Ashwini Bhide, 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, has been predominantly known for her zealous work on Mumbai's first underground Metro, the 33.5-km Aqua Line 3, while spearheading the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) as its managing director in two stints — since its inception in 2015 until 2020 and from July 2022 to date. She also headed the iconic Coastal Road project as additional municipal commissioner before returning as MD of the MMRCL. Bhide continues to resolve issues on the Aqua Line 3, like last mile connectivity, lack of mobile signals underground and other challenges like service readiness, integration with buses and local transport. In January 2020, she and a few other IAS officers were transferred by the newly formed coalition government led by Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Though the transfer was tagged as routine, Bhide had been in a public spat with MLA Aaditya Thackeray over setting up a Metro car shed in Aarey Milk Colony. AMC stint After this, she was posted as additional municipal commissioner for four years and nine months from May 2020 to January 2025, where she was in charge of the iconic Coastal Road project, among other things. But from July 2022, she was again given additional charge as the MD of MMRCL. As additional municipal commissioner, along with Coastal Road, she also headed various departments and was also the head of BMC’s COVID-19 war room. Her biggest controversy There was a clash between development and environmental politics, with Bhide, as project head, pushing for a Metro car shed at Aarey, citing cost, feasibility, and urgency. Aaditya Thackeray, however, termed Aarey a vital green lung that needed protection. The issue escalated with activists expressing outrage, the initiation of court cases, and political implications. Bhide stated that Aarey was legally not a forest and that the Metro itself was an environmentally friendly project. Work was stopped by the Uddhav Thackeray government, and the shed was planned to be shifted to Kanjurmarg. However, by 2022, the new government under Eknath Shinde reversed the decision. All this, though, heavily delayed the project. Metro challenges overcome The Aqua Line 3 has been one of the most challenging projects that Bhide has been dealing with. She has said that “the most difficult challenge was dealing with people.” The line, being fully underground, passes through hard basalt rock, and 17 tunnel boring machines had to be pressed into service. The project passes through highly congested areas like Kalbadevi and Girgaon, so large numbers of families had to be relocated and rehabilitated, amid stiff public opposition. The team had to secure multiple clearances and approvals from various agencies, which added to delays and complexities. Tunnelling under the Mithi River and passing under heritage buildings on Dr DN Road was yet another challenge that required careful management and strict monitoring. During construction, the planned tunnel alignment of the metro passed deep under the Zoroastrian fire temples, and it became a cause for concern for the Parsi community, leading to a controversy and a court case. The Metro team led by Bhide, then backed by scientific studies, assured the court that there would not be any structural damage and that there would be strict monitoring. The work was completed with utmost caution, with no damage following court orders.
01 April,2026 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAt a time when Mumbai is battling chronic infrastructure stress, governance gaps, and rising citizen expectations, the appointment of 1995-batch IAS officer Ashwini Bhide as BMC commissioner comes as a strong, calibrated move, placing experience and administrative depth at the centre of civic leadership. No-nonsense attitude IAS cadre, Mantralaya officials, and colleagues describe her track record and personality as one suited to stepping into complex, often politically sensitive assignments. She is known for cutting through delays and driving delivery. With a blunt, no-frills style, Bhide has built a reputation for making decisions others tend to defer. In a system often criticised for paralysis, she has been among the few officers willing to move files, and move them fast. Colleagues say she consistently cuts through bureaucratic inertia to ensure time-bound implementation of projects. Strong backing Bhide also brings strong political backing, having worked closely in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) as additional chief secretary, giving her a clear understanding of what Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expects and aims to deliver. Ashwini Bhide worked with MMRDA during the first phase of the Mumbai Monorail project. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE But at the same time, the BMC is a different arena altogether and will be her real test. Balancing contractors, corporators. and citizens’ expectations, while ensuring actual delivery on the ground, will be the challenge that will define her tenure at Asia’s richest civic body. An unusual journey to the top From Sangli to Mumbai, Ashwini Bhide’s journey is marked by determination and unconventional choices. After completing a postgraduate degree in literature, she began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. At a time when medicine and engineering were the preferred paths, she chose civil services and cracked the UPSC in 1995, securing the top rank among women. Her husband, Satish Bhide, an IAS officer, took voluntary retirement in 2012. He was among a group of key bureaucrats, including Subrato Ratho, who also opted for VRS, and former BMC chief Ajoy Mehta (now retired), who played a crucial role at a time when the power sector was frequently in the news, and disruptions were impacting government functioning. The group was instrumental in addressing the crisis in Maharashtra in the late-2000s and stabilising the situation. Also, her son Malhar Bhide, co-founder of Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup ‘Origin Bio’, was invited in February 2026 to a CEO roundtable with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction focused on AI-led innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors, underlining India’s expanding global AI footprint. Key portfolios handled Bhide is not new to the system she now leads. With nearly three decades in the bureaucracy, she has operated at the heart of Maharashtra’s power structure, across the Governor’s office, the Chief Minister’s Office, the BMC, and as managing director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Few officers bring this combination of policy insight and ground-level execution experience to the table. Key projects overseen Bhide has been associated with some of Mumbai’s most ambitious and complex urban infrastructure projects, including the Coastal Road project as additional municipal commissioner of the BMC and Mumbai Metro Line 3 as managing director of MMRCL. Her work also spans the Eastern Freeway, the elevated road to the international airport, multiple flyovers on key arterial roads, and rail overbridges such as the Milan ROB, along with the first phase of the Mumbai Monorail with MMRDA.
