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Mumbai Diary: Thursday theme

Updated on: 25 June,2015 07:48 AM IST  | 
Ranjeet Jadhav, Sunil Doshi, Hemal Ashar |

The city — sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

Mumbai Diary: Thursday theme

Slow and safe with the SPCA
A rare turtle, over 8kg in weight, was released into its natural habitat in Nasik recently by the Thane SPCA and the NGO RAWW.


The turtle being cared for at the Thane SPCA
The turtle being cared for at the Thane SPCA


Identified as Nilssonia leithii, an endangered species of Indian turtle, on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the turtle had been rescued from Navi Mumbai in May this year and was treated at Thane SPCA. The Thane SPCA had received a call in May about the turtle, which was kept inside a bathroom in a Navi Mumbai residential complex.


The turtle was rescued on May 24 and brought to the Thane SPCA Animal Hospital. SPCA staff said he had injuries on his carapace as well as severe abrasions on his head. The Range Forest Office as well as the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests were duly informed, but as the forest office has no infrastructure to house these specific reptiles, written permission was given to the Thane SPCA to treat and house the turtle.

The reptile was deemed medically fit on June 22 , and had in fact gained about 800 gm of weight. Thane SPCA and RAWW spokespersons said, “In the absence of any sustained conservation efforts for this particular reptile, and considering that it is one of the most aloof species, what we did was a small contribution towards the conservation of this beautiful Indian wildlife element.

We consider ourselves thankful to be able to be a part of this effort.” We too are thankful, and wish more strength to these organizations.

The Powai lake overflows after heavy rainfall in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/PTI
The Powai lake overflows after heavy rainfall in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/PTI

Of lakes and cave-ins
There is always something happening in Mumbai, sometimes reason to cheer and at other times, to jeer.

A part of a footpath caved in at Colaba, near the Radio Club. Police said that the paver blocks sank a little on June 23 and the area was cordoned off. But yesterday, there was a massive crater at the spot. Pic/Shadab Khan
A part of a footpath caved in at Colaba, near the Radio Club. Police said that the paver blocks sank a little on June 23 and the area was cordoned off. But yesterday, there was a massive crater at the spot. Pic/Shadab Khan

The heavy rains have made the Powai lake overflow. And then, there is this Colaba cavity where the always controversial paver blocks have given way. People stand and stare. Time pass, like they say in aamchi Mumbai.

What to do when it rains

Of the many WhatsApp messages that we receive, with tips and thoughts and nuggets of worldly wisdom, we really liked this one that just arrived on our phone. May it spread far and fast!

Ten Simple Things you can do to help everyone stay afloat.
1. Give your maid a day off. Or if she has literally swum her way to work, make sure she has breakfast and a hot cup of tea before she starts the day.

2. Don’t race your car or bike over puddles of water on the road. You are drenching a pedestrian.

3. If your pav vala comes knocking on the door in the evening, buy something even if you don't need it. You don’t know what all he has survived to get to your door.

4. Ditto for the dhobi. Think twice before sending him back empty handed.

5. Carry small food packets with you. Biscuits, bread, small eats. Give generously to those who are sweeping the streets, like it is any another day.

6. If you have decided to stay indoors and order food home, tip the delivery boys an extra something. Someone takes the showers so that you can stay warm.

7. Don’t ask your rickshaw driver to race even if you are in a hurry to get somewhere. It is unsafe and unfair to him and his source of living.

8. Buy peanuts from the boys who are running from car to car in the traffic signal braving the pelting rains. It costs you....errr... “peanuts”.

9. Send your peon home before you leave from work. He will have a longer commute than you.

10. Ask people around you if they need help. However random it may sound. You don't know whose home is flooded, who has been without electricity, and who struggles with their commute. These are humanitarian suggestions, indeed. You’ll lose nothing by following them, but gain a great deal that can’t be counted.

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