“MLA Krishna Hegde garlands Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue at Marol Pipeline, Andheri (East) alongwith his supporters this morning.

Hegde’s demand that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Portrait be installed at both the Airports is accepted by GVK which was not done for last 6 years.

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GVK Vice President (Corporate Affairs) Mr. N. R. Srinivasan met Vile Parle MLA Krishna Hegde at his office this morning and agreed to Hegde’s demand to install Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj portrait at Terminal 1-A, Terminal 1-B in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Domestic Ariport, Santacruz (East) and the 3rd portrait at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Andheri (East).

The sizes of 2 Individual Portraits will be 3 X 5 feet and a 3rd Portrait will be 27 X 7 feet showing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his Darbar.

GVK has asked Hegde time of 10 days and assured to hold the inauguration of the Portrait between 5th to 10th October 2011. Eminent Artist Shri Sutar from Kolhapur has been assigned to do the Portrait.

Hegde had threatened to take a huge Morcha to the GVK office and ‘GIFT’ them Portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as it has been 6 years since GVK has started the Airport work and moreover even the Statue at the International Airport had been shifted.

“I am just echoing the sentiments of 11 Crores of Maharashtrians and Crores of Indians for whom Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is like God. Our future generations should know about the glory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and also the glorious past, History and Cultures of India should be exhibited, apart from these Portraits. I would also advise GVK to open a Gallery / Museum within the Airport showcasing the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj so both Indians and visitors can view it” said Krishna Hegde.

“I am happy that GVK has responded positively and will install the Portraits in both Airports soon” Hegde added.

You can also call me on 9821372777 – Krishna Hegde.

Pic - GVK Vice President, Mr. N. R. Srinivasan shows Vile Parle MLA Krishna Hegde miniature of the Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which will be inaugurated at the Domestic Airport shortly. Portraits will be installed in both the Airports on a date between 5th to 10th October 2011 as per Hegde’s demand.

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“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered as a God by 11 crore Maharashtrians and Crores of people all over India. Since last 2 years GVK has promised to install the Portraits but have not done so far.

GVK has been working on the Domestic and International Airports for the last 6 years but no portrait of the Great Maratha Warrior is installed. Moreover the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the International Airport at Sahar has also been shifted out of vicinity to Marol Pipeline” said Krishna Hegde, MLA.

On 21 September 2011 Hegde had written a letter to Mr. Sanjay Reddy MD of GVK to install the portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at both the Airports. On 26 September 2011 Mr. N. R. Srinivasan VP Corporate Affairs of GVK met Hegde at his office and assured him that three portraits will be put up at the International and Domestic Airports. He also informed that the portraits were ready and were being painted by Kolhapur based painter Shri Sutar.

Hegde was assured by GVK that the portraits will be put up between 5th to 10th October 2011.

“I had then informed GVK that incase they failed to install the portraits me and supporters would gift them the same” said Hegde.

“I called Mr. Srinivasan on 3rd October but he was unwilling to confirm regarding inauguration. I also spoke to Mr. Hemant Dave, VP of GVK and Mr. Sanjay Reddy MD of GVK but they kept dilly dallying the matter several times were not willing to confirm regarding the portrait.

“Anyone can understand that it does not take 2 years to complete a portrait but GVK was taking us for a ride.” I have also briefed the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Party, Maharashtra Congress President Shri Manikrao Thakre and MP Priya Dutt regarding the developments. It seemed evident to me that a functionary from other political party is pressuring GVK not to put up the Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” Hegde remarked.

Hegde then contacted Mr. Yashowardhan son of the legendary Kumar Gandharv to paint a portrait of the Great Maratha King.

“I am grateful to Yashowardhan who understood my sentiments and stood by my belief and worked day and night and completed the 5 X 3 feet portrait in 7 days, today me and my supporters went to GVK officer at the Airport and handed over the same to GVK as Diwali gift” said Hegde.

Mr. Mukul Thakkar, Vice President of GVK accepted the painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on behalf of GVK. It is a pity that in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj we have to struggle for years to put up a portrait at the Airports bearing his glorious name.

“I have fulfilled my commitment and gifted GVK a ready portrait within 7 days which the GVk was unable to make for 2 years.

If they have respect and love for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj they should put it up immediately on the auspicious day of Diwali.

It is time GVK understand the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra and does not take the Airport only as a business” Hegde remarked.

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Letter sent by MLA Krishna Hegde to GVK regarding portrait of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to be installed at both the Airports

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Former Mumbai Cricket Captain Amol Muzumdar distributing Garbage Bins to 50 Societies this evening.

Garbage Free Vile Parle Initiative has been started by MLA Krishna Hegde. Over 400 Societies will be covered by this Project.

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After numerous complaints were raised by international and domestic flyers about the high parking charges at both the airports, Congress MLA Krishna Hegde has taken up the issue.