01 April,2026 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe last remaining portion of more than a century-old Elphinstone bridge is set to be demolished, even as its replacement double-decker bridge nears readiness. The biggest challenge in dismantling the structure was preserving the overhead electric wires, which had been attached to the bridge for over a century. While the Western Railway section has already been removed, the Central Railway is now planning a block to complete the demolition. The entire old bridge is expected to be gone before the weekend. How were bridge, OHE separated? In a planned overnight operation, CR began removing the final panels of the Elphinstone Road ROB above the busy Parel-Currey Road section, while keeping the 25 kV overhead equipment stable using temporary support systems. Ongoing work on dismantling the old Elphinstone bridge, as engineers prepare for complete removal. Pic/Ashish Raje During scheduled midnight blocks between Byculla and Dadar, engineers first isolated and secured the OHE before shifting its load onto specially erected portal structures. This allowed crews to dismantle the bridge sections beneath the suspended wires without disturbing their alignment or tension. It will have two levels >> The lower deck will handle east-west local traffic, with two lanes in each direction and pedestrian footpaths.>> The upper deck will form part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, linking to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and upcoming coastal and eastern freeway corridors.The section over the railway tracks will use open-web steel girders to allow wider spans and minimise disruption to train operations. Once complete, the bridge is expected to ease congestion in the Parel-Prabhadevi belt and provide a seamless east-west road link across one of Mumbai’s busiest rail corridors. Built like Lego The double-decker segments have been pre-assembled at a contractor’s facility in Noida. They will be dismantled, transported to Mumbai, and reassembled on site like giant modular blocks.
01 April,2026 08:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThey see me rollin’ A skateboarder aces a flip as spectators watch on in awe at the Carter Road Skatepark Bravo, Charlie Ayesha Parikh at the Bandra gallery. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE Word in the lanes of Pali Hill is that the popular contemporary art gallery Art and Charlie has big plans in the pipeline. Regulars and residents would have already noticed that the gallery closed doors to visitors recently. When we reached out to founder Ayesha Parikh, she allowed us a peek into the plans without revealing too much: “We have closed temporarily for renovations, and plan to open an extended space in the same neighbourhood with an exciting new exhibition soon. If everything goes as per plan, we’ll be back by late April or the first week of May.” Watch this space for updates. Look ma, it’s-a Mario! Raj Pathare aka Mooz with the larger-than-life mural in Sion. PIC COURTESY/MOOZ THE next time you’re driving on the Eastern Express Highway near Sion, keep an eye out for an Italian plumber donning a strange moustache and a bright red cap. Graffiti artist Raj Pathare aka Mooz has splashed the Om Shiv Sai building near Sion Fort, with an 80-ft tall mural of the popular Mario-Luigi duo. The eye-catching artwork comes just in time for the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy movie releasing on Friday (April 3). “My team worked for four days in humid conditions to bring it to life. Thankfully, the towering building provided us shade. I’m now flying out to Kolkata to paint another mural. This time, it’s all about cricket,” he revealed. Given the time of the year on the sporting calendar, we’d expect a few knights and riders. How may AI help you? Akshay Ridlan registers a user to the Milaap Setu web platform. FILE PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI Students of the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities are about to get a tech-powered upgrade on World Autism Day (April 2). Sion-based engineer Akshay Ridlan has joined hands with the institute to introduce them to two of his AI-for-good tools, Milaap Setu (a tool for tracking displaced people) and Project Chetna (a QR-code based identity system). “It is our mission to harness AI and digital innovation to create inclusive ecosystems where no one is left behind,” Ridlan told this diarist. That’s one AI takeover we can get behind. Tales of the Goddess A scene from a previous performance of The Durga Chronicles. PIC COURTESY/G5A The goddess Durga will visit Mumbai early this year as the acclaimed production, The Durga Chronicles, supported by the Australian Consulate General of India, will make its India debut on April 14 at a G5A, Mahalaxmi. Dr Priya Srinivasan, an Australian of Indian origin who co-created the play shared, “This work brings together women’s voices... how collective expression can hold grief, resistance, and possibility for change at once.” Initiatives such as this strengthen connections between our artists and communities, while fostering dialogue on shared priorities,” added Paul Murphy, Australia’s Consul-General in Western India.
01 April,2026 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayAshwini Bhide, 55, has been entrusted with managing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at a time of transition, with elected representatives returning to India’s richest civic body after a gap of more than three years due to delayed elections. While interacting with the media at the BMC headquarters in Fort, the senior bureaucrat spoke about her approach, priorities, and more. Excerpts:The rainy season is just two months away. Is Mumbai monsoon-ready?Certainly. The BMC has done extensive preparation over the years to mitigate floods. It has continuously worked to increase Mumbai’s flood resilience. Planning and preparedness are continuous processes, and the BMC has handled work with a lot of precision and foresight. The BMC has an elected body of representatives again. How do you plan to work with it?Every government institution, including municipal corporations, has an elected body. Not having elected representatives for a while was an exception this time. Elected representatives make Mumbai and the BMC what they are. The BMC’s largest budget was unveiled last month, and you are now tasked with its effective implementation. What are your plans?I have worked in BMC for four years as additional municipal commissioner. This gave me a chance to learn the ways in which the organisation functions, and I am familiar with the way many of its officers and departments work. The BMC, as an organisation, has a lot of discipline, and I plan to take that forward. Civic chief’s priorities >> Preparing Mumbai for the monsoon season >> Implementing key big-ticket infra projects, such as the Rs 17,000-crore road concreting, the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road, Gargai Dam, bioremediation work at Deonar, and the northern section of the Coastal Road >> Steering BMC, which has an elected body of representatives after more than three years Rs 80,952.56 croreBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s budget for 2026-27
01 April,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSAshwini Bhide, 55, who took charge as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Municipal Commissioner on Tuesday, is the first woman IAS officer to hold the office since it was set up 160 years ago. With her appointment, the civic body is now governed by a majority of women in key positions of authority, with Ritu Tawde as mayor, and Kishori Pednekar as Leader of the Opposition. Moreover, three out of BMC’s four statutory bodies at the headquarters are now headed by women. “Because the government did not get a chance to appoint a woman to this position before, this is probably being highlighted. But it is not a very different situation,” Bhide said. The 1995 batch IAS officer replaced Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who took the civil services examination in 1990. Gagrani retired from service on Tuesday. “I have followed in his footsteps in a way. He is from Kolhapur district, and I’m from Sangli district. When he appeared for the civil services exam, it was a big inspiration for me. I am happy I am taking charge of this office from him,” Bhide added. More women in key roles The Mahayuti government has, in the past two years, appointed women officers to other key posts, including Rashmi Shukla as the first woman Director General of Police in January 2024, and Sujata Saunik as first woman Chief Secretary in 2024. Women on key BMC posts Ritu Tawde: Mumbai mayorKishori Pednekar: Leader of Opposition in BMCRajeshree Shirwadkar: Education committee chairpersonTrushna Vishwasrao: BEST Committee chairperson Mumbai Mayor reacts Ritu Tawde, Mumbai mayor‘Heartiest congratulations to Ashwini Bhide on her appointment. She has become the first woman commissioner of BMC, which is a matter of great pride. This honour of women-power is a matter of pride not only for the administration, but for the city. Her extensive experience in the Metro project and her disciplined work ethic will definitely take development to a new level. With a woman as mayor and a woman as commissioner, I believe together we will create smart and safe Mumbai that Mumbaikars dream of.’
01 April,2026 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for April 1. Aries March 21 – April 20A brainstorming session at work begins on a surprising note of people not agreeing to the first five ideas. Cosmic tip: Expect a change of plans around 3 pm. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A karmic cycle of property matters involves every branch of it. Emotionally you are stronger. Cosmic tip: Make investments for the future keeping all pros and cons in mind. GeminiMay 21 – June 21All work gets done in this day of long working hours. A friend’s unasked-for advice should be taken in the right spirit.Cosmic tip: Take up a hobby that helps relax and not stress you out. Cancer June 22 – July 23Being emotionally protective is understandable as life has been on a yo-yo karmic cycle where the only thing that works is patience and love.Cosmic tip: Make small, easy to follow changes at home. Leo July 24 - Aug 23People feel you’ve achieved so much, but there are more mountains you need to climb. A de-stressing method learnt at a spa does help diminish stress. Cosmic tip: Be realistic about the path taken. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Focusing on two assignments on the point of being signed keeps you on tenterhooks. You are happy for a younger family member.Cosmic tip: Spend quality time with family. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Have car serviced first if driving long distance. Be aware of people around if withdrawing money from an ATM. Cosmic tip: Use newer methods to achieve outcome required. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Sometimes you wish the days had more hours to them so meaningful interests could be followed and enjoyed. A relative shares bad news.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this time of receiving karmic justice. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A boost at work helps push career into a higher phase of dealing with more meaningful projects. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Peacefully accept a slow karmic cycle when it begins after 6 pm. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Don’t just radically divert career into another line of work without first working out advisability.Cosmic tip: Make a ‘to do’ list, systematically ticking off each job as it is completed. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19There’s every reason to be enthusiastic about the present since experience gained at work helps make your position strong. Cosmic tip: Be prepared to work slightly longer hours. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Deal good naturedly with slight delays as these are a normal part of life that everyone has to work through.Cosmic tip: Just handle what needs to be done without worrying about results.
01 April,2026 02:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseIn a major boost to the real estate sector across the state, the Maharashtra government has decided to keep ready reckoner (RR) rates unchanged for the financial year 2026–27, a move that will provide significant relief to homebuyers and property developers across the state. In an official statement, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that the property valuation benchmarks used for stamp duty and registration will remain at the same levels as 2025–26. He further added that the revised rates will come into effect from April 1, 2026, through the office of the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps. Relief amid rising property costs Officials said that the move aims to ease the financial burden on buyers and provide momentum to the construction sector, which has been facing headwinds due to global economic uncertainties. Industry bodies such as CREDAI had urged the government to avoid a rate hike. By maintaining RR rates, the government has effectively kept the hike percentage at zero, ensuring there is no additional cost impact on property transactions. Ready reckoner rates in previous years In recent years, RR rates have seen periodic increases. In 2017–18, rates rose by an average of 5.86 per cent, while a modest 1.74 per cent hike was recorded in 2020–21 during the COVID-19 period. Furthermore, a 4.81 per cent increase was implemented in 2022–23 and continued for two years. However, in 2025–26, rates increased by 3.36 per cent in rural areas, 4.97 per cent in municipal council areas, and 5.95 per cent in municipal corporation regions. Meanwhile, ready reckoner rates in Mumbai rose by 3.39 per cent. The latest decision, however, marks a departure by freezing rates across the state. Strong revenue performance Despite stable rates, the state has recorded robust revenue collections. As per official data, the Stamp Duty and Registration Department collected Rs 60,568.94 crore in 2025–26 (till March 30), surpassing the Rs 60,000 crore mark. The bulk of the revenue came from the I-Sarita system, contributing Rs 49,534 crore, followed by Adjudication 2.0 (Rs 4,429.70 crore), E-Filing (Rs 1,238.26 crore), Online Leave and Licence (Rs 316.69 crore), and other sources. Over the past three years, revenue and document registrations have shown steady growth, reflecting sustained activity in the property market. Focus on transparency and system upgrades As per the official statement, while keeping rates unchanged, the government has introduced technical refinements to improve consistency and transparency in valuation tables. These include updates based on regional development plans, the addition of new survey numbers, and corrections in village-level data. Officials further said that these measures will streamline the property registration process and ensure more realistic valuation benchmarks.
31 March,2026 11:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSupervisory data quality index score of scheduled commercial banks has improved to 90.9 in the December 2025 quarter compared to 90.7 in the July-September period, the RBI said on Tuesday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has created the supervisory data quality index (sDQI) to measure data quality in terms of accuracy, timeliness, completeness and consistency in submission of returns. The objective of the index is to assess the adherence to principles enunciated in the RBI's Master Direction on Filing of Supervisory Returns 2024. "The sDQI score of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) has improved in December 2025 as compared to September 2025," the RBI said. In December 2025, two entities scored below 80. A score of less than 70 indicates "major concerns", between 70-80 "needs improvement", between 80 and 90 "acceptable", and more than 90 "good". The sDQI covers 87 SCBs and their key returns, including those on asset quality, risk-based supervision, liquidity, and capital adequacy. The RBI said sDQI provides a comprehensive and quantitative measure of the supervisory data quality, forming the basis for supervisory examinations. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
31 March,2026 11:04 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIIn a major push towards digital governance, the Maharashtra government is set to launch ‘Maha Sadhana Saptah’, a week-long initiative aimed at enhancing the technological capabilities of its workforce. The programme, to be held from April 2 to 8, will require all government employees—from senior officials to frontline workers—to undergo four hours of dedicated digital training, marking a shift towards a “whole-of-government” approach to technology adoption. According to V Radha, additional chief secretary (services), the initiative seeks to move beyond treating technology as a siloed function and instead embed digital literacy across all levels of governance. The state has already onboarded 8.8 lakh employees onto the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat platform, providing access to a wide range of courses and learning modules. The government aims to generate nearly 35 lakh hours of cumulative learning during the week-long drive. Officials said the training curriculum will cover both advanced and practical digital tools, including emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, as well as everyday applications like spreadsheets and data management systems. The initiative is expected to improve efficiency in public service delivery by enabling employees to adopt data-driven decision-making and reduce dependency on manual processes. Tech push aimed at faster, citizen-centric services For frontline workers, the impact could be immediate. Police personnel may use real-time data tools for better resource deployment, while healthcare workers in remote areas could leverage AI-based tools for faster diagnosis and service delivery. The government believes that building digital skills across departments will help break administrative silos and speed up decision-making. Officials added that improved data interoperability could also reduce the need for physical documentation, making services more accessible to citizens. The initiative is also linked to the state’s broader digital push, including platforms such as Maha-Sarathi, aimed at providing unified access to government services. The move comes as Maharashtra looks to strengthen its governance framework in line with global digital leaders, with a focus on improving efficiency, transparency, and last-mile delivery of services. Officials said the programme is part of a long-term strategy to institutionalise continuous learning within the government system and ensure that public service delivery keeps pace with rapid technological advancements.
31 March,2026 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police on Tuesday seized 37 kilograms of ganja and arrested three individuals in Malwani during a late-night operation, officials said on Tuesday. The operation was carried out by the Malvani Police Station. The officials further registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. As per the police officials, the incident occurred around 3:00 am on March 31, when a surveillance team was patrolling near the Poonam Rose Nursery on Marve Road in Mumbai. During the patrolling, the officers noticed suspicious movement in the area and conducted a search, leading to the recovery of 37 kg of ganja allegedly meant for sale. The officials, while further asserting about the seizure, said that the seized contraband is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 18.5 lakh in the illegal market. Three accused arrested Following the operation, the police have arrested three accused: Lavkush Phulchand Verma (28), Ankit Kumar Mansingh (24), and Situ Ramkumar Verma (24). The officials further said that all three accused are currently residing in Bhiwandi but are originally from Pratapgarh. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Nagarkar and on the directions of Sandeep Jadhav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 11). Further investigation is underway to trace the source and supply network of the seized narcotics, police added. Police highlight rising concern Officials further emphasised that such operations are proving to be extremely crucial, particularly as the web of narcotics continues to ensnare the younger generation. The official statement further highlighted, “Concerns are being raised that ganja and other illicit drugs pose a grave threat to the health, careers, and future of the youth. Consequently, the police are consistently taking strict action against such trafficking activities.” 46-year-old man arrested with ganja worth Rs 4.27 lakh in Thane A 46-year-old man was arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane district for allegedly possessing ganja worth Rs 4.27 lakh, police said on Friday. Kuldeep Bacchu Singh, a resident of the Mithpada-Sangampada area, was apprehended on Wednesday by the Crime Branch Unit-II of Bhiwandi Police with 8 kg of the contraband, an officer said The seized ganja is valued at Rs 4.27 lakh, he added. The accused, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, PTI reported. A probe is underway to identify the source of the contraband and its intended recipients, the officer said. Punjab Police conduct statewide anti-drug operation, carrying out 187 arrests in a day Punjab Police carried out a massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) across the state as part of its ongoing anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, resulting in the registration of 155 cases and the arrest of 187 individuals in a single day, Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla said on Thursday. Speaking on the development, the DGP said the operation was conducted under the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and targeted identified drug hotspots across the state, as per PTI. “The operation was supervised by senior officers, including ADGs, IGs, and DIGs from the headquarters, along with district SSPs and DIGs. We have recorded 155 cases today, arrested 187 individuals, and recovered a huge quantity of heroin and tablets,” Shukla stated. Highlighting the impact of the year-long campaign, he said that ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ has been instrumental in curbing drug-related activities in Punjab, reported PTI. “The campaign has been operational for the past year and has led to the registration of around 80,119 cases, with 54,190 arrests made. Additionally, more than 2,384 kilograms of heroin have been recovered so far,” he added.
31 March,2026 08:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
