Western Railway (WR), while sharing Mumbai local train updates, announced a major traffic and maintenance block between key sections in Mumbai on April 4 and 5, 2026. An official statement said that a major block will be undertaken on the fifth line between Bandra Terminus and Bandra from 10 am on April 4 to 10 pm on April 5. The work is being carried out to augment Culvert No. 22. During this period, Level Crossing No. 18 between the two stations will remain closed for road traffic. Jumbo block between Mumbai Central and Mahim In addition, a jumbo block will be conducted between Mumbai Central and Mahim, the statement said. It said, this block will take place during the intervening night of April 4 and 5, from 12:15 am to 4:15 am. Impact on train operations During the jumbo block, all fast line trains will be diverted to slow lines between Santacruz and Churchgate. The maintenance work will include track, signalling and overhead equipment upgrades. Advisory for commuters Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as changes in train operations and temporary disruptions are expected during the block period. WR witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend Meanwhile, Mumbai’s suburban railway network on the Western Railway is witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend: daily ridership remains below pre-Covid levels, yet revenue has not only recovered but surpassed earlier figures, largely driven by AC local trains. WR operates as many as 133 AC local trains on its suburban section. According to the latest data, WR’s general suburban services carried an average of 34.87 lakh passengers daily before Covid, generating about Rs 2.12 crore in daily revenue. In contrast, current figures show 29.52 lakh daily passengers, but higher earnings of Rs 2.39 crore per day. WR Mumbai Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Singh attributed the increase in earnings to a change in passenger mix, with more commuters opting for AC EMUs. 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals “In March 2026 alone, about 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals. There has been a noticeable rise in commuters opting for first-class and AC local services, which yield higher fares,” he said. Additionally, stricter enforcement against ticketless travel has improved compliance and contributed to higher collections. Another factor is changing post-pandemic travel behaviour. With hybrid work models still in place, the number of daily office commuters, once the backbone of suburban traffic, has not fully rebounded. At the same time, occasional and non-regular travellers are more likely to purchase single tickets instead of heavily subsidised monthly passes, improving per-passenger revenue.
03 April,2026 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government is reportedly planning Aarey-style’ egg brand support poultry farmers and cut dependency on imports. The state plans to develop a state-specific egg brand and expand poultry farming through subsidies in a bid to reduce dependence on imports, officials said, reported the PTI. The state’s animal husbandry department is working on measures to increase egg production and strengthen the supply chain. Currently, Maharashtra imports around 1.5 crore eggs daily from southern states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to meet its demand of nearly 3 crore eggs per day. Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said the state should create its own egg brand, similar to well-known milk brands like Aarey and Mahanand, according to the PTI. She noted that such branding would help ensure quality standards while providing a stable market for poultry farmers. Rising demand driven by urban centres Officials said demand for eggs and poultry products is largely driven by urban areas. Increasing local production is expected to enhance income opportunities for rural farmers and poultry entrepreneurs, as per the PTI. Strong existing poultry base According to the animal husbandry department, Maharashtra currently has more than 7.42 crore poultry birds, with around 14.26 lakh families engaged in the sector, the news agency reported. Regions such as Nandurbar, Dhule, Nashik, Amravati and Sangli have higher participation in poultry farming. Subsidy schemes to encourage growth According to the PTI, under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Pashudhan Udyojakata Yojana, financial assistance is being provided at two levels - Small Units (up to 500 birds): - The state plans a subsidy of up to Rs 1.66 lakh (50 per cent of project cost), with 75 per cent support for SC/ST beneficiaries Large Units (5,000 birds): - The project cost was likely to be fixed at Rs 30 lakh, with subsidy of Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 22.5 lakh for SC/ST beneficiaries Aim to strengthen rural economy The Maharashtra government's initiative aims to promote rural entrepreneurship by linking agriculture with allied sectors, while also reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a steady supply of eggs within the state, officials said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 02:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has granted a compensation of Rs 44.13 lakh to the family of a 46-year-old man who died after a JCB crane crashed into a motorcycle in 2020, reported news agency PTI. Owner, insurer held jointly liable for payout Tribunal member R V Mohite directed the crane owner and the insurer New India Assurance Co. Ltd. to jointly and severally pay the compensation with 9 per cent interest per annum from the date of the petition, reported PTI. A copy of the order passed on March 24 was made available on Friday. Speeding crane hit pedestrian, then motorcycle The accident occurred on February 5, 2020, when the victim, Prabhakar Bajrangi Sharma, was riding pillion on a motorcycle and a speeding JCB crane first dashed into a pedestrian and then hit the two-wheeler and ran over him, reported PTI. Sharma, who was employed as an assistant manager in an automobile firm, sustained serious injuries and died during treatment at a hospital in Navi Mumbai, reported PTI. Tribunal rejects negligence claim against victim The vehicle owner and the insurance company contended before the tribunal that the motorcyclist had been negligent. However, it rejected these claims, citing a lack of evidence. "The evidence on record shows that the operator of the offending vehicle (crane) was driving it in a rash and negligent manner," the tribunal stated, observing that there was nothing on record to show any contributory act on the part of the deceased, reported PTI. Licence argument dismissed; Rs 44.13 lakh awarded The insurance company sought to avoid liability by claiming the crane operator did not have a valid licence for the vehicle. The tribunal dismissed this technicality, noting that the unladen weight of the JCB was 7,460 kg, falling under the Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) category, reported PTI. The tribunal awarded Rs 44.13 lakh compensation to the deceased man's wife and three sons. (With inputs from PTI)
03 April,2026 02:03 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA large-scale cleanliness drive carried out in Diva by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) witnessed strong participation from residents, civic officials and social workers, as the civic body intensifies efforts to improve sanitation across its jurisdiction. The campaign, conducted in Ward No. 33 under the Diva Ward Committee, is part of a broader initiative being rolled out across all ward committee areas. The drive follows a civic push to extend cleanliness efforts beyond Thane city to surrounding areas such as Diva, Mumbra and Kalwa. Weekly Drives Across All 33 Wards Civic officials said the initiative is being implemented on a weekly basis across all 33 wards under TMC limits. The decision to expand the scope of sanitation activities aims to ensure uniform cleanliness standards across rapidly growing suburban pockets that have historically faced infrastructure gaps. The directive to widen the reach of such drives was issued earlier, with a focus on improving waste management systems and addressing localised sanitation concerns. Officials noted that areas outside the Thane city core, including Diva and Mumbra, are now being prioritised under this plan. Focus on Key Diva Stretches On Friday, the drive covered several key locations in Ward No. 33, including the stretch from Y Junction to Kausa Lake, along with Charni Pada Road and adjoining areas. The campaign began with a cleanliness pledge, with participants committing to maintaining hygiene in their neighbourhoods. The operation involved coordinated action by multiple civic departments, highlighting an integrated approach to sanitation rather than isolated clean-up efforts. 14 Tonnes of Waste Cleared According to TMC officials, around 150 sanitation workers were deployed for the exercise. The civic body also pressed into service mechanised equipment, including jetting machines, a JCB, dumpers and multiple garbage collection vehicles. By the end of the drive, approximately 14 tonnes of waste and debris had been cleared from the targeted areas. Roads were washed thoroughly using water jets, and unauthorised posters pasted across public spaces were removed as part of the clean-up. Multi-Department Participation Officials from several departments — including solid waste management, garden, encroachment, filaria control and construction — participated in the operation. Civic authorities said such coordination is essential for addressing sanitation challenges holistically, especially in densely populated localities. Senior officials, including health and sanitation officers, were present on the ground to supervise the exercise. Citizen Participation Key to Success Apart from municipal staff, local residents and social workers participated actively in the drive. Civic officials said public involvement remains crucial for sustaining cleanliness efforts beyond periodic campaigns. While the initiative has drawn a positive response, officials indicated that continued engagement and regular monitoring will be necessary to ensure lasting improvements in sanitation across the Thane Municipal Corporation area.
