The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has successfully driven the installation of 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days. This milestone was recognised as a new world record by the Guinness World Records (GWR) on Friday. The massive achievement positions Maharashtra as the fastest-deploying solar agriculture state in India and second only to China globally in the scale and speed of solar pump deployment by a single administrative region. MSEDCL’s accomplishment reflects their commitment to accelerating India’s clean energy transition, improving farmer livelihoods, and supporting sustainable irrigation through the effective implementation of the PM-KUSUM (Component B) and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MTSKPY) schemes. MSEDCL’s strategic approach to record deployment Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s operational excellence and farmer-centric model were key to achieving this historic milestone: Structured planning and prioritisation: Installation efforts focused on drought-prone zones to maximise irrigation impact and sustainability. Vendor accountability: Transparent empanelment and strict service-level agreements ensured grievances were resolved within three days, with automatic escalation mechanisms for unresolved issues. Rapid, large-scale deployment: Multiple installation teams deployed simultaneously across districts, supported by pre-positioned pump inventory and digital tracking systems. Farmer-centric execution: Pumps were sized based on landholding (3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms), with hands-on support for installation, usage, and maintenance. Policy synergy: Future connections are being given by off-grid solar pumps to ensure a reliable and daytime power supply to farmers. Through these initiatives, MSEDCL has established a scalable and replicable model for solar irrigation deployment, demonstrating how strong systems, real-time monitoring, and farmer-first execution can drive transformative outcomes. With over 7.47 lakh solar pumps installed to date and a target of 10.45 lakh pumps, MSEDCL is spearheading one of the largest renewable energy transitions in India’s agricultural sector, creating a model that can be replicated across states and internationally. A giant leap in Maharashtra’s energy transition Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, “Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his transformative PM-KUSUM initiative, Maharashtra has accelerated the shift toward clean, farmer-centric irrigation. In one month, we have installed more than 45,911 solar pumps across the state, making Maharashtra the No. 1 state in India for solar agriculture. This achievement also ensures irrigation security, improves productivity and farmer incomes and reduces the dependence on conventional energy sources. Also, the state government is committed to expanding this momentum and building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for every farmer in Maharashtra. Congratulations to State Discom (Mahaviotaran). Shri Lokesh Chandra, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, MSEDCL, added, “This success has been possible due to efficient scheme design, transparent vendor empanelment, and strict service-level compliance. Every vendor is mandated to resolve farmer grievances within three days, failing which the matter escalates to MSEDCL for action. The State has also adopted a policy to release new agricultural connections through off-grid solar pumps, shifting fully to solar-based solutions. He further added that, “Our pump-sizing policy: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger holdings. This ensures equitable distribution and maximum benefits to small and marginal farmers.” A replicable model for India and the World Through its structured planning, transparent pump allocation, strong vendor ecosystem, ecological safeguards, and farmer-first execution, Maharashtra has created a national model for clean energy in agriculture which can be replicated by the global south. The Government of Maharashtra and MSEDCL remain committed to expanding solar irrigation, strengthening farmer resilience, and accelerating India’s clean energy transition.
