City gears up for massive gathering

In an effort to demand reservation for the Maratha community, the Maratha Kranti Morcha, led by Manoj Jarange Patil, is set to stage a significant march in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, January25. The march, which commenced from Antar Sarali on January 20, is scheduled to cross Panvel and make its way into Navi Mumbai, where it will halt until January 25.

To accommodate the large number of participants in this march, arrangements have been made at various locations in the city, including Kanda Batata market in Vashi, CIDCO Exhibition Centre, and other halls. However, concerns were expressed during a press conference regarding the perceived lack of support from the Municipal Corporation for the massive turnout expected for the march.

On January 25, thousands of members from the Maratha community are expected to enter Navi Mumbai, and the 'Maratha Kranti Morcha’, Navi Mumbai Central Office, War room' has been established to oversee the preparations. The Kranti Morcha participants will benefit from arrangements for car parking, accommodation, natural rituals, and other facilities in the market premises of the onion, potato, and garlic market.

For the convenience of women participants, accommodations have been provided at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre. Tandel Maidan in Karave will host protesters, while the APMC market will remain closed during this period. Health facilities, with 50% of beds reserved in each hospital, and medical teams stationed every 2 kms, have been organized by the Navi Mumbai Chemist and Drug Association. Additionally, women in Navi Mumbai have pledged to contribute four loaves of bread each.

Following the stay in Navi Mumbai, the Maratha Morcha is slated to march towards Mumbai on January 25. A noteworthy event is planned for Republic Day on January 26, where the tricolour will be unfurled in lakhs at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Vashi.

The organizers of the Maratha Kranti Morcha have engaged with Municipal Corporation, CIDCO, Police, and APMC administration to ensure provisions such as drinking water and toilets for the march participants. Cooperation is expected from these entities in executing the elaborate planning.

Considering the anticipated crowd, the APMC administration has decided to completely close all five premises of the market committee on January 25, restricting the purchase or sale of any farm produce. Moreover, from 12:00 PM on January 25 to 11:00 PM on January 26, heavy goods vehicles are prohibited from entering Navi Mumbai, with changes in transportation routes and parking arrangements in effect.