Former Raymond Group chairman Vijaypat Singhania passed away in Mumbai on Saturday evening at the age of 87, his family confirmed, reported the PTI. His son, Gautam Singhania, who is the current chairman and managing director of the group, announced the news on social media. “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania,” wrote Gautam Singhania. He described his father as a “visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality, whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations”. A company spokesperson said Singhania passed away peacefully, and his last rites will be held on Sunday, as per the PTI. Vijaypat Singhania, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, led the Raymond Group for nearly two decades until 2000. He was also a passionate aviator and held a world record for achieving the highest altitude in a hot air balloon. RIP. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nGtOGAEtHt — Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) March 28, 2026 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon In November 2005, the then-67 year old Singhania created a world record by ascending to approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. Before that, in 1988, he had set a speed-over-time endurance record for microlight aircraft by flying solo from London to New Delhi over 23 days. In addition, the Indian Air Force appointed him as an Honorary Air Commodore in 1994, and he was named Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006. Funeral Vijaypat Singhania's funeral will be held at Chandanwadi cremation in Mumbai on Sunday. “Family and friends are requested to assemble at 1.30 pm at Haveli, L. D. Ruparel Marg on Sunday," the X post by Gautam stated. Succession After stepping down, he handed over leadership of the company to his son Gautam and transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in the firm, according to the PTI. His contribution to industry and the nation was recognised with an honorary PhD from the London Institute of Technology, Research, and the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2006, according to the PTI. Vijaypat and Gautam Singhania were embroiled in legal disputes some years back, but they were reported to have settled the issues, the news agency reported. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
29 March,2026 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo address fire safety amid the spurt of highrises across Maharashtra, the Government of Maharashtra’s Urban Development Department on March 13, 2026, issued a Government Resolution directing all municipal corporations to upgrade their resources to fight highrise fires. As the first go-to solution, the state government has directed all municipal corporations to have at least one tall ladder in every fire station. But will procuring ladders be enough to put out fires in the city that has nowhere to go but up, resulting in buildings that climb up to 80 floors? The new ladders, too, can only go up to approximately 35 floors. Like the old adage goes, it takes money to stretch your arms in Mumbai. This is also the reason why Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had little to no choice in approving buildings as high as 250 meters in height. And this is also why the Mumbai Fire Brigade is considering procurement of a 104 m ladder for fire fighting. At present, the tallest ladder in Mumbai is 90 metres tall, which can scale up to 30 floors during fire rescue operations. Experts have noted that taller ladders are not the only solution to fighting highrise fires. With an annual budget exceeding Rs 150 crore over the past three years, leading to the Mumbai Fire Brigade has the resources and continues to upgrade them periodically to fight highrise fires. An official said, “Even a 104m ladder will be able to tackle fires up to only 35 floors. So we have to have other robust mechanisms to fight high rise fires on taller floors.” Moreover, the height of tall buildings is not the only challenging aspect of fire safety in highrise buildings in Mumbai. An official said, “Every fire starts out small but the response time is important to contain the fire. In such a case, the first responders are usually the occupants of the building themselves. They also serve as an operational internal fire fighting system.” Pro active residents: Need of the hour A senior official of the Mumbai Fire Brigade said, “We have mooted the proposal to procure a 104m turn table ladder to fight fires in Mumbai. A decision will be taken about its procurement and tenders will be floated after studying all aspects, such as availability of open spaces around buildings and feasibility of its use. There is no doubt that Mumbai needs a tall ladder. Their present tallest ladder in Mumbai is 90 metres.” Another official said, “Even a 104m ladder will be able to reach up to only 35 or 40 floors. So we depend on the highrise building’s fire fighting system for response. However, in several cases we have noticed the fire fighting system is not operational and maintained.” 2200Number of under construction buildings in Mumbai High rise Height: Between 60 and 80 floors*BMC official from Development Plan Department 104 MThe height of the new ladders Vilas Nagalkar Expertspeak Vilas Nagalkar, Mumbai-based architect, who is a member of Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA) “There are two main challenges in fire response and rescue for highrises: . The fire escape area is often encroached by occupants. . Interior decorators tend to make structural changes to a flat’s internal fire-fighting system, making it ineffective in case of any emergency. Both these things should be avoided.” “Several changes in the way a building is now constructed from a fire safety point of view have helped. Provisions have now been made to change the elevation of the corridor and fire evacuation lift. The lift is now constructed at a higher elevation, after it was noted that water pumped by the fire brigade from windows seeps through the door of the flat into the common area, clogging the fire evacuation lift. There are up to four instructions to prevent spreading of a fire from a household into the common area, and subsequently, the evacuation area, which are all in the form of fire-retardant doors.” Challenges with response time: According to recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affair’s standing fire advisory council, the fire brigade’s response time should be five minutes in urban areas, and up to 20 minutes in rural areas. The fire brigade upgraded its infrastructure and constructed mini fire stations to bridge the gap between main fire stations. It also procured several mini fire tenders for quick response. Challenges with infrastructure: The 104m ladder has a width of 17 m and a turn radius of 24 to 28m, which can prove challenging to deploy in some cases because of road construction work, narrow roads, and parked cars taking up space. Case study: There was a fire in Beaumonde Towers in Worli in 2018. A former official of the Mumbai Fire Brigade pointed out that despite having the 90 m ladder handy, the fire brigade could not use it above 30 floors. The former official said, “There was no space for the vehicle to turn. We realised the podium was getting in the way, and the podium itself would not have the load-bearing capacity to support the vehicle.” Average response time of Mumbai Fire Brigade Anywhere above 2 to 7 minutes after emergency call, without traffic Mumbai Fire Brigade’s budget (over 3 years) 2026-27 Rs 230.9 crore (allocated)2025-26 Rs 111.68 crore (revised)2024-25 Rs 159.91 crore (revised) What does the internal fire fighting system consist of? 1) Turn table ladders of 64 metres, 40 metres, 32 metres, 30 metres 2) Mumbai’s tallest turn table ladder of 90 metres height (upto 30 floors of a building)3) Fire-fighting robots imported from France4) Mini water tenders with water mist technology to tackle fires in densely populated and slum areas with narrow roads5) Quick response vehicles Procurement plan(2026-27) 1) Five new high-rise fire-fighting vehicles 2) Four more first response vehicles, especially commissioned by the fire brigade which have a hydraulic platform of 24 metres tall 3) Eleven of first response fire engines with advance technology which can deliver water vertically upto 250 metres4) Four support vehicles with high pressure water pumps and lighting arrangement What does the GR say? “Maharashtra is undergoing rapid urbanisation. As per the national standards, due to the shortage of fire stations, fire and rescue vehicles and trained manpower required for fire fighting services, the response time for fire fighting and rescue work is maximum five minutes in urban areas and 20 minutes in rural areas.”
29 March,2026 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MS…The real work finally begins. After this paper reported on frequent accidents and crawling traffic near Bandra’s Lucky junction that was caused by metal sheets laid out on the road to cover water pipeline work underground, the BMC has finally removed the sheets. While this means traffic on the busy stretch now has to be diverted, causing yet more traffic, the good news is that work on the pipeline is on in full swing. With any luck, traffic movement should be back to normal in a few days.
29 March,2026 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Shadab KhanThe Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a fresh spell of cloudy weather and thunderstorms is expected in parts of Maharashtra from March 30, with rain likely in several regions. According to the weather department, on March 30, areas including Khandesh, Marathwada, West Vidarbha and parts of central Maharashtra’s ghat regions may witness thunderstorms, gusty winds, rain and possible hail in some places. Other parts of Vidarbha may also see changes in weather conditions. The intensity of rainfall is likely to reduce slightly on March 31. However, unstable weather and scattered thunderstorms may continue in affected regions, the weather department stated. Rain activity to increase from April 1 It further said that between April 1 and 4, the rainfall activity is expected to increase again, with cloudy skies, afternoon thunderstorms and chances of hailstorms in parts of central Maharashtra, Khandesh, Marathwada and Vidarbha. Advisory for farmers The weather department has also issued an advisory for the farmers in parts of the state. It said that the agriculture department has advised farmers to plan their activities carefully during this period. As rabi crop harvesting is currently underway, farmers have been urged to store harvested produce safely or keep it covered to prevent damage from rain, strong winds and hail. Safety measures for public Authorities have also advised citizens to take precautions during lightning and thunderstorms. People have been warned to avoid standing under trees, near tin sheds, electric poles, transformers and power lines during such conditions. Warm weather in parts of state In March, Maharashtra has so far continued to experience warm weather conditions. On March 28, with several regions recording above-normal temperatures, according to the IMD's latest weather bulletin. Among the hottest locations, Solapur recorded a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Jalgaon and Jeur at 39.5 degrees Celsius each, and Parbhani at 39.5 degrees Celsius. Ahmednagar (38 degrees Celsius), Aurangabad (38.2 degrees Celsius), and Satara (38.2 degrees Celsius) also reported high daytime temperatures, the weather bulletin stated. Humidity levels varied significantly, with coastal and some inland regions reporting higher morning humidity, while drier conditions prevailed in parts of Marathwada. Overall, the data indicate rising temperatures across Maharashtra, with several districts experiencing heat above seasonal averages, signalling intensifying summer conditions.
29 March,2026 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a major boost for commuters — especially those working in the IT sector — the much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 is now set to begin operations by May 2026, offering significant relief from the city’s chronic traffic congestion. The 23.2-kilometre elevated Metro corridor, being developed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has entered its final phase of completion. Once operational, the corridor will connect the bustling Rajiv Gandhi IT Park in Hinjewadi to the city centre at Shivajinagar, drastically reducing travel time. PMRDA Commissioner Dr Abhijit Chaudhari recently conducted an on-ground inspection of the entire corridor. During the visit, he issued strict instructions to contractors to accelerate the pace of work without compromising on safety and quality standards. In the first phase, 12 stations along the route are expected to be opened. Project cost The total cost of the project stands at approximately Rs 8313 crore, including land acquisition and utility shifting. A game-change Prasad Kulkarni, president of the Pune Metropolitan Development Forum, said:“Once operational, the Metro line is expected to transform Pune’s urban mobility. It will significantly reduce road traffic congestion in Hinjewadi and surrounding areas, lower pollution levels, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance commuter safety by reducing accidents.” He further added, “The project will also improve overall urban transport efficiency.” With over 94 per cent of the work completed and safety certifications currently in progress, the Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro is poised to be a game-changer for Pune.
29 March,2026 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalBeach baes Young girls cover themselves with their dupatta to escape the scorching sun at Juhu Beach. The Book Garden’s final bloom The Book Garden in Vile Parle East is set to down its shutters on May 31 Yet another independent book store is set to bite the dust, and this time it’s a double whammy for readers. The Book Garden in Vile Parle East’s Agarwal Market is set to down its shutters for the final time on May 31, with the shop lease coming to an end. With this, the city will also lose a cherished third space where many would go to enjoy a few quiet hours curled up with a book away from the demands of office or home. The two-year-old store, run by book lover and lifelong Parle resident Tanmayee Thakur, has always had a unique collection of books, handpicked across both new, popular titles and second-hand books on everything from Mumbai lore to crime to pirate ships. Already got too many books at home and can’t buy anymore? The store also functions as a reading room, where patrons can spend the entire day tackling their TBR pile — or the second-hand collection here — for a nominal charge of Rs 99. “These past two years have been an absolute blessing but the lease coming to its end is going to give me time to pause, reflect, and plan the next steps. The book business is a hard one to be in and sometimes one needs to rest before going back into it,” she says. It’s a big loss for readers in the suburb. The only silver lining, though, is that Thakur is offering all books at a discount. Show some love, Mumbai, and pick up a book or two. We told you so about Eden! Skipper Sourav Ganguly (right) hugs hat-trick man Harbhajan Singh against Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 11, 2001. Pic/AFP Our in-house cricket nut had a wry smile on his face as Thursday evening progressed towards night. He was amused at the reaction to Mumbai not getting an India vs Australia cricket Test in the just-announced 2026-27 schedule. There has been no Test match between the two countries in our city since 2004. And Kolkata hasn’t hosted an India vs Australia Test since the 2001 Test which turned out to be a watershed moment in Indian cricket history; India winning despite following on. Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad have been chosen as venues. We allowed him to boast a bit. “Didn’t I point out this gap a good one week ago in the piece on the Eden Test,” he asked. We acknowledged it. That your favourite Sunday newspaper stressed the oddity to its cricket-loving readers brought him most satisfaction. For your cricket fix, read Sunday mid-day, and don’t miss this page too. They swapped paperwork for the canvas Artwork by the curator, artist Satyendra Rane Police officers, civil servants, and legal professionals — all people who are used to files, FIRs, and fieldwork have taken to gallery walls. This is all for the 10th Sahayog Contemporary Art Exhibition group show. Back for its tenth edition, the exhibition, curated by artist Satyendra Rane, runs from March 27 to April 2 at Kaladalan Art Gallery in Prabhadevi. The coming together of members from the Mumbai Police, law, civil services, and other walks of life reflects the power of artistic expression. Rane says, “For the audience, it reshapes the perception of both art and service. Art is no longer seen as something limited to trained professionals.” This year’s line-up includes names like IAS officer Nidhi Choudhari, and retired ACP Shailendra Gaikwad, alongside practicing artists such as Anupama Mandavkar and Revathi Shivakumar. By directing a part of the proceeds to the Mumbai Police Welfare Association, Rane says they are able to directly support those who serve the community tirelessly. No clowning around here IPL commissioner Lalit Modi accompanied by co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Shilpa Shetty (left) with co-owner of Kings XI Punjab Preity Zinta, addresses a press conference after the IPL auction in Mumbai on January 19, 2010. Pic/Getty Images IPL commissioner Lalit Modi accompanied by co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Shilpa Shetty (left) with co-owner of Kings XI Punjab Preity Zinta, addresses a press conference after the IPL auction in Mumbai on January 19, 2010. Pic/Getty Images Lalit Modi is thrilled that the Indian Premier League (IPL), which he created, is living up to its potential on the commercial scale. The other day, a team owner in the current setup credited another administrator for the IPL’s growth. An enraged Modi called the team owner a clown on X. The former IPL commissioner is not everyone’s favourite, but credit must be given to him for creating a product that has changed the landscape of world cricket. That said, we hear that the IPL wouldn’t have begun in 2008 if the then BCCI president Sharad Pawar not given Modi all the backing to launch it. And yes, India winning the 2007 World T20 event proved to be a catalyst. This year’s edition, like in the past, promises to be your summer’s No.1 entertainment platform.
29 March,2026 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDAuthorities at Loknete Eknath Gaikwad Hospital, commonly known as Chhota Sion hospital, have expressed frustration over the persistent issue of garbage dumping at the hospital’s entrance, blaming a lack of civic sense among citizens. “Despite maintaining cleanliness within the premises, the hospital continues to grapple with unhygienic conditions just outside our gates,” said Dr Pallavi Shelke, medical superintendent. Located on 60 Feet Road of Dharavi, the hospital entryway often sees passersby throwing litter or even human waste. Dr Shelke said that while BMC officials do help get the place cleaned up, the problem is never-ending. “It’s not just about our gate that we are fed up of cleaning. There have been instances where slum dwellers who live behind the hospital premises have thrown plastic bags filled with human poop,” said Shelke. This has also led to rodent issues within the hospital premises. “We have shut all the pipes and other sources from where rats can enter. We are doing our bit. But if overall hygiene outside the premises is not maintained, it’s an open invitation to these rats. There are equipment worth lakhs inside the hospital. Maintaining them becomes difficult when there are rats roaming around, biting wires,” said a hospital staffer.
