IndiGo on Thursday issued a detailed public apology to passengers amid widespread flight disruptions, stating that the past few days had brought the airline to a “serious operational crisis”. The carrier said that while the situation will not be resolved overnight, teams are working to restore normal operations “at the earliest”. pic.twitter.com/ckhaWnbo86 — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 5, 2025 In a post on social media platform X, IndiGo acknowledged that many passengers had faced cancellations, long wait times at airports, and limited information. The airline added that Friday would see the highest number of cancellations, terming it a necessary step to “reboot all systems and schedules” for gradual improvement from Saturday. IndiGo informed that its teams were working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to reinstate regular operations, adding that short-term proactive cancellations were being carried out to ease congestion and “prepare for starting stronger tomorrow”. The airline announced a series of measures for affected passengers: Full refunds for all cancellations to be processed automatically to the original mode of payment. Full waiver on cancellation and rescheduling fees for bookings between December 5 and December 15. Hotel rooms across cities and surface transport have been arranged for passengers. Food and snacks being offered at airports. Lounge access is being arranged for senior citizens “wherever possible”. The airline also urged passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and not to visit the terminal if their flight was cancelled. It added that it had “massively increased” contact centre capacity to reduce wait times and pointed customers to its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant ‘6Eskai’ for help with status, refunds and re-bookings. IndiGo said it expected “incremental progress”, adding, “We will do everything to earn back your trust and the love you have showered on us in the last 19 years and we can’t lose it at any cost.” Thanking passengers for their patience, the airline said its frontline staff and teams remain dedicated to restoring normal operations and would continue to share updates. “And once again… our sincere apologies,” the statement concluded.
05 December,2025 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentFlight disruptions at IndiGo continued for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, with the airline still working to stabilise its schedules and restore normal operations. Sources told mid-day.com that Mumbai Airport has seen very limited IndiGo arrivals so far on Friday. As of 1.14 pm, the number of IndiGo flights that had landed remained in “single digits”. Sources indicated that around four flights may have arrived till that time, but this figure could not be independently confirmed. IndiGo has not yet issued a detailed update on the day’s operations. The airline has been scrambling to realign crews, aircraft rotations and schedules after widespread delays and cancellations affected passengers across multiple airports over the past few days. More details are awaited.
05 December,2025 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturShiv Sena (UBT) on Friday attacked the BJP-led government in Maharashtra and the Centre over their delayed response and hollow assurances to the state’s rain-affected farmers, highlighting the gap between political rhetoric and actual relief delivery, reported news agency IANS. "The double standards of those in power regarding farmers' welfare have become abundantly clear. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's disclosure in Parliament has exposed this government's hypocrisy. Helicopters were deployed for Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections, but when it comes to compensating farmers for crop losses, where did those helicopters disappear?" asked the Thackeray camp in an editorial in the party’s mouthpiece, 'Saamana', reported IANS. According to the editorial, the government had claimed to "illuminate Diwali" for rain-affected farmers, but, since the Rabi season has begun, it can neither provide full aid on its own nor send the proposal for additional assistance from the Centre on time. This is the magnitude of the grand talk and rhetoric about farmers' welfare by the Chief Minister and his two deputy Chief Ministers. The editorial said that earlier, the Union Agriculture Minister had stated that no formal proposal for aid had been received from the state government. Following heated exchanges in the state, the minister hurriedly clarified that on November 27, a report had indeed been sent to the Central government, attempting to put a band-aid on the state government's careless actions. The state Agriculture Minister also disclosed belatedly that on November 27, the government had submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking financial aid. But this merely highlighted the government's delayed response even more. "The authorities themselves are dynamic and fast-moving, but when it comes to providing financial assistance to farmers, only their empty rhetoric is swift,” taunted the editorial. “In the first week of October, the state Chief Minister announced a special package of Rs 31,628 crore for rain-affected farmers. Along with that, an announcement was made that the Central government would also send a formal proposal for additional aid. However, it took until November 27 to send this proposal to the Centre -- a full two-month delay. Now, when will discussions on this proposal happen in the Centre? When will a decision be made? When will the Central government provide aid, and when will that amount reach farmers' hands? All these questions remain hanging in the balance,” said the Thackeray camp, reported IANS. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) said the excessive rainfall completely destroyed crops across approximately 70 lakh acres in the state. More than 70 lakh farmers have suffered losses. "The condition of those whose entire farmland was washed away is truly frightening. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that all these flood-hit farmers would not be left in darkness during Diwali," the editorial mentioned, reported IANS. “The special package of Rs 31,628 crore was supposedly announced to provide aid to loss-affected farmers before Diwali. But all these farmers' Diwali remained in darkness. Subsequently, some financial assistance has been distributed in five districts, but the state government hasn't yet provided the aid it announced to farmers in many districts,” claimed the Thackeray camp. (With inputs from IANS)
05 December,2025 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSatellite-tagged Olive Ridley turtle Dhaval Lakshmi, released off the Dahanu coast over a week ago, appears to be enjoying the waters nearby. Since its release, the turtle hasn’t moved in any specific direction and continues to remain roughly 27 km northwest of Dahanu, swimming around the same area without showing any clear directional movement over the past week. This is the same turtle that was found injured off the Dahanu coast in August. After receiving treatment, she was rehabilitated and released back into the sea. According to officials from the Mangrove Cell, Dhaval Lakshmi continues to hover between 27 km and 45 km northwest of Dahanu. “Since her release, she appears to be spending time in the same stretch of water, likely due to the abundant availability of food in the area. It will be interesting to track her movements once she begins travelling further in the coming days.” Pic/Mangrove Cell Dr Dinesh J Vinherkar, the veterinarian at the Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Dahanu, along with the WCAWA (Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Association) team, officials from the Mangrove Cell, and the forest department (Dahanu), played a crucial role in rescuing the turtle after it was found entangled in a ghost net off the Dhakti Dahanu coast. “The female turtle was critically injured and found entangled in a ghost net. After rescuing her safely, we treated her wounds with antibiotics, painkillers and fluid therapy for hydration. We also had to carry out stomach tube feeding and hand-feeding until she began eating on her own. She was given regular swimming practice in the seawater pools at the TTC in Dahanu, and we used laser therapy to help with muscle healing. She responded well to the treatment, and later the decision to fit her with a satellite tag was taken by officials from the Mangrove Cell and forest department, along with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India,” Dr Vinherkar said. Pic/Mangrove Cell Dr Vinherkar believes that tracking a turtle that has recovered from serious injuries with a satellite tag will be a significant milestone in understanding the fate of critically injured sea turtles after rehabilitation. “This will give us hope and confidence to save more injured marine wildlife. The data will help us understand their post-release survival and to develop better strategies for rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and the release of marine wildlife in the future,” he said. The development was a first for the Dahanu coast, wherein the Mangrove Cell fitted a satellite tag on an Olive Ridley turtle to track its journey from the shoreline. The project aims to gather important data on the species’ migration routes, foraging grounds, and population patterns along India’s western coast. Pic/Mangrove Cell Deputy Director Manas Manjrekar from Mangrove Cell said, "As on 04/12/2025, the satellite tagged turtle 'Dhaval Lakshmi' was observed to be around 50 km northwest of Dahanu and around 40 km offshore from the coast of Daman."
