Guardian minister Ganesh Naik gift 2.5 FSI – revives hope among residents

For decades now, the redevelopment issue of CIDCO built JN type apartments in Navi Mumbai has been hanging in the balance. Every election brings new hopes and new promises for the apartment owners and villagers, but all assurances fizz out soon after the elections. This time however someone whose words hold credible value is making the announcement. Our weekend exclusive delves deeper into how Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik’s gift of 2.5 FSI to CIDCO dilapidated buildings has revived the hopes of residents.

Shraddha Apartments Owners Association at Vashi is perhaps the epitome of the tragic tales of how dreams of owning a home turned into nightmares for JN Type apartments owners within years of construction. It was 10 years ago that the JN Type apartments of Shraddha compound were declared unfit for human inhabitance. Today, the CIDCO built apartments have become centers of neglect and apathy. Evidently, apartments’ owners are frustrated with the government.

Those who were shifted by CIDCO in the Juinagar apartments are victims of the bitter realities of an insensitive and apathetic system. For apartment owners of JN Type apartments in Shraddha compound, shifting to Juinagar was suppose to be a make shift arrangement before their real homes were reconstructed. After a decade of waiting, apartment owners have either accepted the rude shock or have become victims of it. What you just heard is more or less the same living conditions for apartment owners living in dilapidated CIDCO apartments. FSI to CIDCO built apartments reeling under dilapidated conditions is perhaps the most burning issue that haunts Navi Mumbai today. And its not like the issue has never been taken up – problem is it’s been taken up far too often; mostly during elections. May be that’s why the victims of CIDCO’s sub standard constructed apartments are loosing faith but the first ray of hope that they’d get relief from the deplorable living conditions came when Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had pursued the issue of FSI to CIDCO apartments during the Chief Minister’s visit to Navi Mumbai in June 2009.

And with the Minister persistently following up the matter with the Chief Minister’s office, last week finally came with an announcement that revived the hopes of these residents. The public announcement was made by Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik who informed that the state cabinet had given in-principle approval of 2.5 FSI to dilapidated CIDCO apartments. Post the Guardian Minister’s announcement, a section of people are terming it as just another point to score with the public prior to elections while others says that the prospect of 2.5 FSI to CIDCO buildings isn’t viable – one bone of contention being the infrastructural limitations of Vashi. But Standing Committee Chairman says that it wouldn’t be fair to the apartment owners of JN Type buildings if infrastructure was used as a reason to negate re-development work. He says that when 5 star hotels, educational institutes, central government buildings, constructions in Mumbai are getting 4 FSI and IT plots were turned into commercial complexes around Vashi Railway Station and granted 2.5 to 3 FSI, then why isolate CIDCO buildings case by bringing infrastructural hiccups.

He goes on to explain that the issues related to infrastructure can be tackled if zone development of JN Type apartments is taken up instead of reconstructing single buildings. Citing the example of Ulhasnagar that got 4 FSI, Sandeep Naik says that positive attitude and proper planning will make 2.5 FSI a success for CIDCO built apartments. And even if the infrastructural issues are taken care, there is another obstacle – the case against re-development work pending in High Court.
Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik has already set a precedent on this front with the re-development of C-Type Towers in Sector 1, Vashi. Everyone is aware that despite the obstacles and opposition that the C Type redevelopment project faced, Ganesh Naik pioneered the work and within two years of the demolition of the buildings, the towers were erected. The C Type also became the only reconstructed building to get the NMMC’s OC. At that time speaking to the media, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik recalled how the apartment owners of C Type had approached him with the issue of the dilapidated conditions of their apartments and he had promised them relief.

Even the apartment owners who got their all news homes had shared with us how their apartments were in dilapidated conditions and after reconstruction they have homes with all new amenities. They gave the credit for this to Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. Since Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik is a Minister in the state cabinet and is also the Environment Minister, he reads the environment of the residents living in dilapidated CIDCO buildings. While the 2.5 FSI is being viewed as an election gift but with the municipal elections to follow the assembly elections, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik will have no option but to fulfill his commitment making it a win win situation for apartment owners and common buyers.
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Finally, state cabinet announces 2.5 FSI for JN1 and JN2 type apartments

A new cabinet decision has revived the hopes of apartment owners living in dilapidated JN 1 and JN 2 type apartments. A day after the Guardian Minister’s Janta Darbar assurance, the state cabinet led by Chief Minister approved 2.5 FSI for CIDCO apartments. A day after Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik assured CIDCO apartment owners of taking up the subject of FSI to JN Type apartments; the state cabinet sanctioned 2.5 FSI for JN 1 and JN 2 Type apartments. The issue was raised by Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik at the state cabinet meeting. The subject of FSI to CIDCO apartments has been pending with the state for over a decade. Every election, FSI promise to JN Type apartments has been a pre-poll assurance that was never fulfilled. However, the cabinet approval of 2.5 FSI has once again revived hopes for the dilapidated CIDCO apartment owners of getting relief sooner than later. After the cabinet meeting, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik met the media and shared the details of the approval with them. Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik said that he appealed to the Chief Minister to increase the FSI to 2.5, which has been agreed by the Chief Minister .
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Janta Darbaar held to solve pending issues at CIDCO

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik presided over the Janta Darbaar held at Vishnudas Bhave auditorium, which saw discussions on various issues related to CIDCO. Many issues pertaining to the plots of PAPs was discussed in the darbaar.To solve various issues related to CIDCO, Thane Guardian minister Ganesh Naik called for a special meeting of CIDCO authorities at the Janata Darbar. More than two hundred pending issues of CIDCO were discussed during the meeting. Reassuring those present, Thane Guardian minister ganesh Naik stated that he would be taking up the issues with the Chief Minister. Some of the decisions taken on this day were plots for women associations, hawkers associations and educational institutions through NMMC by calling tender. Also the registered association of PAP's should be given first priority in the distribution of plots through CIDCO. He ordered the CIDCO authorities to provide all the facilities to the PAP's whose plots have been taken over by CIDCO for developmental purposes. Social associations working for social causes should be given plots for construction of gymnasiums, samaj mandirs, old age homes etc at affordable rates.
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Navi Mumbai police commissionerate gives away Vignaharta and Sukhkarta awards

With the aim of encouraging disciplined and environment friendly Ganeshutsav Festival, the Navi Mumbai Police continued its tradition of honoring Ganpati Mandals who set such examples. Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik graced the award ceremony this time, held at Vashi. The Navi Mumbai Police had organized a function to give away the Vignaharta and Sukhkharta awards at Vishnudas Bhave Auditorium. The function began with the lamp lighting ceremony at the hands of the Chief Guest, which included Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, Police Commissioner Gulabrao Pol, MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik, CIDCO Chairman Nakul Patil, CIDCO MD G S Gil,, Mayor Anjani Bhoir and MLC Manda Mhatre. The Navi Mumbai police honor mandals on how environment friendly they are, peaceful conductance, security measures and pollution free attractive presentations. The Navi Mumbai Police Force is one of the authorities that play a very significant role in encouraging a disciplined and peaceful Ganesh Chaturthi each year. One integral step in this course is to give away the ‘Vignaharta’ and ‘Sukhakarta’ awards to the best organized and held Ganpati Mandals. MLC Manda Mhatre says that this initiative has helped build the bond between police and citizens.The highlight of the event was the felicitation of Panvel’s Senior Police Inspector Suresh Bhosale who was awarded at the hands of the President of India Pratibha Patil on Independence Day. The selection for the best Ganpati Mandals were done by two inspection groups deputed by the Navi Mumbai Police. Leaving the day of Ganpati Visarjan, the best Ganpati Mandals for the other days were given a Vignaharta Cup, Police Commissioner Cup and Gaurav Puraskar Cup. On the other hand including the Ganpati Visarjan day, the Sukhakarta Cup, Police Commissioner Cup and Gaurav Puraskar Cup are given to the Ganpati Mandals that showed discipline and well organizing ability. Also present on the occasion were all the four DCPs along with several corporators and special invitees.
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Redevelopment of old buildings in city

The long wait is finally over. As promised by Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik last week, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan sanctioned some key, long-pending issues that were bothering residents of Navi Mumbai for long.
The main issue remains the sanctioning of additional FSI of 2.5 for residents of JN1 and JN2 buildings in Vashi and permission to rebuild these dilapidated structures, some of which need urgent repairs.
Residents of JN1 and JN2 are rejoicing over the announcement made by state government. Ex-corporator Kishore Patkar said, "It was a long-pending proposal and residents of these buildings were waiting for last 15 years for a decision in this matter. We are indebted to Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik who kept his word and followed up on the matter regularly."
Naik held a meeting with the Chief Minister on Friday to discuss the issues at length and got the pending proposals sanctioned. Till last week, residents were upset with the delay in sanctioning these proposals but yesterday's announcement has brought cheer among thousands of residents who believe these sanctions will surely boost the development of the satellite city as a number of developers will now show interest in redeveloping the old houses constructed by City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). Since then, congratulatory messages have been pouring in at Naik's residence and office.
Naik, during a previous press conference, had announced that he was pursuing the pending issues with the CM since 2007 and promised that an announcement in this regard was due before the code of conduct is applied for the upcoming assembly elections.

Ganesh Pedamkar, a resident of JN2 type apartment said, "We are happy that the Guardian Minister took the initiative and fought the cause. Although late, the decision will definitely benefit a large number of residents who will get bigger and better homes to reside in if and when the buildings are reconstructed. Our homes are old and we had to spend a large amount of money on repairs but the housing societies will now be more eager to approach developers and make optimum use of the additional FSI."
NMTV News

Swine flu scare makes independence day celebrations a low key affair

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.
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KANHA MEGH UTSAV AT BHAGWAT DHAM

Like every year this year too Kanha Megh Utsav 2009 has been organized by Bhagwad Dham in which various cultural and religious activities would be conducted. The festival was inaugurated by BHAKTISWARUP Tirth Maharaj Gurudev. Present as the chief guest on this occasion was Thane Guardian Minster Ganesh Naik. This is a view of Bhagwad Dham at Parsik hill where the devotees lord Krishna can come and worship the deity. With a view to celebrate Janmashtami, which is the birthday of lord Krishna, Kanha Megh Utsav is organized every year. This year the festival was inaugurated at the hands of Bhaktiswarup Tirth Maharaj Gurudev where Thane Guardian minister Ganesh Naik was present as the chief guest. It will be a 30 day programme and various religious programs including Janmashtami will be celebrated. Mahaprashad will also be distributed during the festival.
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NMMC Hospital foundation ceremony

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik performed the bhumipujan ceremony of the NMMC 100 beds hospitals coming up at Nerul and Airoli. The NMMC is finally going to begin construction of two 100 beds Mother Child Hospitals in Airoli and Vashi as Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik performed the bhumipujan ceremony of both the hospitals. 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. 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. A blood storage centre was also inaugurated at hospital. Speaking to the media, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik credited the Commissioner for taking the initiative for the hospitals. The other dignitaries present during the bhumipujan ceremonies included MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik, Mayor of Navi Mumbai Anjani Bhoir, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik and Navi Mumbai Congress Chief Namdeo Bhagat.
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The powerful and influential Naik family

”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

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.

Rakhsha Bandhan celebrated across the city

It is not a small thin thread but a string that is made of love and respect that binds them together on one of our country’s most celebrated festival-Raksha Bandhan. The festival was celebrated in our city also with lots of fervor and gusto.

India is globally known for its rich culture, festival and tradition. Raksha Bandhan is a day to celebrate the sweet and sour relationship between a brother and a sister. Though they share and enjoy the bond of love between them throughout the year but Rakhi is the day when they get an opportunity to express their tender love and feelings towards each other. Similar celebrations was seen across the city with many dignitaries celebrating the festival in traditional style. Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik celebrated the day with the Koli community with the women tying him rakhis.

NMMC Commissioner Vijay nahata too celebrated the festival in traditional style. Corporator Saluja Sutar while tied the traditional know to his brother, she also celebrated the day with the Navi Mumbai policemen.