For many years, Kharghar has held a strong identity as an alcohol-free, cultured, and educationally focused city. The area is home to prominent institutions like Bharati Vidyapeeth, Saraswati Engineering College, A. C. Patil College, and Siddharth College. Known for its peaceful, clean, and safe environment, Kharghar has long been a preferred residential and educational destination.

However, in recent times, a few influential business interests attempted to acquire licenses for alcohol sale in the area. In response, local residents, women’s groups, traders, social organizations, and youth came together in united opposition, launching a strong movement under the banner of the ‘Darumukt Kharghar Sangharsh Samiti‘ (Alcohol-Free Kharghar Struggle Committee).

From Assembly to Protest: Vikrant Patil’s Consistent and Vocal Stand

Understanding the sentiments of the local citizens, MLA Vikrant Patil raised the issue firmly in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. “Kharghar must remain alcohol-free. All issued liquor licenses in this area must be immediately revoked,” he demanded unequivocally from the government.

To further strengthen this demand, he actively participated in a symbolic protest on 21st May 2025 at Shivaji Chowk in Kharghar. Addressing the gathered citizens, he lent both ideological and political strength to the movement.

“Preserving Kharghar’s alcohol-free culture is the responsibility of the administration. I will personally continue to pursue this cause with greater force,” declared MLA Vikrant Patil at the protest venue.

Unprecedented Support Across All Sections of Society

The protest led by the ‘Darumukt Kharghar Sangharsh Samiti’ saw overwhelming participation from local residents, women, youth, social groups, traders, representatives of various local associations, and parents. This fight is not merely about revoking licenses; it has evolved into a broad-based social movement. By taking leadership in this movement, MLA Vikrant Patil has ensured that the voice of the people has reached the legislative platform.

A Continuous Fight for a Safe, Cultured, and Alcohol-Free Kharghar

MLA Vikrant Patil’s sensitive yet firm approach in defending Kharghar’s cultural and social fabric has offered reassurance to the public. An alcohol-free Kharghar is not just a demand—it is a pledge for a brighter future for the next generation. Vikrant Patil’s fight to fulfill this pledge will continue unwaveringly.

Panvel is one of the fastest-growing urban hubs, witnessing rapid development due to ambitious projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport, JNPT, the Virar-Alibag Corridor, and the NAINA project. Over the past decade, the city’s population has increased by approximately 194%. However, this massive growth has not been matched with an adequate water supply system. The existing shortage has become a serious hurdle in daily life, prompting MLA Vikrant Dada Patil to raise the issue firmly during the Maharashtra Assembly Budget Session.

Stark Reality Revealed by Statistics:

At present, Panvel receives 220 MLD (million liters per day) of water, whereas the city needs at least 250 MLD to meet basic requirements. This 30 MLD shortfall could lead to a potential water crisis in the near future. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, MLA Patil submitted a concrete proposal aimed at bridging the gap and implementing long-term water supply solutions.

Long-Term Solutions Through Dam Projects:

MLA Vikrant Patil demanded that water supply to Panvel be facilitated from Balganga Dam in Pen Taluka and from Poshir and Shilar Dams in Karjat Taluka. While nearly 80% of the Balganga Dam project is already completed, he insisted that the remaining work be expedited to commence supply. He also pressed for water reservation from Shilar and Poshir Dams and proposed alternative sources like Morbe and Hetawane Dams to address the current 30 MLD deficit.

Leadership Fighting for Panvel’s Rights:

MLA Vikrant Patil’s strong stand in his very first budget session has been widely appreciated. His efforts are not limited to raising concerns but are also focused on executing practical and long-term solutions for the citizens of Panvel.

Victory After Years of Pursuit:

A high-level meeting was convened in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, where MLA Patil aggressively advocated for a special water quota from Shilar, Poshir, and Balganga dams for Panvel. The government accepted this demand.

This marks a historic victory and ensures that Panvel residents will now receive a reliable, regular, and satisfactory water supply. More importantly, this success story stands as proof of committed and results-oriented leadership—not just a part of election campaigning, but a genuine contribution to the city’s long-term development.

To ensure planned, sustainable growth around the late D. B. Patil International Airport in Panvel Taluka, the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) project was announced in 2013, with CIDCO appointed as the Special Planning Authority, and in 2016, the then Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, personally cleared the first Development Plan. Yet over the past 12 years, implementation has been sloppy, directionless, and—above all—anti-farmer, as inconsistent policies, weak public outreach, and chaotic decision-making have left large portions of the project unfinished. Against this backdrop, MLA Vikrant Patil launched a fierce offensive in the State Assembly, demanding justice for affected farmers.

“CIDCO Is Like Kumbhakarna—But Worse”

Speaking in the Assembly, Patil likened CIDCO to the mythic giant who slept for half a year:

“Kumbhakarna slept six months but at least woke up for a day’s work. CIDCO has kept up the pretence of sleep for 12 years!”

Although CIDCO has handled the project since 2013, progress is dismal. The plan originally covered 270 villages; mismanagement has reduced that number to just 94.

Key Flaws Highlighted by MLA Patil

• Reversal of land-sharing ratio – The first blueprint left 60 % of land with farmersand 40 % with CIDCO. Later this was flipped to 40 % for farmers and 60 % forCIDCO, sowing confusion and anger.
• Faulty drone-based surveys – Rather than ground checks, CIDCO relied on drones,mis-plotting many plots and even overlapping one farmer’s land onto another’s.
• Misapplied reservations – Open Space, social amenities and EWS reservations were slapped onto existing homes and businesses, putting lawful structures at risk.
• No policy outside gaothan limits – Without a “Congested Area” provision, constructions beyond village cores remain illegal and occupants helpless.
• Frozen land transactions – Registrations for sale and purchase are halted, cripplingfarmers’ finances.

Exposing Corruption and Irregularities

Patil accused CIDCO of deep-rooted corruption:

• ₹7,900 crore in tenders floated despite murky land titles.
• ₹300 crore advanced to contractors without clear ownership records.

“Are these contractors CIDCO’s sons-in-law?” he asked sarcastically.
He also slammed the token 0.3 additional FSI on offer—far too little to benefit locals.

Unwavering Support for Farmers

With land locked up and commerce frozen, farmers are sliding into hardship. MLA Vikrant Patil demanded stern action against negligent officers and called for the appointment of a dedicated, full-time officer to steer the NAINA project to completion.

A Positive Response from the Government

Minister of State Madhuri Misal assured the House that:

• Farmers will suffer no losses.
• All existing buildings will receive legal protection.
• Land reservations will be decided only in consultation with villagers and representatives.
• Concrete policies for redevelopment and rehabilitation will be framed.

Emergency Meeting Points the Way Forward

During the session, MLA Vikrant Patil secured an urgent meeting in Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s office, where discussions focused on reopening registrations, legalising constructions, and crafting a coherent roadmap.

Attendees included Konkan MHADA Chair Balasaheb Patil, CIDCO Additional MD Shantanu Goel, Inspector-General of Registration Ravindra Binawade, and senior officials. The talks reignited hope for a resolution to citizens’ long-pending grievances.

“The Struggle Will Continue Until Farmers Get Justice”

Patil’s campaign—stretching from the Assembly floor to ministerial corridors—centres on one principle: justice for farmers.

“This fight will not end until every farmer gets justice!” he pledged—words that have become a pillar of faith for thousands across Panvel.