The campaign to save the Patrakar Bhavan at Seawoods has achieved a significant breakthrough with CIDCO now being directed to transfer the newly constructed building to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).
This development came after strong opposition from journalists across Navi Mumbai, who objected to CIDCO’s initial decision to hand over the building to the State Information and Public Relations Department. Following the intervention of Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a positive resolution is reported to have been reached.
During the high-level meeting, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the building was originally constructed by CIDCO at the request of local journalists and therefore should remain for their use. Acting on this decision, the Chief Minister instructed CIDCO to formally hand over the building to NMMC.
NMMC is stated to have assured of taking possession of the building and initiating essential repairs and modifications to make it functional for media-related activities. " The Commissioner has assured that the building will be put to its intended use, benefiting the journalist community of Navi Mumbai," said a representative.
With this, the second phase of the Save Patrakar Bhavan campaign has successfully concluded. However, journalist leaders have clarified that their efforts will continue until the building is officially transferred and becomes operational under NMMC’s administration.
The journalists of Navi Mumbai have been thanked for their persistent and active participation in the movement, while Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has been appreciated for effectively presenting their cause at the state level. The focus now shifts to NMMC, as the city waits for the formal takeover and development of the Patrakar Bhavan as a dedicated space for the media fraternity.