03 April,2026 01:49 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a major infrastructure upgrade to strengthen over a century-old network of underground arch stormwater drains in the island city, using geopolymer lining through trenchless technology. The civic body said the intervention aims to significantly improve the structural integrity of British-era drains while enhancing their capacity to discharge rainwater more efficiently during heavy downpours. Officials estimate that the upgrade could extend the lifespan of these drains by at least 50 years. Focus on ageing and vulnerable infrastructure Mumbai’s stormwater drainage system—much of which dates back over 100 years—has been under increasing strain due to rapid urbanisation and more frequent extreme rainfall events. The city’s geography, bounded by the Arabian Sea and influenced by tidal conditions, further complicates drainage, especially during high tide. According to civic data, the island city alone has a 495-km-long stormwater drain network, while the eastern and western suburbs account for an additional 63 km each. In total, Mumbai’s arch and closed drain network spans 621 km. Routine maintenance such as desilting is carried out annually. However, recent CCTV inspections conducted by the BMC’s operations and maintenance teams revealed widespread structural deterioration in several sections of the underground drains. These include cracks in masonry, displaced bricks, damaged joints, partial roof collapses and other defects that could compromise drainage efficiency during intense rainfall. CCTV surveys flag urgent repairs Based on these findings, 56 arch drains measuring a combined 23.5 km were identified as being in poor condition. Of these, 27 drains covering 14.28 km have been prioritised for urgent rehabilitation under Phase 1 of the project. Currently, lining work is underway across stretches totalling around 14 km. Senior civic officials, including Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam and Chief Engineer (Storm Water Drains) Kalpana Raut, recently inspected ongoing work near the Shantiniketan outfall close to the Shamal Das Gandhi Marg flyover. Trenchless technology to minimise disruption The BMC has opted for geopolymer lining using trenchless technology—a method that allows repairs to be carried out without large-scale excavation. This is expected to reduce disruptions to traffic and daily life in densely populated parts of south Mumbai. The technology was selected following consultations with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, and subsequent recommendations by a Technical Advisory Committee in November 2022. While widely used in countries such as the United States, this marks the first large-scale application of geopolymer trenchless lining for stormwater drains in India. Addressing flood risks amid extreme rainfall In recent years, Mumbai has witnessed episodes of intense rainfall, with nearly 1,000 mm recorded within a few days in some instances, leading to widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas. Civic officials said the upgraded lining will not only reinforce the structural stability of the drains but also improve internal flow characteristics, enabling faster discharge of stormwater. Sustainable and long-term solution Apart from durability, the BMC has highlighted the environmental benefits of geopolymer materials, which are considered more sustainable compared to conventional options. With Phase 1 focusing on the most vulnerable sections, the project is expected to serve as a model for future upgrades across the city’s ageing drainage network, as Mumbai continues efforts to strengthen its flood mitigation infrastructure ahead of increasingly erratic monsoon patterns.
03 April,2026 01:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed its water engineering officials to prioritise and immediately address complaints of contaminated water supply, amid rising concerns reported from several parts of the city. The directive was issued by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar during a review meeting held at the civic headquarters on Thursday. Officials were instructed to treat such complaints with urgency and ensure time-bound resolution, while also strengthening on-ground monitoring systems. Focus on Complaints Amid Rising Concerns While the BMC has long maintained that it supplies potable water across Mumbai and has received recognition for its services, officials acknowledged that recent complaints related to water quality, low pressure, and irregular supply have surfaced in certain localities. Bangar directed that all grievances be taken seriously, with a clear emphasis on prioritising cases involving contaminated water due to potential public health risks. Civic officials have been asked to ensure swift redressal and maintain transparency in addressing citizen complaints. Leak Detection and Field Inspections In response to reports of leakages in pipelines, the administration has ordered the immediate deployment of dedicated teams to identify and fix faults in the water distribution network. Officials have also been instructed to conduct on-site inspections in areas reporting low pressure or inadequate supply. Corrective measures are to be implemented without delay where issues are verified. Suggested interventions include revising water distribution patterns, improving zoning mechanisms, repairing leakages, and, where necessary, introducing structural changes or additional water boosting systems. Zero Tolerance for Contamination The civic body has adopted a strict stance on contaminated water complaints. During the meeting, Bangar emphasised that any delay in addressing such issues could have serious consequences, particularly in densely populated areas. Officials have been directed to immediately trace the source of contamination and initiate round-the-clock corrective work. Zone-wise special teams are to be formed for rapid response, with provisions to deploy additional manpower wherever required. Coordination Across Departments The BMC has stressed the need for seamless coordination among various divisions of the Water Engineering Department, including supply, planning, construction, and maintenance units. Engineers have been instructed to improve communication across subdivisions to avoid delays in project execution. Senior officials will extend support in cases where projects face hurdles; however, the administration has warned that negligence will invite accountability and disciplinary action. Infrastructure Work Impact Under Review The civic body also flagged concerns over ongoing road and infrastructure projects potentially affecting underground water pipelines. Officials have been asked to ensure prompt repairs or installation of new pipelines wherever damage occurs. A ward-wise review of water supply planning is expected to be undertaken soon, with assistant engineers tasked with submitting updates on ongoing works in their respective jurisdictions. Meeting Context The review meeting, attended by senior officials including Deputy Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malavde and Water Engineer Dilip Patil, comes at a time when Mumbai is witnessing increased water demand due to summer conditions, alongside extensive infrastructure works and the approaching monsoon season. Civic authorities indicated that the measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted and safe water supply across the city in the coming months.
03 April,2026 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at a sweet shop in Maharashtra's Thane district on Friday morning, civic officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The officials further said that emergency services were quickly rushed to the scene and the situation was brought fully under control. According to Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the incident occurred at the sweet shop, located in Ashar Metro Tower near MRR Children’s Hospital in the Vartak Nagar area of Thane (West). The fire was reported to the disaster management control room at around 9:18 am. Fire origin linked to inverter battery According to the officials, preliminary information suggests that the fire started in an inverter battery placed on a loft area inside the shop. The blaze quickly spread to nearby materials, including electrical wiring, cardboard and a wooden cupboard. Teams from the fire brigade, disaster management unit, local police and electricity department rushed to the spot. Firefighters, supported by rescue vehicles and equipment, worked promptly to bring the situation under control. Property damaged Officials stated that no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire caused damage to the inverter battery, electrical fittings and other items within the shop. The fire was completely extinguished with the joint efforts of the fire brigade and disaster management personnel. Authorities stated that the situation is now stable and under control. Fire breaks out at timber yard Meanwhile, in an another incident, a fire broke out at a timber yard in Diva in the early hours of Thursday, prompting a swift response from local fire brigade personnel. The incident was reported to the Disaster Management Cell of the at around 4:43 am. According to officials, the blaze occurred at a timber yard owned by Yash Bhagwan Faujdar, located at Chandicha Pada near Phadke Pada Lake on Khardi Road in the Khardi area of Diva. Firefighters from the Diva Beat Fire Station rushed to the spot with one fire tender and a rescue vehicle to contain the situation. Officials further said that the fire was confined to one side of the timber yard, where a quantity of timber was damaged due to the blaze. No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident., the officials said.
