Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Monday paid a condolence visit to the family of Vidip Jadhav, a security guard who served former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and who lost his life in a recent Baramati plane crash. Setting aside her official commitments, Sunetra Pawar visited Jadhav’s residence at Taradgaon in Phaltan taluka to personally offer her condolences to the bereaved family. She expressed solidarity with Jadhav’s wife and children, assuring them of her support in their time of grief. "I am with you in any difficulty," she told the family, seeking to comfort them during the emotionally charged visit. Her gesture and words moved several people present. Despite being on official duty, the Deputy Chief Minister made a conscious effort to spend time with the family and share their sorrow, underscoring a message of compassion and empathy in the wake of the tragic loss. Sunetra Pawar pays tribute at memorial of Maharashtra's 1st CM Y B Chavan Earlier today, Maharashtra's newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Sunetra Pawar visited Karad in Satara district and paid tributes at the memorial of the state's first chief minister Y B Chavan. This marks her first official tour since assuming office on Saturday. After reaching Karad from Baramati (in Pune district) in the morning, Sunetra Pawar paid floral tributes at 'Pritisangam', the memorial of Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan, whom NCP founder Sharad Pawar regards as his mentor. Her late husband, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, also frequently invoked Chavan and his ideologies. Ajit Pawar and four others died in the plane crash on January 28. Sunetra Pawar became the state's first woman deputy CM on January 31. After taking the oath on Saturday, Dy CM Sunetra Pawar said, "Respected Ajitdada has given the mantra of living one's entire life for farmers, labourers, women, youth, and deprived sections. Today, carrying forward the legacy of their thoughts with unwavering loyalty to the principles of ‘Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar’, my heart is truly overflowing as I accept the responsibility of the Deputy Chief Minister position with a sense of duty." She further stated, "Though the untimely passing of Dada has caused a mountain of sorrow to crash upon my heart, the true support I have is the duty-bound commitment, the strength to struggle, and the bond with the people that he taught me. I will continue to work tirelessly and honestly to realise the just, equality-based, and developed Maharashtra of his dreams. In these difficult times, the love and support from the people of Maharashtra are my true strength. With the power of your trust, illuminating Dada's ideals, I will keep moving forward with new hope."
02 February,2026 02:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDespite the Mahayuti alliance comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena winning 118 seats in the 227-member general body of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), it will control less than half of Mumbai’s 18 ward committees. Of the 18 ward committees, nine are likely to have chairpersons from Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Indian National Congress (INC), and AIMIM, while eight committees are expected to be headed by the BJP. One committee is likely to see a tie. Prominent city areas such as Worli-Prabhadevi, Lower Parel, Dadar, Mahim, Bandra East and West, Colaba-Byculla, Jogeshwari, Malad East and West, and Kurla are expected to go to the Opposition due to the number of elected representatives in these jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has retained control in its stronghold areas, including Malabar Hill, Andheri, Goregaon, Kandivli, Borivli, Dahisar, and Ghatkopar. AIMIM is likely to secure the ward committee chairmanship in Govandi. Ward committees, which function as ward-level equivalents of the standing committee, enable closer engagement with local communities. They address hyperlocal civic issues such as sanitation, waste management, water supply works, and minor infrastructure projects. “In the particular ward, if ward committee chairman is from the ruling party, funds and works are more likely to get channelled to areas with corporators from the ruling party. It is better than there are more ward committees with chairman's from the opposition, to ensure uniform development of the entire ward, curbing favouritism to a big extent. The hope is that seats allotted for citizens representatives are actually given to citizens, instead of those people who lost in the elections from the area,” said Nikhil Desai, a resident of Matunga and associated with AGNI(Action for Good Governance and Networking in India). 227No. of electoral wards in BMC What is a ward committee? Mumbai’s 26 administrative wards have been grouped into 18 ward committees. These statutory bodies comprise elected corporators from the respective electoral wards and up to three nominated community representatives. Each ward committee comprises one or more administrative wards clubbed together. They handle local civic issues such as sanitation, street lighting, and minor infrastructure works, and have the authority to approve projects worth up to R5 lakh at the ward level. Each committee is chaired by a chairperson chosen from among the elected representatives of the grouped wards.
02 February,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSTwo persons injured in the Malwani gas cylinder explosion succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at KEM Hospital, police said on Monday. Seven injured in explosion; victims identified According to Malwani police, a total of seven people were injured in the blast. Of them, two victims — identified as Vijay Chaudhari and Zulekha Khan — died late Sunday night during treatment at the hospital. The remaining five injured persons are currently receiving medical care, with the condition of two patients reported to be critical. Police probe underway to determine cause Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the gas cylinder explosion. Gas leak triggered blast inside residential chawl A quiet January 27 morning in Malwani turned into a scene of chaos after a gas leak triggered a massive explosion that ripped through a residential structure, leaving seven people from two families with burn injuries and reducing parts of the structure to rubble. The blast occurred around 9.30 am inside a two-storey chawl structure near AC Masjid, located at MHB Colony gate no. 8 in Malwani, Malad West. Police said the explosion occurred in a first-floor house occupied by the Chaudhary family, where gas had allegedly leaked and accumulated after an LPG cylinder emptied completely. The moment someone attempted to ignite the stove, the trapped gas exploded violently, turning the house into a ball of fire within seconds. Windows shattered, and glass rained onto the street below, while metal roof sheets were blown apart and the ceiling collapsed. The impact was so powerful that the second-floor slab gave way and crashed onto the first floor, trapping occupants in flames and debris.
02 February,2026 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanMore than 30 senior office-bearers of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have written to the party’s working president Praful Patel and State President Sunil Tatkare, urging them to appoint Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as the party’s national president. In the letter, the signatories expressed unanimous support for Sunetra Pawar’s elevation, citing the need for decisive leadership at the national level. They appealed to the party leadership to consider the proposal in the larger interest of the Nationalist Congress Party and its organisational strengthening. Not appointed as NCP chief: Praful Patel Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday appeared questioning NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's claim on the merger discussions initiated by NCP leader Ajit Pawar, asserting that if that is the case, the late Deputy CM would have shared details with him. Separately, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) working president Praful Patel has termed as baseless reports that he has been appointed as the party's national president. A day after late Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, was sworn in as Deputy CM and elected the NCP legislative party leader, Patel emphasised that a decision on picking the national president will only be made by consulting senior leadership, MLAs, office-bearers, and party members. Sharad Pawar on Saturday said his nephew Ajit Pawar had finalised February 12 to announce the "merger" between the NCP factions; however, the process may face a roadblock due to the latter's death in a plane crash. On Sunday, Fadnavis told reporters that Ajit Pawar shared everything with him. "Can the merger talks be finalised without our knowledge? We are not aware of the February 12 date being claimed as the date for the formal announcement of the merger," he said. The NCP is an independent party that takes its own decisions, but as a BJP ally, it is expected to consult the party before moving ahead, the CM said. Meanwhile, NCP working president Praful Patel stated on X: "I have noted a few reports circulating in the media regarding my appointment as the National President of the Nationalist Congress Party. I wish to state with absolute clarity that these reports are totally baseless and lack any truth." Patel's statement came after remarks by Union minister Piyush Goyal in an interview with PTI.
