Civic Groups Meet MLC Vikrant Patil Over Property Tax Penalties and Panvel Issues
Representatives from local organisations in Kamothe and Panvel met Maharashtra Legislative Council member Vikrant Patil to submit a memorandum demanding immediate government intervention on key civic and environmental issues in Panvel and Kharghar. The delegation, comprising Ranjana Sadolikar of the Kamothe-based KAF organisation and Jyoti Nadkarni of the Swarnasrushti Habitat Restorer Foundation, urged Patil to take up four major regional concerns with the state government and relevant authorities.
A primary demand submitted to the MLC focuses on property tax bills recently issued by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC). According to the representatives, penalties imposed by the civic body make up more than half of the total billed amount in several cases. They highlighted that multiple petitions challenging these penalties are currently pending before the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. The group urged Patil to engage with the chief minister or deputy chief minister to secure a waiver on penalties or introduce an amnesty scheme similar to those offered by neighbouring civic bodies.
The delegation also raised safety and environmental concerns regarding the Pandavkada waterfall area in Kharghar. Following past fatal accidents during the monsoon season, authorities restricted access to the upper portion of the waterfall. However, the representatives argued that instead of simply restricting access, the administration should scientifically develop the site into an eco-tourism destination. They suggested constructing designated viewing galleries and safe infrastructure so visitors can enjoy the waterfall without entering hazardous zones.
Environmental issues concerning Wadala Lake in Panvel were also brought to the lawmaker's attention following the recent removal of a toxic, invasive aquatic plant from the water body. Representatives explained that the plant, sometimes kept in home fish tanks, rapidly multiplies when introduced into natural water bodies, blocking sunlight and oxygen exchange and causing severe harm to aquatic life. To prevent future infestations, the delegation demanded a statewide ban on the cultivation, sale, and distribution of the plant across Maharashtra.
Finally, the memorandum called for immediate measures to resolve severe monsoon waterlogging in the underground subway passages at Mansarovar and Khandeshwar railway stations. Commuters frequently face knee-deep water in these subways while trying to reach platforms. To resolve this, the group proposed constructing temporary elevated access routes or bridges, along with escalators or a foot overbridge connecting the platforms. The delegation requested Patil to pursue time-bound solutions with all respective administrative departments.
