Beware Mumbaikars! Naik says tsunami may lash city anytime

There is a tsunami threat to Mumbai, according to environment minister Ganesh Naik. "Tsunami waves could hit the island city of Mumbai anytime," he told the legislative council on Thursday. He followed it with a suggestion that the Marine Drive should have at least 1,000 feet of plantation of mangroves, Suru and Nilgiri trees to reduce the effects of tsunami, if and when it arrives. Now, this is the same Ganesh Naik who had a few months back suggested that open spaces, including the Mahalaxmi Race Course, have no place in the city and could be developed to fill in the state coffers.

He followed that with another idea - that the Coastal Regulation Zone should be gotten rid off. But on Thursday, he probably endeared himself to the greens, as he also announced the constitution of a committee comprising national and international experts to study the repercussions of global warming in the state. "The cities on island face grievous threat of tsunami and, hence, Mumbai has to be more alert on this count. Increasing the level of the seabed is one of the measures that needs to be taken," he said. "We are also thinking of making the use of solar energy and rain water harvesting compulsory for housing societies in Mumbai," he said. Regarding the threat of tsunami, he said, "It has been observed that the island surrounded by the deep sea has lesser threat than the shallow sea-level island.

The islands on shallow sea have vanished in the past and deepening of the seabed could be one of the measures. The deluge on July 26, 2005, in Mumbai was a result of the constricted riverbed as the water level was 4 metres above the level fixed by British administration 100 years ago." The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) compared the death toll from two villages in Sri Lanka that were hit by the devastating giant waves. Two people died in the settlement with dense mangrove and scrub forest, while up to 6,000 people died in the village without similar vegetation. Research has shown mangroves are able to absorb between 70-90 per cent of the energy from a normal wave. There is, however, no reliable data on how the trees mitigate the impact of a tsunami. "Every coastline is exposed (to the threat of tsunami)," Dr Baban Ingole, a marine biologist with the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, said. "Considering India has a 7,000-km coastline, it is always advisable to be prepared." The National Institute of Oceanography website quotes Dr Arun Bapat, former chief research officer of the earthquake engineering wing of Indian Meteorology Department at Pune, as saying that a tsunami had risen from the Arabian Sea when an earthquake measuring 8.25 on the Richter scale was recorded some 100 km south of Karachi on November 27, 1945. At Kandla, tsunami resulted in waves that were 12 metres high. The National Institute of Oceanography website quotes Dr Arun Bapat, former chief research officer of the earthquake engineering wing of Indian Meteorology Department at Pune, as saying that a tsunami had risen from the Arabian Sea when an earthquake measuring 8.25 on the Richter scale was recorded some 100 km south of Karachi on November 27, 1945. At Kandla, tsunami resulted in waves that were 12 metres high.

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik graced the flag hoisting ceremony of Thane District

January 26, 2009
Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik graced the flag hoisting ceremony of Thane District. A parade was also held during the ceremony. On the other hand, flag hoisting ceremony was also held at Thane Municipal Corporation at the hands of TMC Mayor Smita Indulkar. Present on the occasion was TMC Commissioner Nandkumar Jantre and other TMC officials.

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik Started Krida Mahotsav with the lighting of the torch by the youth at Vashi's Shivaji Chowk

January 20, 2009
The Navi Mumbai Krida Sankul started the “Navi Mumbai Krida Mahotsav 2009’ in a grand ceremony at Vashi. Navi Mumbai Krida Mahotsav started with the lighting of the torch by the youth at Vashi's Shivaji Chowk, giving the zestful start to the event. The youth then took the rally with the torch to the venue to give a lighting start to the Navi Mumbai Krida Mahotsav 2009. The procession was welcomed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chaggan Bhujbal in the presence of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, Navi Mumbai Krida Sankul President Dr. Sanjeev Naik, Mayor of Navi Mumbai Anjani Bhoir and Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik and many other local NCP leaders. 12000 students from more than 150 schools are participating in this sports event. At the beginning, students of all the schools saluted the guests and then gave a presentation of their talents in front of the Dy. Chief Minister Chaggan Bhujbal and others. In their introductory speeches, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and former Mayor Dr. Sanjeev Naik spoke about the festival. Deputy Chief Minister Chagan Bhujbal said that Navi Mumbai was a better place than Mumbai – one reason for this is the proper planning of CIDCO that makes playgrounds available to the youth, which in turn encourages sports within the youth.He also shared with the audience the different kind of grants and schemes that the Maharashtra State offers to budding sports stars and seeing the impressive display of the youth at the Navi Mumbai Krida Mahotsav encouraged Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik to mobilize maximum funds provided by the State Government into Navi Mumbai. Media spoke to the Chief Guest on the occasion. Under President Dr. Sanjeev Naik’s headship, Navi Mumbai Krida Sankul’s Sports Festival has become a platform for not just students of private schools but even municipal schools to exhibit their sports talents and get the right opportunity to better their sporting traits playing against competent teams. The festival’s success year after year is helping the Navi Mumbai Krida Sankul and the people behind it to win the hearts of the young budding sports stars of Navi Mumbai.