02 February,2026 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPolice have launched an investigation after 18 laptops valued at over Rs 12.6 lakh were allegedly stolen from a courier company’s godown in Maharashtra’s Thane district, officials said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The laptops were part of a consignment meant for delivery to Chennai and Bengaluru and had been stored at the company’s warehouse in the Bhiwandi area. According to police, the theft occurred over a prolonged period between September 11 and September 25 last year, reported PTI. During this time, unidentified persons allegedly tampered with the sealed boxes, removed the laptops and refilled the cartons with dummy material to avoid detection, an official from Narpoli police station said. The theft surfaced after the shipment failed to reach its destinations, prompting a verification of the consignment. "On inspection, it was found that 18 laptops worth rs 12,61,730 were missing," the official said, reported PTI. Following a complaint filed by the warehouse manager, an FIR was registered on January 30 against unknown persons under relevant sections of law. Police said they are scrutinising the role of courier company staff involved in handling the consignment and are also examining transport and delivery records as part of the probe. Theft accused escapes from police lock-up in Thane Meanwhile, a man arrested in connection with a theft case managed to escape from police custody at a station in Maharashtra’s Thane district, officials said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The incident occurred at Navghar police station on Sunday morning. The accused, identified as Abdul Wajidli Maniyar, a resident of Azad Nagar in the Bhayander area, had been taken into custody late Saturday night for his alleged involvement in a house theft in the Navghar locality, reported PTI. According to police, Maniyar fled from the lock-up around 9.19 am while routine cleaning work was being carried out inside the police station premises. A search operation has been launched to trace the absconding accused, officials said. Police have also begun an internal inquiry to determine how the escape took place and to examine whether there was any negligence or lapse in security arrangements, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
02 February,2026 11:58 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra's newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Sunetra Pawar visited Karad in Satara district on Monday and paid tributes at the memorial of the state's first chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan. This marks her first official tour since assuming office on Saturday. After reaching Karad from Baramati (in Pune district) in the morning, Sunetra Pawar paid floral tributes at 'Pritisangam', the memorial of Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan, whom NCP founder Sharad Pawar regards as his mentor. Pawar family’s long association with Chavan’s legacy Her late husband, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, also frequently invoked Chavan and his ideologies. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, MPs Sunil Tatkare and Nitin Patil, former MP Srinivas Patil, former MLA Balasaheb Patil, District Collector Santosh Patil, Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi, Karad Municipal Council President Rajendrasingh Yadav, and office-bearers of various organisations. Political observers noted that the visit continues the long-standing association of the Pawar family with Yashwantrao Chavan’s legacy. The late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had frequently visited Pritisangam and often cited Chavan’s ideology as a guiding force behind his public life. Those present recalled his close emotional and ideological bond with the memorial. Sunetra Pawar to visit Phaltan later in the day Later in the day, Sunetra Pawar is slated to visit Phaltan in Satara district to meet the family of Ajit Pawar's Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav, who was killed along with him in the air crash in Baramati last week. Earlier, Rohit Pawar had visited the family and announced support for the education of Jadhav’s children. Ajit Pawar and four others died in the plane crash on January 28. State’s first woman Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar became the state's first woman deputy CM on January 31. Speaking after assuming office, Sunetra Pawar said Ajit Pawar had dedicated his life to farmers, labourers, women, youth and marginalised sections, and that she would carry forward his vision with commitment and integrity. She added that while his untimely demise was a personal loss, the strength derived from public service and the people of Maharashtra would guide her efforts towards building a just, equitable and developed state.
02 February,2026 11:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA tree caught fire near Ram Mandir, Gandhinagar, Kopri, Thane (East) early today, prompting an immediate response from the Disaster Management Cell and local firefighting unit. As per the Disaster Management cell, “Kopri Fire Station reported that the incident occurred at approximately 07:10 am. A team comprising one fire engine, one rescue vehicle, and personnel from the Disaster Management Cell in a utility vehicle reached the scene promptly.” No injuries reported The firefighters successfully extinguished the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. The authorities further confirmed that the situation is now completely under control. The Disaster Management Cell urged residents to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents promptly to prevent potential hazards. Fire breaks out in Govandi hutments; no injuries reported A Level-I fire broke out in the Govandi area of eastern Mumbai on Friday morning, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. According to the BMC’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire was reported at around 10:01 am from New Gautam Nagar in Sonapur Lane, Bhim Wadi Road, near Jijamata Mandir in Govandi. Fire officials said the blaze was confined to electrical wiring, electrical installations, furniture, household articles, ceiling fans and false ceilings in around eight to ten hutments. Firefighting teams were immediately rushed to the spot along with police personnel, staff from the concerned electricity distribution company and a 108 ambulance. The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by 1:10 pm, officials said. No injuries have been reported in the incident. A garbage heap catches fire near a railway track in Thane In another incident, a heap of garbage accumulated in a drain next to a railway track caught fire in Maharashtra's Thane city on Friday, officials said. No one was injured in the blaze that occurred near the Kalwa railway station in the evening, they said. Teams from the fire department, disaster management cell, and railway police rushed to the spot and initiated firefighting operations. "Preliminary information suggests that garbage dumped in the drain caught fire. Firefighting and cooling operations were immediately initiated to prevent the flames from spreading further," said officials from the disaster management cell. Efforts to fully extinguish the blaze continued late in the evening, with personnel ensuring that there was no risk of re-ignition.
