In the run-up to the crucial Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) elections, The Free Press Journal caught up with residents to understand their expectations and the pressing issues they want both politicians and the civic administration to address.
The first node being spotlighted is Belapur, where a sense of unrest is brewing. Fed up with what they describe as years of civic neglect, environmental destruction, and political tokenism, residents have raised over 20 serious issues, exposing deep cracks in NMMC’s functioning.
At the center of their concern is the slow degradation of Parsik Hill — once the city’s green crown jewel, now a stark example of encroachment and neglect. But the list doesn’t end there — roads, footpaths, sanitation, drug abuse, unauthorized settlements, and collapsing public infrastructure have all come under scrutiny.
Citizens describe Parsik Hill as a “slowly dying green lung,” plagued by incomplete work at the Sunset Point structure. Poor lighting in the area poses safety risks. “The tall 24-ft poles are blocked by trees. What the hill needs is low-height, garden-style lighting,” said a resident.
The absence of benches, signage, and proper trail infrastructure, along with illegal encroachments, unapproved shrines, and CIDCO-led hill-cutting activities, has raised alarm bells. A long-standing demand is the transfer of hill jurisdiction from CIDCO to the Forest Department to safeguard its ecology.
“Every year they plant trees just for photos, but there’s no long-term greening. Shift these drives to water-accessible areas like Morbe Dam and transplant matured trees here,” said a local environmentalist.
Residents across the node have collectively voiced a range of grievances. In Sector 9, citizens spoke of dug-up roads, drainage failures, and encroachments.
Footpaths leading to homes have remained dug up for over three months, with critical rainwater drains left incomplete. During the monsoon, Sector 9’s main road reportedly turns into a “waterfall zone,” with large chunks of soil getting washed away — endangering motorists and pedestrians. The lanes are riddled with potholes and eroded surfaces, making daily commutes hazardous.
Adding to the list of issues is an unauthorized settlement that has come up on the hillside near the highway, raising fire and ecological concerns.
Another major complaint is the severe parking crunch and traffic mismanagement.
“Chronic parking shortages plague the node, especially around Belapur Station and Konkan Bhavan. Instead of framing a long-term policy, both elected representatives and the administration rely on indiscriminate towing drives,” said a resident.
Minimum expectations include structured parking through redevelopment incentives, an interim odd-even parking policy, and a permanent auto stand at Konkan Bhavan.
Encroachment and a lack of resolution on the hawker policy have also fueled discontent. “Despite a biometric hawker survey in 2016-17, no ID cards or hawker zones have been implemented. Encroachments by hawkers continue unchecked, obstructing footpaths,” a resident pointed out.
Ironically, despite Navi Mumbai’s ‘clean city’ tag, piles of garbage reportedly welcome visitors to Agroli village. “It’s shocking that the city wins awards under Swachh Bharat, while ground reality remains abysmal,” said another resident.
Municipal roads and footpaths are alleged to be of poor quality and get damaged quickly. Residents have demanded that the post of City Engineer be reserved for IIT-qualified civil engineers to ensure quality execution.
Municipal schools reportedly suffer from a shortage of teachers and principals, while areas like Diwale lack basic amenities such as playgrounds and primary health centres.
Several buildings are said to have been converted into illegal lodges and drug dens, leading to rising crime and safety issues. “Unrest involving migrants, including murders, has been reported. Women and families feel unsafe in areas that were once peaceful,” said a resident.
Another growing menace is the noise pollution caused by modified, silencer-free vehicles. Ironically, even the presence of the Police Commissioner’s headquarters hasn’t deterred this.
Residents have also reported open alcohol consumption by youths near lakes, playgrounds, and footpaths, with little to no civic or police action.
CIDCO’s failure to plan for designated fruit and vegetable markets has pushed vendors to occupy street corners.
“We’re not asking for luxuries. We want pothole-free roads, safe parks, green hills, and a government that actually works,” said Sudhir Dani, a senior citizen from Sector 9.
“If this is a planned city, then show us the plan,” quipped another resident.
As the NMMC elections approach, Belapur residents are mobilising through RTI filings, citizen meetings, and public forums. Their message is loud and clear: No more excuses. No more tokenism. Deliver — or leave.
