The Bombay High Court (HC) on Friday criticised the Navy for an alleged “intelligence failure”, questioning how a high-rise project went unnoticed near INS Shikra, its premier air station in south Mumbai, news agency PTI reported. A division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri observed that, prima facie, there appeared to be a serious lapse, noting that the Navy had failed to detect the construction of a skyscraper in close proximity to its sensitive installation. The court was hearing a petition filed by the Commanding Officer of INS Shikra seeking to halt the project, citing significant security risks to the sensitive military installation. The bench also questioned the Navy’s selective opposition to this particular building when several other residential high-rises exist in the vicinity, some at a “stone’s throw distance” from INS Shikra, reported PTI. Petitioner says other high-rises predate 2011 Defence Ministry notification Advocate RV Govilkar, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the other buildings were constructed before 2011, when the Ministry of Defence issued a notification making a No Objection Certificate (NOC) mandatory for the construction of tall structures near defence establishments. However, the court noted that the present high-rise received its commencement certificate in March 2011 and construction began thereafter. “You (Navy) are trying to hide a grave lapse on your part… a lapse in intelligence and security. There has been a failure of intelligence. The Navy has been sitting in its office and noticed this building only after almost 70 metres (19 storeys) had already been constructed by 2024,” the bench said. The court observed that it could not continue its earlier interim order halting construction, which had been passed due to security concerns ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the city. It clarified that while construction up to 53.07 metres (15 storeys) is permissible in the area, any development beyond that height would be at the developer’s own risk. If it is ultimately held that an NOC was mandatory, the court said it would direct demolition of the structure above 53 metres, PTI reported. The bench also warned of action against Mumbai civic body officials if it is found that the commencement certificate was granted without the required NOC from the Navy. Final hearing scheduled for March 30 The matter has been posted for final hearing on March 30. After examining photographs submitted by the developer, the court noted that several other high-rises stand between the under-construction building and the naval base. “In fact, from the under-construction building, the naval base is out of sight. This is our prima facie view,” the bench observed, adding that other nearby buildings also posed a potential threat perception, yet no action had been taken against them. Senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas, appearing for the developer, argued that since the project received its commencement certificate in March 2011 — months before the Ministry of Defence notification — it did not require a mandatory NOC. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 11:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday criticised the opposition after Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leaders skipped the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) meeting on the eve of the state’s Budget Session, which is expected to feature intense debates on the plane crash that killed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and other key issues. The opposition also boycotted the customary tea hosted by Fadnavis, citing the state government’s lack of regret over the potential impact of the trade deal between India and the United States (US) on cotton growers and fisherfolk in Maharashtra. At a press conference, Fadnavis claimed that the signature of a former NCP (SP) legislator appeared on a memorandum submitted to him. Questioning the unity among MVA allies, he said NCP (SP) leaders had skipped an opposition meeting held earlier in the day. Fadnavis further alleged that the memorandum was full of grammatical errors and appeared to be a copy-paste from newspaper articles. The Maharashtra CM said the month-long Budget Session would see the introduction of 15 Bills and announced that he would present the State Budget on March 6, seeking to implement Pawar’s ideas and suggestions. “Late Pawar had allocated Rs 500 crore for an AI mission for farmers,” Fadnavis said, adding that 30 lakh farmers had already registered on the app developed under the initiative. No direct role of Narhari Zirwal in bribery case so far: Maharashtra CM On law and order, the CM said he had given full powers to the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) to act on complaints. Referring to the ongoing investigation into a bribery case in NCP Minister Narhari Zirwal’s office, he stated that the probe so far did not establish any direct role of the minister. “Just because wrongdoing has happened in a minister’s cabin, he cannot be held responsible unless there is proof,” Fadnavis said. He also accused the opposition of “continuously insulting the people's mandate” and asserted that the Mahayuti alliance’s victory in local body polls demonstrates that the government is functioning sincerely. Earlier, NCP (SP) leaders had remained absent from an MVA meeting aimed at projecting opposition unity ahead of the Budget Session, with Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) attributing the absence to a “communication gap”. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, present alongside Fadnavis, noted that while the opposition boycotted the traditional tea party, one of their own allies had also skipped the opposition meeting. “It is very sad that we have to pay tributes to him. But everyone is helpless before destiny,” he added, referring to Ajit Pawar. Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar said, “We have requested a CBI probe into the air crash, and the Chief Minister has assured a thorough investigation.” She recalled that her late husband, as finance minister, had presented the state budget 11 times. “This year, he would have presented the 12th Budget. Under his leadership, the state’s allocations grew, and he never compromised on fiscal discipline,” she added. Sunetra Pawar further said this will be her first session and expressed hope for a smooth legislative process. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 11:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is set to get a major boost in affordable fertility treatment with the inauguration of the MAA (Malpani Anjali and Aniruddha) IVF Centre at the prestigious KEM Hospital on February 23. The centre will be formally inaugurated at 6 pm by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. Located within King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, one of India’s leading public teaching hospitals, the new IVF facility aims to make advanced reproductive treatment more accessible to a wider section of society, particularly patients who rely on public healthcare. Infertility affects millions of couples across India, but access to ethical, affordable, and evidence-based IVF services remains limited, especially in the public sector. The MAA IVF Centre seeks to bridge this gap by offering high-quality fertility treatment at a government hospital setting. Focus on training future IVF specialists Apart from patient care, the centre will also focus on training the next generation of gynaecologists in assisted reproductive techniques and promoting research to simplify and improve IVF procedures, making them more cost-effective and widely accessible. The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen fertility services within Mumbai’s public healthcare system and expand options for couples seeking scientifically sound and affordable treatment.
22 February,2026 10:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday that the state government has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28, news agency PTI reported. Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the Maharashtra Legislature's Budget Session, Fadnavis said the Mahayuti government is committed to clearing all doubts surrounding the incident. "I received a letter from the NCP (an ally of the BJP) demanding a CBI probe into the air crash and discussed it with Home Minister Amit Shah. In addition to the ongoing investigations by the DGCA and state CID, there will now be a CBI probe," he stated. VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) speaks on progress of investigation in fatal plane crash involving late Ajit Pawar. #AjitPawar #PlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/LB0cJdoMv2 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 22, 2026 Pawar and four others were killed when their chartered Learjet 45 aircraft crashed while attempting to land near Baramati in Pune district. His nephew and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Rohit Pawar had raised multiple allegations about the crash circumstances and suspected foul play. On Saturday, Rohit Pawar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu until the inquiry is completed, citing alleged links between the aircraft owner VSR and the minister. Fadnavis noted that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently auditing VSR Company and examining all its logbooks. Ajit Pawar death: Sunetra Pawar backs CBI investigation into air crash "We must wait for the probe report and refrain from speculation. Any doubts should be referred to the appropriate authority. The government will ensure regular follow-up of the investigation. I believe the DGCA and the civil aviation ministry have nothing to hide," he added. Fadnavis highlighted the importance of the probe for the safety of all political leaders, mentioning that he himself had travelled on VSR planes multiple times. Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, present at the press conference alongside Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, said: "We have requested a CBI probe into the air crash and the chief minister has assured a thorough investigation." (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrabhakar Shinde was on Friday elected unopposed as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The announcement was made by Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting convened to elect the head of the key statutory committee. The poll follows the recently concluded BMC Elections 2026. In a special meeting held on February 16, a total of 26 corporators were nominated to the Standing Committee. The chairperson of the Education Committee is an ex-officio member of the panel. A special session was held at 2 pm on Friday to conduct the election. As Shinde was the sole candidate to file nomination papers, he was declared elected unopposed. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande and all Standing Committee members were present during the proceedings. The Standing Committee is one of the most powerful bodies within the civic administration, responsible for key financial approvals and policy decisions. Rajeshree Shirwadkar elected unopposed as civic body's education panel chief Rajeshree Rajesh Shirwadkar was on Friday elected unopposed as chairperson of the Education Committee in the BMC Committee Elections 2026. Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting held at 11 am, announced her election. Earlier this week, on February 16, the civic body had nominated 22 corporators and four non-corporator members to the statutory committee following the BMC Elections 2026. With Shirwadkar being the sole candidate in the fray, she was declared elected unopposed. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Prachi Jambhekar and Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande were present along with committee members.
22 February,2026 09:43 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentCentral Railway’s Mumbai Division will operate a special 19-hour traffic and power block at Kharbao from 12.30 pm on Saturday, February 21, to 7.30 am on Sunday, February 22, for the commissioning of new UP and DOWN goods lines under DFCCIL project. The block will impact multiple suburban and passenger services, with several MEMU trains cancelled and others regulated. Several MEMU trains cancelled DOWN direction 69161 Panvel–Dahanu Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61006 Diva–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61002 Dombivli Central Cabin–Boisar MEMU (JCO February 22) UP direction 61007 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 21) 69166 Vasai Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 21) 61001 Boisar–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 22) 61003 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 22) Train regulations 69164 Dahanu Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 22) will be regulated for 10 minutes at Kaman Road. 22178 Secunderabad–Rajkot Express (JCO February 21) will be regulated for 1 hour and 30 minutes at Bhiwandi Road. Additionally, Mail/Express and passenger trains passing through the affected section during the block period are expected to run 25 to 30 minutes late. Railway officials said the block is essential for infrastructure upgrades and operational safety. Passengers have been requested to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with the railway administration during the temporary disruption. Western Railway to operate four-hour night block on Mumbai suburban section; details here Western Railway (WR) will not operate a daytime block on Sunday over the suburban section. However, a four-hour maintenance block will be operated at night, affecting Mumbai local train services on certain stretches, WR informed. The block will be imposed on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Vasai Road and Virar from 12.15 am to 4.15 am on the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday to carry out maintenance of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment. Additionally, a major block on all the lines between Borivali and Dahisar will take place from 2.10 am to 4.10 am to facilitate the launching of a new foot over bridge (FOB) girder. During this period, Slow line suburban trains will run on Fast lines between Vasai Road and Virar. Due to the FOB-launching block, some suburban and Mail/Express trains will be delayed or cancelled. Key regulations Avadh Express (19038) Barauni–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by one hour between Virar and Bhayandar. Saurashtra Mail (22946) Okha–Mumbai Central: Delayed by 45 minutes between Virar and Bhayandar. AC Superfast Express (22904) Bhuj–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by 20 minutes between Surat and Virar. Virar–Churchgate locals (90006 & 90018): Delayed from Virar delayed by 15 minutes each. Some suburban services will also remain cancelled during the block. WR has appealed to passengers to check with station masters for detailed information. It has clarified that all daytime suburban services on Sunday will operate as usual, ensuring no disruption to daily commuters.
22 February,2026 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFarmers staged a protest on Sunday at the Mogharpada metro rail carshed site in Thane, pressing their long-pending demands related to land acquisition for the project, news agency PTI reported. The protesting farmers demanded immediate compensation for the land acquired by the government, proper training programmes to ensure that youth from the local area secure jobs connected with the metro rail operations, and allocation of five acres of land in the vicinity for construction of a school and a college for the benefit of the community. Most of the participants in the protest, which included a bonfire, are paddy cultivators whose fields fall within the area earmarked for the carshed and other metro rail expansion works. The Mogharpada depot is set to be one of the largest in the country and will serve metro lines 4, 4A, 10 and 11. It will feature more than 60 rake stabling lines. MMRDA announces Mumbai Metro Line-12A extension along Kalyan-Shilphata Road The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Friday announced the extension of Metro Line-12 with a new corridor, Metro 12A, along the busy Kalyan–Shilphata Road. The project, which has received administrative approval of Rs 8,414.53 crore, was announced by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde. The development is being viewed as a major boost to connectivity in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by MP Shrikant Shinde. The extended corridor will connect Kalyan Phata to Taloja via Dahisar Mori, running parallel to the congested Kalyan-Shilphata Road. The 18.4-km revised corridor, of which 10.5 km is already under construction, will feature 12 elevated stations, including Manpada, Katai Naka, Desai Naka, Padle Gaon, Kalyan Phata, Gotheghar, Dahisar Mori, Rohinjan, and Khutare Village. Between Katai Naka and Kalyan Phata, track and station-sharing has been proposed with Metro Line-14 (Kanjurmarg to Badlapur). The corridor will also integrate with the Nilje Depot and the proposed Thane Bullet Train Station. The project is expected to significantly decongest vehicular traffic on Shilphata Road while providing the first metro connectivity to Kalwa, Diva, and Mumbra regions. In addition to the metro expansion, MMRDA has cleared a Rs 5,909.21 crore double-decker elevated corridor between Kalyan Phata (Shilphata Junction) and Rajnoli in Bhiwandi. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 08:21 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway (CR) executed a mega block on Sunday to undertake key infrastructure works for accommodating 15-coach local trains at Thane station. The Mumbai Division operated a mega block on the UP and DOWN slow lines between Mulund and Thane stations from 11 am to 4 pm. The block was aimed at platform extension and extensive yard remodelling at Thane to facilitate the operation of longer suburban trains. During the five-hour block, teams comprising officers, supervisors and staff from the Engineering, OHE, Signal and Telecommunication departments carried out multiple works simultaneously. Major works included removal and laying of switches and a culvert using crane machines, siding work and tamping, crossover laying and track shifting, dismantling of an existing crossover and laying of 80 metres of new track. Re-tensioning of contact wires, OHE maintenance, and shifting of point machines, signals and track circuits were also undertaken. Mumbai suburban trains diverted between Mulund and Thane during mega block To minimise disruption, suburban train services were diverted during the block period. DOWN Slow services departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus between 10.04 am and 3.09 pm were diverted to the DOWN Fast line between Mulund and Thane and later re-diverted to the Slow line at Thane. Similarly, UP Slow services leaving Kalyan between 10.36 am and 3.24 pm were diverted to the UP Fast line between Thane and Mulund before rejoining the Slow corridor at Mulund. The yard remodelling at Thane is part of a larger plan to remodel 34 yards across Central Railway to increase the number of 15-coach suburban services. Thane is among the key stations undergoing major infrastructure upgrades under this initiative. Officials said the completion of the works will enable an increase in 15-coach local train services, enhance operational flexibility, and improve stabling and maintenance facilities. The mega block was carried out with all prescribed safety measures in place. Additional ticket-checking and security personnel were deployed, and frequent announcements were made to guide passengers and reduce inconvenience. Central Railway said the upgrade is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen suburban infrastructure and provide safer, more efficient services to commuters.
22 February,2026 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSanjay Raut on Sunday endorsed party legislator Aaditya Thackeray’s stand on the upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections 2026, saying that as the largest party in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Sena (UBT) has the first claim to the alliance’s lone winnable seat from Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported. In April, the Rajya Sabha terms of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, NCP (SP) MP Fauzia Khan, RPI (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale, BJP’s Bhagwat Karad, Congress’s Rajani Patil, and NCP’s Dhairysheel Patil will end. MVA can potentially send only one candidate to the Upper House of the Parliament due to its reduced strength in the assembly. As largest party in MVA, Shiv Sena (UBT) stakes first claim on Rajya Sabha seat: Aaditya Thackeray Earlier this week, Aaditya Thackeray appeared to stake his party’s claim to the MVA’s lone winnable seat, stating that, based on the current numbers in the Assembly, the Rajya Sabha seat “belongs” to his party and that “talks will definitely happen in that direction in the MVA.” Speaking to PTI, Raut said there was “no inconsistency” in the party’s stand and pointed out that the Sena (UBT) is the single largest party in the Opposition with 20 MLAs. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Aaditya Thackeray said. We are the single largest party with 20 MLAs. The Congress has 16, and the NCP (SP) has 10. Therefore, whoever gets elected to the Rajya Sabha will go as a candidate of the MVA. As the largest party, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has the first right,” he said. Clarifying his earlier remarks about Sharad Pawar, the Rajya Sabha MP said he had only stated that the senior leader had expressed a desire regarding the Rajya Sabha berth. “I said that as a senior leader, Sharad Pawar has expressed his wish. He is a senior leader of the MVA. We will sit together and take a collective decision. But it must first be accepted that, as the largest party, Shiv Sena (UBT) has the primary claim,” he said, noting that the NCP (SP) chief has not officially declared his candidature so far, reported PTI. The MVA leadership is competent to take an appropriate decision, he added, urging people not to feel undue “tension or pressure” over the evolving political situation in Maharashtra. Referring to Aaditya Thackeray’s assertion that one candidate each from Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) could be elected, Raut said the former minister is well-versed in legislative affairs. “Aaditya Thackeray understands politics and legislative functioning. Last time, Sharad Pawar and Priyanka Chaturvedi were elected. At that time, the situation was different, and we were together with higher numbers. Aaditya Thackeray will not make an incorrect statement,” he said, reported PTI. However, he indicated that the arithmetic remains crucial. Support of 37 MLAs needed to win RS seat “One MP will certainly be elected. Support of 37 MLAs is needed. This time, we appear to have 10 to 12 surplus votes. We will need to mobilise another 20-21 votes. If that happens, two candidates can be elected. But at this moment, since Shiv Sena (UBT) is the largest party, we are bound to assert our claim,” Raut added. The Election Commission is set to notify the polls for seven Rajya Sabha seats on February 26. Voting is scheduled for March 16. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the NCP, has 232 MLAs and can potentially win six seats. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA large human chain protest was organised on Sunday against alleged illegal constructions on Belapur Hill in Navi Mumbai by the ‘Save Belapur Hills Forum’ and the ‘NatConnect Foundation’, news agency PTI reported. The protesters demanded immediate government intervention to avert a potential tragedy similar to the 2023 Irshalwadi landslide in Raigad district, which had claimed 84 lives. Activists alleged that at least 30 unauthorised structures are continuing to expand on the landslide-prone slopes of the hill, PTI reported. “Information obtained from CIDCO under the RTI Act reveals that these illegal constructions occupy roughly 2.3 lakh sq ft of public land,” an activist claimed. The forum further alleged that large-scale tree felling carried out to facilitate these constructions has significantly weakened the soil stability of the hills, PTI reported. “We are not against any specific community or structure. Our primary concern is the safety of the devotees visiting these hill-top sites and the over 600 families living directly in the danger zone below the slopes,” said BN Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation. Kapil Kulkarni of the Save Belapur Hills Forum said that although assurances of action were given as early as 2015, the number of structures has only increased over the past decade. Mumbai civic body clears 65 illegal structures in Kandivali West The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), during the early hours of Friday, carried out a major eviction drive in the Mahavir Nagar area of Kandivali West. The civic authority removed 65 unauthorised constructions and hawkers to ease congestion and restore public spaces. According to officials, the eviction drive was undertaken by the civic body’s R-South administrative division under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 7) Sandhya Nandedkar and led by Assistant Commissioner (R-South Division) Aarti Golekar. The official statement also emphasised that several unauthorised structures had come up in the locality, along with illegal hawking activities, leading to obstruction of vehicular movement and inconvenience to pedestrians. In response, a coordinated campaign was launched by various departments under the R-South division. The drive resulted in the demolition of unauthorised constructions and the eviction of hawkers encroaching on public areas. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 06:14 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA massive fire broke out near South Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Sunday, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air. According to officials, huge clouds of smoke were seen rising from the tetrapods and large concrete blocks along the seafront. Pic/ Ashish Raje Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and began efforts to douse the blaze. Mumbai Traffic Police also reached the area to manage vehicular movement and prevent congestion. Firefighting operations are underway. Pic/ Ashish Raje As a precautionary measure, the entrance of the Coastal Road tunnel has been temporarily closed while firefighting operations continue, an official told Mid-Day. Further details are awaited as operations remain underway. Watch: Firefighting operations underway as fire breaks out near Mumbai's Coastal Road A massive fire broke out near South Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Sunday, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. Mumbai Fire Brigade teams rushed to the scene and began efforts to contain the blaze, officials confirmed.As reported by Mid-Day, the entrance of the Coastal Road… pic.twitter.com/FHlbRmcxFW — Mid Day (@mid_day) February 22, 2026
22 February,2026 05:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