05 December,2025 01:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAn official from the Virar-Vasai Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has been arrested in connection with the building collapse in Maharashtra's Palghar district, in which 17 people lost their lives in August, an official said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar (MBVV) police arrested Gilson Gonsalves, the assistant commissioner of the VVMC ward C, on Thursday night, an official said, reported PTI. Ramabai Apartment, an unauthorised four-storey building, collapsed onto an adjacent vacant tenement at Vijay Nagar in Virar area of Palghar, adjoining Mumbai, on August 26. At least 17 people, including two children, were killed in the incident, reported PTI. With the latest arrest, six people have been booked in the case. The Virar police had earlier arrested developer Neetal Sane, who remains in custody, and two women, who owned the land on which the structure was built, and their husbands, who collected rent from the residents. According to Crime Branch officials, Gonsalves, who was in charge of ward C, failed to take action under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, despite a structural audit flagging the building as dangerous and unauthorised, reported PTI. "Assistant Commissioner Gonsalves did not take the mandated action under the MRTP Act when the structural audit found the building to be dangerous and its construction was unauthorised. A case has been registered against him for dereliction of duty by colluding with the building contractor," an official said, reported PTI. The building, constructed around 2012, was confirmed by the VVMC to be illegal, and was built by the landowner and developer without technical advice using substandard materials. The building, Ramabai Apartment, which housed nearly 50 flats, collapsed at 12.05 am on August 26, crashing onto an adjacent but vacant tenement in the Vijay Nagar area, killing 17 people in the incident. Constructed in 2012, Ramabai Apartment has 50 flats, and the collapsed part had 12 apartments. The builder of the ill-fated building, a four-storey structure, in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, has been arrested by the police after the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) lodged a formal complaint with the police. (With inputs from PTI)
05 December,2025 12:58 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of Railways has approved the Central Railway’s proposal to introduce 10 new suburban services and add two new stoppages on Port Line section of the Nerul–Uran and Belapur–Uran corridors. The orders were issued on 3 December through a Railway Board communication to the General Manager (Operations), Central Railway. According to the letter, four of the new suburban services will run on the Nerul–Uran–Nerul route, while six services will operate on the Belapur–Uran–Belapur route. These additions are aimed at enhancing capacity and improving connectivity on the rapidly developing Mumbai's Port Line. The Railway Board has also authorised the provision of stoppages for Port Line suburban trains at Targhar and Gavhan stations in Raigad, which until now did not have suburban halts. Both stations fall on the Nerul–Uran stretch, where ridership has been steadily rising following the extension of suburban operations. Additionally, the order states that speeding up of Port Line services on both the Nerul–Uran and Belapur–Uran sections has been approved, indicating operational optimisation to reduce travel time. The communication notes that these changes may be implemented “from an early convenient date,” with the Railway Board directing Central Railway to give wide publicity and ensure necessary arrangements for smooth rollout. The approval has been issued by Sanjay R Neelam, director (coaching), Railway Board.
05 December,2025 12:49 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentSimone Tata, the pioneering business leader known for shaping Lakmé into India’s iconic beauty brand and establishing the base for fashion retail through the Westside chain, passed away on Friday at the age of 95. She had been recovering from an illness and was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. In a statement, the Tata Group paid tribute to her enduring legacy. “She will always be remembered for her contribution to the growth of Lakmé as India’s leading cosmetic brand and for laying the foundation for fashion retail with the Westside chain. She also guided the work of many philanthropic organisations, including the Sir Ratan Tata Institute. With her positivity and deep resolve, she overcame many challenges in her life while touching many of us deeply. May her soul rest in peace and God give us the strength to overcome this loss,” the statement read. Last respects will be offered on December 6, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Colaba, followed by a mass at 11:00 am. She is survived by her son Noel Tata, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah. Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she first visited India as a tourist in 1953. She married Naval H. Tata in 1955 and began her professional journey with the Tata Group in the early 1960s.
05 December,2025 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that Maharashtra is set to strengthen its power distribution network through a ‘Digital Twin’ model for solar and other renewable energy sources. He said that the distribution company MahaVitaran will soon implement an AI-based digitisation initiative in collaboration with leading international organisations. “This marks the beginning of environment-friendly and sustainable development through AI technology in the state’s energy sector,” he said. He said that through the cooperation of RF and GEAPP, this state-of-the-art AI-based global platform will set a benchmark for power utilities across India. The Chief Minister said that AI-driven decision-support tools will significantly enhance customer service and help strengthen MahaVitaran’s financial foundation. “The solutions being developed will offer long-term, sustainable and effective support to the power distribution sector. This is the first-ever attempt to develop a Digital Twin for electricity distribution,” he said. The Chief Minister added that the innovative AI initiative is expected to drive major improvements in the use of sustainable and eco-friendly green energy, especially in rural areas. According to the Chief Minister, farmers and electricity consumers in rural Maharashtra will gain more reliable and easily accessible power through this technology. “With global-level AI systems and direct energy-sector collaboration, Maharashtra will deploy advanced digital solutions that will increase the accuracy of power flow, field operations and energy management,” he said. The Energy Department, in a release, said the initiative will have a significant impact across the sector, adding that the digital transformation enables faster project-level decision-making, improves grid efficiency, and increases the utilisation of solar energy. “With enhanced green energy use, pollution levels will be reduced substantially. A reduction of even 1 per cent in power losses could save Rs 1,000-1,500 crore annually, thereby reducing financial losses considerably,” said the department. It said that owing to international collaboration, this initiative could become a major milestone in stabilising power supply and improving service quality in fast-developing countries like India. “Maharashtra now has an important opportunity to contribute to India’s vision of a sustainable, environment-friendly, and self-sufficient energy system,” it said. The department said that through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitisation, MahaVitaran is gearing up to modernise the state’s energy infrastructure, marking the beginning of a new era.
05 December,2025 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Friday, Mumbai is expected to experience maximum and minimum temperatures of around 34 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city witnessed a hazy morning, but the IMD forecasts mainly clear skies across the city and suburbs. As per the SAMEER App, Mumbai’s air quality index (AQI) stands at 129 today, showing slight improvement from Thursday. However, the air quality may still cause breathing discomfort for individuals with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. AQI readings across Mumbai: Kurla: 107Powai: 85Vile Parle: 143Borivali: 120Worli: 75Sion: 96Mazgaon: 127Deonar: 148Malad West: 152 Delhi air quality remains in 'very poor' category with persistent smog; AQI at 323 Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of toxic smog on Friday morning, with the average AQI reaching 323 at 8 am, placing the city in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Although the air quality showed slight improvement compared to recent weeks, several areas remained engulfed in dense haze, reducing visibility significantly. Early reports from Ghazipur and Akshardham indicated heavy smog, while much of the National Capital continued to fall under the “very poor” category, reported news agency ANI. Anand Vihar experienced particularly severe pollution, with an AQI of 348. Other affected areas included Sonia Vihar at 343 and Wazirpur at 358, according to CPCB data. Bawana recorded the highest AQI of 325 at 8 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 269, which falls under the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Akshardham area is blanketed by a layer of toxic smog that covers the city. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 348, categorised as 'Very Poor'. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks. An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort. The "Moderate" category, ranging from 101 to 200, signals increasing pollution levels that can trigger breathing difficulties among people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart diseases. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "Poor", a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues. This level has become increasingly common in several parts of the capital during winter. Levels between 301 and 400 are marked as "Very Poor", posing a risk of respiratory illnesses even to healthy individuals when exposure continues for long periods. The most hazardous category, "Severe," includes AQI values from 401 to 500. At this stage, air quality becomes dangerous for everyone. Further to combat the continuously deteriorating air quality in the national capital and its adjoining areas, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday chaired a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to review the pollution control measures in the national capital, reported ANI. (With ANI inputs)
05 December,2025 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Revenue Department has formed Divisional Vigilance squads and a state-level committee to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and a people-centric approach in its functioning, reported news agency IANS. The Revenue Department announced the decision on Thursday on the eve of completion of one-year term of the BJP-led MahaYuti government on December 5. "Dedicated Vigilance Squads are being constituted at the level of each Divisional Commissioner to conduct effective and time-bound inquiries into complaints against officers and employees concerning revenue-related matters (minor minerals, land records, stamp duty, land measurement, and allied functions). These teams will complete a preliminary inquiry and submit their report to the competent authority within 30 days for regular complaints and within 15 days for extremely serious complaints," Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, reported IANS. "A state-level committee, chaired by me as the Revenue Minister, is being formed to periodically review the functioning of these Vigilance teams and recommend necessary improvements," said the statement issued by the Revenue Minister's office, reported IANS. "On the occasion of the first anniversary of the state government, this initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to transparent, responsive, and efficient governance," the Minister noted, reported IANS. Minister Bawankule finalised the working procedure and thereafter the Revenue Department issued a Government Resolution on Thursday, directing all Divisional Commissioners to establish the respective vigilance squads within the next 15 days. "The decision was taken to ensure in-depth examination of serious complaints received against Revenue Department officers and employees regarding irregularities in land measurement, minor minerals, stamp duty, and other revenue-related work. The department believes that proper and impartial inquiry into such complaints will help enhance the credibility of the administration," the Minister said. According to the government resolution, the seven new vigilance squads are established at the Divisional Commissioner level. These squads will be chaired by the Additional Commissioner (Revenue), Divisional Commissioner Office and comprise Member Secretary: Deputy Collector (Revenue) and members including Deputy Collector, District Superintendent Land Records, District Mining Officer, Joint District Registrar, and an officer of Tehsildar rank. "A minimum of four officers must be physically present during any inquiry conducted by the squad. The squad will also have the authority to investigate in another division if the situation demands," the government resolution said, reported IANS. A six-member state-level committee, led by Revenue Minister Bawankule, has been constituted to ensure the efficiency and regularity of the vigilance work. The committee includes the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), one Joint Secretary, and three Deputy Secretaries. "The department's initiative will make the process of primary investigation, on-site inquiry, document verification, and report submission for serious complaints concerning minor minerals, land, stamp duty, land measurement, and ancillary work more rapid and effective," Minister Bawankule said. (With inputs from IANS)
05 December,2025 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the past two months, five buildings owned by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) have reported major slab and ceiling collapses, leaving many residents injured, causing property damage estimated to be worth several lakhs and raising serious questions over accountability, safety and the prolonged impact of legal delays on urban housing. In response, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has begun issuing general vacation notices to the occupants of these buildings. “Considering that the Bombay High Court is looking into MHADA’s authority to declare buildings being unsafe, we do not even know if MHADA has the authority even to send these vacation notices,” said Mukesh Shah, general secretary, LIC Tenants and Occupants Welfare Association (LTOWA). The spot where Dadar East resident Uday Patil was sitting when the ceiling slab fell on his head Furthermore, in a move that has alarmed the residents even more, MHADA has formally written to LIC stating that it will not be held responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from structural failures in these buildings. By doing so, the authority has made it clear that its hands are tied due to ongoing legal constraints. According to the residents and activists, the worsening condition of these ageing structures is a result of the Bombay High Court’s July stay order on Section 79(A) and 79(B) notices issued by the MHADA. Major hurdles Activist Jitendra Ghadge said, “LIC and the landlords of nearly 15,000 cessed buildings stand to benefit from redevelopment under Section 79(A). Unfortunately, many landlords demand an inflated share of the profits, while tenants are legally entitled to only 350-500 sq ft, leading to serious disputes during the redevelopment process. There is absolutely no regulation over the landlords’ expectations. Uday Patil, a 78-year-old who sustained head and shoulder injuries following a ceiling collapse; (right) Chaitali Tarkar, resident of Mandodari Building at Grant Road, where a slab collapsed on Nov. 29 Meanwhile, the 79(B) mechanism — the only real solution to this crisis — remains pending before the Supreme Court. It is high time the government urgently took up the matter in the Supreme Court, before more lives are lost to collapsing buildings.” The 79(A) and 79(B) notices are meant to declare buildings unsafe or unfit for habitation and pave the way for repair, eviction, or redevelopment. With the stay order in place, MHADA’s powers to enforce urgent structural action have effectively been curtailed. LIC unwilling? On the other hand, despite several complaints and requests made by the residents of these 68 LIC buildings dotting South and Central Mumbai, LIC hasn’t agreed to redevelop any of these buildings to date. This has created an unprecedented situation where responsibility appears to have fallen through the cracks. While MHADA cites the high court’s stay order as the reason for its inaction, LIC — the owner of the buildings — has shown little willingness to either redevelop or undertake comprehensive structural repairs. Pawan Vaishya, Dadar resident whose family narrowly missed being injured two months ago “The only way to protect residents now is to start redevelopment without delay. Human life is more important than anything else. LIC must act immediately and place people’s safety above property and procedure,” demanded Shah. LIC Regional Manager Barun Kumar Khan, with whom the LTOWA is in touch over this issue, did not answer several calls made by mid-day. Ongoing nightmare The consequences of this bureaucratic deadlock are being borne entirely by residents, many of whom live in constant fear for their safety. Residents allege that despite repeated complaints and warnings, only temporary patchwork or no repairs at all are being carried out. Banoshri Shah, a resident of Jiwa Devshi Niwas building in Dadar West, suffered a leg injury after the ceiling of her house collapsed while she was cooking with her daughter on the night of November 27. “After the incident happened, MHADA officials visited the site around 11.45 pm and carried out temporary fixing and propping work. Debris was also removed by them. Right now, we are staying in the same house as we do not have any other alternative. But we must shift soon, as my daughter —who also faced severe shoulder injury, which had rendered her unconscious due to shock — is scared to live in the same house now. She is just 19, and living here every day has become a form of mental torture,” she said. Pawan Vaishya, another resident of Jiwa Devshi Niwas, said, “Two months ago, on the day our newborn daughter was discharged from the hospital, the ceiling of our flat and a slab collapsed just an hour before we were to return home from the facility. Some of the debris weighed 10 to 12 kg. Are the officials waiting for all of us to die before they take cognisance and start redevelopment work? I would have lost my baby. She was just 16 days old on the day this incident happened. We all would have died. We continue to live in the same house even today with our lives in our hands because we do not have any alternate home, and neither do we earn so much that we can rent a house in this area.” Samrudhi Patil, a resident of Minerva Mansion of Dadar East, recalled an incident where the ceiling of her home collapsed on her 78-year-old father-in-law, Uday Patil. “My father-in-law was seated on a chair when suddenly, plaster fell on his head and shoulder. We had to immediately rush him to the hospital, and he had a scratch on his head that was bleeding. The doctors had then told us that it was a close shave, especially considering his age. We are living in this house despite this because we do not have any other option. If either of the authorities takes responsibility for redeveloping our buildings and helps with transit homes, then we can live a safe life,” she said. Chaitali Tarkar, a resident of Mandodari Building at Grant Road, said, “When the flooring of my room sank by four inches, we wrote many letters to the LIC and MHADA, requesting them to at least allow us to get it repaired. While MHADA stated that they do not have any authority, LIC officials kept us hanging by just giving verbal assurances. They did come and inspect our house, but nothing happened after that. Now that another slab of our building has collapsed, the LIC is claiming that they have started the redevelopment process. But no official communication has reached us, which means that they are blatantly lying.” Why is MHADA involved? These buildings, which came under the Pagadi system, were acquired by LIC around 1956. Since 1976, the occupants of these buildings have been paying a cess fee to MHADA. Thus, the latter is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings, allowing it to send vacation notices to those occupying cessed buildings. Pagdi cess properties come under the direct control of MHADA. The occupants pay a cess for MHADA to carry out repairs. All these LIC buildings have been repaired at least five times by MHADA, which has clearly stated that these aged structures cannot be fixed further. The five spots where collapses happened over two months >> Mandodari Building, Badam Wadi, VP Road, Grant Road>> Angrewadi, Sikka Nagar, Girgaon>> 2/25 Minerva Mansion, Dadar East>> Fourth floor, Jiwa Devshi Niwas, (Indian Mercantile Building), Dadar West>> First floor, Dr Marshekar Child Clinic, Jiwa Devshi Niwas, Dadar West>> Bhatia Bhavan, Shivaji Park, Dadar West
05 December,2025 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarADVERTISEMENT
