Navi Mumbai: Just two days after The Free Press Journal highlighted the neglected and garbage-filled plot opposite Delhi Public School (DPS) in Nerul, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) officials swung into action and cleared the site.
The plot, which had become an eyesore with piles of garbage, overgrown weeds, and general neglect, stood in stark contrast to the civic body’s “Clean City” campaign. Following the FPJ report, which brought public attention to the issue and included voices from local residents and environmental activists, the NMMC sanitation team was seen cleaning the area and removing the waste.
NMMC sanitation team cleaning garbage-filled plot opposite DPS Nerul in Navi Mumbai after public outcry | File Photo
“We appreciate that the civic body acted promptly after the media exposure,” said Sunil Agrawal, an environment activist from the Save Navi Mumbai Environment group. “However, this should not be a one-time clean-up. The area needs a sustainable plan — something like a green space or butterfly garden that adds value to the community.”
Parents of DPS students also welcomed the move but stressed the need for long-term development. “We don’t want the problem to return in a few weeks,” said a parent. “There must be a vision to transform this plot, not just reactive clean-ups.”
Earlier, residents had criticized the disconnect between NMMC’s beautification drives along Palm Beach Road and the reality on the ground near prominent educational institutions. Many had pointed out that while murals and slogans were being painted as part of the city’s cleanliness bid, basic waste management was being ignored in certain areas.
In response to FPJ’s earlier report, an NMMC officer had acknowledged the complaint and promised action.
