Navi Mumbai News: NMMC Eviction Notices Spark Outrage As Cultural Groups In Vashi Face Displacement After 50 Years

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has issued eviction notices to seven prominent social and cultural organizations operating for nearly 50 years from the Social Bhavan in Sector 6, Vashi. These organizations, are now facing displacement as the civic body insists on initiating a tender process for the premises.

From Rent-Paying Tenants to Tender Applicants

The affected institutions include the Town Library, Nutan Mahila Mandal, Stree Mukti Sanghatana, Navi Mumbai Music and Drama Circle, Navi Mumbai Volunteer Coordination Association, Navi Mumbai Sports Club, and Alert India. " These organizations have been operating from CIDCO-constructed buildings and were paying rent regularly. However, despite their longstanding presence, the NMMC has now demanded that they vacate the premises," said an activist.

Culture Under Threat, Say Activists

Civic activists and organization heads have slammed the decision, calling it unjust and detrimental to the city’s cultural identity. "These institutions have contributed immensely to Navi Mumbai’s social and cultural growth. Instead of supporting them, the civic body is now trying to displace them through a bureaucratic tender process," said Prof. Vrushali Magdum, president of Stree Mukti Sanghatana. She added that while other municipal bodies offer similar spaces on a rental basis, NMMC’s sudden insistence on tenders is deeply unfair.

Tender Process Raises Fairness Concerns

Critics allege that tender processes are often dominated by political interests and lobbying, putting grassroots, apolitical organizations at a disadvantage. “It’s well known that tenders can be manipulated through under-the-table deals and customized eligibility criteria,” said a representative from one of the affected groups. “Institutions working in public interest for decades cannot be expected to compete in such an environment.”

CIDCO’s Vision Now Under Challenge

The buildings in question were originally developed by CIDCO to promote social, cultural, literary, artistic, and sports-related initiatives in the newly developed city. "After the formation of the NMMC, these properties were transferred to the civic body, and successive commissioners supported these institutions by allowing them to operate from these spaces," said the activist.

NCP-SP Faction Holds Massive March In Navi Mumbai Against Demolition Drive By NMMC, CIDCO

Civic Body Accused of Ignoring Legacy and Contribution

However, in a sudden change of stance, the current municipal administration has decided to revoke the existing arrangements. Acting on the commissioner’s orders, the Property Department sent direct notices to the organizations, asking them to vacate the premises or reapply through a competitive tender process.

Leaders of the affected organizations have expressed willingness to continue paying rent and have appealed to the municipal commissioner to reconsider the decision. “We are not against paying rent. We only ask that the civic body recognize our contribution and avoid pushing us into an unfair tender system,” said one of the representatives.