Navi Mumbai: In a major drive to maintain cleanliness and ease traffic movement, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken strict action against abandoned vehicles obstructing roads and footpaths. A week-long operation from March 10 to 16 led to the seizure of 107 vehicles, including 66 two-wheelers, 34 four-wheelers, and 7 rickshaws/tempos.
The civic body also collected Rs 88,000 in fines from vehicle owners.
For a long time, several vehicles had been left unattended on roadsides and footpaths, making it difficult for civic workers to carry out cleaning operations and pedestrians were having difficulty walking. Many of these vehicles were covered in dust, indicating prolonged neglect.
Citizens had raised concerns that such vehicles not only ruined the city’s aesthetic but also created obstructions, impacting Navi Mumbai’s reputation as a well-planned and clean city. Addressing these concerns, the municipal corporation decided to take action.
Following a review meeting, Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde directed officials to crack down on abandoned vehicles. Officials from all eight ward offices carried out a survey to identify abandoned vehicles, and notices were issued to their owners, asking them to remove their vehicles. However, after receiving no response, the civic administration proceeded with towing operations, shifting the seized vehicles to a designated lot in Sector 14, Koparkhairane.
During the operation, NMMC seized 13 vehicles in Belapur, collecting Rs 4,500 in fines. In Nerul, 7 vehicles were removed, with Rs 6,000 collected in penalties. Vashi saw the seizure of 18 vehicles, with fines amounting to Rs 6,000. In Turbhe, 17 abandoned vehicles were removed, leading to Rs 63,000 in fines. Koparkhairane recorded 24 vehicles towed, with Rs 1,000 collected. In Ghansoli, 12 vehicles were seized, resulting in Rs 4,500 in fines. In Airoli, 17 vehicles were removed, with Rs 3,000 in penalties. Lastly, in Dighe, 13 vehicles were taken into custody.
Owners reclaiming their vehicles were required to provide valid documentation and pay the imposed fines before getting their vehicles back. They were also instructed to ensure their vehicles were parked in designated locations moving forward. The NMMC has made it clear that such operations will continue with greater intensity in the future to keep Navi Mumbai clean and obstruction-free.
The civic body has appealed to residents to be responsible and park their vehicles in appropriate spaces. Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and upholding its reputation as a well-organized and livable urban space.