Authorities must keep railway premises safe too

Representation pic

Persistent issues of illegal parking, drug activity, alleged narcotics peddling and safety concerns around Nerul railway station have triggered resentment among commuters, said our report.

Concerns prompted a high-level coordination meeting between civic and police authorities at the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters in Belapur recently.

During the meeting, there were questions asked about permission for a wine and beer shop inside the crowded Nerul railway station building, which residents stated was one factor in the nuisance.

The way ahead is for different agencies to come together and form one body; otherwise, co-ordination will be difficult. Different problems need to be tackled in unison. Though they may vary, they all affect each other. For instance, illegal parking and encroachment are the same. They may also contribute in some way to drug peddling as peddlers and buyers may take shelter behind these parked vehicles or take advantage of encroachments.

We need safety; for that, good lighting is non-negotiable.

Patrolling may act as deterrent or a punitive force, a police chowkie, even makeshift one, will be useful.

We do see spaces outside public infra often used by rogue elements, who seem to have a free hand on the roads outside.

Entry and exit points around the station have to be kept clear, so has to be the area directly outside. Surprise checks by flying squads, signboards warning of punishments in case of any crime, and clean-up operations will all go some way in resolving issues.