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AQI in Mumbai hits 109, Ghatkopar sees highest pollution levels at 125

Mumbai woke up to mainly clear skies on Thursday, with temperatures expected to range between 15 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Today, Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 20.9 degrees Celsius with no rainfall, while Santacruz saw a colder start at 15.6 degrees Celsius, also with zero rainfall, as per IMD Mumbai. Air quality remains a concern across the city. According to the SAMEER App, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 109, categorised as moderate. Authorities have warned that this level of air pollution may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. Breaking down the AQI across different city zones: Bandra Kurla Complex registered 113, Borivali 73, Byculla 120, Chakala-Andheri East 80, Chembur 118, Colaba 88, Deonar 112, and Ghatkopar 125. Residents are advised to take precautions, particularly those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, while enjoying the mostly pleasant winter weather. Winter grips Maharashtra with low temperatures and dry conditions Maharashtra experienced a chilly start on Thursday, with several regions recording low temperatures and clear skies. In coastal Ratnagiri, the minimum temperature was 17.2 degrees Celsius with no rainfall, while Dahanu recorded 15.2 degrees Celsius accompanied by 71 per cent relative humidity. Colaba and Thane Belapur areas reported slightly warmer conditions, with minimums of 20.9 degrees Celsius and 20.2 degrees Celsius, respectively, both experiencing dry conditions, according to the IMD.  In western Maharashtra, Pune and Baramati recorded cold mornings with minimum temperatures of 7.9 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. Nasik registered 8.2 degrees Celsius, Satara 10.0 degrees Celsius, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 10.8 degrees Celsius. Kolhapur and Sangli saw minimums of 14.4 degrees Celsius and 12.3 degrees Celsius, with Sangli experiencing haze and Kolhapur remaining dry. Northern and central regions of the state also felt the winter chill. Nandurbar recorded a minimum of 12.4 degrees Celsius, while Ahilyanagar dipped to 6.6 degrees Celsius with high humidity of 90 per cent. Relative humidity across the state ranged from 30 per cent in Ratnagiri to 89 per cent in Pune, highlighting dry conditions in coastal areas and moist conditions inland. Rainfall remained absent across the state, with all major regions reporting zero rainfall over the last 24 hours. Seasonal rainfall totals showed 405.7 millimetres in Ratnagiri, 296.4 millimetres in MWR, 184.6 millimetres in Dahanu, 112.5 millimetres in Sangli, and 70–84 millimetres in parts of Pune, Baramati, and Ahilyanagar. Visibility was generally good, with clear skies reported in Satara and haze in Sangli. Overall, Maharashtra continues to experience typical winter conditions with cold mornings, dry weather, and low rainfall across most regions.

11 December,2025 11:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Two-wheelers parked on the street near the Mahalaxmi Race Course. File pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Maharashtra government considers mandatory two-wheeler parking

If the state government’s plans move forward, developers of new buildings and redevelopment projects will soon be required to provide dedicated two-wheeler parking spaces. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that two-wheeler parking has long spilt onto streets and lanes because the Development Control Regulations (DCR) never accounted for it.  Speaking in the state legislative council on Wednesday, he said the gap became evident during the redevelopment of the BDD chawls. “I will ask the Urban Development Department and the BMC to examine how this issue can be incorporated into the DCR,” Fadnavis said. The DCR sets rules for urban development, ensuring planned growth and public welfare. It already mandates a minimum number of parking spaces in new constructions, but these primarily cover four-wheelers. During a discussion on traffic police imposing fines on two-wheelers parked on roads, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab urged the government to find a solution for residents who face chronic parking shortages in their neighbourhoods and buildings. Responding to concerns raised by Sena UBT members, Fadnavis admitted the scale of the problem and said the government would work towards a practical solution.

11 December,2025 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
According to the advisory, all heavy vehicles heading towards Ghodbunder Road from Mumbai and Thane will be stopped at the Y Junction and Kapurbawdi Junction. Representational Pic

Thane: Major traffic diversions on Ghodbunder Road from December 12 to 14

Thane Police have announced significant traffic diversions on the Thane-Ghodbunder Highway 84, specifically between Gaimukh Nirakendra, Kajupada, and Fountain Hotel. This is due to essential roadwork being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). 🚧 महत्वाची वाहतूक सूचना 🚧ठाणे घोडबंदर मार्ग ८४ वर डि.बी.एम. व मास्टींग कामासाठी रात्रभर वाहतूक बदल.तारीख: १२/१२/२०२५ (रात्र ००:०१) ते १४/१२/२०२५ (रात्र २३:५९)कृपया वाहतूक नियमानुसार आणि बदलांची सूचना पाळा. 🚗🛑#ठाणे #वाहतूकबदल #सार्वजनिककाम pic.twitter.com/pXIA3nvd89 — ठाणे पोलीस.. Thane Police (@ThaneCityPolice) December 7, 2025 The official notification from Thane Police clarifies that the traffic control measures will not affect police vehicles, fire brigades, ambulances, green corridor vehicles, oxygen gas transporters, and other essential service vehicles. Duration and PurposeThe diversions will be enforced from 12:01 AM on December 12 until 11:59 PM on December 14. The PWD and TMC will be conducting DBM and mastic repairs on the stretch between Gaimukh Nirakendra, Kajupada, and Fountain Hotel. According to the advisory, all heavy vehicles heading towards Ghodbunder Road from Mumbai and Thane will be stopped at the Y Junction and Kapurbawdi Junction. DCP Traffic Pankaj Shirsath stated that repair work is underway on the damaged road section between the new and old Octroi Naka up to the Nira Centre, carried out by the PWD and TMC. From December 12 to 14, all 6-wheel and 10-wheel goods vehicles approaching from the Thane side will be redirected to alternate routes to ease traffic flow during the repairs. Thane, Maharashtra: DCP Traffic Pankaj Shirsath says, "Through the PWD and TMC, repair work has been undertaken on the stretch from the new Octroi Naka and old Octroi Naka up to the Nira Centre, which had been damaged. During the 12th, 13th, and 14th, 6-wheel and 10-wheel goods… pic.twitter.com/rbJSXRJbIk — IANS (@ians_india) December 10, 2025 Thane traffic: Complete Ghodbunder Road final-stage projects by Dec 15, Sarnaik tells officials Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday directed the official to complete all ongoing works at Thane's Ghodbunder Road on a war footing and the final-stage projects must be finished by December 15. These include several development works and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new theatre at Waghbil. A review meeting was held on Friday in the Arvind Pendse auditorium at the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) headquarters. Sarnaik, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat, and senior officials from the TMC, MMRDA, Metro, PWD, the Collector’s Office and other departments were present, an official statement said on Friday. Sarnaik said that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had provided significant funds for Thane’s development. Using this funding, projects such as the scientific rejuvenation of 67 wells across the city are underway. Water from these wells will be made potable, it said. Modern upgrades to crematoriums, a dedicated crematorium for pets, the Balasaheb Thackeray Digital Aquarium, and jogging tracks for morning walkers are also being created. Work on the service road connection along Ghodbunder Road is in progress. Sarnaik instructed that with coordination between MMRDA, the electricity and water departments, the Metro authority and the traffic police, the service road must be completed by January 15. He added that citizens should not suffer due to traffic congestion and that the Regional Transport Office will assign five squads to assist the traffic police, according to the statement.

11 December,2025 11:30 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
From January to November 2025, a total of 7,483 special drives were carried out. Representational Pic

Konkan Railway steps up ticket checks, collects Rs 17.83 crore in 2025

Konkan Railway has intensified its ticket checking operations along its route to promote safe and responsible travel, targeting ticketless journeys and ensuring smooth, hassle-free trips for passengers with valid tickets. In November 2025 alone, the railway conducted 1,070 special ticket checking drives, detecting 42,965 unauthorised or irregular travellers and collecting Rs 2.33 crore in fares and penalties. From January to November 2025, a total of 7,483 special drives were carried out, during which 2,90,786 passengers travelling without valid tickets were identified, generating Rs 17.83 crore in fare and penalty collections. Konkan Railway has urged all passengers to purchase proper tickets before starting their journeys, emphasising that travelling without a valid ticket is a punishable offence. The KRCL has announced that intensified ticket checking drives will continue across its entire route during the winter and the upcoming Christmas festive season to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for all authorised passengers.

11 December,2025 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Representational Image

Winter wellness: Dieticians share tips to stay healthy as temperatures drop

If Mumbaikars are happy about anything right now, it is the weather that finally feels like winter season. If not during the day, at least the mornings and nights that are cooler, amid the constantly fluctuating AQI and worsening air pollution. However, this good feeling often makes us take our health for granted, as you may look for comfort in steaming street food, but it may not always do well for you, apart from the fact that you may not be consuming enough water due to lack of thirst, say city dieticians. After irregular spells of rain and sunshine leading up to these cooler months, Mumbaikars deserve nothing more than a healthy winter season.  Amreen Sheikh, chief dietician at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, and Jinal Patel, dietician at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar West, share the whats and whys of winter food and how to stay healthy as the mercury drops. Amreen Sheikh, chief dietician, KIMS Hospitals Winter foods to say yes to Seasonal fruits such as oranges, sweet lime, strawberries, custard apples, guava, apples, amla, and pomegranate, which are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre, as well as spinach, methi (fenugreek), sarson (mustard), beetroot, carrots, cabbage, green peas, cauliflower, and sweet potato. Healthy habits and home remedies Simple habits make a big difference: warm water instead of cold, a teaspoon of chawanprash or jaggery after meals, ginger-tulsi tea, steam inhalation, and adding pepper, ajwain, and cinnamon to food. A spoon of ginger juice mixed with honey helps soothe the throat, reduce cough, and enhance immunity. Consuming turmeric milk at night keeps the body warm, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent colds and throat infections. What to avoid Ignore the myth that one must eat more in winter. Warmth comes from balanced meals, hydration, and staying active. Overeating only causes sluggishness and weight gain. Fried foods, such as pakoras, don’t boost immunity but can increase inflammation.  Avoid heavy, oily foods, which only add excess calories and tend to slow digestion. Why take precautions? Winter naturally slows digestion, increases cravings, and makes us drink less water. At the same time, infections, dry skin, joint stiffness, and fatigue are more frequent. A balanced seasonal diet helps regulate immunity, keeps energy steady, and prevents the winter slump that many people experience. Immunity boosters Children need warm, nutrient-dense meals with enough protein, healthy fats, and seasonal fruits. Adults should focus on balanced meals with whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and hydration to maintain energy and prevent fatigue. Jinal Patel, dietician, Zynova Shalby Hospital Senior citizens need softer, easy-to-digest foods, adequate protein, calcium, and warm fluids to support immunity, digestion, and joint health. Adding spices like ginger and turmeric helps improve digestion and immunity.

11 December,2025 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Illustration/Uday Mohite

Leopard on the loose: Nagaon village search called off after day-long effort

More than 24 hours after a leopard entered Nagaon village near Alibag, the search for the animal continued on Wednesday. Dense coconut and supari plantations, many barricaded, posed major challenges for the forest department. The search was called off in the evening, as officials believe the leopard may have left the area. On Tuesday morning, two people walking along a road in Nagaon were attacked by the leopard in an unprovoked confrontation, causing panic in the area Nagaon sarpanch Harshada Mayeker said the incident began around 10.30 am on Tuesday when two people walking along a road were attacked. “Everyone was shocked; nothing like this has ever happened here. We alerted the forest department and police, who arrived within half an hour to locate and rescue the leopard,” she said. Students were safely sent home via school buses or picked up by parents A resident told mid-day that the village, home to roughly 12,000 people and nine schools, acted quickly once news spread. About 700-800 students were safely sent home via school buses or picked up by parents. An extensive search using thermal drones failed to locate the big cat The leopard, possibly agitated by the crowd, later injured five more people, including a forest department officer. All were treated for minor wounds. Pune-based NGO, RESQ CT, joined efforts in the evening to tranquilise the leopard. Forest department officials and the police arrived to locate and rescue the animal within half and hour of being alerted by locals But thick plantations and fencing made tracking difficult, and thermal drones were of no use. Over 150 personnel from the forest department, police, and NGOs continued the search overnight and resumed operations on Wednesday morning. Nagaon sarpanch Harshada Mayeker and local police review safety measures. Pics/By Special Arrangement Expert Speak Neha Panchamia, RESQ founder “Our Pune team reached Nagaon in three-and-a-half hours. Thick vegetation, numerous hiding spots, and large crowds kept disturbing the leopard. Thermal drones couldn’t penetrate dense plantations or structures. Despite night-long searches, it appears the leopard has left the area.” Leopard spotted in Nagaon village Kedar GoreThe Corbett Foundation “Leopards venturing into cities doesn’t always mean they are man-eaters. These incidents often reflect habitat fragmentation, lack of wild prey, and mismanaged waste, attracting stray dogs. People need awareness of safety measures. Releasing goats in forests can worsen conflicts by spreading invasive species and affecting forest quality.” Dos and Don’ts:  If a wild animal enters your area Pune-based NGO RESQ reaches Nagaon village on Tuesday evening Dos:>> Stay calm and immediately inform the forest department or police>> Keep a safe distance; keep pets and children indoors>> Close doors, windows, and gates>> Follow instructions from authorities; avoid crowding the area Don’ts:>> Don’t chase or corner the animal>> Avoid loud noises that may disturb it>> Never block its escape routes Emergency contactMaharashtra forest department: 022-25445459 10K-12KPeople in the villages, and nine schools, acted swiftly after the initial attack 7No of people injured by the leopard

11 December,2025 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
A child safety awareness session is conducted for municipal school students, teachers, and parents. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

21 BMC schools educate students on child rights and POCSO guidelines

In a fresh push to strengthen child safety, nearly 21 schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have conducted awareness sessions on child rights, POCSO guidelines, the role of Sakhi Savitri Committees, and the steps students can take to keep themselves safe. Organised by Vidhayak Bharati, a non-profit working in the field of child rights, the sessions have so far reached more than 3500 students, over 750 parents, and 550 teachers. The organisation plans to cover 20 more schools over the next nine days. “Simply asking your child to identify what alarms them as they walk from home to school and back can make all the difference. Open communication with students is key,” said Santosh Shinde, child rights defender and director of Vidhayak Bharati. Second phase of CCTV installations Ahead of next year’s budget, the BMC school education department is propsing to activate the second phase of CCTV installations across civic-run schools in the suburbs, sources said. In the first phase, 123 schools across wards A to F received CCTV surveillance. The second phase, proposed to roll out in the upcoming year, will cover 110 schools 65 in the eastern suburbs and 45 in the western suburbs. After phase two, the third phase plans to extend CCTV coverage to all remaining schools. Phase 1Wards covered: A to F NorthNumber of schools: 123Cameras per school: 20-50Locations: Lobbies, main gates, corridorsBudget used: Approx Rs 18 crore Phase 2 (2026–27)Areas: Eastern and Western suburbsNumber of schools: 110Proposed budget: Approx Rs 25 crore Phase 3Coverage: All remaining civic-run schools Pocso session What kind of topics do these sessions tackle? Children1.5-hour sessionDiscussions:>> How to call emergency services>> What to do in times of trouble>> Should you trust Google and AI completely? Parents1-hour sessionDiscussions:>> How to get your children to open up>> Communicating beyond academics and play>> Being proactive about child safety Teachers1-hour sessionDiscussions:>> Understanding Sakhi Savitri Committees and other support systems>> Preparing for prevention and response>> Increasing student involvement

11 December,2025 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
In recent years, Pune’s December nights have remained cool to cold, with minimum temperatures ranging between six degrees and 12 degrees. Representation pic/istock

Pune shivers as winter deepens; further temperature dip expected

The city witnessed its season’s lowest temperature on December 10, Wednesday, with Shivajinagar recording 8.1 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted further dips on Thursday. SD Sanap, senior scientist at IMD Pune, told mid-day, “North-north winds bring cold, dry air from northern India, causing winter chills in Maharashtra. December and January are typically the coldest months, with January often reporting the lowest temperatures.” In recent years, Pune’s December nights have remained cool to cold, with minimum temperatures ranging between six degrees C and 12 degrees C. The coldest recorded December night in this period was 5.9 degrees C in 2018, while 2024 saw a near-record low of 6.1 degrees C at the National Defence Academy (NDA) station on December 16. Shivajinagar and NDA stations often report these lows, with slight variations depending on local microclimates. Cold wave Maharashtra continues to reel under a sharp cold wave, with IMD issuing warnings for several regions. Pune and western Maharashtra are expected to get colder, with minimums dropping to 7-8 degrees C over the next two days. A yellow alert has been issued for Pune and Solapur. North Maharashtra will also experience significant temperature dips, with Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, and Ahmednagar among the coldest districts. Nashik may touch 7 degrees C, while Jalgaon could fall to 6 degrees C. Dr Simon Grant, physician and trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic In Marathwada, chilly mornings and nights persist despite sunny days. A yellow alert has been issued for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, and Parbhani on December 10. In Vidarbha, the cold wave eased after Yavatmal, Gondia, and Nagpur recorded lower temperatures on December 9. On December 10, no cold wave is expected across the region. Nagpur may record a minimum of 9 degrees C, while Amravati is likely to see 11 degrees C. With warnings active until December 11, authorities have urged residents, especially senior citizens, children, and vulnerable groups, to stay warm and limit exposure during early mornings and late nights. Expert speaks According to Dr Simon Grant, physician and Trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic, when temperatures fall, the body strains to stay warm, worsening asthma, heart issues, joint pain, and infections. Precautions can help. What to do Layer up, cover ears and hands, stay hydrated, eat warm meals, and keep rooms ventilated. If you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension, take medicines on time, stick to light daily exercise, and get proper sleep because poor sleep weakens immune function and increases susceptibility to infections. What not to do Avoid sudden cold exposure, don’t overuse heaters or have alcohol before stepping out —  it gives a false sense of warmth while actually dropping core body temperature, skip heavy early-morning workouts, and don’t ignore breathlessness, chest pain, or persistent cough. Min temperature recorded in pune in past Decembers2018: 5.9°C2015: 6.6°C2014: 7.8°C2013: 6.8°C Coldest December minimum in recent years:5.9°C in 2018 Last five years:2024: 6.1°C, National Defence Academy, Pune, 16 Dec2023: 12.3°C, Shivajinagar2022: 8.9°C, Shivajinagar, last week of Dec2021: 12.0°C, Shivajinagar, mid-Dec2020: 8.1°C, Shivajinagar, 21 Dec

11 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
During a video call, woman allegedly undressed, victim immediately disconnected the call. Days later, she sent a screen recording of the call. Representation pic/istock

Mumbai: Goregaon businessman falls prey to video-call sextortion

A 50-year-old Goregaon businessman was allegedly extorted of about Rs 1.20 lakh after befriending an unknown woman on Facebook and sharing his phone number with her. During a WhatsApp video call, the woman allegedly undressed, prompting the man to disconnect the call immediately.  A few days later, she sent him a screen recording showing both of them on the call and threatened to leak the clip unless he paid. He then began receiving intimidating calls from multiple people, including a woman posing as a Delhi police officer, who continued demanding money. Fearing humiliation, the victim initially transferred around Rs 15,000 and, over the next few weeks, ended up paying a total of Rs 1.20 lakh. When the extortion did not stop, he approached the Bangur Nagar police. Police said the complainant, who is involved in the chemical industry, accepted the friend request, believing the woman belonged to the same professional circle. The extortion began in November while he was in Nashik for work. A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. Investigators said the money was withdrawn in Rajasthan and are tracing the accused through bank account details and mobile numbers.

11 December,2025 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
The complainant and her friend registered a case at Malad police station after the former received treatment for her injuries. Representation Pic/iStock

Mumbai: Auto driver held for molesting 17-year-old in moving vehicle

An auto driver has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 17-year-old college student in his vehicle while it was in motion, causing her to jump out, injuring herself. The incident took place in Malad West on Monday. Under the guidance of Zone XI DCP Sandeep Jadhav, ACP Parkash Bagal, Goregaon division, and Senior Inspector Dushyant Chauhan began the investigation with the help of API Deepak Raiwade, along with PSI Tushar Sukhdev and other detection officers. “We scanned and examined CCTV footage from the Milap petrol pump route. Through the autorickshaw number, we found an address and a mobile number, but later found that the former was false and the latter was registered in an acquaintance’s name,” said an officer from Malad police station. Police then checked the route further and learnt from a rickshaw union that the accused was residing in Laljipada, Kandivli West. “However, he had no home as such and lived and slept inside his auto,” said an officer. Following surveillance in Laljipada, the accused was detained on Tuesday evening. He was identified as Keshav Prasad Yadav, 54, originally from Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh. Yadav was booked and arrested under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 12 of the POCSO Act, which deals with sexual harassment of a child. He was produced before the court on Tuesday and remanded in police custody. The assault and escape >> According to the teen, she hailed an auto from SV Road, Malad West, at 4.15 pm on Monday. The driver could reach her destination by taking a right turn from the Marve signal, but he took a U-turn and went towards Shankar Lane via the Milap petrol pump route. >> The auto driver allegedly asked the girl, who was seated at one side, to sit in the centre and started staring at her through the rear-view mirror while making obscene gestures. >> She then told him to stop the auto, but instead of complying, he pulled down a side curtain and, while the vehicle was still moving, reached behind him and touched her inappropriately. >> The teen told him to stop again, but the driver allegedly increased the speed of the auto. >> Around 4.18 pm, the girl jumped from the moving auto and rolled on the road for some distance. >> Passers-by helped the injured teen get up, and she also called her friend for help. >> The friend arrived and took her home. They later went to Shatabdi Hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries. After this, they went to the police station and registered a case. Steps to take Senior inspector Dushyant Chauhan of Malad police station said the moment women sense they are in such a situation, they must dial the special women’s helpline number, 103, or the Mumbai Police helpline number 100.

11 December,2025 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha

Mumbai's Mulund may get a golf course; feasibility study approved

After approving a bird park, Mulund may now get a golf course. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani is understood to have cleared a proposal to conduct a feasibility study for another golf course in Mumbai. In a veiled attack on the Shiv Sena (UBT), BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha said those who previously ruled the civic body often projected themselves as nature and animal lovers but “did nothing for the city”. Speaking during the state legislature’s winter session in Nagpur, he said, “After nearly 100 years, Mulund will get a bird park, a new tourist destination in Mumbai. I have also learnt that the BMC commissioner has approved a feasibility study for a golf course in Mulund.” Kotecha’s emphasis on new civic projects in the eastern suburbs, and his pointed remarks at Sena (UBT), are being seen as a sign that the ruling party is sharpening its focus on Mumbai ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections. The previous BMC polls were held in 2017. Although the term ended in 2022, the next elections were delayed due to a reservation case before the Supreme Court. The apex court has now directed that all pending local body elections in Maharashtra, including the BMC polls, be completed before January 31, 2026. Until 2017, the undivided Shiv Sena and BJP shared power in the civic body. In 2017, they contested separately, with Sena winning 84 seats and the BJP close behind with 82 of the total 227 wards. The BJP has long aimed to secure the BMC on its own, and the split in the Sena has given the party its strongest opening yet. During the session, Kotecha also raised Mumbai’s rising water demand, saying the government would need to consider constructing additional dams. NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad highlighted several civic concerns. He said the new Development Control Regulations have allowed taller buildings while the city’s roads remain unchanged. “The population is rising, but the roads are the same. I don’t see a solution to this. What are we going to do in the future?” he asked, pointing to growing traffic at Ghodbunder, Kalwa, and Mumbra. Awhad also said the service road at Ghodbunder Road has “vanished”, alleging that MMRDA erected pillars on it. “The court has also questioned the authority, as 22 people have died due to traffic on this road in the last year,” he said. ‘We’d keep our promises’ Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said financial assistance under the Ladki Bahin Yojana would be increased to Rs 2100 at the appropriate time. Responding to Congress leader Nana Patole’s question about when the promise of raising the benefit to Rs 5000 per month would be fulfilled, Shinde said, “We are committed to the promises made during the Assembly polls. At the right time, the right decision will be taken.” NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil said the government should file cases against ineligible people who received benefits under the scheme and also hold accountable officials who failed to verify beneficiaries.

11 December,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
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