29 March,2026 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Consciously do the right thing, even if it is the difficult option. Make an effort to remain connected with any friends who live abroad.Health tip: Those dealing with any hormonal issues might need to consult their doctor for a change or tweak in medication. Avoid anything that triggers allergies. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Clarity in communication is important if you are in the middle of a negotiation or important conversation. Do not take the easy way out while working on a goal. Health tip: Take some time off for yourself if you feel overwhelmed and stressed. Avoid eating food that you know does not agree with you. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Handle any competitive situation in a calm and focused manner. Avoid making impulsive decisions or decisions made out of old habits.Health tip: Small habits will have a cumulative effect on your health and energy levels. Make sure you get medical advice only from a qualified person. CancerJune 21 – July 22Put in your best at work even if you feel bored and distracted. Take care of valuables while travelling and double check bills before paying them.Health tip: Distance yourself from any friends who do not support you making positive health choices. Make sure you get enough sleep. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Every challenge has its solution as long as you are willing to change how you handle it. Be mindful while interacting with seniors.Health tip: Try and maintain a regular schedule for your meal times. Those with high blood pressure need to take a little extra care. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Think of practical steps rather than getting stressed about any competitive situation you may find yourself in. This is a positive time for self employed businesspersons.Health tip: Take care of any small health issue before it gets worse. Those with sensitive digestive systems need to be very careful about what they eat. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Avoid saying anything impulsive that you might regret later on. Stick to timelines at work, and try to be as efficient as possible in the circumstances.Health tip: Make small lifestyle changes that will show results over time. Those with a sensitive immune system need to take a little extra care. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Handle multiple responsibilities or projects with clarity and efficiency. This is a positive time for self employed businesspersons.Health tip: Any treatment for a health issue may take a little time to work. Avoid snacking on junk food and swap with healthier options. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Be mindful about what you say, and remember to be sensitive to other peoples’ feelings. Avoid making complicated financial decisions.Health tip: Get all the relevant information you need before making any lifestyle changes. Stick to a disciplined fitness routine no matter how challenging it is. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Make sure you are completely prepared if you need to pitch a new project. Singles should avoid getting into complicated equations.Health tip: Be disciplined with your diet, even if it is challenging. Understand what you are getting into before committing to any lifestyle changes. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Use all the information you have if you need to make any decisions you are unsure about. Any challenging financial situation should improve.Health tip: Consistency is the key if you want to improve or change any habits. Be careful while eating out, and avoid spicy and rich food. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Any stuck situation should improve, and you understand how to handle it. Singles may prefer to stay away from dating for now.Health tip: Those prone to chest or lung issues need to take a little extra care of themselves. Try and balance your lifestyle if you are very busy.
29 March,2026 02:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseMaharashtra is set to make significant changes in industrial permit procedures to boost ease of doing business, with Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis announcing that 20 out of 33 industrial permits have now been moved to a self-certification system. Efforts are underway to further reduce the number of remaining 13 permits in the near future. Speaking at a discussion session organised jointly by the Ramky Group of Industries and MIDC on the development of a ‘Bulk Drug Park’ and ‘Life Sciences Hub’, CM Fadnavis was joined by Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Principal Secretary Industries Dr P Anbalagan, Medical Education Commissioner Anil Bhandari, and other entrepreneurs from the medical sector. Addressing industrialists, Fadnavis assured that power tariffs in the state would gradually decrease over the next five years. Currently at Rs 10.88 per unit, the rate is expected to drop to Rs 9.97 per unit by 2028-29, making Maharashtra the state with the lowest electricity tariff in the country, he claimed. To facilitate a business-friendly environment, the Maitri portal has been given comprehensive powers, Fadnavis said. The portal allows businesses to obtain all permits from a single platform, ensures transparent tracking of every application, and includes provisions for penalising authorities if services are not delivered within stipulated timelines. Maharashtra pushes green industry growth with MSME incentives and eco-friendly initiatives Fadnavis emphasised the government’s focus on green and sustainable infrastructure, including common effluent treatment plants (CETP), promotion of a circular economy, and adoption of eco-friendly technology to make industries more environmentally responsible. MSME units will receive incentives under these initiatives, while the government also plans to extend benefits to suppliers of larger industries. The CM stressed that public-private partnerships will play a key role in creating world-class, competitive, and affordable industrial ecosystems. “By making the state’s industrial policy more dynamic and adopting a ‘no-nonsense business’ strategy, the government aims to create a stable and transparent business environment. Maharashtra will not only be competitive in India but also globally,” Fadnavis said.