03 April,2026 12:16 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentParts of Mumbai, particularly the suburbs, on Thursday night experienced light drizzle, according to the weather department officials who said that it may have been caused by western disturbance. Despite the drizzle, none of the city’s observatories recorded measurable rainfall activity, said Sushma Nair of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), reported the PTI. The official indicated that the brief spell of drizzle may have been caused by a western disturbance, a weather system known to influence conditions across parts of India. The city on Thursday witnessed partly cloudy skies later in the evening, with no significant weather activity reported thereafter. The IMD had on Thursday predicted that areas in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and parts of Maharashtra were likely to witness light rains and thunderstorms. Weather alert Meanwhile, The weather department has issued a yellow alert for Thane, Raigad and several parts of Maharashtra including Ratnagiri, Satara, Ghats in Pune, Sangli, Solapur, Parbhani, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv, Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Washim, Wardha and Yavatmal. A yellow alert, warning of thunderstorms, was issued for neighbouring districts including Thane and Raigad. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40/kmph) was very likely at isolated places," a weather bulletin said. An orange alert was also issued for districts in Maharashtra including Dhule, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna and Beed. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, gusty winds (50-60/kmph) and hail at isolated places was very likely," the weather bulletin said. Mumbai weather on April 3 Mumbai is set to experience light rains on Friday, a day after witnessing drizzle in some parts of the city. The IMD has predicted that light showers are expected in parts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra on April 3. Some parts of Maharashtra, including Pune, witnessed heavy unseasonal rains on Thursday. Meanwhile, the weather department stated that city’s overall maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. Thunderstorms and rains likely in parts of Maharashtra Meanwhile, the IMD had last week predicted a fresh spell of cloudy weather and thunderstorms was expected in parts of Maharashtra this week, with light rain likely in several regions. According to the weather department, Maharashtra's ghat regions may also witness thunderstorms, gusty winds, rain and possible hail in some places. Other parts of Vidarbha may also see changes in weather conditions. (with PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 10:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, the Supreme Court of India has issued strict guidelines cautioning against the use of stem cell therapy for autism. Authorities have been directed to act against misleading advertisements and unproven treatments. The move follows concerns raised by advocacy groups that families have spent over Rs 10 lakh on such therapies without scientific backing or positive outcomes. “Many families faced severe financial strain chasing these treatments and got nothing in return,” said Parul Kumtha, trustee and co-founder, Forum for Autism. NMC guidelines >> Stem cell therapy is allowed only for conditions approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as standard care>> For all other conditions, including autism, it is permitted only in approved clinical trials>> Trials must follow the norms, including informed consent, no cost to patients, and compensation for injury or death >> Any unapproved stem cell treatment will be considered illegal and invite action Supportive therapies are working! At the Autism Intervention Centre (AIC), Sion Hospital, 40 children have shown progress through supportive therapies. “The centre has helped children go from non-verbal to studying in regular schools,” said Dr Rashmi Yeradkar, who heads the Occupational Therapy Department. The centre offers occupational therapy, parent counselling and a sibling support programme (SPOT). However, lack of funding has affected speech therapy services. Manisha Pokhriyal said her son, diagnosed at 3.5 years, improved after joining the Sion centre. “Private therapy costs R800 to R2000 per session, which is unaffordable long-term. Here, he has improved and now attends a regular school,” she said. Family Speak Several families shared their experiences of financial loss and worsening conditions. KS Ganapathy, a petitioner, said he spent over R3 lakh on a session for his 33-year-old son. “Instead of improving, his condition worsened, and he became more aggressive,” he said. Nita Colaco said her family spent around R5 lakh after being promised a cure. “My son lost his ability to concentrate. Later, we realised we still had to depend on speech and occupational therapy.” Expert view Dr Abhijat Sheth, chairman, National Medical Commission‘Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a disease with a definitive cure. There is no credible scientific evidence supporting stem cell therapy for its treatment. Such interventions are unethical, exploit vulnerable families, and must be restricted to approved clinical trials’ April 2World Autism Awareness Day
03 April,2026 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarMumbai is set to experience light rains on Friday, a day after witnessing drizzle in some parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that light showers are expected in parts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra on April 3. Some parts of Maharashtra, including Pune, witnessed heavy unseasonal rains on Thursday. Meanwhile, the weather department stated that city’s overall maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. Air quality in Mumbai remained in the ‘Satisfactory’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer App, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 69. While generally safe, sensitive groups may experience minor breathing discomfort. Area-wise AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 116Borivali East: 90Byculla: 76Andheri East: 108Chembur: 54Colaba: 63Deonar: 125 In the surrounding regions, Thane recorded an AQI of 77, Kalyan 56, and Navi Mumbai 75. Mumbai experiences light rain in western suburbs on Thursday night Some parts of Mumbai, particularly the suburbs, experienced drizzle on Thursday, which officials attributed to a western disturbance. Light rain was reported in Borivali, Powai, Goregaon, and Santacruz. The IMD had issued a weather alert on Thursday for all districts in the state except Mumbai, Palghar, Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur. A yellow alert, forecasting thunderstorms, was issued for neighbouring Thane and Raigad districts. Maharashtra temperatures Maharashtra experienced warm and partly humid conditions on Friday, with temperatures slightly below normal in several areas. Konkan Region The coastal Konkan region saw moderate to warm conditions. Alibag recorded a maximum of 30.6 degrees Celsius, Dahanu 32.6 degrees Celsius, and Harnai 29.8 degrees Celsius. Humidity remained high, with Colaba at 78 per cent and Harnai also at 78 per cent during the day. No rainfall was reported in these areas. Marathwada Region Marathwada towns remained hot, with Aurangabad at 33.2 degrees Celsius, Beed at 34 degrees Celsius, and Parbhani at 35.3 degrees Celsius. Aurangabad’s minimum temperature was 19.3 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity ranged from 41 per cent in Beed to 57 per cent in Aurangabad, reflecting dry conditions in interior areas. Western Maharashtra The region experienced warm conditions, with Jalgaon peaking at 36.9 degrees Celsius, Malegaon at 36.6 degrees Celsius, and Satara at 34.4 degrees Celsius. Kolhapur and Mahabaleshwar remained relatively cooler at 33.1 degrees Celsius and 28.5 degrees Celsius respectively. Humidity levels were higher near the Western Ghats, with Mahabaleshwar at 83 per cent. Vidarbha and other interior regions Interior areas like Nasik recorded 35.6 degrees Celsius, Osmanabad 36.6 degrees Celsius, Udgir 35.1 degrees Celsius, and Solapur was the hottest at 38.4 degrees Celsius. Humidity was relatively low in interior regions, particularly Osmanabad at 22 per cent and Udgir at 36 per cent. Maharashtra continues to experience warm weather, with coastal areas feeling humid and interior regions hotter and drier.
03 April,2026 09:39 AM IST | MumbaiUnseasonal and intense rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning, and hailstorms has brought the entire Pune city and its adjoining regions to a near standstill, with large parts of the city witnessing severe waterlogging, poor visibility, and widespread disruption to daily life on Thursday. For the third consecutive day, Pune has been witnessing this unusual spell of pre-monsoon-like weather in peak summer, with conditions intensifying further on Thursday afternoon. Several areas across Pune city, including Swargate, Warje, Shivajinagar, Jungli Maharaj Road, Hadapsar, Pashan, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Dapodi, reported heavy downpours leading to water accumulation of 1 to 1.5 feet on major roads. Dense cloud cover led to sudden darkness during afternoon hours, forcing motorists to switch on headlights to navigate. Two-wheeler riders bore the brunt of the situation, struggling to manoeuvre through flooded stretches, while four-wheeler traffic slowed significantly due to low visibility and waterlogged junctions. In many areas, water levels rose up to footpath height, disrupting pedestrian movement. PMC fire officials received 145 waterlogging calls from residents and 21 tree falling calls. Several acres of farmland and crops were destroyed due to hailstorms and rainfall. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Mayor directs measures Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure has directed immediate, on-ground response measures. Key actions ordered:>> Rapid clearance of fallen trees and hazardous branches>> Emergency desilting of drains and gutters>> Deployment of teams across all administrative zones>> Field inspections by senior officials>> Priority to citizen safety and restoration of traffic flow “Ensuring uninterrupted basic services and citizen safety is our primary responsibility. Immediate steps are being taken to address the current crisis and prevent recurrence through structured planning,” said Nagpure. PMC emergency helplines:>> 020-25506800>> 020-25501269 Situation critical With rainfall expected to gradually reduce from Friday but continue shifting towards other regions of Maharashtra, authorities remain on alert. Citizens are advised to exercise caution, particularly during afternoon hours when weather activity peaks. The ongoing spell highlights Pune’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events outside the monsoon season, raising concerns over urban preparedness and climate variability. PCMC’s action plan A flooded house amid heavy downpour Following similar disruption in Pimpri-Chinchwad, the municipal administration has rolled out a structured response strategy.Immediate measures include:>> Filling potholes and repairing damaged roads>> Securing ongoing excavation sites>> Deployment of pumping systems in waterlogged areas>> Monitoring at key junctions, bridges and underpasses>> Strengthening 24x7 control room response>> Drain and nullah-cleaning drives>> Identification of chronic waterlogging spots Hailstorms damage crops In addition to urban flooding, hailstorms were reported in parts of rural Pune district, including Junnar and surrounding areas, raising concerns over significant crop damage. Farmers are likely to face losses as standing crops have been impacted by the sudden weather shift. Farmers bear heavy losses The relentless rain and hail storms have left local farmers in tears. A wide range of crops, from vegetables to onions and grapes, has suffered extensive damage. Between the indirect impacts of global conflicts and this volatile shift in weather patterns, crops like bananas, onions, grapes, and many others have been devastated. Gulab Neharkar, a farm owner For Gulab Neharkar, a farm owner in the Pune district, history has unfortunately repeated itself. After completing last year’s harvest, he had just prepared his vineyard for a new crop cycle, only to have those efforts shattered by the recent downpour. Explaining the dire situation, Neharkar said, “Farmers in our region are sitting with their heads in their hands, weeping. In our own vineyard, the grape sprouting has been severely damaged. Beyond that, onion farmers are facing a total catastrophe. Due to existing export issues, onion prices had already plummeted, with 10 kg selling for a measly 80 to 100 rupees. Now, this sudden unseasonal rain has soaked the ready-to-harvest onions, causing them to rot before they can even leave the field.” Official Speak Weather officials attributed the phenomenon to a wind discontinuity over the region, leading to atmospheric instability and triggering afternoon convective activity with thunderstorms, gusty winds and intense rainfall. Similar conditions are expected to continue for the next 2-3 days, said officials. A sharp temperature drop has also been recorded — from 35-36°C to around 29°C after rainfall — which may impact sensitive individuals. IMD says An India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist told mid-day, “The rain will reduce from Friday. It will likely move forward to central Maharashtra and the Marathwada region. Mumbai will not be affected significantly but may receive a short spell in some parts tomorrow.” Rainfall (in mm) recorded on April 2 NDA84.0 mm Shivajinagar65.0 mm Hadapsar42.5 mm Pashan36.3 mm Dapodi29.0 mm Chinchwad28.5 mm Malin18.5 mm Dudulgaon13.5 mm Nimgiri13.0 mm Narayangaon12.0 mm Talegaon6.5 mm Rajgurunagar4.5 mm Kurvande2.5 mm Shirur2.0 mm Ballalwadi1.0 mm Haveli0.5 mm *The data underlines the high spatial variability and intensity of the ongoing weather system across the entire Pune district. By Ruchita Shah
03 April,2026 09:19 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalADVERTISEMENT
