Residents express frustration over civic apathy 

Residents of Sector 13, Sanpada have expressed their disappointment over the deteriorating condition of the footpath next to the Palm Beach flyover, adjacent to the NMMC garden plot. In the locality, across the nullah in Sanpada. The walkway has now become a dumping ground. Dried coconut tree leaves, garbage, and other items are just lying around even as people pass by the area, highlighting the apathy of authorities.

Local residents stated that the presence of dried leaves, garbage, and discarded items has become a common sight along the footpath and has been there for more than a month, they also added that men urinate near the footpath as it is somewhat deserted after sunset.

While speaking to Newsband, Sayali Rathore, a resident of Sector 13, Sanpada said, “I pass by this area every day, the palms from the coconut trees on this small garden plot of NMMC have fallen on the footpath for quite some time now and no effort has been made to send sanitation workers to pick them up and take them away.”

Bipin Pal, another resident of the locality added, “Some people have also taken advantage of this as the area already looks dirty; they have been contributing to this mess by throwing wooden boards, glass panels and household trash.”

He added, “It’s disheartening to see the neglect of such a vital public space. The footpath, which should be a safe and clean passage for pedestrians, has instead become a dumping ground for waste and debris. This has made this pavement an eyesore and has also attracted insects and rodents who scavenge the trash.”

Residents have unanimously stated that if Navi Mumbai is the third cleanest city in India, then why are local pockets in less frequented areas turning into a pile of mess and unkempt, even though there is enough manpower to tackle this problem?