the light and the dark colours equally favourable and good looking if teamed up well in the dull climate. Sofiya Upade, a BMM student says, “This is the only time when our parents allow us to shop generously. My college would be re-opening in two week’s time. Since monsoon is around the corner, I would be purchasing many three-fourths and cute cartoon t-shirts to go with it. Bright colours like lemon yellow and pink lighten up the mood.”

Also, the old styled umbrellas are a hit among college goers. Many are swarming the malls and local shops with demands for such umbrellas. Sneha Doshi, a resident of Belapur says, “No one likes to begin a new year with the same old clothes and accessories. I just bought myself a bright yellow old style polka dotted umbrella from Landmark and planning to purchase a new pair of red crocs soon.”

Seawoods ROB work on schedule: CIDCO

The bridge will connect the eastern and western side of the node to the relief of residents

Veda Ramaswamy, Seawoods

May 24, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

The work of the much-awaited road-over-bridge (ROB) connecting Seawoods east and west is going on according to plan. The construction of the ROB has been completed up to 85-90% and is expected to be ready by October 2011. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) awarded the tender for its construction to engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in 2009 for an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore.

The 745 metre long and 24 metre wide six-lane ROB begins from Sector 42 and ends at Sector 25, Seawoods. It will have two way vehicular roads, three lanes for each side. Besides, for pedestrians, three meter foot-over-bridge (FOB) will be also constructed adjacent to the ROB. The project which commenced on July 14, 2009 is running as per schedule. “The estimated tenure period allotted for the project is 24 months. The work is expected to become slow during monsoons but it will be completed as per the assigned date on October 13, 2011,”said VK Isal, the Executive Engineer, CIDCO.

The ROB is touted to improve the connectivity between Seawoods east and west. It will also ensure the safety of pedestrians and commuters. “Earlier, we had no option but to cross the railway tracks. It was really unsafe especially when we had our children along with us. But once the bridge starts, we can use it for commuting and it will ensure our safety in the long run,” said Shilpa Chowdhary, a Seawoods resident.

The increased frequency of trains has led to more problems for residents who have to wait for long every time a train passes by. Construction of the bridge will also solve traffic problems at the railway crossing to a huge extent. “We always have to wait for the trains to pass by. This causes a lot of time waste and the vehicular traffic also increases. The bridge will help us save several minutes,” said Roshni Dande, another local resident.

An official from L&T on condition of anonymity said, “To ensure commuters’ safety and full utility of the ROB, the railway crossing would be closed once the bridge gets functional.” Moreover, the bridge construction is expected to add to the real estate value of Seawoods as it will give easy access to the residents for commuting.

Last few days to get a bite of Alphonsos

Ratnagiri alphonsos will be available in the APMC market only till May 31

Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi

May 22, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

For all those Navi Mumbaikars who haven’t grabbed a bite of the delicious Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes yet, here is your last and final chance to get a taste of the king of fruits this year. Ratnagiri mangoes are going to be available in the market only till May 31. Residents have something to cheer about as the prices of these mangoes have decreased by Rs 200 per box, each box containing 4-5 dozens of mangoes since Tuesday.

The Alphonso mangoes now cost Rs 900-Rs 1100 (1st grade), Rs 700-Rs 900 (2nd grade) and Rs 500-Rs 700 (3rd grade) per box. Earlier, these mangoes were priced at Rs 1000-Rs 1200 (1st grade), Rs 800-Rs 1000 (2nd grade) and Rs 600-Rs 800 (3rd grade) per box. “The Alphonso mangoes would be available in the local market for the next 10 days only. The season for Ratnagiri mangoes are about to end this year. Even their demand has reduced considerably as most of the families are out on holiday trips at this time of the year. But it’s the last opportunity this year for mango lovers to purchase the finest quality fruit,” said Sanjay Pimpale, a mango trader from APMC and the Secretary of Fruit and Vegetable Merchant’s Association.

This news has come as a respite for those Navi Mumbaikars who were yet to taste the delicious summer fruit. “My son used to pester me to buy mangoes. But since we were at our native, we couldn’t purchase any. But now, as only a few days are left for the season to end, we will definitely buy a few dozens. Plus, the decrease in prices is an added bonus,” said Priya Gopal, a resident of Nerul.

This year, the amount of Alphonso supply has reduced significantly as compared to last year. This time APMC has received around 60,000-65,000 boxes of Alphonso mangoes per day; while last summer, the count was around 1 lakh boxes each containing 5-6 dozens. The erratic climate and unpredictable rainfall during the flowering period led to the sharp decline in supplies. “These mangoes are transported to Navi Mumbai from Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra. The unpredictable rains in that region during the month of November led to most of the crops getting damaged. Hence, the overall supply of the fruit was less this year,” Pimpale added.

Belpada villagers demand change in name of station

They want one name among the proposed 11 stations in Belapur to Pendhar route altered

Veda Ramaswamy, Kharghar

May 21, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

The villagers of Belpada are demanding change in name of one of the proposed 11 stations in Phase I - Belapur to Pendhar route of the Navi Mumbai metro rail project. They want the proposed CIDCO Science Park station to be renamed as Belpada Science Park station. The local village people’s committee led by Shiv Sena leader Shirish Gharat had sent a proposal to the Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on May 15, demanding the name of the station to be changed in order to retain the identity of the village.

“In 1971, CIDCO had bought the land at Belpada from the farmers of the village for the development of Navi Mumbai. When CIDCO developed Kharghar node, the villagers of Belpada had demanded a similar name change of the Kharghar Railway Station to Kharghar-Belpada. But their plea had fallen on deaf ears,” said Gharat. Again the village seems to be losing its identity since no station has been named after it. Hence the committee decided to send the letter to the officials under the leadership of Gharat. “The Navi Mumbai metro rail project is a great initiative taken by the CIDCO. But at the same time, it should be ensured that a village as old and significant as Belpada should not be neglected. Both the proposed stations - CIDCO Science Park and Utsav Chowk are originally at Belpada, but the village has not been given any acknowledgment. This has hurt the sentiments of many villagers,” said Gharat.

“Belpada is a noteworthy village which has not received its due recognition. If the station is renamed as Belpada Science Park, it would help the village regain its individuality and gratify the residents,” said Vishwanath Mhatre, a resident of the village. Gharat is also planning a meeting with the Chief Minister in the coming fortnight to raise his concern over the issue and ensure that an action is taken.

The metro rail project is the first metro route to be entirely owned by a public body - CIDCO unlike the Mumbai metro project wherein a private firm owns a major stake. Out of the three phases, Phase I is an 11.1 km long rail route between Belapur and Pendhar and is estimated to cost around Rs 1,984 crore. The proposed railway stations on this route are Belapur Railway Station, Sector-7 Belapur, CIDCO Science Park, Utsav Chowk, Sector-14, Central Park, Pethapada, Sector-34, Panchnand and Pendhar.

From Pendhar, the next 8 km phase would connect the metro to Navi Mumbai airport site near Khandeshwar after passing via Kalamboli and is expected to cost around Rs 1,605 crore. In the final phase, the two corridors shall be joined together between Pendhar and MIDC by a link of 2.2 km. This link shall form a loop from Belapur to Khandeshwar and would cost the authorities around Rs 574 crore.

The metro is touted to ease the commuting woes of Navi Mumbaikars to suburban stations, residential nodes and the upcoming international airport in Panvel.

MSRDC plans alternate route for Panvel flyover

Veda Ramaswamy, Panvel

May 21, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

In the wake of the problems caused by hutments at the construction site of Panvel flyover, MSRDC in unison with MMRDA have devised an alternate route for the flyover. The estimated cost of the project is set to increase from Rs150 crore to Rs156 crore in advent of the change in route. A spot visit will be conducted by the DCP (traffic) Vijay Patil and ACP (traffic) Shrikant Dhivare on Friday to approve the plan.

The work of the 1.7 km long flyover, undertaken by JMC Projects (India) Ltd., began in November 2009. It had faced a lot of pitfalls since its commencement. The construction work had been divided into three stages- first phase constitutes construction near Garden Hotel, near the New Panvel signal, second phase begins from the New Panvel signal till Panvel ST Stand and the third phase begins from ST Stand till Takka village.

“There are around 150 slums in the flyover area due to which the flyover work is getting obstructed. We had conducted a cabin meeting with CIDCO where in it was decided that CIDCO would provide land for the rehabilitation of these hutments so that the work would carry on efficiently. But no action has been taken yet,” said SG Patankar, chief operating officer, Panvel Municipal Council.

“The rehabilitation of hutments is necessary for the flyover to be completely functional. Since the hutments haven’t been rehabilitated yet, an alternate route has been formulated as a solution to the problem. Earlier, there was a straight link between Ambedkar Junction and the Takka village. But now, a diversion will be created which would begin from the Hanuman Temple and end at Ambedkar Junction via Panacea Hospital,” said RK Mishra, sr DGM, JMC Projects.

This diversion is expected to increase the length of the flyover by 200-300 meters. “We are going to conduct a meeting tomorrow to analyse the consequences of the newly proposed diversion on traffic. Only then can we approve the plan,” said Shrikant Dhivare ACP (traffic). “I am not aware of this issue. I don’t have any details about it,” said Mohan Ninave, the chief PRO, CIDCO.

The work on Panvel flyover has been completed up to 50% and is expected to be completed by July 2012. The project is being funded by MMRDA and is being executed by MSRDC.

How special are these ladies’ special trains

Veda Ramaswamy speaks to women to get a feel of the issue

The Matrubhoomi or ladies’ special trains introduced on the Central Railway’s harbour line has proved to be a boon for the 35,000-odd women commuters in Navi Mumbai within two years of its launch.

Earlier, there were only two ladies special trains running between Panvel and CST. Due to its success, last August four new ladies specials were introduced on the trans-harbour Thane-Vashi-Panvel route. This service has proved to be of timely convenience to the women commuters. Not only has it facilitated comfortable traveling, but has also ensured the safety of women travellers owing to the presence of the Mahila Vahini, an all women constable squad in such trains. Women commuters enjoy the luxury of space, seats and cordial environment in such trains; things which they are deprived of otherwise.

However, there have also been issues about men boarding these trains despite repeated warnings. In spite of announcements being made to make the passengers aware about the arrival of the ladies’ special train, there have been many instances where men deliberately board the train to avoid the rush in regular locals.

What do women of Navi Mumbai feel about this exclusive railway service, their safety on such trains and other such issues, if any, associated with the service? DNA Navi Mumbai asked the frequent railway women commuters and here is what they have to say.