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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Kharghar
| name = Kharghar
| other_name                      =
| settlement_type = Node of Navi Mumbai
| settlement_type                 = Nodal city of Navi Mumbai
| image_skyline = Utsav Chowk.jpg
| image_skyline                   = Utsav Chowk.jpg
| image_caption = [[Utsav Chowk]] in Kharghar
| image_alt                      =
| pushpin_map = Mumbai
| image_caption                   = [[Utsav Chowk]] at Kharghar
| pushpin_label_position = right
| nickname                        =
| coordinates = {{coord|19.036146|N|73.0617213|E|display=inline,title}}
| map_alt                        =
| subdivision_type = Country
| map_caption                    =
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| pushpin_map                     = Mumbai
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| pushpin_label_position         = right
| pushpin_map_alt                =
| pushpin_map_caption            =
| coordinates                     = {{coord|19.036146|N|73.0617213|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type               = Country
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of cities in India by population|City]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of cities in India by population|City]]
| subdivision_type3               = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Maharashtra]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Maharashtra]]
| subdivision_name2= [[Navi Mumbai]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Navi Mumbai]]
| subdivision_name3               = [[Raigad district|Raigad]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Raigad district|Raigad]]
| subdivision_type4               = [[Taluka|Sub-district]]
| subdivision_type4 = [[Taluka|Sub-district]]
| subdivision_name4               = [[Panvel|Panvel Taluka]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Panvel|Panvel Taluka]]
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| subdivision_name5 = [[Mumbai]]
| established_date               =  
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| founder                         = [[CIDCO]]
| established_date =  
| named_for                       =  
| founder = [[CIDCO]]
| government_type                 =  
| named_for =  
| governing_body                 = [[Panvel Municipal Corporation]] and [[CIDCO]]
| government_type =  
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| governing_body = [[PMC]] and [[CIDCO]]
| area_footnotes                 =  
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2                 = 10
| area_footnotes =  
| area_rank                       =  
| area_total_km2 = 32
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| area_rank =  
| elevation_m                     =  
| elevation_footnotes =  
| population_total               = 244,472
| elevation_m =  
| population_as_of               = 2020
| population_total = 244,472
| population_footnotes           =  
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_density_km2         = auto
| population_footnotes =  
| population_rank                 =  
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym             =
| population_rank =  
| demographics_type1              = Languages
| population_demonym =  
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_name1             =  
| demographics1_name1 =  
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                     = 410210
| postal_code = 410210
| area_code                       = 022
| area_code = 022
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate             = MH-46 (Navi Mumbai's [[Raigad district]]), MH-43 (Navi Mumbai's [[Thane district]]) &  MH-06 ([[Pen, Maharashtra|Pen]]).
| registration_plate = MH-46
| blank1_name_sec1               = Nearest city
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1               = [[Panvel]], [[CBD Belapur]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Panvel]]
| blank1_name_sec2               = [[Climate of India|Climate]]
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Climate of India|Climate]]
| blank1_info_sec2               = [[Climatic regions of India|Monsoon]] <small>([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])</small>
| blank1_info_sec2 = [[Climatic regions of India|Monsoon]] <small>([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])</small>
| website                         =  
| website =  
| footnotes                       =  
| footnotes =  
| demographics1_info1            = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank2_name_sec1               = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec1 = 98%
| blank2_info_sec1               = 92%
| blank3_name_sec1 = Civic agency
| blank3_name_sec1               = Civic agency
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Panvel Municipal Corporation]]
| blank3_info_sec1               = [[Panvel Municipal Corporation]]
| blank4_info_sec1 = [[CIDCO]]
| official_name                  =  
| blank4_name_sec1 = Local Planning
}}
}}
'''Kharghar''' is a node of [[Navi Mumbai]] smart city and its under [[Panvel Municipal Corporation]]. It is situated at the Northernmost tip of [[Raigad district]]. It was developed by the [[City and Industrial Development Corporation]] (CIDCO).
'''Kharghar''' is a node of [[Navi Mumbai]] situated at the northernmost tip of [[Raigad district|Raigad District]] and is a suburb under [[Panvel Municipal Corporation]]. [[Prashant Thakur]], MLA, represents Kharghar in the Legislative Assembly as part of the Panvel constituency.


Kharghar is now administered by recently established [[Panvel Municipal Corporation]]. Shri [[Prashant Thakur]], MLA represents Kharghar in State Legislative Assembly as part of Panvel constituency.
Developed by the [[City and Industrial Development Corporation]] (CIDCO), Kharghar has been administered by [[Panvel Municipal Corporation]] after its elevation from Municipal Council in 2016. However, CIDCO continues to function as the New Town Development Authority for the region. It's also being developed as the Education Hub of Navi Mumbai as many prominent schools and colleges are present and more are planned to follow.


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
===Navi Mumbai Metro===
===[[Navi Mumbai Metro]]===
CIDCO recently issued a press release stating they were confident of kick-starting partial services of the Navi Mumbai Metro in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 March 2021|title=CIDCO confident of kick-starting Navi Mumbai Metro in December 2021|work=Local Press In|url=https://localpress.in/2021/03/05/cidco-confident-of-kick-starting-navi-mumbai-metro-in-december-2021/|url-status=live|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
There had been a significant delay in this metro project, and earlier, CIDCO issued a press release stating they were confident of kick-starting the partial services of the Navi Mumbai Metro in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 March 2021|title=CIDCO confident of kick-starting Navi Mumbai Metro in December 2021|work=Local Press In|url=https://localpress.in/2021/03/05/cidco-confident-of-kick-starting-navi-mumbai-metro-in-december-2021/|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref> Further, in October 2021, the Navi Mumbai Metro received an Interim Speed Certificate by the Research, Design, and Standards Organisation (RDSO), based on successful trials, on Line-1, connecting the Central Park metro station to the Pendhar metro station, which stretches 5.14&nbsp;km between stations 7 and 11. The certification expedited the process of starting commercial runs from the end of December 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=24 October 2021|title=Navi Mumbai Metro gets Interim Speed Certificate, Commercial run may begin by end of December, 2021|work=Local Press In|url=https://localpress.in/2021/10/24/navi-mumbai-metro-gets-interim-speed-certificate-commercial-run-may-begin-by-end-of-december-2021/|access-date=10 November 2021}}</ref> The Metro commencement was further delayed due to safety certification.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nayak |first=B B |date=February 13, 2022 |title=Navi Mumbai Metro just a nod away from March-end start |website=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/navi-mum-metro-just-a-nod-away-from-march-end-start/articleshow/89534948.cms}}</ref> The railway board has approved coaches and other operational equipment, post a two-day inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on January 17–18.


=Navi Mumbai International Airport=
The Taloja-Belapur part of the metro has started functioning, and the metro service in this part has commenced from on 17 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navi Mumbai Metro - Information, Route Maps, Tenders & Updates |url=https://themetrorailguy.com/navi-mumbai-metro-information-map-updates/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=The Metro Rail Guy |language=en-US}}</ref>
The proposed new [[Navi Mumbai International Airport]] was initially expected to be operational by 2019 in the [[Kopra]] area between [[Khandeshwar]] and [[Kamothe]]. This was passed by CIDCO on August 1, 2009. Despite getting environmental clearance from the Centre almost three years ago, the project was stuck due to protracted negotiations with farmers who wanted a compensation package of Rs 20 crore per hectare or 35 per cent of the land bank as a developed plot.


The project, which will come up on 1,160 hectares of land, will be built in four phases. The first phase with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers will be completed by 2018. After the completion of the whole project, it will cater to about 60 million passengers a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/phase-1-of-navi-mumbai-airport-to-be-completed-by-2018-114020500216_1.html|title=Phase-1 of Navi Mumbai airport to be completed by 2018|first=Sanjay Jog & Aneesh|last=Phadnis|date=6 February 2014|via=Business Standard}}</ref>
===Other modes===
Kharghar is serviced by the [[Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Harbour Line]] and one can board the train/alight from the train at [[Kharghar railway station|Kharghar Railway Station]].The node is also well serviced by NMMT, BEST and ST buses as it is in [[Navi Mumbai]], adjacent to [[Panvel]] and close to [[Mumbai]] and [[Thane]].


The affected villagers will mostly be rehabilitated in a new township called Pushpak Nagar and in Wadghar and Wahal villages around the project area. Under the project plan, the rare island village of Waghivali in Panvel creek will be converted into a mangrove lagoon and its ecology will be maintained.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/Three-opposing-villages-go-for-Cidco-compensation-deal/articleshow/32688286.cms|title=Three opposing villages go for Cidco compensation deal - Times of India}}</ref>
==Corporate Park==
[[CIDCO]] has planned a better version of [[Bandra-Kurla Complex]] (BKC) in Kharghar with a layered structure with a pyramid-shaped central hub of high rises. The new structure will encompass an area of 200 hectares, factoring in the central park and golf course. The actual corporate hub will be on 125 hectares of land. CIDCO has decided to have a layered structure with the outer fringe to be developed with 1-2 FSI, while the core area will have 3 FSI. Around 50% of the area (120 hectares) has been set aside for the high rises with 3 FSI for the pyramid-shaped structure. Plots will be auctioned for corporates with the richer entities vying for the hub of the corporate park. Shops and commercial properties will also be developed so that there is night life, unlike BKC. Proximity to the [[Navi Mumbai International Airport]] and the [[Navi Mumbai Metro|metro]] project, worth Rs 13,000 crore, will provide high-class infra, a spokesperson said. The entire Kharghar node, along with nearby industrial and residential [[Taloje Panchnand|Taloja]], will get connected to the new airport, lending an opportunity for businesses to hop between work stations and the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/cidco-mumbai-may-get-new-corporate-hub/50711748|title=Cidco: Mumbai may get new corporate hub - ET RealEstate|last=www.ETRealty.com|website=ETRealty.com}}</ref>
 
== Demography ==
{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="2" |Year
! rowspan="2" |Male
! rowspan="2" |Female
! rowspan="2" |Total Population
! rowspan="2" |Change
! colspan="8" |Religion (%)
|-
!Hinduism
!Islam 
!Christianity
!Sikhism
!Buddhism
!Jainism
!Others
!Undeclared
|-
|2011<ref>[https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11382/download/14495/DDW27C-01%20MDDS.XLS Census India 2011].</ref>
|42,001
|38,611
|80,612
| -
|82.687
|5.103
|3.034
|1.744
|5.807
|0.944
|0.082
|0.598
|}


==Site for Central Park==
==Site for Central Park==
[[File:Central Park Fountain.jpg|thumb|Fountain in Artificial Pond of Central Park]]
The park occupies an area of 119 Ha. (approx.) spreading over into Sectors 23, 24 & 25 in Kharghar. An area of 80 ha. (approx.) is earmarked for '[[Central Park, Kharghar|Central Park]]'. It is a relatively flat terrain that has sporadic vegetation. The site acts as a link between two natural elements: hill and water.
[[File:Central Park Kharghar Plan.jpg|thumb|150px|Plan for Central Park&nbsp;– Kharghar, NaviMumbai.]]
Mumbai: A sprawling hill plateau spread over 250 acres at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai will soon be up for grabs. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) will hold a global auction with a reserve price of Rs 2,000 crore to create a theme-cum-entertainment city on the lines of Hollywood, Disneyland and Sentosa park in Singapore.
The park occupies an area of 119 Ha. (approx.) spreading over into Sector 23, 24 & 25 in Kharghar. An area of 80 ha. (approx.) is earmarked for ' [[Central Park, Kharghar|Central Park]]'. It is a relatively flat terrain that has sporadic vegetation. The site acts as a link between two natural elements: hill and water.
Mumbai: A sprawling hill plateau spread over 250 acres at Kharghar in Panvel will soon be up for grabs. The
City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) will hold a global auction with a reserve price of Rs 2,000 crore to
create a themecum-entertainment city on the lines of Hollywood, Disneyland and Sentosa park in Singapore.
 
Since its inauguration, the Central Park at Kharghar, is the center of recreational activities for people in Kharghar as well as others. For safety purpose there is<ref>{{cite news|title=Four CCTVs at Kharghar's Central Park to keep a check on visitors|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-four-cctvs-at-kharghar-s-central-park-to-keep-an-eye-on-visitors-1880607|access-date=9 January 2016|agency=dna|publisher=DNA|date=27 August 2013}}</ref> four CCTVs at the Central Park, which will keep a check on the visitors and keep a track of all the people. This move aims at ensuring maximum security for those who visit the park," a senior Cidco official said. He added that the cameras have been operational for a week.
 
==Navi Mumbai Corporate Park==
[[CIDCO]] has planned a better version of [[Bandra-Kurla Complex]] (BKC) in Kharghar with a layered structure with a pyramid-shaped central hub of high rises. The new structure will encompass an area of 200 hectares factoring in the central park and golf course. The actual corporate hub will be on 125 hectares of land. Cidco has decided to have a layered structure with the outer fringe to be developed with 1-2 FSI while the core area will have 3 FSI. Around 50% of the area (120 hectares) has been set aside for the high rises with 3 FSI for the pyramid-shaped structure. Plots will be auctioned for corporates with the richer entities vying for the hub of the corporate park. Shops and commercial properties will also be developed so that there is '''night life''', unlike BKC. Proximity to the [[Navi Mumbai International Airport]] and the [[Navi Mumbai Metro|metro]] project worth Rs 13,000 crore, will provide high class infra, Bhatia said. The entire Kharghar node along with nearby industrial and residential [[Taloje Panchnad|Taloja]] will get connected to the '''new airport''' lending an opportunity for businesses to hop between work stations and the airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/cidco-mumbai-may-get-new-corporate-hub/50711748|title=Cidco: Mumbai may get new corporate hub - ET RealEstate|last=www.ETRealty.com|website=ETRealty.com}}</ref>
 
==The Lung Billboard at Kharghar==


Kharghar has a pollution crisis of its own, arising out of the industries in the Taloja MIDC area, besides other sources, and residents have been facing health issues since a long time owing to the polluted air. The most impacted or polluted sectors in Kharghar are sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37, besides Taloja, Kalamboli and Panvel. Some local residents and activists have been monitoring the pollution and collecting data to be able to take action against polluting industries in the region.<ref>{{Cite news|date=4 January 2021|title=Kharghar sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37 most polluted after Taloja area|work=Local Press In|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/04/kharghar-sectors-34-35-36-and-37-most-polluted-after-taloja-area/|url-status=live|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref>
The park has been open to the public since January 2010, and there is no entrance fee for visitors. Since its inauguration, Central Park at Kharghar has been the centre of recreational activities for people in Kharghar as well as other places. For safety, there are four CCTVs at Central Park, which keep a check on the visitors and keep a track of all the people. This move aims at ensuring maximum security for those who visit the park," a senior CIDCO official said.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 August 2013 |title=Four CCTVs at Kharghar's Central Park to keep a check on visitors |publisher=DNA |agency=dna |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-four-cctvs-at-kharghar-s-central-park-to-keep-an-eye-on-visitors-1880607 |access-date=9 January 2016}}</ref>


On 15 January, 2021, a city based environmental organisation, Waatavaran (Climate, Environment and Sustainability Foundation (WCES), set up an installation called the "Billboard the Breathes", at the Bank of India signal junction, sector 7, Kharghar. Though the installation was installed on 15 January, 2021, it was inaugurated on Saturday, 16 January, 2021, by Panvel City Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Mayor, Dr Kavita Choutmol.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 January 2021|title=PCMC Mayor Dr Kavita Choutmol inaugurates “Billboard That Breathes” installation at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai|work=Local Press IN|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/16/pcmc-mayor-dr-kavita-chaoutmol-inaugurates-billboard-that-breathes-installation-at-kharghar-navi-mumbai/|url-status=live|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref>
In 2023, Residents of Kharghar and Navi Mumbai who frequently visited Central Park in Kharghar raised significant concerns about the park's deteriorating condition. They emphasised the urgent need for maintenance and rejuvenation. The park's fencing had been stolen, and the lake within the premises was in dire need of cleaning since it was filled with algae and litter (mostly plastic bottles).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kharghar Residents Express Concerns Over Deteriorating State of Central Park Lake and Infrastructure |url=https://newsband.in/?p=41947 |access-date=2023-09-04 |language=en-US}}</ref> In a positive turn of events for residents of Kharghar and Navi Mumbai, [[City and Industrial Development Corporation|CIDCO]] has taken proactive steps to clean the once-polluted lake at Central Park. This commendable action was prompted by the vigilance of Kharghar Civic, a proactive Twitter account dedicated to addressing local concerns, which brought the matter to CIDCO's attention. By July 2023, the lake was beautifully cleaned. The difference in the lake before and after the clean-up was found remarkable by residents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CIDCO cleans and restores Lake at Central Park, Kharghar |url=https://newsband.in/?p=42285 |access-date=2023-09-04 |language=en-US}}</ref>


The billboard was installed to have a real time visual impact on the local residents of Kharghar and Taloja, who have been plagued by growing pollution emerging from the Taloja MIDC area, construction activities, the quarry at Kharghar and vehicular movement in the region. It was an remind local residents of the pollution crisis in the area every time they looked at it.
==The Lung Billboard==


The installation, was the brainchild of Jhatka.org, and consisted two large-sized lungs depicting the human lungs, and retrofitted with HEPA filters and a fan to suck air, to mimic the process of human breathing. Along with that it had a digital air quality monitor to display the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI). The lungs were white in colour by default and were meant to change colour as per existing pollution in the area during a stipulated period of time.
Kharghar has a pollution crisis of its own, arising out of the industries in the Taloja MIDC area, besides other sources, and residents have been facing health issues for a long time owing to the polluted air. The most impacted or polluted sectors in Kharghar are sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37, besides Taloja, Kalamboli and Panvel. Some residents and activists have been monitoring the pollution and collecting data to be able to take action against polluting industries in the region.<ref>{{Cite news|date=4 January 2021|title=Kharghar sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37 most polluted after Taloja area|work=Local Press In|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/04/kharghar-sectors-34-35-36-and-37-most-polluted-after-taloja-area/|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref>


The local residents were encouraged to monitor the billboard on a regular basis to witness the impact of pollution on a day to day basis and it was to be monitored for two weeks to come to a conclusion.<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 January 2021|title=Monitor the Billboard That Breathes daily: Waatavaran urges Kharghar residents|work=Local Press|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/19/monitor-the-billboard-that-breathes-daily-waatavaran-urges-kharghar-residents/|url-status=live|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref>
On 15 January 2021, a city-based environmental organisation, Waatavaran (Climate, Environment and Sustainability Foundation (WCES), set up an installation called the "Billboard the Breathes", at the Bank of India signal junction, Sector 7, Kharghar. Though the installation was installed on 15 January 2021, it was inaugurated on Saturday, 16 January 2021, by Panvel City Municipal Corporation's (PCMC) Mayor, Dr Kavita Choutmol.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 January 2021|title=PCMC Mayor Dr Kavita Choutmol inaugurates "Billboard That Breathes" installation at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai|work=Local Press IN|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/16/pcmc-mayor-dr-kavita-chaoutmol-inaugurates-billboard-that-breathes-installation-at-kharghar-navi-mumbai/|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref>


However, the billboard had started changing colour from white to grey, barely a day after installation,<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 January 2021|title=Kharghar’s “Billboard That Breathes” turning grey and black, two weeks before expected|work=Local Press IN|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/19/kharghars-billboard-that-breathes-turning-grey-and-black-two-weeks-before-expected/|url-status=live|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> alarming social activists, local residents and the administration.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-16|title=In 1 day, giant lung billboard at Kharghar starts to turn black due to pollution|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/in-one-day-giant-lung-billboard-at-kharghar-turns-black-due-to-high-pollution-101610815798898.html|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
The billboard was installed to have a real-time visual impact on the residents of Kharghar and Taloja, who have been plagued by growing pollution emerging from the Taloja MIDC area, construction activities, the quarry at Kharghar and vehicular movement in the region. It was to remind residents of the pollution crisis in the area every time they looked at it. The installation was the brainchild of Jhatka.org and consisted of two large lungs depicting the human lungs, retrofitted with HEPA filters and a fan to suck air, to mimic the process of human breathing. Along with that, it had a digital air quality monitor to display the real-time [[air quality index]] (AQI). The lungs were white by default and were meant to change colour as per the existing pollution in the area during a stipulated period.


The Air Quality Index (AQI) during the observation period was always between 230 and 365, which was very high, and continues to remain so. The experiment further fortified the earlier findings of another experiment by Waatavaran, which had revealed extremely high levels of PM2.5 in the air, in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel belt.
The residents were encouraged to monitor the billboard regularly to witness the impact of pollution on a day-to-day basis and it was to be monitored for two weeks to conclude.<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 January 2021|title=Monitor the Billboard That Breathes daily: Waatavaran urges Kharghar residents|work=Local Press|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/19/monitor-the-billboard-that-breathes-daily-waatavaran-urges-kharghar-residents/|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> However, the billboard had started changing colour from white to grey, barely a day after installation,<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 January 2021|title=Kharghar's "Billboard That Breathes" turning grey and black, two weeks before expected|work=Local Press IN|url=https://localpress.in/2021/01/19/kharghars-billboard-that-breathes-turning-grey-and-black-two-weeks-before-expected/|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> alarming social activists, residents and the administration.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-16|title=In 1 day, giant lung billboard at Kharghar starts to turn black due to pollution|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/in-one-day-giant-lung-billboard-at-kharghar-turns-black-due-to-high-pollution-101610815798898.html|access-date=2021-02-02|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> The Air Quality Index (AQI) during the observation period was always between 230 and 365, which was very high, and continues to remain so. The experiment further fortified the earlier findings of another experiment by Waatavaran, which had revealed extremely high levels of PM2.5 in the air in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel belt. After several complaints, the 'Navi Mumbai Pollution Control Board' was ordered to install a pollution monitoring device, following which the [[Maharashtra Pollution Control Board|MPCB]] installed 11 automatic monitoring machines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air quality check in Navi Mumbai: MPCB installs air pollution monitoring machines at 11 locations |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/air-quality-check-in-navi-mumbai-mpcb-installs-air-pollution-monitoring-machines-at-11-locations |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite web|url=http://localpress.co.in/2016/09/municipal-corporation-panvel-come-effect-oct-1/|title=Municipal Corporation of Panvel to come into effect from Oct 1 - Local Press Co|date=28 September 2016}}


{{Mumbai metropolitan area}}
{{Mumbai metropolitan area}}
{{Navi Mumbai}}


{{uncategorized|date=March 2026}}
[[Category:Cities and towns in Raigad district]]
[[Category:Navi Mumbai]]
[[Category:Nodes of Navi Mumbai]]
[[Category:Nodes of Navi Mumbai]]
[[Category:Panvel]]
[[Category:Raigad district]]
[[Category:Neighbourhoods in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Geography of Mumbai]]

Latest revision as of 18:29, 29 March 2026

Kharghar
Node of Navi Mumbai
Utsav Chowk in Kharghar
Utsav Chowk in Kharghar
Kharghar is located in Mumbai
Kharghar
Kharghar
Coordinates: 19°02′10″N 73°03′42″E / 19.036146°N 73.0617213°E / 19.036146; 73.0617213
Country India
StateMaharashtra
CityNavi Mumbai
DistrictRaigad
Sub-districtPanvel Taluka
Founded byCIDCO
Government
 • BodyPMC and CIDCO
Area
 • Total32 km2 (12 sq mi)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total244,472
 • Density7,600/km2 (20,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
410210
Telephone code022
Vehicle registrationMH-46
Nearest cityPanvel
Literacy98%
Civic agencyPanvel Municipal Corporation
Local PlanningCIDCO
ClimateMonsoon (Köppen)

Kharghar is a node of Navi Mumbai situated at the northernmost tip of Raigad District and is a suburb under Panvel Municipal Corporation. Prashant Thakur, MLA, represents Kharghar in the Legislative Assembly as part of the Panvel constituency.

Developed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Kharghar has been administered by Panvel Municipal Corporation after its elevation from Municipal Council in 2016. However, CIDCO continues to function as the New Town Development Authority for the region. It's also being developed as the Education Hub of Navi Mumbai as many prominent schools and colleges are present and more are planned to follow.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Navi Mumbai Metro[edit | edit source]

There had been a significant delay in this metro project, and earlier, CIDCO issued a press release stating they were confident of kick-starting the partial services of the Navi Mumbai Metro in December 2021.[1] Further, in October 2021, the Navi Mumbai Metro received an Interim Speed Certificate by the Research, Design, and Standards Organisation (RDSO), based on successful trials, on Line-1, connecting the Central Park metro station to the Pendhar metro station, which stretches 5.14 km between stations 7 and 11. The certification expedited the process of starting commercial runs from the end of December 2021.[2] The Metro commencement was further delayed due to safety certification.[3] The railway board has approved coaches and other operational equipment, post a two-day inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on January 17–18.

The Taloja-Belapur part of the metro has started functioning, and the metro service in this part has commenced from on 17 November 2023.[4]

Other modes[edit | edit source]

Kharghar is serviced by the Harbour Line and one can board the train/alight from the train at Kharghar Railway Station.The node is also well serviced by NMMT, BEST and ST buses as it is in Navi Mumbai, adjacent to Panvel and close to Mumbai and Thane.

Corporate Park[edit | edit source]

CIDCO has planned a better version of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Kharghar with a layered structure with a pyramid-shaped central hub of high rises. The new structure will encompass an area of 200 hectares, factoring in the central park and golf course. The actual corporate hub will be on 125 hectares of land. CIDCO has decided to have a layered structure with the outer fringe to be developed with 1-2 FSI, while the core area will have 3 FSI. Around 50% of the area (120 hectares) has been set aside for the high rises with 3 FSI for the pyramid-shaped structure. Plots will be auctioned for corporates with the richer entities vying for the hub of the corporate park. Shops and commercial properties will also be developed so that there is night life, unlike BKC. Proximity to the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the metro project, worth Rs 13,000 crore, will provide high-class infra, a spokesperson said. The entire Kharghar node, along with nearby industrial and residential Taloja, will get connected to the new airport, lending an opportunity for businesses to hop between work stations and the airport.[5]

Demography[edit | edit source]

Year Male Female Total Population Change Religion (%)
Hinduism Islam Christianity Sikhism Buddhism Jainism Others Undeclared
2011[6] 42,001 38,611 80,612 - 82.687 5.103 3.034 1.744 5.807 0.944 0.082 0.598

Site for Central Park[edit | edit source]

The park occupies an area of 119 Ha. (approx.) spreading over into Sectors 23, 24 & 25 in Kharghar. An area of 80 ha. (approx.) is earmarked for 'Central Park'. It is a relatively flat terrain that has sporadic vegetation. The site acts as a link between two natural elements: hill and water. Mumbai: A sprawling hill plateau spread over 250 acres at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai will soon be up for grabs. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) will hold a global auction with a reserve price of Rs 2,000 crore to create a theme-cum-entertainment city on the lines of Hollywood, Disneyland and Sentosa park in Singapore.

The park has been open to the public since January 2010, and there is no entrance fee for visitors. Since its inauguration, Central Park at Kharghar has been the centre of recreational activities for people in Kharghar as well as other places. For safety, there are four CCTVs at Central Park, which keep a check on the visitors and keep a track of all the people. This move aims at ensuring maximum security for those who visit the park," a senior CIDCO official said.[7]

In 2023, Residents of Kharghar and Navi Mumbai who frequently visited Central Park in Kharghar raised significant concerns about the park's deteriorating condition. They emphasised the urgent need for maintenance and rejuvenation. The park's fencing had been stolen, and the lake within the premises was in dire need of cleaning since it was filled with algae and litter (mostly plastic bottles).[8] In a positive turn of events for residents of Kharghar and Navi Mumbai, CIDCO has taken proactive steps to clean the once-polluted lake at Central Park. This commendable action was prompted by the vigilance of Kharghar Civic, a proactive Twitter account dedicated to addressing local concerns, which brought the matter to CIDCO's attention. By July 2023, the lake was beautifully cleaned. The difference in the lake before and after the clean-up was found remarkable by residents.[9]

The Lung Billboard[edit | edit source]

Kharghar has a pollution crisis of its own, arising out of the industries in the Taloja MIDC area, besides other sources, and residents have been facing health issues for a long time owing to the polluted air. The most impacted or polluted sectors in Kharghar are sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37, besides Taloja, Kalamboli and Panvel. Some residents and activists have been monitoring the pollution and collecting data to be able to take action against polluting industries in the region.[10]

On 15 January 2021, a city-based environmental organisation, Waatavaran (Climate, Environment and Sustainability Foundation (WCES), set up an installation called the "Billboard the Breathes", at the Bank of India signal junction, Sector 7, Kharghar. Though the installation was installed on 15 January 2021, it was inaugurated on Saturday, 16 January 2021, by Panvel City Municipal Corporation's (PCMC) Mayor, Dr Kavita Choutmol.[11]

The billboard was installed to have a real-time visual impact on the residents of Kharghar and Taloja, who have been plagued by growing pollution emerging from the Taloja MIDC area, construction activities, the quarry at Kharghar and vehicular movement in the region. It was to remind residents of the pollution crisis in the area every time they looked at it. The installation was the brainchild of Jhatka.org and consisted of two large lungs depicting the human lungs, retrofitted with HEPA filters and a fan to suck air, to mimic the process of human breathing. Along with that, it had a digital air quality monitor to display the real-time air quality index (AQI). The lungs were white by default and were meant to change colour as per the existing pollution in the area during a stipulated period.

The residents were encouraged to monitor the billboard regularly to witness the impact of pollution on a day-to-day basis and it was to be monitored for two weeks to conclude.[12] However, the billboard had started changing colour from white to grey, barely a day after installation,[13] alarming social activists, residents and the administration.[14] The Air Quality Index (AQI) during the observation period was always between 230 and 365, which was very high, and continues to remain so. The experiment further fortified the earlier findings of another experiment by Waatavaran, which had revealed extremely high levels of PM2.5 in the air in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel belt. After several complaints, the 'Navi Mumbai Pollution Control Board' was ordered to install a pollution monitoring device, following which the MPCB installed 11 automatic monitoring machines.[15]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "CIDCO confident of kick-starting Navi Mumbai Metro in December 2021". Local Press In. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  2. ↑ "Navi Mumbai Metro gets Interim Speed Certificate, Commercial run may begin by end of December, 2021". Local Press In. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  3. ↑ Nayak, B B (13 February 2022). "Navi Mumbai Metro just a nod away from March-end start". The Times of India.
  4. ↑ "Navi Mumbai Metro - Information, Route Maps, Tenders & Updates". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  5. ↑ www.ETRealty.com. "Cidco: Mumbai may get new corporate hub - ET RealEstate". ETRealty.com.
  6. ↑ Census India 2011.
  7. ↑ "Four CCTVs at Kharghar's Central Park to keep a check on visitors". DNA. dna. 27 August 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  8. ↑ "Kharghar Residents Express Concerns Over Deteriorating State of Central Park Lake and Infrastructure". Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  9. ↑ "CIDCO cleans and restores Lake at Central Park, Kharghar". Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  10. ↑ "Kharghar sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37 most polluted after Taloja area". Local Press In. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  11. ↑ "PCMC Mayor Dr Kavita Choutmol inaugurates "Billboard That Breathes" installation at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai". Local Press IN. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  12. ↑ "Monitor the Billboard That Breathes daily: Waatavaran urges Kharghar residents". Local Press. 19 January 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  13. ↑ "Kharghar's "Billboard That Breathes" turning grey and black, two weeks before expected". Local Press IN. 19 January 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  14. ↑ "In 1 day, giant lung billboard at Kharghar starts to turn black due to pollution". Hindustan Times. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  15. ↑ "Air quality check in Navi Mumbai: MPCB installs air pollution monitoring machines at 11 locations". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
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