06 December,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBabasaheb stands tall Two workers draw a purple sheet across a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar outside Thane Railway Station, ahead of Mahaparinirvan Diwas on December 6. The Maestro’s 90th bash Zubin Mehta directs the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra in Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in 2024. Pic Courtesy/Beogradska Filharmonija on YouTube January will arrive with a celebratory tone for composer and maestro Zubin Mehta. Ahead of the celebrations for his 90th birthday on April 29, the city will witness two special concerts by close friends and collaborators of the maestro, hosted by the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation. On January 15, violinist Pinchas Zukerman will perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, while students from the foundation will put on a showcase of Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances. Zukerman traces his friendship with the Indian composer to their early days in the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. The concerts will also be led by The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the leading orchestras in Europe. Mehta has been a close friend to the orchestra for over 70 years, having led them for the first time in 1958. Pianist Lang Lang performs in Vienna. Pic Courtesy/@langlangpiano The second day will also see Chinese pianist and virtuoso Lang Lang perform the Piano Concerto No. 5 by Beethoven on his return to India. Fans of Classical Music might want to hurry, as tickets will open to the public on December 15. Bandra’s steps get an arty makeover A recent mural at The Steps, by British mural artist Alex Pawson The side walls of The Steps Bandra, on Mount Mary Road, will be painted with new murals, ahead of the annual Festival At The Steps on December 20. Artists can submit their proposals by December 8. “A jury of respected figures, including Kiran Rao and Arzan Khambatta, among others, will select the finalists, who should be available between December 10 and 15,” revealed Anca Florescu Abraham, member of co-founder of Bombay Greenway, the platform which re-designed The Steps into an accessible, open-air amphitheatre, which was inaugurated in 2019. For more, log on to @thestepsbandra. Artists and children paint a previous mural. Pics Courtesy/thestepsbandra Spoken goes big Roshan Abbas at a previous edition of the festival. File pic The preparations are already underway for Spoken Fest 2026 in February, shared festival director Roshan Abbas. With the first list of names on the line-up featuring talents from Swanand Kirkire and Sriti Jha to Soumik Datta & Travellers, the veteran Waseem Barelvi, to the more contemporary voices of Psycho Shayar (Abhi Munde) and Mahi G, among them, Abbas told us, “As the largest listening party, Spoken needs to maintain the torch for discovery. That is why we need to find voices that need attention, and voices that people will pay attention to.” Founder and executive chef at Junsei, Aman Lakhiani Crab Croquettes, on the pop-up menu at Soho House. Pics Courtesy/Junsei Mumbai's Soho House, Juhu has been in the middle of a trippy pop-up since yesterday (December 5) and today. This is courtesy of Junsei, a Japanese izakaya and listening bar in London and Jakarta. An izakaya includes small dishes with alcoholic drinks. Founder and executive chef at the Juhu haunt, Aman Lakhiani fondly recalls, “Izakaya dining was part of my daily life. I can’t wait to bring that fire, smoke, and warmth to Mumbai.” Aman Lakhiani Secular seekers at Shivaji Park Pic Courtesy/YouTube Fables can also have their grounding in reality. Ask Professor Gautamiputra Kamble (right). On Mahaparinirvan Diwas today, the award-winning Marathi litterateur and founder of the Secular Art Movement will be present at Shivaji Park as he talks about his latest work, The Seekers (Blaft Publications). Translated by Sirius J Libeiro, the compilation of five stories delve into the principles that are central to Ambedkarite-Phule thought, and weave together ideas of freedom, ideological conflict and the struggle for artistic excellence. Blending both symbolic allegory and fantasy, the stories stitch together the past and present of the struggle and caste awareness in Maharashtra. Readers looking to catch the title can visit the Secular Movement & Secular Art Movement Stall (No 121) and English Book Stall at Shivaji Park.
06 December,2025 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Mumbai will experience a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with mainly clear skies expected across the city and suburbs. According to the Sameer app, the air quality index (AQI) for the city stands at 122, showing a slight improvement compared to Friday. Residents, especially those with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions, may experience breathing discomfort. AQI readings across Mumbai: Kurla: 101Powai: 74Vile Parle West: 136Borivali East: 107Worli: 122Sion: 88Mazgaon: 106Deonar: 136Malad West: 128 Delhi wakes up to toxic smog as AQI hits 333, remains in 'very poor' category The national capital woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Saturday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 333, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Although there has been a slight improvement compared to recent weeks, several parts of the city remained shrouded in dense haze, significantly reducing visibility. Areas such as Ghazipur Mandi, Anand Vihar, and Wazirpur reported particularly heavy smog, while many regions across Delhi continued to fall in the very poor AQI range, the CPCB said, reported news agency ANI. The area around Anand Vihar was blanketed in a dense layer of toxic smog, with an AQI of 366 in the 'very poor' category. According to CPCB data, Sonia Vihar recorded an AQI of 352, Wazirpur measured 359, while Ghazipur Mandi recorded 366. Bawana recorded the highest AQI of 375 at 7 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 260, which falls under the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Gate and Kartavya Path area is blanketed by a layer of toxic smog that covers the city. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 311, 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'. Further to combat the continuously deteriorating air quality in the national capital and its adjoining areas, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has released a statement regarding the alarming levels of pollution in Delhi. The statement was issued on Friday in response to a question raised by MP Dr Laxmikant Bajpayee in the Rajya Sabha, asking whether it is a fact that "one in every seven deaths in Delhi can be attributed to the city's toxic air as claimed by several studies and reported in the media". The Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, responded by saying various studies have been conducted by academic and research institutes on the impact of air pollution. During the year 2025, not a single day has the AQI reached the severe plus level in Delhi. The government continues to take measures to address the issue in Delhi-NCR, reported news agency ANI. The government has established the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, to oversee air quality management in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas. The Commission has been addressing the issue of air pollution in Delhi-NCR in a collective, collaborative, and participative mode involving all major stakeholders. The Commission has issued 95 Statutory Directions to guide and direct various actions toward the abatement of air pollution in the region and has prepared a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle pollution during peak winter months. The government has also implemented stricter emission norms for polluting activities in NCR and conducts regular review meetings to monitor progress. (With ANI inputs)
06 December,2025 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHundreds of teachers skipped school on Friday and assembled outside the offices of education department officials in Jogeshwari, Chembur, and Charni Road, among many spots across the city, to protest against various polices, including the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET), which has been made mandatory, and Sanch Manyata regulations. “Between 400 and 500 teachers participated from over 70 per cent of aided Marathi schools across the city. Despite the education department officials’ warning that those who took part would face a pay cut, we saw large participation. While we received no written response from the officials, we are expecting these points to be raised in the Assembly. If not, we are prepared to stage a larger demonstration in Nagpur,” said Subhash More, working president of Shikshak Bhaarti, who protested at Charni Road. A primary reason for the unrest is the fear of loss of jobs, as a recent Supreme Court verdict mandates TET even for in-service teachers. However, a 2024 government order regarding ‘Sanch Manyata’, a system that allots teachers to schools based on the head count of their students, was a central point of contention. “Allotting a teacher as per student head count is an unfair practice. Even if a school has a low population, those handfuls of students also deserve to study. Moreover, this cannot be a blanket regulation, since rural students, especially girls, find it difficult to travel to far-off schools if the one in their neighbourhood lacks a teacher,” said Jalindar Sarode, president of Shikshak Sena Maharashtra. 400Minimum no. of teachers who took part in stir
06 December,2025 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarThe hopes of fliers expecting the IndiGo crisis to subside in a reasonable amount of time were cruelly shattered on Friday, with the airline stating that the issue was not resolvable overnight and it was trying to ensure normalcy would be restored at the earliest. A statement posted by the carrier on social media read, “Today [December 5] should be the day with the highest number of cancellations, as we are doing all that is necessary to reboot all our systems and schedules for progressive improvement starting tomorrow.” While the Mumbai airport is still reeling, some normalcy has returned to its Pune counterpart, where, apart from the IndiGo issue, other airlines’ schedules haven’t been hit. The Pune Airport, in a statement, said, “Pune Airport reports a steady return to normalcy for the period from 12 am to 5 pm on December 5, with all interruptions and flight disruptions now confined solely to IndiGo. All other airlines adhered fully to their planned schedules.” PassengerSpeak Karina Ostwal was finding it difficult to get a flight to Bangalore, where she was to be engaged on Friday. Ostwal had obtained a ticket for a 10 pm flight on Thursday, but she told mid-day that the delay lasted till 2.30 pm on Friday. A screen shows delays and cancellations “We sat for so long at the airport because they kept saying that, though the flight was ready, they didn’t have pilots and crew. We, and a few passengers from a Mumbai to Chennai flight, finally called the Mumbai Police, who were able to persuade the crew to start the boarding process.” Though the flight took off at 2.33 pm, Ostwal’s engagement had to be postponed, not only because of the flight's delay but also because her luggage was not yet with her. “My engagement lehenga was in my suitcase, and other than maybe 10 people on my flight, no one got their bags at the airport. After we approached IndiGo staffers for our luggage, they made us fill out a form, which lasted an hour.” Late for meeting Chinmay Patil, who booked his tickets well in advance, was one of those who had been waiting for over 12 hours for their flight. Catching a connecting flight from Delhi to Mumbai via Goa, Patil said, “My flight was scheduled to depart for Goa on December 3. I reached the airport early, only to realise that my flight would be delayed by an hour, which is normal and acceptable. However, later there was another delay, lasting almost four hours.” Reaching Goa, Patil and his colleagues faced further delays, and the flight, which was supposed to take them to Mumbai, did not take off till 9.30 am. “Even though we reached Mumbai by noon, we couldn’t get off the flight immediately as there were no gates available for our plane to dock at. Finally, by 12.30 pm, we got off the flight. It ended up feeling like we had crossed vast oceans.” Patil and his co-passengers also complain that food vouchers, which they were supposed to get due to the delay, were not given to them till they started complaining, which also took them “a few hours to receive.” A test of patience Maitreyee Kelkar, travelling back to Mumbai from Bangalore, was not in a hurry, but a wait of over 14 hours tests anyone’s patience. “The airline at first didn’t warn us about any delays. An hour before the scheduled departure, we received a message saying our boarding had started, so we ran to the gate, but seeing us run, the crew at the desk was confused, which is when we got to know that our flight had been delayed till 11.45 pm,” she said. As the new departure time arrived, the passengers were notified that the flight had been further delayed. “At 7 am, we finally boarded the flight. After this, we waited for three hours for the airline to sort out our baggage. We finally reached around noon,” she added. Though she was one of the passengers who faced heavy delays, she still feels empathetic towards the crew who were handling all the passengers. She said, “It is not their fault that all this happened, and their patience is something that should be lauded.” Late for friend’s wedding mid-day on December 4 also came across passengers flying out of the Pune airport who due to the cancellation of their flight, missed their friend’s wedding.Prasad Kulkarni, Shubham Manmode, Suhas Tamhane, Rahul Pakhare and Shyamal Khairnar had reached Pune Airport for their 9.30 pm Pune-Nagpur flight, hoping to be with their colleague and close friend Akshay Zadpe for his wedding on Thursday morning. Instead, they spent over four hours in a jam-packed terminal before the airline cancelled the flight close to midnight. “We had never seen such chaos,” said Kulkarni. “The whole airport felt like a crowded fair. There were aggressive flyers, long queues, and zero information. Everyone was angry and helpless.” Manmode said passengers were left confused even at the check-in counters. “Despite all the rescheduling chaos, the queues just didn’t move. Not a single staff member gave us any clarity,” he said. For the group, the emotional blow was missing their friend’s big day. “Akshay kept calling throughout the night, asking whether we would make it,” said Suhas Tamhane. “He was desperately waiting for us. We couldn’t be there on one of the most important days of his life.” Almost 20 to 25 flights finally followed their schedule among the 200+ flights the airline operates to and from Mumbai, according to mid-day sources. Indigo Airlines disruption leaves piles of unattended luggage at Mumbai Airport PIC VIA VINOD KUMAR MENON
06 December,2025 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Archana Dahiwal1000 mLength of temporary fence around premises 1,00,000 sq ft Area of waterproof shelter on ground, which has 10 LED screens 30,000 sq mLength of walkways that will have dust-resistant covering
06 December,2025 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayGiven the rise in fake ticket incidents coming to light on the Mumbai suburban rail network, the Central Railway and Western Railway jointly decided on Friday to impose stricter enforcement measures, including having to produce the identity card that was used while booking the online season ticket. The identity card must correspond to the details on the season ticket presented. Additionally, there will be fortress checks on AC locals, which will involve ticket checkers swooping on the entire train. Rail authorities have also requested the Government Railway Police (GRP) to expedite cases of forgery for tangible action against the accused. Ticket checking activities will be intensified across the Central and Western Railway suburban network. Special ticket checking teams will be deployed to check at stations and in trains to detect and curb irregular travel and travelling on counterfeit tickets. Rail authorities have warned against adopting any fraudulent means to obtain or produce counterfeit travel tickets. Offenders will face stringent action under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, including 318(2), 336(3), 336(4), 340(1), 340(2), and 3/5, which deal with cheating, forgery and related offences. Punishments include fines and imprisonment of up to 7 years, or both. 7 YRSJail time offenders may face
06 December,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn the wake of mass cancellations of Indigo flights, Indian Railways has stepped in to manage the sudden travel chaos, offering immediate relief to stranded passengers. To handle the spike in demand, Western Railway (WR) has added extra AC chair car coaches on key long-distance trains, while Central Railway (CR) has announced seven special trains. On WR, additional coaches have been attached to Train No. 12951 (Mumbai-New Delhi) and Train No. 12957 (Sabarmati-New Delhi) on multiple dates between December 6 and 10. These coaches will return via their pairing trains, 12952 and 12958, on corresponding dates to ensure smooth turnaround and continued availability. In total 37 trains have been arranged so far. As IndiGo’s nationwide cancellations continue to disrupt travel, CR will operate seven Train On Demand services to help stranded passengers reach their destinations. The special services cover high-demand and long-distance routes from Mumbai and Pune, connecting major metros and important junctions. Railway officials said these additional services aim to “tide over the sudden passenger rush” triggered by the aviation sector’s crisis. Along with the extra coaches already attached to several long-distance trains, the move highlights the Railways’ role as the country’s most reliable emergency transporter. The trains announced are: CSMT-Nagpur, CSMT-Nizamuddin, CSMT-Howrah, Pune-Bangalore, CSMT-Varanasi-Lucknow, Nagpur-Pune and CSMT-Madgaon. Officials said the decision was taken on priority to “clear the rush of wait-listed passengers” and ensure that those affected by the aviation disruption are not left stranded. With the rapid deployment of additional capacity, the Railways have once again proven to be a dependable lifeline for the public, stepping in at a critical moment to keep the nation moving. Dec 6 to 10 Days Railways will make special arrangements
06 December,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMy father survived only because he was wearing a helmet. A helmet not only saves lives in road accidents, but can also protect you in unexpected situations — like when a tree fell on my father. Miraculously, the helmet saved him. People should always wear a helmet,” Shivaji Khadke told mid-day. Roasaheb Narsoppa Khadke, 69, was seriously injured after a tree from the site of an under-construction society on 18th Road in Khar West collapsed on him while he was riding his motorcycle. Roasaheb sustained multiple injuries to his chest, head, and arms due to the incident. The construction contractor, a resident of Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli East, is currently admitted to Bhabha Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Roasaheb Khadke recuperating at Bhabha Hospital Following the incident, the Santacruz police registered an FIR against the unknown construction contractor and site supervisor for negligence, specifically for failing to secure the construction boundary with proper safety barricades. Speaking with mid-day, Shivaji said, “On December 2, my father was riding his bike to Andheri via 18th Road in Khar West after going to Khar Danda to bring labourers for construction work. That’s when a large tree fell on him from the Evershine Building construction site. My father was wearing a helmet, and that’s the only reason he survived. The helmet cracked in the middle, but it saved his life. Due to severe chest pain, he was unable to speak properly. The people responsible must be punished.” (From left) The helmet that saved Roasaheb Khadke; his elbow and back injuries. Pics/By Special Arrangement According to Shivaji, he visited the spot to retrieve his father’s motorcycle after admitting him to hospital, and by then, metal sheets had been installed at the site. “Earlier, there were no safety barriers,” he added. A police officer said, “We have registered an FIR against the supervisor and contractor of the Evershine Building construction site under BNS Sections 324(4) and 125(A). Investigations are underway.” December 2Day the incident occurred
06 December,2025 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaAs Mumbai gasps for clean air, activists allege that the new Ready Mixture Concrete (RMC) plant being quietly readied in Andheri East is sparking fresh fears of dust and health distress for residents. Activists and air-quality experts warn that setting up an RMC plant right next to a residential pocket can pose serious health risks. Residents of Andheri East, especially those in JB Nagar and Chakala, are raising an alarm over nearly five new RMC plants reportedly being set up near Sahar, close to the airport. Locals fear the units will unleash dangerous levels of dust and air pollution. Activists Godfrey Pimenta and Nicholas Almeida from the Watchdog Foundation have already complained about the same to the K East ward of the BMC, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). “The K East ward is already battling awful air quality, thanks to nonstop construction, and now we’ve learnt that airport authorities have set up an RMC plant opposite the Sahar Metro Aqua Line 3 station,” said Pimenta. “This goes against the norms, as the plant is barely metres away from the thickly populated Sahar village.” mid-day visited the Andheri East site on Friday. Local resident and activist Nicolas Almeida said, “We’ve learnt that nearly five RMC plants are coming up here, reportedly to supply concrete for airport works. Setting up an RMC plant so close to homes is dangerous for everyone — especially kids and senior citizens. We hope the BMC and MPCB step in and take action. 5No. of RMC plants allegedly being set up in Andheri East Cause for concern Dr Lancelot Pinto, consultant pulmonologist and epidemiologist, said that RMC plants can be a significant contributor to particulate matter (both PM2.5 and PM10) in the air. “This can occur through multiple ways: dispersion of cement during loading and unloading, dispersion during transport (especially on unpaved roads), from storage silos, and during the handling of sand and gravel. Fumes from diesel, if used as a fuel for the mixers and loaders, can also contribute to volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air. These pollutants can be controlled to a great extent if protective measures are installed on site and during transport,” said Dr Pinto. Impact on health “Larger particles can cause irritation of the large airways of the lungs, causing a cough, wheezing, and breathlessness. Smaller particles (PM 2.5 and smaller) can cross over into the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular effects such as high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and even poor control of blood sugar levels. Besides these, watering of eyes, runny nose, allergic conjunctivitis, and rhinitis have all been associated with particulate pollution,” said Dr Lancelot Pinto.High concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 pose serious health threats, especially to vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Long-term exposure increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. What are PM pollutants Fine particles like PM2.5 and PM10 are the main pollutants affecting Mumbai’s air. These tiny dust and soot particles come from everyday sources — vehicles, construction, and burning. PM2.5 comprises significantly smaller particles that can bypass the body’s natural defences. They are small enough to pass from the lungs into the bloodstream. They can then travel to the heart, brain, and other organs, increasing the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. PM10 comprises coarse dust particles from construction sites, roads, and general industrial grit. These are 10 micrometres or smaller — small enough to breathe in. They get stuck in the lungs and airways, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and make conditions like asthma much worse. Impact of shutting plant Infrastructure and redevelopment expert Ratnnakar Ahire said, “If RMC plants shut down, the hit will be felt both financially and on the ground. Delays mean labour costs go up, cash flow slows, and some projects could even attract penalty clauses. Concrete prices are likely to rise too, simply because supply tightens. Builders who depend on on-site RMC units will have to spend a lot more on dust control and meeting compliance norms. On the operational side, the break in concrete supply throws schedules off, longer transport distances can affect mix quality, and some developers may end up using uneven on-site mixes. Plus, there’s the added load of paperwork, inspections and site tweaks. All of this will only push project costs further up.” Impact on AQI Founder and CEO of Waatavaran, Bhagwan Kesbhat, said, “If these new RMC plants start operating without strict dust control measures, Andheri East’s air quality will worsen sharply. RMC units are major sources of PM2.5 and PM10, and in an area already choking with traffic and construction pollution, even a small increase can push AQI into the ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ range.” What authorities say When contacted, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport authorities were unavailable for comment. However, sources at the airport said that the all protocols to prevent any kind of dust or air pollution are being followed. What is RMC RMC is a pre-made wet concrete made at a factory and transported to the construction site in RMC drum-rotating vehicles What is an RMC plant Site where pre-wet concrete is prepared by mixing cement, stones and sand. Benefit to builders Saves time and labour costs. Helps in speedier construction activity.
