No tax hike or new projects in 6,704cr Navi Mum civic budget

Navi Mumbai: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) standing committee chairman Ashok Patil presented a Rs 6,704-crore budget for 2026-27 to mayor Sujata Patil at a specially convened general body meeting on Monday. The budget prioritised completion of ongoing works and strengthening basic amenities, infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply and sanitation, while proposing no hike in property or water taxes for another year.NMMC expects revenue of Rs 6,704 crore and plans spending of Rs 6,689 crore, leaving a surplus of Rs 15 crore. Some residents claimed the estimates were inflated and less realistic than in earlier years. No new projects were set aside this year, as the administration aims to complete long-pending works. A major project included was the Palm Beach elevated road extension connecting Ghansoli and Airoli, which finally began after years of delay following HC's environmental clearance. To bolster healthcare, the budget proposed a nursing college and a dedicated burns unit at National Burns Centre in Airoli. For children with special needs, an Airoli sub-centre of Vashi's Education Training Centre was planned to decentralise services.Environmental measures received little emphasis, with no clear allocation. Nature advocates said the budget failed to address debris dumping, mangrove destruction, tree cutting, rising pollution and mitigation steps. "This budget serves politicians more than taxpayers. Wetlands are being destroyed and the city's landscape is vanishing year after year. Yet, the administration seems unconcerned," said environmentalist Sameer Tupe. The civic encroachment department plans to spend Rs 12 crore to remove illegal structures amid growing encroachments, while expecting minimal revenue from penalties and fines, implying a financial loss for NMMC.This was NMMC's first budget presentation by an elected body after six years of administrative rule. Conventionally, the commissioner presents the budget to the standing committee chairperson in the presence of the media and the elected House. But this time, the standing committee drafted the budget and presented it directly to the general body. Media representatives objected to not receiving the budget booklet. Opposition Shiv Sena corporators were silent during the presentation.Forest minister and Airoli MLA Ganesh Naik said the budget reflects key priorities to meet public expectations.