Navi Mumbai : In a bold display of public dissent, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) organized a ‘Whistle March’ on Thursday to protest against the growing civic neglect in Nerul and Juinagar. The symbolic agitation, marked by whistle-blowing and slogan-chanting, began at Rajiv Gandhi Bridge in Sector-2 and proceeded to the Nerul ward office via Kukshet village.
Led by the MNS city unit, the protest highlighted widespread civic issues plaguing the area — from inadequate water supply and crumbling roads to poor healthcare and mismanaged public infrastructure. Protesters demanded immediate intervention from the administration, accusing it of turning a blind eye despite being in control for the past five years.
“The administration is sleeping. Basic amenities are still a dream for us,” said one protester, adding that the agitation will intensify if their demands are not addressed promptly.
Among the key grievances were:
Pothole-ridden roads due to substandard cement-concreting.
Contaminated or unavailable water supply in slum areas, particularly around Ramesh Metal in Nerul East.
Encroachments by car showrooms on service roads causing traffic and safety hazards.
Misuse of public facilities, including a sports complex in Juinagar allegedly being used for non-sporting events.
A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sector-1 still awaiting official inauguration.
Rising cases of dengue and malaria due to lack of fogging and sanitation.
Absence of public study halls for students in Sector-3.
Slogans like “Water is our right, not anyone’s private property” and “More gravel, less tar – potholes everywhere” echoed through the streets as the crowd, including women and youth, marched in unity.
Later, MNS representatives submitted a detailed charter of demands to civic officials. However, the party claimed that the officials failed to provide satisfactory responses and warned of more aggressive protests if corrective measures are not taken swiftly.