28 March,2026 11:02 PM IST | MumbaiIn one of India’s largest people-science initiatives, Lonar Lake, the iconic meteorite crater in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, is set to be transformed into a vibrant centre for science, biodiversity, cultural heritage, archaeology, and sustainability. The move aims to bring this National Geo-Heritage Monument closer to the public. Lonar Lake, formed nearly 50,000 years ago within the basaltic Deccan Plateau, is renowned for its ecological, geological, and planetary significance, with features resembling impact craters on the Moon and Mars. The National Centre for Science Communicators (NCSC), Mumbai, in collaboration with the Nehru Science Centre, the Scientific Research Centre of Kelkar Education Trust, Mulund, and Late Ku Durga K Banmeru Science College, Lonar, held a one-day conference titled 'Exploring Lonar Lake: Science, Biodiversity, Sustainability, and Cultural Heritage' to chart the roadmap for the lake’s preservation. The conference highlighted the need for sustained research, science communication, policy support, and public participation to ensure the lake’s long-term conservation. Experts raised concerns over rising ecological stress, including sewage inflow, agricultural encroachment, excessive tourism, climate change impacts, and declining alkalinity, which indicate ecological imbalance. “Lonar Crater or Lonar Lake is not just a site. If we look at Lonar town, it is a university in itself. While Lonar Lake is the focal point of attraction and geo-heritage site, there are temples which are known for their archaeology and mythology. Besides, there is rich biodiversity and birdlife,” said NCSC Chief Executive Officer Suhas Naik-Satam, one of the leading science communicators. As part of the initiative, a Centre for Excellence in Lunar Exploration (CELE) will be established at Ku Durga K Banmeru Science College to engage the public in lunar science and planetary research and make complex scientific issues accessible to common citizens. Conference highlights Conference convenor and College Principal Dr Prakash K Banmeru highlighted Lonar’s global relevance as a multidisciplinary research hub. In his presidential address, NCSC Chairman Siddhivinayak Barve called for a dedicated National Lonar Lake Research and Conservation Laboratory to ensure long-term ecological protection. Former University of Mumbai Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh cautioned against unregulated tourism, stressing that poorly managed inflow could harm the lake’s fragile ecosystems. Architect Samrat Sarode traced the evolution of Hemadpanthi temple architecture around the crater and pointed out key conservation challenges. Veteran science journalist and NCSE Vice Chairman Vitthal Nadkarni explained the lake’s impact features, including shock-metamorphosed rocks and shatter cones, underscoring Lonar’s significance as a global field laboratory. NCSC Secretary Chandrashekhar Marathe detailed the lake’s rich biodiversity, highlighting extremophile microorganisms, algal diversity, migratory birds, and unique flora. Geologist Mayura Deshmukh linked the crater’s formation to the Deccan Traps, while researcher Ganesh D Gaikwad emphasised the importance of cultural heritage and community participation in conservation efforts. In the valedictory address, Umesh Kumar Rustagi, director of the Nehru Science Centre, said such interdisciplinary platforms are crucial for integrating science, sustainability, and heritage. A sky observation session conducted by Sheetal Chopade allowed participants hands-on experience with celestial observation, further enhancing the learning experience.
28 March,2026 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has secured the fourth rank among 29 municipal corporations in the state under the 150-day e-governance administrative reforms programme, conceptualised by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The recognition highlights the civic body’s push towards digital governance, transparency, and citizen-centric services. At a function held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar accepted the citation on behalf of civic chief Dr Kailas Shinde. The award was presented by Fadnavis in the presence of state Information Technology (IT) Minister Ashish Shelar and Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal. Digital push and citizen services Under Shinde’s leadership, NMMC has significantly expanded its digital footprint over the past year. Key services such as property tax payments, birth and death certificates, grievance redressal, and civic information are now accessible online via its website, My NMMC app, and integration with the Aaple Sarkar portal. A WhatsApp chatbot and real-time dashboards have further simplified citizen interaction. Strong backend systems The civic corporation has implemented the NIC-developed e-office system, with over 1,000 officials using it regularly. This has improved transparency, speed and efficiency in administrative processes. A centralised dashboard system enables real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making across departments. Advanced tech adoption NMMC’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain played a key role in the evaluation. AI-powered chatbots help classify and resolve complaints quickly, while blockchain ensures secure documentation, including school leaving certificates and monitoring of tree plantation drives. GIS and smart monitoring The civic body has also developed over 150 GIS layers, aiding in solid waste management, vehicle tracking, mechanical sweeping and climate impact analysis. Geo-tagged civic facilities have been made available for public access. Consistent performance NMMC had earlier secured the third rank in the 100-day reforms programme. Building on that momentum, it has now improved its systems further to achieve a top-four position in the 150-day evaluation conducted by an independent agency. Speaking after receiving the award, Pawar said the corporation will continue to innovate and leverage digital platforms to deliver faster, transparent and high-quality services to citizens.
28 March,2026 08:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghADVERTISEMENT
