Navi Mumbai: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has begun broadcasting Diwali greetings and public awareness messages on water conservation, environmental protection and citizen safety through audio systems on its public transport — NMMT buses. The initiative complements the civic body’s campaign across hoardings, banners and social media, aimed at encouraging responsible celebrations and public participation in the city’s development. The messages cover judicious use of water, environmental conservation, firecracker-related pollution control, fire safety and protection of children.Passengers are reminded that Diwali is a festival of joy, enthusiasm and light, and are urged to celebrate responsibly. The announcements ask citizens to use water wisely, avoid firecrackers or limit their use to reduce noise and air pollution, and remain alert to potential fire hazards.They also stress child safety, cleanliness and care for the environment during festivities.The civic body said the bus-based audio campaign had been arranged to effectively convey festive greetings and municipal public awareness messages to citizens travelling on the transport corporation’s services. By using buses alongside other communication channels, the corporation aims to reach commuters across Navi Mumbai during Diwali.“The announcements also call on property owners to pay property tax promptly so that the city’s development could be a reality,” said NMMC commissioner Kailas Shinde. The corporation describes property tax as the foundation of city development and asks citizens to make timely payments to avoid harsh action. “Public awareness is being created through NMMT buses while extending Diwali greetings under the message, ‘Our Navi Mumbai, our pride, our responsibility’,” said an official.