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik Said Water From Morbe Dam to Take Residents of Mumbai For a Ride.

Jan 03,2009

Looks like MCGM is fooling Mumbaikars who have been facing severe water cuts and poor water supply from MCGM last year. In the weekly press conference, MCGM Commissioner Dr. Jairaj Pathak and his officers informed the media that the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has agreed to supply an additional 150 MLD water to Mumbai at a nominal charge. However, Commissioner Jairaj Phatak’s NMMC counterpart has categorically denied any such decision stating that selling Morbe Water for the next six months is impossible.
MCGM Commissioner Dr. Jairaj Pathak speaking during a press conference stated that the modalities of the ambitious plan, under which extra water would be transported from Vashi to Mankhurd through a pipeline, were being worked out by engineers of both the corporations. He stated that Navi Mumbai saves about 150 MLD of water every day. In addition, NMMC recently bought Morbe dam from the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, which ensures a copious supply of water till Vashi. MCGM officials reportedly met Thane's Guardian Minister, Ganesh Naik on buying water from Morbe Dam. In a press conference MCGM Commissioner Dr. Jairaj Pathak and his subordinates misinformed the media that they had received a in-principle approval of buying water from Morbe Dam and that a pipeline project between Vashi and Trombay would be expedited soon so that water from Morbe was made available for Mumbaikars.
However, sources from the NMMC Commissioner’s office outright denied any such in principle agreement of sale of water from Morbe Dam to MCGM. They say that selling water from Morbe Dam for the next six months is impossible. But the MCGM officials outright misguided the media about the sale and did not hesitate to take the names of Irrigation Minister Ajit Dada Pawar and even the NMMC Commissioner. The contradiction between what MCGM officials are informing the media and NMMC is denying exposes how civic officials often misguide citizens of the city and do not hesitate to go to any extent to give misleading information using names of even State Ministers at times.
Ironically Navi Mumbai faces water issue even today and residents are beginning to tire waiting for NMMC to fulfill its 24 hours water supply promise from Morbe Dam. Till date neither has NMMC taken complete possession of Morbe from MJP nor is the water supply from it even close to getting started. As if this was not enough now even MCGM has started fooling Mumbaikars with the promise of getting water from Morbe. Looks like both MCGM and NMMC are taking citizens for a ride in the name of water from Morbe.

Relief at last – Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik Inaugurates Kalamboli to Vashi pipelines work

The first glimpses of the water promise made by Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik could be seen coming seen coming true as he performed the inaugural ceremony of the Kalamboli to Vashi water pipeline work. The Minister welcomed the role of the media for making work happen efficiently on the occasion.

For those who were praying that the city be given relief from the weekend water crisis – there is good news. The Kalamboli to Vashi section of the Kalamboli to Digha pipeline work was officially made functional in a small ceremony at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. He said that Morbe Dam became an example in the state assembly and in the coming few months, not only will the dam supply water to residents 24 X 7 but will also generate revenue by sale of excess water. The Minister especially appreciated the role of the media in bringing up issues of the people to the forefront that helped make a system function better. Speaking to the media later, the Minister had this to say. The moment can be termed most memorable for former mayor Sanjeev Naik who played a crucial role in NMMC acquiring Morbe Dam. But he said that there is still a long way to go before the dream is fulfilled. Many people gave many dates about the water supply from Morbe but Sanjeev’s Naik Tuesday promise wasn’t broken like others. So we thought that he was the right person to ask when the city gets 24X7 water supply. NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata gave technical details. Officials who had worked for the pipeline project were felicitated on the occasion. The other eminent presenties included NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik. A promise is a promise – While Thane Guardian Minister’s initiative has brought major relief to water starved Navi Mumbaikars, it has raised hopes of the 24X7 water supply promise to the city sooner than later.

Bhumipujan of Waste Management Project Done in Turbhe Dumping Ground

December 15, 2008
Prior to the inauguration of Vishnudas Bhave Auditorium, Thane Guardian Minister performed the bhumipujan of the Waste Management project at the Turbhe dumping ground. Earlier in the day he also inaugurated the building built for the employees of the Fire brigade department on the day.
There were many fire fighters in Navi Mumbai who did not have a place to stay. NMMC however has provided a residential building for these workers in the Navi Mumbai fire brigade at Belapur. The building was inaugurated recently at the hands of Excise and Environment Minister Ganesh Naik.
Also present, NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata informed that around 32 families were given accommodation in this building.
Recycling the waste dumped at the Turbhe dumping ground, NMMC would soon be starting the most advanced method to recycle the waste and reuse it. The inauguration of the same was done at the hands of State Excise and Environment Minister Ganesh Naik. The dump would be recycled under a scientific method and would be used to generate power. Under this project which is estimated at Rs 60 crores, plastic would be recycled to produce diesel and kerosene and the wood would be used for fire which inturn would produce power. Also present during the inauguration ceremony was NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Ramrao Wagh, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik and other NMMC officials.

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had initiated the drive to provide Additional FSI Decision to be Taken Before Winter Session.

November 6, 2008
Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had initiated the drive to provide additional FSI to all the slum-dwellings of Navi Mumbai, developing them into multi-storyed buildings. the Minister informed that the he would take out the final decision on this prior to the state winter session.
CIDCO which is the planning body of Navi Mumbai failed to provide rehabilitation to the families who were replaced during the development of the city years ago. These families constructed their own houses then and many slums erupted in the city. Standing up for these families and to provide them with legal houses, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik had demanded to provide additional FSI to slum and gaonthan areas. For this purpose, a survey was even conducted in Bonkande village, a report of which was sent to the Chief Minister. This had come as a ray of hope for these families with the Minister stating that the final decision of this would come prior to the state winter session.

Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik Said redeveloped work of Mosque Commences at Turbhe.

November 3, 2008
The Majid Madrassa at Turbhe which was built 10 to 15 years, would be redeveloped very soon. A grand ceremony was held for the commencement of the redevelopment project where Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and Maharashtra Minority Cell President Naseem Siddique were present.
Around 10-15 years back the Gareeb Nawaaz Masjid was built but at Turbhe Store with passage of time, the Masjid required redevelopment and repairs. Keeping this in mind, a grand function was held to commence the redevelopment work where Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and Maharashtra Minority Cell President Naseem Siddique were present. Turbhe store is known as the hold of NCP and during the function, a loyal corporator of NCP Suresh Kulkarni’s PR office was also inaugurated. Interestingly, at a time when terrorist activities are increasing in the country, this meet spread the message of brotherhood. Even the state Minority Cell President Naseem Siddique urged people to stay united at such times. Addressing the gathering, Thane guardian minister Ganesh Naik once again spoke on 24 hours water supply and no increase in property tax for the next 16 and a half years.
When quested what was his take on temples and mosques being built illegally, this is what he had to say. BYTE The other dignitaries present during the event were Former Deputy Mayor Bharat Nakhate, corporator Suresh Kulkarni, corporators Sangita Vaske and Rajesh Shinde.

Ganesh Naik Felicitates Meritorious Students of Airoli

October 27, 2008
Meritorious students and senior citizens of sec 19 Airoli were felicitated at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik.
An event was held at sec 19 of Airoli were meritorious students of X and XII standard were felicitated at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. At the same time, senior residents of the area were also felicitated by the Minister.
We also spoke with the organizer, also the ward President of ward no. 9 Airoli, Milind Patil about the event.

A ray of hope

Sunday, October19,2008 ,
Taking inspiration from Ganesh Naik, minister of environment, state excise and labour with anurge for a social cause and the overall welfare of the financially deprived and weaker section of the society, the disorganised workers of the jeevan Aadhar and NGO have implemented the central government scheme ‘Janshree Life Insurance’.

The jeevan Aadhar’ souvenir was unveiled by the hands of MLA Ganesh Naik on October 17 at the D Y Patil University’s auditorium. Present at the inaugural function were, mayour Anjani Bhoir, upper labour commissioner, Maharashtra state, bothare, LIC representative, Uma Ghanekar, commissioner of police, Ramrao Wagh, municipal commissioner Vijay Nahata, assistant manager of LIC Vinod Motwani, NCP’s Navi Mumbai district president Gopinath Thakur and president of the jeevan Aadhar, Kishore Dharia.

During the inaugurla function, a documentary film was presented for audience, wherein the concept of the insurance policy and the role of the NGO for the benefit of the weaker class of the society wee highlighted. The documentary was directed and produced by kamlakar jagtap and D D Mane respectively. MLA Ganesh Naik said. “In all there are types of uskilled jobs in which around , 30,000 disorganised workers are engaged. To name a few like shoe polishers, potters, head loaders, rickshw men, cobbler, laundrymen, housemaids, construction site workers, mechanics etc. As per, the insurance policy, a worker has to pay an annual premium of Rs 200. Out of which, Rs 200. Out of which , Rs 100 will be paid by the central Government, Rs 50 by the state government, Rs 50 by the state government and the remaining Rs 50 which needs to be paid by the the policy holder will be paid by Jeevan Aadhar.

He further added, “ The insurance benefits availed by the policy holder and that, in case of natural death, lhis nominee will get an insurance of Rs 30,000 while in case of accidental death the amount is Rs 75,000. The same amount of insurance is disbursed in case the policy holder becomes hadicap, he will be disbursed with an amount of Rs 37,500. There is also a student scholarship facility whereing the policy holder’s two children studying between class 9 to class 12 will be given a scholarship amount of Rs 100 per student, per month.”

Naik concluded, “ The campaign of Janshree Life Insurance will be accomplished in the month of October 2008 itself. From november 1 Onwards, Jeevan Aadhar will lauch another campaign in which a scheme will be implemented for the benefit of thise staying in rental houses and those who could not avail the benefit in the mass housing schemes of CIDCO’s lucky draw system. The non-beneficiaries of CIDCO’s schemes will soon have their own houses. Also, the States Urban Development Department (UDD) has been approached for providing 4.5 FSI for the reconstruction of CIDCO’s dilapidated building s in the city.”

Indian Merchant’s Chambers, Navi Mumbai Turns 11 in Style.

October 11, 2008,
An intellectual ceremony marked the 11th Foundation Day of Indian Merchants Chambers at Vashi. State Environment, Excise and Labour Minister Ganesh Naik and VC and MD Maharashtra Airport Development Company R C Sinha graced the dais.

The highlight of 11th Foundation Day celebrations of IMC were the Jewel of Navi Mumbai awards that the IMC presented to Vijay Patil – President of Dr. D Y Patil Sports Academy for giving Navi Mumbai it’s first internationally acclaimed stadium, Nalin Shah – CMD Shah Builders for doing phenomenal work in the construction industry, R C Sinha - VC and MD Maharashtra Airport Development Company for his work in making Navi Mumbai when he was MD of CIDCO and State Environment, Excise and Labour Minister Ganesh Naik – for being the architect of Navi Mumbai and leader of the masses. We spoke to some of the awardees post the ceremony.

Ganesh Naik’s speech was everything that one expects a leader to give in the election year. Completely driven by passion and determination, the leader shared with the audience the non-political rapport that he has had with industries of the Thane Belapur Belt for 38 years.

Roze Iftaar Held at NMSA CHEIF Guest Ganesh Naik

September 26, 2008
With the aim of spreading the message of equality, brotherhood and peace, the Navi Mumbai Kala and Krida Sanskritik Sankul organized an Iftaar Party where Thane Guradian Minister Ganesh Naik was the Chief Guest. He gave the message of maintaining peace on the occasion.
The highlight of the celebration was that people belonging to various communities were present during the Iftaar party. Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik was present as the Chief Guest in this party. He also added that it was wrong to blame the entire Muslim community for mistakes of a few. Along with the Minister, Navi Mumbai Mayor Anjani Bhoir, Police commissioner Ramrao Wagh, Zone 1 DCP RD Shinde, First Mayor Sanjeev Naik, Ali M Shamsi, Dilip Rane and many corporators were present.

