A group of 30 students from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, visited the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters as part of their academic curriculum to study the city’s disaster management systems and advanced urban planning initiatives. The students lauded NMMC’s efforts toward sustainable urban development and were particularly impressed by the city’s robust infrastructure and futuristic planning.
The students, pursuing a course in Disaster Management, were led by Professor Mahesh Kamble. The educational visit aimed to offer firsthand insights into the infrastructural and strategic mechanisms that contribute to making Navi Mumbai a resilient and well-planned city.
During the visit, Somnath Kekan, Assistant Director of Town Planning at NMMC, provided a detailed overview of Navi Mumbai’s urban development—from its inception to its future vision for 2038. He explained the planning norms under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, CIDCO’s role in city development, and the process of development plan approvals.
Arvind Shinde, Additional City Engineer, presented an in-depth session on the city’s water supply and sewage systems. He also highlighted the crucial role of holding ponds in flood prevention, explaining their working and strategic importance.
The delegation also explored NMMC’s solid waste management system, gaining valuable insights into its efficient operations. Students actively engaged in discussions, with Kekan addressing their queries in detail.
As part of the field visit, the students toured the state-of-the-art three-tier water purification plant in Nerul. Impressed by the city’s robust infrastructure and futuristic planning, the students lauded NMMC’s efforts toward sustainable urban development.
Prof. Mahesh Kamble remarked, “This visit was not just about disaster management, but about understanding how long-term planning and resilient infrastructure can make cities safer. Navi Mumbai stands out as a model city that others can learn from.”
The study tour fostered meaningful dialogue between academic institutions and civic authorities, contributing to a shared vision for improved urban planning and disaster preparedness in the future.