06 December,2025 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavRising pollution levels and a deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) are disrupting children’s outdoor routines across the city, forcing many to skip daily sports coaching. With parents unwilling to expose their children to polluted air, playgrounds and training grounds are seeing thinning crowds. Doctors warn that long spells indoors and reduced physical activity can increase the risk of obesity, weakened immunity, rising screen dependence and behavioural issues, among other issues. Affecting children Dharv Semlani with his mother, Pooja SemlaniPooja Semlani, mother of four-year-old Dharv, said, “While we were relieved that coaching was suspended, my son was completely disheartened. He would insist on going, and it was difficult to say no. Now we make him practice yoga and draw, but missing those two hours outdoors makes him restless.” Ayaan Rustomfram with his mother, Kiran ShahKiran Shah, mother of eight-year-old Ayaan, said, “We have a big living room where he can play, but he gets bored because he loves being outdoors. He will not be able to hold on to his patience for long since he also cannot meet his football buddies.” Academy owner Ronnie Dsouza said, “As soon as my head coach brought this to my notice, I suspended coaching for a week. Hopefully, the authorities will act on a war footing. I have also written to the Mumbai School Sports Association requesting that school tournaments be postponed, but we have not received any response.” VILE PARLEAQI: 163 at 9 pm on December 5Past 10 days: Nine days of poor to very poor air quality between 116 and 180, and 1 moderate dayPeriod: November 4 to December 4 recorded 24 days of poor to very poor air quality Uncle’s Kitchen United Sports Academy (UKUSA) head coach Reuben D’Souza said, “In the past few days, we have observed that perfectly healthy and active children who would come for training daily have started feeling heaviness while breathing. We have also seen fewer kids attending, or they come only twice a week.” Senior coach Prince Anand Raj added, “We had our under-14 matches scheduled in the last week of November. But the children were struggling to breathe. Out of 22, only 2 or 3 come daily, and the rest come once or twice a week. We had to cancel tournaments and request that coaching be suspended for a few days.” Kabaddi coach Geeta Zagade “I have been coaching female kabaddi players here for at least a decade. Never have I seen so many players continuously sick or absent. Most of them are at home, including my daughter, who sometimes does not feel like going because of the dust and pollution.” Thirteen-year-old Mudra Zagade said, “Nowadays, I end up playing with my ball or doing dance practice at home instead of going for kabaddi. It feels very heavy while breathing, and I keep coughing during practice on the ground.” MALADAQI: 157 at 9 pm on December 5Past 10 days: Nine days of poor to very poor air quality between 128 and 177, and one hazardous day at 308Period: November 4 to December 4 Aditya Gandhekar, father of Devansh, said, “My son has been practising tennis at Shivaji Park Gymkhana since he was five. For the first time, he said he cannot run fast or concentrate because he cannot breathe properly and often sneezes on the court. He practices shots at home on the balcony, but does not like it. He keeps requesting to go to the park. We fear he may fall sick and miss school if he practices in such polluted conditions.” DADARAQI: 172 at 9 pm on December 5Past 10 days: Eight days of poor to very poor air quality, and two severe days Doctors speak Dr Riddhi Nikam said, “When a child who has trained rigorously since toddlerhood suddenly stops, the body reacts negatively. Muscles get sore, lethargy sets in, and children can gain weight quickly.” Dr Rashmi Joshi Shetty said, “When we do an activity we enjoy regularly, happiness hormones are released. When such activities stop abruptly, children feel lethargic and lose concentration. Parents must take extra effort to keep them active, because otherwise they quickly turn to screens, a habit that’s difficult to reverse.”
06 December,2025 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarADVERTISEMENT
