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The importance of early detection of breast cancer during COVID-19 times

by Staff Reporter October 23, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

While it is essential to detect breast cancer at an early stage, it becomes crucial to do so with the added threat of COVID-19

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has relegated all other medical concerns to a lower priority on the public and private healthcare spectrums. The diagnosis and management of breast cancer, which continues to be the most common cancer among women, has been severely impacted due to screenings, diagnostic exams, and surgical procedures being severely restricted or postponed at hospitals and clinics across the country so as to minimise risk of exposure. Patients, on their part, are reporting reluctance and apprehension when undergoing routine procedures such as mammograms. In fact, recent statistics indicate that up to 80 per cent of breast cancer patients have been avoiding hospital visits during and after the lockdown.

Regular self-examination is a must

Early diagnosis is one of the most effective ways to maximise chances of recovery – the five-year survival rate for women with early breast cancer is close to 100 per cent. Further, the earlier the cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available to patients. They can also potentially avoid aggressive treatments such as mastectomy and chemotherapy. Women must self-examine themselves every month for nipple pain or retraction, a lump in the breast or armpits, changes in the shape or size of the breast, dimpling of the skin, or a rash or discharge from the nipple. Although the incidence of breast cancer is relatively lower in men, a monthly self-examination is highly recommended. In case of any anomalies, patients must not hesitate to consult their doctor. Most physicians are offering teleconsultations during the lockdown. In case a hospital visit is required, patients can be rest assured that the necessary precautions are being taken to separate COVID-19 units from others, to minimise the risk of exposure. Even in cases where patients are advised to undergo surgery to remove the tumour, they can be confident that hospitals are following all due precautions in line with international recommendations, to minimise exposure as well as the probability of complications during treatment.

Don’t neglect treatment

Patients who are already undergoing treatment for breast cancer with anti-HER2 agents, which target cancer cells at the cellular level, or endocrine therapy are advised to continue the same during the pandemic as these treatments have not found to have any contraindications. Further, patients with metastatic breast cancer who need chemotherapy should avail the same, with preference given to oral treatments to minimise hospital visits. Many doctors are reducing the dosage of chemotherapy medication to minimise side effects with the aim of optimising efficacy and maintaining a good quality of life.

LocalPress.In spoke with Dr. Rajas Patel, Medical Oncologist & Founder, RH Clinic, Seawoods

**Dr Rajas B Patel, Medical Oncologist, RH Clinic, Seawoods**

“Although there is understandably some apprehension about visiting the hospital for diagnostic tests, patients must realise that in the absence of early detection, there is a high probability of the cancer progressing from an easily treatable stage one phase to a more complex and potentially life-threatening stage three. Many hospitals are reporting such cases.”

“Women above the age of 40 must undergo an annual mammogram, while those with dense breast tissue must also take a high-quality breast ultrasound with their mammogram.”

“Early detection tremendously increases the likelihood of the cancer being successfully treated with breast-saving surgery. It is also important for patients to recognise that being diagnosed with breast cancer does not automatically increase their risk of serious complications if they do get COVID-19. However, certain types of treatment can cause the immune system to become compromised, which makes it vital for patients undergoing treatment to be diligent about taking precautions to minimise risk of exposure.”

“Instead of stopping treatment, patients must consult their doctors to determine a treatment plan, which balances efficacy with their peace of mind.” he concludes.

Connect with Dr. Rajas B Patel, RH Clinic

Mobile Number: 91 89289 75773 | Email: drrajas@rhoncoclinic.com

Address: RH Clinic, Shop. No. 9, New Horizon CHS, Sector 46, Karave Nagar, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400706

Website: https://rhoncoclinic.com/

October 23, 2020 0 comments

Onions imported from Iran fail to make up for onion shortage in Navi Mumbai

by Staff Reporter October 22, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

25 tonnes of Iranian onions; import fall short of Navi Mumbai’s onion requirements

Vashi / Navi Mumbai: Just last week, Vashi’s Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) had happily received around 25 tonnes of onion imported from Iran in a bid to meet the needs of the city. The import has however, fallen short.

In the last month itself, there was a considerable shortage of onions in the Navi Mumbai markets despite a state issue ban of export of onions. As a result the price of onions had skyrocketed in the month of September.

Also read: Onions retailing between Rs. 70-90 in Navi Mumbai, may see further increase

With the primary onion suppliers, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, unable to meet the requirements, markets and traders have to rely on supplies from Pune and Nashik.

Given the amount of rains this year, enough to ruin crops, onion supply has been the lowest this year.

The onion imports from Iran were meant to meet the requirements of Navi Mumbai markets and keep onion prices to the lowest possible number.

However, it comes as a surprise that even the 25 tonnes of onion import from Iran could not meet the ever growing needs of the city for onions.

With inadequate supply of onions the prices have now spiked in the Vashi APMC market with the wholesale price as high as Rs. 70 per kg and the retail price reaching up to Rs. 90 per kg.

Traders have also expressed their concern over the scarcity of onions that could see the wholesale and retail prices crossing well over Rs. 100 per kg in the coming days.

October 22, 2020 0 comments

Featured News

Onions retailing between Rs. 70-90 in Navi Mumbai, may see further increase

by Staff Reporter October 21, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

The Vashi APMC saw onions being sold at a wholesale price of Rs. 70 per kg. The price may cross Rs. 100 per kg in a few days owing to low supply

Navi Mumbai: Onions are in the news again for reportedly being sold at premium rates at the Vashi APMC onion market once again. As per reports, onions were being sold at a rate as high as Rs. 70 per kg at the wholesale market.

The retail price of onion in Vashi and surrounding areas went to as high as Rs. 90 per kg.

In Kharghar, onion retailed at Rs. 70 per kg and just a little lower at some places in the start of the week.

Traders at the APMC market expressed concerns that onion might scale up to a wholesale price of Rs. 100 per kg, owing to scarce supply.

Just to make readers aware, despite the ban on export of onion from the state, there has been growing scarcity for many reasons, most importantly owing to the extremely low supply of onions from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, marred by heavy rains.

As a result, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai markets have been depending heavily on supply from Pune and Nashik.

Apparently, even an import of Iranian onions in the market failed to meet the requirements.

Also read: Onions imported from Iran fail to make up for onion shortage in Navi Mumbai

People must be well aware that there has been heavy rains this year, damaging crops in major agricultural regions and hence the increase in prices.

Earlier, in the month of September too, there was a hike in the wholesale and retail price of onions. Read the story here: Onion and vegetable prices skyrocket in Navi Mumbai as supplies dip at APMC

October 21, 2020 0 comments

News

Schools in Navi Mumbai to remain closed till Diwali: Maharashtra Govt.

by Staff Reporter October 20, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

The decision comes after the detailed guideline released earlier this month by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for reopening schools and colleges in the country

Navi Mumbai / Maharashtra: All schools in Navi Mumbai will remain closed as the state of Maharashtra has decided not to reopen schools anytime soon, at least not till Diwali. The decision was taken in the wake of the growing number cases in the state especially in prime cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had released detailed guidelines for reopening schools and colleges in the country laying emphasis of reopening of educational institutions from 15th October in a graded manner.

Earlier in the month of October, 2020, the Education Ministry had issued guidelines for reopening of schools in the country after 15th October, under the ‘Unlock 5’ endeavor. The guidelines outlined many points, especially graded reopening.

However, the centre had made it clear that the final decision was left up to individual states on whether or not to reopen educational institutions under prevailing circumstances.

Acting on such directives, states Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim had decided to reopen schools from 19th October, partially in areas outside containment zones. However, states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi and Chhattisgarh decided to keep schools shut.

In Uttar Pradesh, classes for standard 9 to 12 have reopened outside containment zones with are being held in shifts following all social distancing norms and protocols. Students will only be allowed after submission of written permission from their parents or guardians. The first shift will be for 9 and 10 standards and the second shift will be for 11 and 12 standards. The total student strength will divided in two groups of 50 per cent each and both groups will be allowed to attend classes on alternate days.

At all times, students will have to maintain a distance of 6 feet from each other, even while sitting. It has also been told that priority should be given to calling those students to school who lacked resources for online learning.

In Punjab, students of standards 9-12 have been asked to attend school only with the consent of their parents and that too, without any form of compulsion. The state will continue to prefer online teaching as the primary medium till the pandemic crisis abates fully. All schools will have to follow social distancing norms and take ample precautions.

In Sikkim, all students from standards 9 to 12 will be able to attend school but without any compulsion and only with written consent of their parents. All schools will have to strictly follow the guidelines laid down by the centre. Also, there will be no winter holidays this year for students in Sikkim.

As for Maharashtra, the state government will not be reopening schools at least till Diwali i.e. 14th November. However online teaching will continue as usual.

There has been a surge in Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra after the Ganesh festival and the government does not wish to take any chances with the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals.

That being said, schools in Navi Mumbai will continue to conduct online classes till the state government decides to reopen schools after considering the pandemic scenario after the festive months.

It may be noted here that some students in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh had tested positive for coronavirus as they had been classes informally even though schools were set to from November 2 in the state.

The state of Maharashtra does not want to take any risks with the students. They have also asked for a complete review of the overall progress of schools that have been conducting online classes since June 15.

October 20, 2020 0 comments

Featured News

Taloja Pollution: MPCB orders 4 polluting Taloja companies to shut down, issues notices to 4 others

by Staff Reporter October 20, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

The action comes in response to numerous complaints by Kharghar and Taloja residents concerning growing pollution in the area post lockdown period

Kharghar/Taloja/Navi Mumbai/PMC: In response to numerous complaints made by Kharghar and Taloja residents and the relentless pursuit by local organisations, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) (regional office) has taken action on 8 companies in Taloja MIDC that have been found violating pollution control norms.

Just so that readers are aware, there had been overwhelming pollution in Kharghar and Taloja recently during early mornings. The hazy sky and stinking smell in the air had been the cause of concern for local residents who then had to reach out to the officials demanding quick resolution.

Also read: Kharghar and Taloja battle with pollution again, thanks to Taloja industries

Surprisingly, a local organization conducted a late night stint in the polluted Taloja MIDC area to catch the culprits in action. Apparently, the photos and videos were later sent to officials and also posted on social media (local community groups of Kharghar etc.).

As per the news, first covered by TOI, the regional office of MPCB has taken swift action against 8 companies found violating the norms.

The MPCB has issued closure order to four companies while serving show cause notices to three and proposing a direction to one.

Residents of Kharghar and Taloja are relieved at the moment and hope that the action succeeds in keeping other polluting companies under control.

October 20, 2020 0 comments

Featured News

Navi Mumbai Navratri festivities stand cancelled amid Covid-19 fears

by Staff Reporter October 18, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

One of the most grandly celebrated festivals of Navi Mumbai, Navratri, begins today, without any of it’s pomp and gaiety, amid Covid-19 fears.

Navi Mumbai: The year 2020 will most likely be remembered for the year of humble celebrations as fears of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has kept all celebrations, big or small, at bay. All major festivals like Holi, Eid, Ganesh Utsav and now Navratri, have been stripped off of all their

Navratri celebrations in Navi Mumbai have also been affected although it was believed that the pandemic would loosen it’s grip by the time we came around to celebrating the nine days of devotion and merriment

Just so that readers are aware, Navratri celebrations have been major crowd pullers in not just Navi Mumbai but Mumbai as well, with hundreds of local and professional event organisers setting up pandals around top localities in the city.

While Mumbai had always been the main centre of Navratri festivities with revellers spoiled for choice with some starlit dandiya and garba events anchored by the likes of Falguni Pathak and Preeti and Pinky, Navi Mumbai too has had it’s fair share of jazzy dandiya events at Vashi, Nerul and Kharghar.

However, it doesn’t come as a surprise that almost all of the dandiya events have been cancelled in wake of the pandemic.

Most of the pandals have given Navratri celebrations, namely dandiya and garba, a miss this year as they see no point in celebrating under restrictions.

As per government SOPs for Navratri celebrations, pandals are only allowed to install idols of the goddess Durga and that too of smaller sizes, disallow devotees from touching the idol or decorative items placed at the feet of the idols, completely avoid distribution of prasad, never let huge crowds gather at any given time.

The NMMC and Navi Mumbai Police department is very strict about the restrictions and are leaving no scope for error.

As a result, most of the pandals will only be installing the idol to keep the festive mood and allow devotees to pay a visit if they wish.

SOPs for Navratri Celebrations

Installation of small sized idols
Pandals should preferably be open tents
No crowds to be allowed to gather at any given moment
No puja or long worship routines to be allowed
Devotees to be allowed to view the idol from a distance
No touching of the idol or other materials placed near the idol
No Prasad to be handed out to the devotees or by the devotees

Apart from the SOPs, at all times, the local administration and police will be monitoring all such pandals and places to ensure that social distancing norms were being followed and that no violations were reported during the Navratri.

October 18, 2020 0 comments

Featured Kharghar News Taloja

Kharghar and Taloja battle with pollution again, thanks to Taloja industries

by Staff Reporter October 11, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

Early mornings in Kharghar and Taloja bring with them a mixture of hazy and pungent air.

Kharghar / Navi Mumbai / PMC: Once again, Kharghar and Taloja residents are battling with pollution, thanks to some of the chemical industries located at the Taloja MIDC area. Since some days, there has been increased pollution in both the nodes, during the wee hours.

Smog and pungent stench in air plagues Kharghar and Taloja frequently

Just a fews days ago, there had been hazy and pungent smelling air going around as informed by many Kharghar and Taloja residents. While many could notice the pollution from 5.00 am, the pollutants seem to have got released even earlier, around 3.00 am, as told by our reporter who lives in Kharghar.

Ever since the lockdown had come into effect during the month of March, 2020, Kharghar residents had been spared of the daily dose of pollution arising out of Taloja industries area. However, ever since the lockdown was eased, industries have been back to business and doing what they do best – pollute!

Early morning walks and jogs of Kharghar and Taloja residents have been affected

Suraj Singh, a Taloja resident, shares, “Let’s keep aside Kharghar for a moment, Taloja is bearing with the pollution first hand. What goes to Kharghar, starts by troubling us first. We are the first ones in harm’s way. There is a lot going on in Taloja and the pollution situation is being ignored and postponed citing one reason or another. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) or any other department that has been in the news for penalizing the industries, seems to have diverted the topic from solution to penalty. We don’t the authorities to simply penalize the industries in Taloja for polluting our neighbourhood– we want the issue to end!”

“There is a lot going on in Taloja and the pollution situation is being ignored and postponed citing one reason or another”
– Suraj Singh, a Taloja resident

While Taloja has been bearing with the lethargy and unconcern of the authority at many levels, Kharghar, the so called up-class neighbouring node, seems to be troubled too.

Since a few days, early morning birds have been having a hard time walking or jogging in the smoke and gas-filled, pungent smelling air that had been greeting them during their morning outings. Many have hurried back to their homes unwillingly.

Deepak Jadhav, a Kharghar resident and morning jogger, shares, “There is no point of stepping out in the morning for fresh air when all you get is hazy air with a stench that can send you running for cover. It is pathetic in every sense. This is nothing less than a disappointment that the authorities never intervene unless provoked and even then, they simply cite administrative issues or simply sweet talk with the media about the ‘penalties’ they have levied on the offenders. We don’t even know what they did with the penalty they had fined the industries with. Are they waiting for another year to fine levy another penalty?”

“There is no point of stepping out in the morning for fresh air when all you get is hazy air with a stench that can send you running for cover.”
– Deepak Jadhav, a Kharghar resident

Requests and pleas of Kharghar and Taloja residents seem to be unnoticed by the authorities

Apparently, Kharghar residents and a local organization, Swachh Shwas Jagran Samiti, had rushed the matter to the MPCB only to be told that the Taloja industrial zone was not under their jurisdiction. However, they promised to look into the issue.

Advocate Shelly Pandya, a local resident of Kharghar and also an active social activist, shares, “The pollution arising out of Taloja MIDC is real and is affecting everyone in one way or another. There has to be permanent issues and the development authority and administration should know better to keep residential areas and industries separate. They should at least ensure that toxic industrial waste gets treated to have the least impact on human lives. the residents of Taloja and Kharghar are well aware of the pollution issues.”

“Now we have to come together to either get it fixed or ensure that nobody else gets into the “Green Kharghar” trap anymore. Kharghar was green and pure, two decades ago, but not anymore. Excessively quarried mountains, seasonal untended waterfalls and man-made parks, like the Central Park, don’t make a place green.”

“Now we have to come together to either get it fixed or ensure that nobody else gets into the “Green Kharghar” trap anymore.”
-Advocate Shelly Pandya, Kharghar resident

The Taloja MIDC and pollution issues in Taloja and Kharghar

For those who are unaware, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) – Taloja has been a pollution hub of sorts since years.

Alarmingly, the Taloja CETP had also been marked as the most polluted one in the whole of Maharashtra just a year ago, with overwhelmingly huge amounts of toxic waste, much beyond the permitted ranges, being continuously released into the Kasardi River and the creek at MIDC Taloja.

The toxic waste in Kasardi River had, over the years, effected marine life and plantation drastically, almost depleting them. Apart from that, local villagers, especially fishermen, had been plagued by serious diseases of the skin and other pollution related ailments. There had also been instances of dogs scavenging the rivers for food or fish, being affected by the chemical waste and changing body colours.

Today, even after a lot of deliberation and promises by concerned departments, the polluting of the river and the air continues, exposing residents of Taloja and Kharghar to many health hazards. Though the pollution can be said to be on a lower scale as compared to what it was a year back, the pollution still continues and is affecting local residents.

Further, it is not just Taloja and Kharghar facing the pollution issue but Roadpali and Panvel.

Only recently, the MIDC-Taloja completed work of the first phase of upgrading the common effluent treatment plant CETP that will help treat industrial waste before being released in the river and creek.

However, the capacity of the newly upgraded CETP is still 12mld of waste water against the 23 mld waste that gets generated by industrial units in Taloja MIDC.

MIDC plans to complete work on the CETP as early as possible to increase the capacity to 23 mld.

However, pollution continues to plague the daily lives of people living in Taloja and Kharghar.

Our (LocalPress.in) Opinion
Well, anybody who lives in Kharghar or Taloja, knows how the real situation is. There is no denying the pollution that afflicts local residents, especially those in the Taloja area. We have a personal experience of the pollution crisis on a day to day basis.
While a lot has been said on the pollution issues in Taloja and Kharghar in newspapers, with official and administrative stands on the situation over the years, the problem exists and continues to grow.
It will have to be taken care of by the authorities but before that, local residents of Kharghar and Taloja will have to start speaking out loudly and clearly about the overall situation, making new property buyers aware of the trouble they will be getting into after buying properties in Taloja.
Only when the real estate sales go down, will the builders’ lobby get into the act and pressurise the administration and bring about practical action.

P.S. We will be coming up with detailed story about the increasing threat of pollution in Taloja and Kharghar soon.

October 11, 2020 17 comments

Featured News

CIDCO to plant 14,000 saplings for 109 hectares of mangroves cut for Navi Mumbai International Airport

by Staff Reporter October 3, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

The mangrove saplings will compensate for cutting a huge mass of mangroves in Navi Mumbai and will be maintained by a contractor for 7 years.

*14000 mangrove saplings will be planted on forest land in Pen to make up for the loss of 109 hectares of mnagrives in Navi Mumbai*. (Image used for representation)

Navi Mumbai / Mumbai: In a bid to compensate for the cutting of mangroves in Navi Mumbai, the state revenue and forest department has ordered afforestation on forest land in Pen. Under such, 14000 mangrove sapling will be planted on the land marked for the purpose.

The land marked for the planting of saplings is forest land owned by the forest department and measures 35 hectares.

As first reported by Time of India, officials further informed that a contractor will be appointed for planting the mangrove saplings and look after the area for 7 years.

The cost of plantation and maintenance will be borne by Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd. However, the company would not have any ownership right on land used for plantation.

The forest department will be monitoring the afforested land.

Just to let readers know, development of the Navi Mumbai International Airport will require the cutting down of 109 hectares of mangroves in Navi Mumbai.

To compensate for the deforestation, mangrove saplings will be planted on 310 hectares of forest land.

Further, a 245-hectare mangrove park will also be established some time later.

Mangroves plantation has already been carried out on 320 hectares of land in areas like Kamothes, Khandeshwar, and Kombadbhuje.

Our (LocalPress.in) Opinion
It is obligatory for all concerned authorities to compensate for destruction of natural habitats for whatsoever reason. However, at the end of the day, they will have to question themselves how logical destroying natural habitats and creating man-made ‘parks’ or ‘green spots’, really matter to nature itself.

October 3, 2020 1 comment

Featured News

NMMC Commissioner unveils ‘Mahatma Gandhi Chasma and Charkha’ murals to mark Gandhi Jayanti celebrations

by Staff Reporter October 2, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

The murals, made of waste, were installed to mark Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and the inaugural ceremony of Swachh Survekshan, 2021.

Navi Mumbai / CBD-Belapur: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), marked Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations, 2020, in great style, by unveiling two unique murals dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The murals, “Mahatma Gandhi Chashma and Charkha”, are completely made out of waste.

NMMC Commissioner, Abhijeet Bangar, unveiled the murals as a mark of respect towards the Mahatma and also to officially inaugurate the Swachh Survekshan, 2021.

Readers must be aware of the fact that Navi Mumbai had been voted as the ‘Third Cleanest City in India’ and ‘First Cleanest City in Maharashtra’, something that had made both the governance and citizens proud.

It was owing to the citizens of Navi Mumbai, who had willingly and enthusiastically participated in the segregation of wet and dry garbage and recycling of waste, that the city had won such a prestigious award.

Elated by last year’s success the NMMC has laid down special focus on the collection and scientific recycling of waste in the city.

The murals, made of upcycled waste cycle, discarded wood, old newspapers etc, are 5.5 feet wide and three feet high, and stand as perfect examples of the beauty that waste can bring about in many ways, if recycled properly.

They were crafted under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, presenting the theme ‘Best out of Waste’, and jointly created by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Globalgreen Innovators Pvt Ltd and Green Society Forum

The NMMC intends to make the citizens of Navi Mumbai environmentally aware and help contribute in transforming the city into a ‘Zero Waste Eco-friendly Art City’.

*NMMC Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar, along with Additional Commissioner Sujata Dhole and other officials at the unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi Chashma and Charkha murals.*

The murals were unveiled at the hands of NMMC Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar, in the presence of many officials like the Additional Commissioner Sujata Dhole, Deputy Commissioner of Administration Dr. Dadasaheb Chabukaswar, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Babasaheb Rajale, Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Dhanraj Garad, City Engineer Surendra Patil, Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Mahale, Yogesh Kaduskar, Dr. Kranti Patil, Medical Health Officer Dayanand Katke, Transport Manager Shirish Aradwad and Chief Sanitation Officer Rajendra Sonavane, among others.

The event was also attended by Senior Journalists Machindra Patil and Manoj Jalnawalla along with other dignitaries.

Proud members of Globalgreen Innovators Pvt Ltd and Green Society Forum, K Binoy, Jaspal Singh Naol, Devendra Singh and Ravi Kripalani, who had created the mural, were also present.

Just to let readers know, the two organisations mentioned above had created such murals in the past too.

Their past projects for NMMC, promoting the ‘Best out of Waste’ theme, include the ‘Mother India Board’ India Map, an e-waste mural created by reusing mother boards of non-functional and discarded laptops, installed within the NMMC Headquarters, and a one of a kind unique applied visual art ‘Recycledelic FIFA Mural’, installed in front of NMMC Headquarters.

The ‘Recycledelic FIFA Mural’ was to mark the celebration of the FIFA U-17 World Cup and aimed at creating general awareness about waste management. It was made using more than 7,000 used plastic bottle caps.

Their most visible work was the artistic board displaying the message ‘Swachh Survekshan 2020’, made out of upcycled e-waste and installed in the NMMC Headquarters.

Jaspal Singh Naol, Co-founder, Green Society Forum, shared, “We have an inclination towards the environment, especially recycling of waste, and we have been fortunate enough to get support and guidance from people like Babasaheb Rajale, Dy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, NMMC, who has been a strong supporter of green causes.”

“His interest and support made this mural possible in just three days’ time.”

Talking about future plans of the joint venture that they carry ahead with the NMMC, Naol explained, “We (including the NMMC) aim at transforming Navi Mumbai into a Zero waste, Eco Friendly and Smart Art City. It is through such murals that we will be generating interest among the citizens, gradually changing their perspectives and approach towards nature.”

“We want to let the citizens of Navi Mumbai realize that recycled waste can be transformed or upcycled into some wonderful creations that can also be useful. Our mission is to decrease waste and at the same time increase the usefulness of the waste generated on a day to day basis at residential and industrial levels.” He added.

As for now, the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Chasma and Charkha’ murals are attracting many onlookers who can be seen guessing how and what they were made of.

October 2, 2020 0 comments

Kharghar News

Kharghar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

by Staff Reporter September 29, 2020

written by Staff Reporter

Read regularly updated most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Kharghar and their updated answers. We will keep adding more questions as and when we get them.

Is Kharghar safe to live with family?

Kharghar is a safe, secure and family friendly locality and one of the best in Navi Mumbai. It has low crime rate, low theft and robbery cases, and is mostly a harmonious locality where people live in harmony.

Is Kharghar a non-liquor zone? Is Kharghar a Dry Area?

Kharghar is no longer a non-liquor zone or a dry area, that it was for many years owing to the Kharghar grampanchayat’s strong stand against the opening of liquor stores in the node. A prime 5-star hotel, Royal Tulips, was allowed to serve alcohol to it’s guests some time back and now it runs an open bar of sorts that serves alcohol to anyone who can afford.

Is alcohol or liquor sold or served at Kharghar restaurants or hotels?

Officially, Kharghar restaurants don’t sell or serve alcohol or liquor at all since more than a decade. However, Royal Tulips at Kharghar has managed to acquire a liquor licence/permit to serve alcohol to their guests, which now seems unofficially extended to any person who visits their bar.

There is a bar and restaurant called Ajit Palace, near Kopra highway, Kharghar, that has been serving alcohol to local residents since ages.

There are presently no liquor shops in Kharghar that sell alcohol, except for Royal Tulip, the 5-star hotel in Kharghar and some illegal vendors.

Where can you buy liquor/alcohol legally in Kharghar?

You can buy liquor/alcohol from two legal outlets – Ajit Palace at Kopra highway and Hotel Rutika Bar & Garden Family Restaurant at Taloja highway.

Is Kharghar a good place to invest in a property?

Kharghar is a good place for property investment as it is a residential area with an industrial area near it’s outskirts in Taloja.

Kharghar is well connected by rail and road and now the Navi Mumbai Metro and Navi Mumbai International Airport are being developed. As a result, property rates have seen decent appreciation over the years.

What is the pin code of Kharghar?

Kharghar’s pin code is 410210

Is Kharghar in Thane or Raigad district?

Kharghar is in Navi Mumbai, in the Raigad district under the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) (Panvel Taluka).

Is Kharghar a town or a city?

Kharghar is a node in Panvel Taluka located in the Raigad district of the city of Navi Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra.

Is Kharghar a hill station or tourist spot?

Frankly, Kharghar has been wrongly advertised as a “Hill Station” by some travel websites, when in actuality it is a node bordered by green hills, which, at the most, are only thronged by trekkers and nature lovers.

Kharghar is not the “Commercial Hill station” with holiday resorts or lodging or boarding as some websites claim.

When will Kharghar Metro start running?

All three lines of the Navi Mumbai Metro connecting CBD to Panvel, will be completed by the end of 2024, as per new deadlines by given CIDCO. Line 1 of Navi Mumbai Metro is slated to be commissioned by 2021.

Read the detailed article on Navi Mumbai Metro: All three lines of Navi Mumbai Metro to be completed by end of 2024

As per latest developments the Central Park-Pendhar metro route will see commericial runs from the end of December 2021: Central Park-Pendhar Metro Line likely to start from December end

Are Taloja & Kharghar polluted?

Yes, Taloja is polluted due to the daily emissions in the Taloja MIDC area and disposal of chemical waste into Kasardi River. As a result, Kharghar gets polluted too.

Taloja and Kharghar residents have been experiencing pollution issues since a long time. Just a year back the Taloja CETP was marked as the most polluted one in the whole of Maharashtra.

There is evident air pollution in Taloja and Kharghar which gets worse during the rainy season and on normal days, during the nights or early mornings.

Also Read: Taloja pollution is back: Pungent smell fills up the air again

Also Read: Kharghar and Taloja battle with pollution again, thanks to Taloja industries

Which are Kharghar’s most polluted sectors or areas?

Kharghar’s sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37 are the most polluted ones with high air pollution emerging from inductries in the Taloja MIDC area, which is in close proximity.

Early mornings and late nights in these areas in Kharghar experience hazy and a fould smelling air.

Also read: Kharghar sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37 most polluted after Taloja area

Are there any theatres in Kharghar? How many theatres are there Kharghar?

Kharghar has three theatres:

INOX Cinemas (Glomax Mall) – 3rd Floor, Glomax Mall, Sector 2, Kharghar Station Road, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai – 410210
Carnival Cinemas (Little World Mall) – 3rd Floor, Little World Mall, Sector 2, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai – 410210
Oracle Fun Square Cinema – 1st Floor, Tiara Shopping Centre, Sector 13, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210

Is there a public swimming pool or swimming classes in Kharghar?

Surprisingly, Kharghar doesn’t have a public swimming pool despite the fact that it boasts of a having two mega projects – the CIDCO-Khaghar Valley Golf Course and the Kharghar Central Park.

The oldest and only active swimming pool (classes) in Kharghar is in Unnati Tower in sector 21, near Jalvayu Vihar. It is maintained by the society but runs professional swimming training sessions for interested individuals during the mornings and evenings.

Being the only swimming classes in Kharghar, the Unnati Tower swimming pool runs out of seats very quickly and individuals wanting to join have to follow up to get a seat as per available days and timing.

Currently, the pool remains shut due to the pandemic with no definite timeline for resumption.

Is there a dog park in Kharghar?

No, there is no official dog park in Kharghar or the whole of Navi Mumbai except for Vashi, where the city’s first ever dog park is being developed in the Veer Savarkar Udyan located in sector 8.

Luckily for Kharghar pet parents/owners, there are ample open spaces to walk their pet dogs around. However there is great anticipation among dog lovers on a whole that other nodes in Navi Mumbai will soon be getting dedicated dog park after Vashi.

Recently, a group of local Kharghar residents have started a campaign to develop Kharghar’s first ever dog park.

Is there a skating rink in Kharghar?

There is no official or legal skating rink in Kharghar. There have been temporary skating rinks set up by individually run skating coaches, one in sector 2 and another in sector 36, near Valley Shilp.

These skating rinks in Kharghar, are actually isolated roads where skating was being taught and practiced by skating enthusiasts in Kharghar, especially children.

The skating rink, at Valley Shilp, is nothing but an isolated road, transformed into a temporary rink during the activity.

CIDCO had demolished part of the illegal skating rink in sector 2, a few years back, much to the ire of local residents.

Surprisingly, the development authority could have built a skating rink in Central Park but they haven’t.

Is there any waterlogging issue in Kharghar in rainy season?

Frankly, there are hardly any major waterlogging issues in Kharghar at all during the rainy season. It receives a fair share of rains and waterlogging, if any is limited to extremely low roads or the Kopra highway, which gets inundated with rain water and that coming from the nearby Kopra river/creek.

All internal roads in Kharghar have ample drainages running parallel to them. So there is hardly any waterlogging issues in the area.

Are Kharghar railway station and Taloja railway station connected?

No, the Kharghar railway station is not connected to the Taloja railway station at all.

The Kharghar railway station is on the Harbour Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway network and is the fourth railway station prom Panvel railway station.

The Taloja Panchanad railway station is on the Vasai Road-Diva-Panvel-Roha route of the Central Line, of the Mumbai Suburban Railway network, and only facilitates express trains that pass through without halting and passenger trains that do halt.

So, both Kharghar and Taloja railway stations are not connected by any rail network currently.

However, the Navi Mumbai Metro will connect the Kharghar Railway station with the Taloja (Panchanand) Railway Station soon.

Is the Taloja Central Jail in Taloja or Kharghar?

The-Taloja-Central-Jail-located-in-Inampuri-Taloja-Kharghar. — *The Taloja Jail at Inampuri, Taloja/Kharghar.*

The Taloja Central Jail is located in Inampuri , Taloja, also a sublocality of Kharghar.

How many malls are there in Kharghar?

There are three malls in Kharghar out of which, only two are prominent.

Little World Mall: Plot No, 21, Sector 2, near Pravesh Marg, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai – 410210
Glomax Mall: Plot No 17 / 18 / 19, Sector 2, Kharghar Station Road, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai – 410210
Prime Mall: Plot D-66, Prime Mall Lane, Sector 12, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai – 410210

Where is Owe Dam located in Kharghar and is it safe to visit?

kharghar faqs - image of owe dam/owe lake in, kharghar, navi mumbai — *The Owe Dam/Owe Lake in Kharghar is a popular scenic beauty spot*

Owe Dam is located at Owe Camp, Owe Village Forest Area, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210. It is near the Owe Hills in Kharghar. Few people know that Owe Dam built on a serene water body nestled between the hills and is an isolated yet majestic picnic spot.

Owe Dam is safe to visit and is frequented by local families and nature lovers regularly.

Also read: Owe Dam, Kharghar: A personal haven for nature lovers

While it is essential to detect breast cancer at an early stage, it becomes crucial to do so with the added threat of COVID-19

Regular self-examination is a must

Don’t neglect treatment

25 tonnes of Iranian onions; import fall short of Navi Mumbai’s onion requirements

The Vashi APMC saw onions being sold at a wholesale price of Rs. 70 per kg. The price may cross Rs. 100 per kg in a few days owing to low supply

The decision comes after the detailed guideline released earlier this month by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for reopening schools and colleges in the country

The action comes in response to numerous complaints by Kharghar and Taloja residents concerning growing pollution in the area post lockdown period

One of the most grandly celebrated festivals of Navi Mumbai, Navratri, begins today, without any of it’s pomp and gaiety, amid Covid-19 fears.

SOPs for Navratri Celebrations

Apart from the SOPs, at all times, the local administration and police will be monitoring all such pandals and places to ensure that social distancing norms were being followed and that no violations were reported during the Navratri.

Early mornings in Kharghar and Taloja bring with them a mixture of hazy and pungent air.

Smog and pungent stench in air plagues Kharghar and Taloja frequently

Early morning walks and jogs of Kharghar and Taloja residents have been affected

Requests and pleas of Kharghar and Taloja residents seem to be unnoticed by the authorities

The Taloja MIDC and pollution issues in Taloja and Kharghar

The mangrove saplings will compensate for cutting a huge mass of mangroves in Navi Mumbai and will be maintained by a contractor for 7 years.

The murals, made of waste, were installed to mark Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and the inaugural ceremony of Swachh Survekshan, 2021.

Read regularly updated most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Kharghar and their updated answers. We will keep adding more questions as and when we get them.

Is Kharghar safe to live with family?

Is Kharghar a non-liquor zone? Is Kharghar a Dry Area?

Is alcohol or liquor sold or served at Kharghar restaurants or hotels?

Where can you buy liquor/alcohol legally in Kharghar?

Is Kharghar a good place to invest in a property?

What is the pin code of Kharghar?

Is Kharghar in Thane or Raigad district?

Is Kharghar a town or a city?

Is Kharghar a hill station or tourist spot?

When will Kharghar Metro start running?

Are Taloja & Kharghar polluted?

Which are Kharghar’s most polluted sectors or areas?

Are there any theatres in Kharghar? How many theatres are there Kharghar?

Is there a public swimming pool or swimming classes in Kharghar?

Is there a dog park in Kharghar?

Is there a skating rink in Kharghar?

Is there any waterlogging issue in Kharghar in rainy season?

Are Kharghar railway station and Taloja railway station connected?

Is the Taloja Central Jail in Taloja or Kharghar?

How many malls are there in Kharghar?

Where is Owe Dam located in Kharghar and is it safe to visit?

More questions and answers coming up……….