02 February,2026 11:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays after Ajit Pawar’s wife was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the opposition has now started to slam the decision. The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday said that Sunetra Pawar inherits a complex legacy. While Ajit Pawar was known for his administrative prowess and control over the Finance and Planning ministries, Sunetra's effectiveness remains to be seen. The Thackeray camp, in their daily editorial ‘Saamana’, claimed that NCP’s future is now extremely uncertain, describing it as a "boat without a navigator" in a storm, currently propelled by "Fadnavis’s engine", as reported by news agency IANS. Saamana, while slamming the NCP and the BJP, stated, “With the BJP aiming for a solo victory in the 2029 Assembly elections, Sunetra Pawar faces the monumental task of proving she is not merely a ‘Gungi Gudiya (silent doll)’ but a leader capable of maintaining her party’s independent identity. Sunetra Pawar inherits a complex legacy.” The editorial further added, “While Ajit Pawar was known for his administrative prowess and control over the Finance and Planning ministries, Sunetra's effectiveness remains to be seen. As the political dust settles, the prevailing sentiment remains: politics has truly become wicked." According to the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s mouthpiece, the state of Maharashtra had not yet recovered from the shock of Ajit Pawar's demise when the political manoeuvres of Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis delivered a second blow. Saamana also highlighted that the public sentiments regarding the timing of Sunetra Pawar’s swearing in are mixed, as she took the oath even before the fire of Ajit Pawar’s funeral pyre had cooled. It added, “While some expressed pride that Maharashtra has gained its first female Deputy Chief Minister, others noted that this position was not earned through personal merit. The question haunting Maharashtra is, at whose behest did this development occur? Sharad Pawar responded calmly, stating he was unaware of the ceremony and noting that Sunetra Pawar's party is independent and now managed by leaders like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare,” as cited by IANS. "According to NCP Minister Hasan Mushrif, Sunetra Pawar was hurriedly appointed to the leadership role to prevent party workers and MLAs from getting scattered following Dada’s (Ajit Pawar) death.” Slamming NCP and BJP’s ideology, it mentioned, “The NCP is allied with the 'Sanatani' ideology of the BJP; holding a celebratory oath ceremony while the family is still in mourning (Sutak) does not fit within the framework of Hindutva. There is an ongoing dispute between Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare. Sunetra Pawar was reportedly elevated to the "sub-throne" by some members specifically to prevent the party from falling entirely under Patel's control, as per IANS. Shiv Sena (UBT) claims the NCP merger was on the cards The Thackeray camp further asserted that Ajit Pawar actually held respect and affection for Sharad Pawar, and a process to merge the two NCP factions had begun. A final decision was due after the Zilla Parishad elections, but Ajit Pawar passed away before it could happen. Leaders like Patel and Tatkare oppose the merger, which aligns with the agenda of Amit Shah and Fadnavis. “It is predicted that the BJP intends to contest the 2029 Assembly elections entirely on its own. Before then, many MLAs from the Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions may defect to the BJP.” The Saamana further added, “To move beyond being a "ceremonial" figure, Sunetra Pawar must demonstrate Ajit Pawar's legendary work ethic, capacity for public outreach, and the 'magic' of not bowing too easily before the BJP. If she chooses to work effectively rather than being a 'silent doll', she may become an obstacle for Patel, Tatkare, and Bhujbal.” (With inputs from IANS)
02 February,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a major construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful launch of three massive steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations. The steel spans, weighing a combined 325 metric tonnes, were installed with the support of eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The complex operation was executed with high precision and careful coordination to minimise disruption in the densely populated area. "As Mumbai slept, Metro Line 4 achieved an impressive breakthrough. Three massive steel spans weighing a total of 325 metric tonnes were successfully launched at Bhandup West," MMRDA said in a post on X. मुंबई रात्रीच्या अंधारात विसावलेली असतानाच मेट्रो मार्गिका ४ ने एक महत्त्वपूर्ण टप्पा यशस्वीपणे पार केला. भांडुप पश्चिम येथे एकूण ३२५ मेट्रिक टन वजनाचे ३ भव्य स्टील स्पॅन्स यशस्वीरीत्या लॉन्च करण्यात आले.८ हेवी ड्युटी क्रेन्स आणि १२ मल्टी-अॅक्सल वाहनांच्या सहाय्याने हे स्टील… pic.twitter.com/WqtncR7GqH — MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) February 1, 2026 MMRDA said the task was completed smoothly with the cooperation of multiple agencies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), BEST, Bhandup Traffic Police, Bhandup Police, as well as local residents and shopkeepers. Owing to seamless inter-agency coordination, the operation—initially planned over four nights—was completed within just two nights. Around 35 engineers, more than 100 skilled workers, 70 traffic wardens and over 25 police personnel were deployed to ensure the work progressed efficiently with minimal inconvenience to the public. "With the successful launch of these steel spans, yet another important milestone has been achieved in the construction of Metro Line 4," MMRDA said in a post on X. Metro Line 4, which will connect Wadala to Kasarvadavali, is expected to significantly improve east–west connectivity and ease traffic congestion in Mumbai’s suburban corridors. Maharashtra cabinet approves 35-km Metro Line 8 project to link Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cabinet’s Infrastructure Committee approved a 35-kilometre Metro Line 8, also known as the Gold Line, connecting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, reported the PTI. The project is estimated to cost over Rs 22,000 crore, with a total outlay of Rs 22,862 crore, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office. The corridor will feature 20 stations, including six underground and 14 elevated stations. Land acquisition for the project is expected to cover 30.7 hectares, costing around Rs 388 crore. The 35-km route will include 9.25 km underground, from Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 to Ghatkopar East, while the remaining 24.63 km will be elevated, stretching from Ghatkopar West to Navi Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 on the Metro Gold Line.
02 February,2026 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA memorial of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be set up on the premises of Vidya Pratishthan, the Baramati-based educational institution founded by the Pawar family, a close associate has said, reported news agency PTI. Ajit Pawar (66) and four others were killed in a plane crash near the airstrip at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28. Kiran Gujar, a close aide of Ajit Pawar and confidant of the Pawar family, on Sunday said the memorial has been planned on the Vidya Pratishthan premises where his last rites were performed, reported PTI. "Today, Sharad Pawar saheb, before heading to Mumbai, visited the venue of the last rites along with Pratibha Pawar and instructed me, and the trustees of Vidya Pratishthan, to chalk out a plan for Ajit Dada's memorial," Gujar told PTI. Discussions will be held with the trustees to finalise the design and structure of the memorial in the coming days, he added. Ajit Pawar was a prominent political figure in Maharashtra and had played a key role in the development of Baramati, which has long been considered the Pawar family's political stronghold. Amid merger speculation after Ajit Pawar's death, Tatkare says NCP will continue to be in NDA Meanwhile, NCP Maharashtra president and Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare on Sunday said his party will continue to be a part of the BJP-led NDA, asserting that the organisation will move forward on the ideology and path laid down by the late Ajit Pawar, reported PTI. His statement came amid claims that February 12 had been fixed as the date for the announcement of the merger between the NCP and NCP (SP), more than two and a half years after the Sharad Pawar-founded party split following Ajit Pawar's switch over to the ruling Mahayuti. "Whatever people may say, our stand is clear. We will take forward the party and the ideology given by Ajitdada. We are firm on this position," Tatkare told reporters at the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) state office in Mumbai. "We are with the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and will remain with the NDA. This was a well-thought-out decision taken by Ajitdada," the Raigad Lok Sabha MP said, reported PTI. The decision to align with the ruling National Democratic Alliance was taken collectively under Ajit Pawar's leadership, Tatkare said, emphasising he had never taken any political decision without the late leader's consent. Referring to criticism over the "haste" in having Sunetra Pawar sworn in as deputy chief minister just days after Pawar's death, Tatkare said the Constitution gives everyone the right to express their views, but stressed that the decision was taken in the interest of Maharashtra and to strengthen the NCP. "There is nothing wrong in her taking the oath to stabilise Maharashtra and to fulfil Ajit Pawar's vision of a developed state," he said, reported PTI. Tatkare said the decision on the party's Rajya Sabha candidate was an internal matter of the NCP and praised the BJP for maintaining cordial relations within the NDA. "The BJP has always cooperated with us and treated its allies with respect," he said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
02 February,2026 10:40 AM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentSeveral districts across Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region recorded above-normal maximum temperatures over the past 24 hours, while night temperatures remained largely stable, according to weather observations recorded till 8.30 am on Monday. Day temperatures across the region ranged between 30 degrees Celsius and 33.4 degrees Celsius, staying marginally to appreciably above seasonal averages at most locations. Brahmpuri reported the highest maximum temperature at 33.4 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Amravati at 33.2 degrees Celsius and Akola at 32.5 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures in Nagpur, Wardha, and Yavatmal hovered around 31–32 degrees Celsius, remaining slightly above normal. Minimum temperatures showed limited variation, with most stations reporting values between 11 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius. The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Yavatmal (11.2 degrees Celsius), which was significantly below normal, while Buldhana registered the highest night temperature at 17.2 degrees Celsius. Minor falls in minimum temperatures were observed at a few locations, including Akola, Washim, and Gondia. Relative humidity levels at 8.30 am ranged from 61 per cent to 90 per cent, with Bhandara reporting the highest humidity, indicating moist morning conditions in parts of eastern Vidarbha. No rainfall was recorded across the region during the last 24 hours up to 8.30 am, with dry weather prevailing in all reporting stations. Visibility conditions during the morning hours were generally moderate, ranging between 2 km and 10 km. Reduced visibility of 2–4 km was noted at locations such as Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, and Gondia, while other stations reported clearer conditions with visibility extending up to 10 km. The overall weather pattern suggests stable and dry conditions across Vidarbha, with slightly warmer-than-normal days and cool to mild nights continuing over the region. Smog blankets Mumbai as air quality remains in 'moderate' zone Meanwhile, Mumbai began Monday, February 2, 2026, under a veil of cold and haze, with smog engulfing several neighbourhoods and sharply cutting down visibility. The murky conditions once again drew attention to the city's deteriorating air quality, an issue that has lingered since the start of the winter season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted mostly clear weather through the day, with temperatures likely to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. Although temperatures have remained relatively steady over the past few days, pollution levels have been anything but consistent, triggering growing health concerns among residents. Data from the Sameer app showed Mumbai's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 138 on Monday morning, categorising it as 'moderate'. Pollution levels varied across the city, with Bandra Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 141, Borivali East 134, Byculla 161, Andheri East 146, Chembur 120, Colaba 131, and Deonar 160. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 164, Kandivali East 124, Malad West 160, Mazgaon 115, while Mulund West reported the highest reading among key locations at 169.
02 February,2026 10:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