In Future Four Voters Associations to be Formed.

September 18, 2008
With many people immigrating to the state, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik says that in the coming future the two assembly seats of Navi Mumbai will become four.
In a recent event, when Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik was posed a question on the on going registration of voters in voters list, the Minister said that in the coming future the two assembly seats of Navi Mumbai will become four. Regions in Thane have reached its saturation point while Navi Mumbai being a massively developing city lined with many IT companies and BPOs, the numbers of migrants will keep multiplying in the coming few years. Hence, while he said that he believed the concerned authorities to make a genuine voters list, he also added that in the near future, four new voters association would be formed in Navi Mumbai.

Shivcharita Chitravastu Inauguarted At Shivaji Chowk Vashi at the Hands of Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik

September 16, 2008

The Shivcharitra Chitravastu was inaugurated at the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk at Vashi.
Planned city Navi Mumbai might soon get the historical and tourist’s spots that it has longed deserved. And NMMC seems to be working on several projects simultaneously to make this possible. These include Agri Koli Bhavan, Ambedkar Bhavan or Saint Gadge Baba Memorial. While these projects are underway, the city’s landmark Shivaji Chowk at Vashi got a facelift. The beautification project of the Chowk was inaugurated at the hands of Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik.
The foundation stone for the project was kept by first Mayor Sanjeev Naik and the beautification plan was made by eminent CIDCO Ex- Planner B G Parab. The project had however, been delayed for a long time until Navi Mumbai resident and former Dean of J J School of Arts Moreshwar Pawar came into picture and crafted the carvings of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on stone brought from Rajasthan.
On one side of the Shivaji Chowk is the open art gallery while the other side has the carvings depicting the life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The ceremony was made all the more special by playing the promo of Nitin Desai’s film on Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a film on Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik.
The ceremony also saw the presence of eminent cinematographer Nitin Desai, first Mayor Sanjeev Naik, CIDCO Director Namdeo Bhagat, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik among others.

Ganesh Naik Solves the Problems of Power in Villages

September 9, 2008

The villages situated near MIDC like Pawne, Mahape and many others were forced to live in darkness due to frequent power cuts. However, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik came to the aid of the people and now MSEDC has resolved this issue.
For the past many years, MSEDC has been distributing power to the villages of Mahape, Pawne, Digha and Turbhe through the MIDC feeder. However, these areas used to face power cuts for 24 hours in a week, and sometimes to even 36 hours. With little power supply, the villagers also faced the issue of shortage of water supply. Looking at the problems faced by the villagers, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik directed MSEDC to provide power to these villages through a different feeder.

Thane District Planning Committee Meeting Held at District Officer’s Headquarters

August 29, 2008
The Thane District committee held a meeting at the Thane Collector Office which was presided over by Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik.
The Thane District Planning Committee holds a meet thrice in a year in the presence of all the administrative officials so that the current issues of the city can be discussed and resolved. Present along with Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik was Thane Collector S.S Zende, TMC Nandkumar Jantre. The meet approved the proposal of providing additional FSI as per Dharavi Pattern. This meeting also witnessed disagreements between Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik and MLA Harishchandra Patil.

Sra Scheme Will Not be a Failure Says Ganesh Naik

August 28, 2008
Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik sys that come what may the SRA scheme will not be a failure in Navi Mumbai.
NMMC is trying hard to bring the SRA scheme for Navi Mumbai slums and gaonthan areas. The scheme has proved to be a controversial issue and to an extent a failure in Mumbai, however, Thane Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik says that come what may he will ensure that the SRA scheme will not fail in Navi Mumbai.

State Environment Minister Ganesh Naik Makes Noc Fro Sand Dredging Mandatory

August 13, 2008
Environment Minister Ganesh Naik has stayed the proposed sand dredging operations in the entire Konkan belt—Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, saying that without a no-objection certificate from the environment department, there will be no sand dredging activity.
Konkan divisional commissioner S S Sandhu confirmed that his office had received an official communication from the environment department asking them to cancel the August 14 auction of sand dredging till an environmental clearance is obtained. Significantly, sand traders were shocked and surprised by Naik’s order as it was for the first time in the environment department’s history that the environment minister has stepped in to stay the sand dredging operations. According to reports, after a brief meeting, Naik asked director of environment G N Warade to issue orders to the Konkan divisional commissioner to cancel the auction. Warade also stated that in January and June 2008, the environment department had specifically asked the competent authorities in Konkan region not to make the auction notice public without obtaining the no-objection certificate from the environment department. Warade warned that if the auction takes place on August 14, then the state government will invoke the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act against the erring officials.

Green Hope Brings Hope to Navi Mumbai by Planting one Lakh Trees

July 14, 2008,
With the aim of awareness amongst people about the need to plant more and more trees for a better tomorrow, Green Hope an NGO held an event to plant one lakh trees in the city.

Environment destruction is a major concern especially as in the name of development and progress; nature space is reducing by the day. In such a scenario if the minds that will work on development projects of tomorrow are taught the significance of green heads and preserving greenery, it would definitely contribute to developing minds that give as much importance to environment as to making communities. Bearing this in mind, Green Hope organization has taken the initiative of planting 100 trees in the city which started off at Rajeev Gandhi garden at sec 28, Vashi. The event was graced by State Environment Minister Ganesh Naik, Mayor Anjani Bhoir, Fist mayor Sanjeev Naik, NMMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Naik, Music Director-cum singer Shankar Mahadevan amongst other NMMC members. State Environment Minister Ganesh Naik spoke on the initiative taken by Green Hope.

While many plant trees, there is very little done to safeguard it, to which the Minister stated that spreading awareness amongst people was the need of the hour. The plan of planting one lakh trees kicked off by the State Environment Minister planting a sapling on the occassion.

Better Late Than Never – Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik Distributes 7 crors to NMMC Contract cleaning Workers

June 27, 2008
It was a historical moment when with the initiatives of Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, the cleaning workers of NMMC on contract basis not just got their one month demand of equal pay for equal work fulfilled but were also given the pending amount due till date.
This week Guardian Minister’s Janta Darbaar is a historical one as it made contract labors of NMMC the only ones across Maharashtra who were given wages equal to that of the permanent workers. And much credit of this goes to Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik. Marking the birth anniversary of Shahu Maharaj, Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik addressed the thousands of contract cleaning workers present and announced that from now their wages would be equivalent to the pay scale of permanent workers. The Guardian Minister also distributed the amount that was due to these workers in the last seven months according to the new pay scale. Present during the Darbaar along with the Minister was Worker Leader Sharad Rao, Mayor Anjani Bhoir and NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata. We spoke to Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik during the event.
He added that the increased wages would bring relief amongst the contract workers. On the other hand, Workers Union Leader Sharad Rao expressed happiness on NMMC’s decision and the efforts of the Guardian Minister. According to NMMC Commissioner Vijay Nahata around 3200 cleaning workers would be benefited with this decision and NMMC would have an additional cost of 7 crore every year.
And of course for the contract workers it was the day they had waited for years. While Gaurdian Minister Ganesh Naik has brought about huge relief for the contract cleaning workers on the occasion of Shahu Maharaj Jayanti, hopefully now the contractors too would do justice and ensure that the workers get the wages they sign for on paper.

State Labor, Excise and Environment Minister Ganesh Naik Gifts ex worders of Nocil and Standard alkali with Monetary Compensation

June 23, 2008

The ex-workers of NOCIL and Standard Alkali finally got relief when they were compensated with a total sum of Rs 3.25 crore with the efforts of the State Labor, Excise and Environment Minister Ganesh Naik.
It may be recalled that NOCIL and Standard Alkali situated at Thane Belapur Industrial Belt was taken over by another company which led to the hundreds of workers losing their jobs at once. During this period, some of the workers took up voluntary retirement while some took away the immediate compensation provided to them. However, there were still many workers who had not taken either especially the immediate compensation provided by their companies as they were not satisfied with the compensation amount provided by the company. There estranged workers had been fighting for their rights for the last two-three years but their demands were not heard by the management. The issue was then taken by first Mayor Sanjeev Naik who pressurized the company management to provide relief to these workers. The matter was then taken up by State Labor, Excise and Environment Minister Ganesh Naik. Finally their efforts paid off and both the companies agreed to compensate the grieved workers. In an event held at Ghansoli, State Labor, Excise and Environment Minister Ganesh Naik distributed Rs 3 crore 27 lakh to the 184 workers of these two companies. 127 workers of Nocil received a check of Rs 1 lakh per head and 57 permanent workers of Standard Alkali received Rs 3.5 lakh per head. Present during the event along with the State Minister was Mayor Anjani Bhoir and First mayor Sanjeev Naik. On the other hand, State Minister Ganesh Naik stated that compensation given to the workers was their right. BYTEThe defeat of Sanjeev Naik in the recent held Thane Lok Sabha by polls has not altered his or the State Labor, Excise and Environment Minister Ganesh Naik’s step in providing justice to the needy and for these estranged workers, the latte has indeed come down as a guardian.

Ganesh Naik's Enduring Effort to Make Navi Mumbai a World-Class City

Shri Ganesh Naik, Maharshtra's minister for excise, environment and labour has spared no effort and continues to strive actively to nourish and tranlate his dream, of making Navi Mumbai a global-class city, to reality.
It is inevitable that the citizens, who elected him to the state assemble with a record mandate have high expectations from him for a developed prosperous and peaceful city.
Shri Ganesh Naik has addressed the problems of several citizens and organisations every week in the Janata Darbars organised by him since the last 3years.
He is a guiding light to the majority ruled nationalist congress party corporators and the administration in the navi mumbai municipal corportion in the cleanliness programmes, water supply initiatives, sewerage debris and solid waste management, gardens, has pitals, removal of encroachments, transport services and other civic amenities in the city. His guidance and attention has resulted in some major improvements.
shri ganesh Naik organised a meeting with the chief minister shri Vilsrao Deshmukh in June 2008 at the sahyadri guest house to sort out the issue of increased FSI for redevelopment of village and old buildings in the city, as the FSI given in the Development Control Rules was insufficient in the rapidly urbanising scenario in the city.
The chief minister announced the sanction of additional FSI for re-development and ordered the oppointment of a committee under the presidentship of CIDCO managing director to suggest changes in the Navi mumbai Development Rules
The chief minster also responded positively to the other issues raised by shri Ganesh Naik which included. regularisation of illegal constructions in the villages and nodes and increasing FSI for re-development, reconstruction of dilapidated CIDCO structrues, illegal structures on MIDC Land land for truck terminal in NMMC area, five station, abbatoir, and markets, development of land below MSRDC flyovers, financial assistance for civic amenities, approval for post filled in NMMC, issue of dilapidated buildings and transport services and grant for kalamboli-Digha pipeline for usater supply from Morbe dam, etc
Shri Ganesh Naik has spearheaded and initiated development projects in the city and provided leadership for the same through his sons, the first mayor of navi Mumbai Shri Sanjeev Naik and standing Committee chairman of NMMC shri Sandeep Naik.
Shri Naik Played a significant role in introducing the solid wast disposal and management in the city advance technology sewage Treatment Plants in the city, the transfer of all social amenity plots from CIDCO to NMMC, the concretisation and beautification of Thane-Belapur road and ensuring a people- friendly adminstration in the city.
Shri Ganesh Naik's foresight and dynamism has indeed served in shaping navi mumbai into world-class city with citizens from all communities, classes, languages, religions and regions living in harmony in the spirit of goodwill and brotherhood.
He has called for the introduction of the monorail project in the city foressing commuter needs in the hear future providing multiple layer parking to answer parking woes, erecting grand gateways at city entrances, providing better schools and sufficient public toilets, garders, parks and playgrounds, managing debris and pollution in quaries, integrated management of forests on Parsik Hills, Constructiong compound walls along main roads and highways, finalizing policy for outdoor advertisement displays, drafting tourism development project in Morbe dam region and other spots in the city and massive tree plantation drives all aver the city
All these pioneering efforts spearheaded by one leader shri Ganesh Naik evoked encouvaging response from his fellow party workers and well-wishing unprecedented shaping of a world class city from a village panchayat.

Minster collects funds for sacked workers

Mumbai, Monday, June 23,2008
State Labour Minister Ganesh Nik got his industrialist friends to pool in funds to help settle the demands of 57 temporary workers who were retrenched after standard Alkali a Thane-based company - shut down. Naik's Friends also helpen 127 NOCIL workers reach an out of court settlement for their dues. These workers received their compensation amounts at a programme held at Ghansoli village on sunday. While the standard Alkali workers received Rs 3.5 lakh each in cash, each NOCIL workers got Rs 1 Lakh.