Citing an incident, Mr Hegde said that on Friday, Dr Ramzan D and his family had just returned from a pilgrimage with a lot of baggage and their nephew had come to receive them. It took them eight minutes to load all the bags in their car. “As we were leaving, we were told to shell out `70 as we had exceeded the five-minute limit at the pickup point. This is completely absurd as we did not waste even a single minute nor were we in the parking lot,” said Dr Ramzan. A heated argument ensued, and the employees threatened them, with their supervisor being rude and abusive.

Hegde has written to GVK to reduce the Parking lot charges. Presently parking charges for 30 minutes are Rs. 70 and go up to Rs. 850 for 8 to 24 hours !!!

Hegde has asked GVK if a fair process of tender has been followed. He has also asked GVK to reduce parking rates as per BMC guidelines.

“The Airport Authority has leased land owned by Government and the exorbitant charges upto Rs. 850 per day and Rs. 70 per 30 minutes are ridiculously high” said Hegde.

“The Airport should either provide amenities to Airport passengers from Mumbai, Maharashtra and all over India who frequent Mumbai Airports by giving Parking Free or atleast charge them as per BMC Parking Rates as it is Government land which is leased out to GVK and the same is not purchased by them” added Hegde. Tens of thousands of fliers from both Mumbai Airports are affected every day.

When contacted, N. R. Srinivasan, vice-president, corporate affairs, GVK Infrastructure, said, “Mr. Hegde spoke to me about the issue. I will call the supervisor and the other employees who were involved in Friday’s incident and give them a dressing down. The supervisor will be summarily dismissed. Such behavior will not be tolerated.”

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MLA Krishna Hegde starts the work on Rs. 6.5 crores Nehru Road Concretization at Vile Parle (East) this morning.

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MLA Krishna Hegde hoisting the Indian Tricolor on the 64th Independence Day in Vile Parle constituency today.

Several programs organized included a Children’s cultural program, Blood donation drive & Health camp and free Notebook distribution program for poor children.

Pics Attached

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Vile Parle MLA Krishna Hegde had organized a open discussion of residents and Auto Rickshaw Drivers of his Constituency this evening. Over 75 Auto Rickshaw drivers and over 200 residents attended the same.

Jayant Vasaikar a Parlekar complained that though the rickshaw fares have increased the Auto Rickshaw drivers should also give priority to senior citizens and women.

Another Parlekar complained that the commuters waiting in queue do not get rickshaws easily for short distances and several Rickshaw drivers are arrogant and do not stop for passengers.

Sandeep Desai one of the Auto Rickshaw Driver present said that they are aware that citizens are undergoing problems but beating them and damaging their Auto Rickshaws is not the solution.

Another Auto Rickshaw Driver said that because of a few mischievous drivers all of them are getting blamed for tampering the meters he said most of them are always helpful towards patients, senior citizens and women. He also added that commuters should queue at Rickshaw stands but the problem starts when commuters get into Auto Rickshaw not operating from the stands.

MLA Krishna Hegde suggested that Electronic Meters should be installed by all Auto Rickshaws as per Government guidelines and requested the local Rickshaw not to tamper with the Meters. Hegde has suggested phase wise replacement of Mechanical meters to enable the Auto Rickshaw driver to afford the same. The Auto Rickshaw Drivers were concerned about the theft of the Electronic meters as they have to park their Autos in the open. Hegde also suggested an insurance policy for the same.

Hegde has submitted a proposal to additional Commissioner of Traffic to start a Share-A- Rickshaw at the following locations: Vile Parle Station (East) to Koldongri, Vile Parle Station (East) to Hanuman Mandir, Vile Parle Station (East) to Garware House via Subhash Road, Vile Parle Station (East) to Highway Rose Society, Vile Parle Station (East) to Shradhanand Road, Vile Parle Station (East) to Sahara Star Hotel.

“This would benefit both the Rickshaw Drivers and the commuters and also decrease the traffic congestion” said Hegde.

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MLA Krishna Hegde blasts GVK on blaming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj / Statue on Airport Modernization cost escalation by Rs. 2500 crores.

Letter and DNA Article attached.

Text matter of the letter written to Mr. Sanjay Reddy (MD GVK) as below.

To,
Shri Sanjay Reddy
Managing Director - GVK
Mumbai.


Dear

I am shocked to read a report in today’s DNA Newspaper wherein your Chief Financial Officer  Mr. Isaac George has blamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj / his Statue for the cost escalation of Rs. 2500 crores for the Airport Modernization Program.

I would like to inform you that the Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was installed there much before the GVK started working on the Airport.

Your project Architect and Design team could have easily altered the designs / plans to avoid shifting of the Statue but chose not to.

Moreover your Chief Financial Officer is now blaming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj / Statue whereas it should be the other way round. This Statue was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and ShivSena Chief Shri Balasaheb Thackeray.

The shifting of the Statue has already hurt the sentiments of lakhs of people and I would request you to advise your officials not to make such ridiculous statements.

Moreover, inspite of commitments from your end no Portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Great Maratha Warrior was put up at both the Airports forcing me to come to your office and gift you a Portrait of the Great Maratha King on Diwali day to be put up at the Airport.

The actions and statements made by your officials show that they have no respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and this kind of ‘mischievous’ statements should be stopped once for all and an Apology should be tendered.

Thanking you,

Krishna Hegde

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Smt Priya Dutt (MP), Shri Kripashankar Singh (President, MRCC) and Vile Parle MLA Krishna Hegde will undertake Juhu Beach Clean-up drive on 12th September day after all the Ganpati Visarjans.

For the past 6 years Smt. Priya Dutt MP and MLA Krishna Hegde have been undertaking the Juhu Beach Cleaning up the Juhu Beach a day after the Ganapati Visarjans.

“There are tonnes of Plastic bags and Nirmalya on the beach after the immersions. Every year we remove 60-70 truck loads.” said Krishna Hegde MLA.

“Over 350 volunteers with JCB’s, Dumpers and other clean-up materials will assist in the Clean-up drive.” Hegde added.

“Several NGO’s, School and College students, Hotel employees and Corporates join in this initiative” said Priya Dutt.

“Apart from the Beach Clean-up drive we would also like to create awareness among the public to protect the Environment” Dutt added.

“We would also like to thank MCGM for their efforts” Dutt added.

This year over 1500 Lord Ganesh idols were immersed in an Eco-friendly Visarjan tank at Hedgewar maidan in Vile Parle.

Hegde also plans to install more Eco-friendly tanks in the Vile Parle Constituency for the next year immersions.

Venue – Near Mahatma Gandhi ji’s Statue, Juhu Beach,
Date – Monday, 12th September 2011
Time – 8.15 am

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Actor Parikshit Sahani watching a street play organized by MLA Krishna Hegde at Vile Parle Station.

The street play was held to spread awareness against the use of Chemical Paints, Thermacol, Plastic and other hazardous materials for decoration during the Ganpati festival also to promote Eco-friendly Ganpati’s and immersion of idols in manmade Eco-friendly ponds to protect the environment.

“I am happy that such an awareness has been created to protect the environment.” said Parikshit Sahani.

Hegde has also supported the Vile Parle cha Peshwa Ganpati Mandal which has won several awards in Mumbai for Eco-friendly Ganpati wherein 14 feet statue of Lord Ganesha is made of Paper and Organic colors.

MP Priya Dutt and Hegde have been cleaning the Juhu Beach every year after the last day of Ganpati Visarjans since the past 7 years.

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947 Ganpati idols were immersed at the ManMade Eco-friendly pond at Hedgewar Maidan, Vile Parle (East) last evening.

This Eco-friendly concept was endorsed by thousands of Parlekars.

“We are trying to create an awareness in protecting the Environment and have organized the same with the help of MCGM. The Citizens were very receptive to immersing their favorite Ganpati Bappa in a Eco-friendly pond” said Krishna Hegde, MLA from Vile Parle.

“With over 5000 people at the venue, it has helped in avoiding the congestion at Juhu Beach and also avoiding the traffic jams, also thousands of man hours are saved” Hegde added.

The pond admeasuring 25 X 15 feet had a depth of 10 feet. The immersion was assisted by volunteers from various Social Organizations.

The pond for Ganpati Immersion will be open till the 10th day (Anant Chaturdashi).

“11 such ponds are erected in the City of Mumbai but Vile Parle has the highest turnout of people and immersions” Hegde added.

Congress activists also distributed food and water to the devotees and volunteers. We are also trying to open up 2 more such immersion ponds in the Constituency next year round looking at the response from the people.

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Pic 115- L to R - Robin Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Jay Shroff, Dilip Vengsarkar, Krishna Hegde & Leena Prabhoo
Pic 123- L to R - Robin Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Dilip Vengsarkar, Principal Kelkar, Krishna Hegde & Leena Prabhoo
Pic 132- L to R - Krishna Hegde, Jay Shroff, Robin Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Sharbani Mukherjee & Dilip Vengsarkar
Pic 136- L to R - Krishna Hegde, Jay Shroff, Robin Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Sharbani Mukherjee & Dilip Vengsarkar

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Mumbai MLA Krishna Hegde campaigns for the Congress in Panvel with MLA Prashant Thakur. Panvel Nagar Palika has 38 seats.

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Smt. Priya Dutt (MP) hands over the Free Computer Education completion course certificate to a Senior Citizen this morning. The Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Course was organized by Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust and Budhelia Foundation. Seen in the picture are Vile Parle MLA Krishna Hegde and Kallu Budhelia. Over 450 Womens, Students, Senior Citizens completed the course.

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In the pic : Priya Dutt MP with son Siddharth, husband Owen Roncon and Vile Parle MLA Krishna Hegde at the Eco Friendly Ganapati immersion well at Khar.

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CHILDRENS' DAY- CONGRESS MP MS. PRIYA DUTT WITH UNDERPRIVIDLEGE CHILDREN AT THE FELICITATION PROGRAMME OF VILEPARLE MLA KRISHNA HEGDE

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