Villages make way

It took the death of a cluster of villages to give birth to the Navi Mumbai that we see today. Situated to the northeast of Mumbai, 95 villages embraced the urban way of life decades ago to ease the pressure on Mumbai's (then Bombay) infrastructure. The villagers, convinced by the state government, sold their farms and fishing villages to City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO.)

About half-a-century ago, before CIDCO and the call centres came calling, these unknown dwellers of Navi Mumbai were content fishing and farming. The predominant religion then was Hinduism, Marathi the local language, and the age-old caste system existed in its complete version.

There lived the Kolis or fisher folks and the Agris or farmers. Paddy, pulses like tuvar, mangoes and coconuts were cultivated extensively. The Vashi creek brings with it reminiscence of the Kolis who fished Crab, fish and Prawns and sold the surplus catch in the Thane and Belapur markets. The Gaondevi temples, ponds and cultural and religious activities were associated with these villages. The houses had mud floors and sloping roofs made from Mangalore tiles.

A man and a plan
 
During early1950s, a study group headed by SG Barve, the then secretary of Public Works Department, sowed the seed of planning a city North of Mumbai. A proposal to build a rail and road link across the creek to connect Bombay with what is known as Navi Mumbai was presented to the government by Barve.

The group saw that such a development would draw industrial and residential concentration away from Mumbai and would lead to the development of new townships. This worked as a ‘counter-magnet’ to Mumbai and there was indeed a 30% rise in the population (as per the 1991 census) of the area in 1980s as new townships arose. To implement Barve’s ideas, CIDCO carved out fourteen nodes (small townships.)

The Brands

One momentous development in the evolution of Navi Mumbai was the arrival of Multinationals like McDonald’s, Indian corporate big-wigs like Reliance Industries, Talwalkars and chief departmental stores and health clubs to Vashi, which was one of the first ‘nodes’ developed by CIDCO.

This booming metropolis has now become the base of reputed names in the corporate fraternity, the likes of it being L&T, Siemens, SAIL, Hindustan Lever and a host of other financial institutions including the Reserve Bank Of India, UTI and IDBI. The early mayoral elections in Vashi then boosted the prospects of the city. Social clubs and voluntary groups gave the city a face-lift. Vashi’s industrial market, the Agricultural Produce Market Complex (APMC), the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the redesigning of Vashi railway station - thereby converting it into a commercial complex with InfoTech parks - are advancements that have taken the township of Navi Mumbai to greater heights and have ushered it into being the city of the 21st century.

Vashi thus, has sprung upto be not merely a residential locale but an industrial and commercial hub as well. Going by CIDCO’s future plans for the township, Navi Mumbai residents will soon be able to enjoy the presence and benefits of a domestic airport, permanent international exhibition centers, onvention centers, more technology parks, golf courses and country clubs.

Keeping the green

At the same time, Navi Mumbai’s mountainous terrain, lakes and green spaces have also been preserved over the years. Located just a few kilometers away from the Mumbai - Pune Express Highway, Panvel serves as the perfect gateway to the Konkan belt for Mumbaikars.

Surrounded by three small mountains, Panvel acts as an escape for the residents, a place to relax and forget the hustle-bustle of the city. One famous peak known as Karnala is also a stone’s throw from here. Panvel characterized by verdant abundance, bird sanctuaries, water parks, hilltops for trekkers and explorers, and exotic and premiere resorts is a paradise.

During monsoon, the mountain range’s proximity to the city give it an ethereal charm. The scenic beauty symbolises the incredible gift of nature to this oldest settlement of Raigad district. It attracts thousands of picnickers from mainland Mumbai and other parts of the state, not only during the rains but all year round.

Interior spots like the Ballaleshwar Lake, the municipal garden, Bunder Road and adjoining necklace road of the sprawling state-of-the-art Karnala Sports Academy, are haunts for hundreds of  courting couples during romantic evenings.

From humble beginnings to being one of the world's largest, planned and balanced, modern metropolis, Navi Mumbai has come a long way.

(Surya Ragunaathan is passionate about writing and currently writes a column for the Times of India.) 

{mosimage}

({mhauthor})

Also by

• Consultation Freeze - September 4th, 2006
• Need for Speed - August 28th, 2006
• Meals on wheels - August 14th, 2006
• Whither tomorrow - August 7th, 2006
• Bombay Dreams - August 7th, 2006

Share This