As many as 21 railway buildings, including key installations in Mumbai, have been awarded the prestigious ‘Shunya’ label by the Bureau of Electrical Energy for achieving energy self-sufficiency. These buildings generate their own electricity, primarily through solar power, meeting their annual energy needs without relying on external supply. In the list are two Mumbai-based facilities, including local train POH (Periodical Overhauling) workshop and Sanpada carshed, with surplus power generation enabling them to supply electricity to other railway installations. This puts them in the ‘Shunya+’ category. The certification is awarded to buildings that are energy self-sufficient, generating as much or more electricity than they consume annually, largely through rooftop solar and other renewable energy systems. Railway authorities said that achieving the ‘Shunya’ status requires sustained monitoring of consumption, efficient electrical equipment, and optimal use of renewable energy. The success of the Mumbai-based units is being seen as a model for replication across other divisions. “With high-energy-demand facilities now turning net energy positive, the Indian Railways believes the initiative will significantly contribute to its long-term goal of carbon neutrality while ensuring reliable power for critical suburban train operations,” an official said. TwoNo. of railway facilities in Mumbai that got ‘Shunya+’ rating
31 January,2026 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarPaw-fect support An indie tries to draw the attention of a man while two others wait by a street corner in Fort. Indian rock music revived yet again After almost more than four decades, the pioneering 1970s rock band Human Bondage, founded by Henry Babu Joseph (left, top) will come together once again with composer Rajeev Raja (left, bottom) for a tribute to the band’s final chapter in Mumbai on February 6. The shows revisit the band’s music through a contemporary jazz-fusion lens, celebrating India’s early rock movement and the city’s long-standing love for live performance. In conversation with this diarist, Henry Babu Joseph said, “This reunion has been incredibly emotional for me. Bringing Human Bondage’s music back has been a beautiful journey already. The set list will feature classics, like Bertha by Grateful Dead and Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the energy.” Rajeev Raja concluded, “I’m thrilled to share the stage and bring their music alive again. Audiences can expect classic rock, rock and roll and the blues, rooted in the Human Bondage sound, and powered by the contemporary energy of my band, the Rajeev Raja Combine.” Craft beyond paper Kate Malone with her masterpiece; view of the studio in Byculla. Pics courtesy/Dot Line Space Art Foundation British ceramicist Kate Malone is all set to come to Mumbai on February 2 to lead a live demonstration, followed by a lecture and presentation at Studio White & Gray at Byculla, presented by Dot Line Space Art Foundation. Titled All things ceramics, the session will allow participants to engage directly with clay as a medium. The workshop foregrounds the clay festival initiated by the foundation before Covid-19, with the sole aim of reviving rural Indian pottery traditions. Gourmoni Das Known for her monumental ceramic works inspired by vegetables and fruits, Malone will discuss the possibilities of ceramics that move beyond fixed shapes and conventional forms. Gourmoni Das founder and director of Dot Line Space Art Foundation told this diarist, “It’s an honour to welcome Kate at the studio. This is our way of giving young ceramic enthusiasts the opportunity to learn and mould the medium in ways they choose.” Love is in the air Farhad J Dadyburjor There’s a new book in the pipeline that centres on queer romance, offering a refreshing piece of literary content for the discerning reader. City-based author Farhad Dadyburjor’s novel, Queerly Beloved (Penguin Random House India) is set to release on February 14. Amidst themes of trauma and tragedy that commonly mark queer stories, it offers a positive outlook. Set against the backdrop of upper-class Mumbai, with all its liveliness and glamour, the story is a romantic-comedy drama; its ‘big, fat Indian wedding’ trope for a queer couple is something new in Indian publishing. We can’t wait to see how this shaadi turns out. Art that withstood tremors (From left) Ruins to Resurgence by Ismail Khatri, The New Kutch, and The Day Everything Fell by Kala Raksha Foundation; a close-up of The New Kutch. Pics Courtesy/CSMVS Marking 25 years since the Bhuj earthquake, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) has opened Resurgence, a textile display exhibition celebrating the resilience of Kachchhi artists. The earthquake severely affected artists from textile centres like Bhujodi, Dhamadka, Anjar, and Khavda around Bhuj, resulting in the loss of their livelihoods. Alongside independent artists like Ismail Khatri and artists from Kala Raksha Foundation, the craft has been revived. “The textiles on view narrate stories of survival and resilience, while retaining traditional values. The works reflect deeply personal journeys of each artist. This exhibition is a way for them to uniquely narrate their journey, taking pride in their art, with stories rooted in the history of the region, their community, and the nation,” explained curator Nilanjana Som. Nilanjana Som A century amidst nature Untitled artwork; Nalini Mehta with her piece. Pics Courtesy/Namrata Shroff Carpe Diem, wrote the poet once upon a time, and Nalini Mehta is doing just that. The 100-year-old artist broke out of her 14-year-long hiatus to open her exhibition, A Passion Blossoms, at the Great Eastern Mills in Byculla yesterday. Curated by her granddaughter Namrata Shroff (inset), the exhibition captures Mehta’s lifelong love of nature. “Nature has always been my raison d’être. Flowers, plants, birds, and all living things stay imprinted in my memory so vividly that I don’t work with sketches. Even at this stage of my life, what keeps my passion alive is the quiet wonder I have always felt for nature’s endless beauty. As long as it continues to bloom, so does my desire to create,” she told this diarist. Namrata Shroff
31 January,2026 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-daySeat belts are universally regarded as lifesaving devices, credited with preventing thousands of deaths every year. However, in an extremely rare incident in Borivali, a seat belt itself is suspected to have caused the death of a young motorist. The accident occurred around 11.30 pm on January 25 near the Gorai bus depot, when a 27-year-old computer engineer was driving from Gorai jetty towards Link Road. According to the police, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which rammed into the corner of a road divider. Eyewitnesses said the impact was severe, causing the car to rebound nearly six feet backwards after hitting the divider. The collision triggered the deployment of airbags, filling the vehicle cabin with smoke-like residue. Eyewitness Vivek Yadav points to the deployed airbag inside the car following the crash Eyewitness account Vivek Yadav, 31, an autorickshaw driver who witnessed the crash, told mid-day that he was ferrying passengers towards Gorai when he heard a loud bang. “I immediately stopped my auto and ran towards the car. The driver’s side door was locked, but I forced it open. The man was badly injured and bleeding profusely,” Yadav said. The seat belt inside the vehicle, which police suspect caused the fatal neck injury to the driver during the crash. Pics/Nimesh Dave Initially, he believed the bleeding was due to a head injury. “But someone pointed out that the blood was coming from his neck. When I looked closely, I saw a deep wound just below the chin,” he recalled. Yadav said the victim was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. With the help of bystanders, he unfastened the belt, lifted the injured man into his auto, picked up his mobile phone from the car, and rushed him to Sailee Hospital. The spot near the Gorai bus depot in Borivli, where the Honda City rammed into a road divider “Whenever he tried to breathe or speak, the bleeding became worse,” Yadav said. During the journey, calls started coming in on the victim’s phone. “I informed the callers that there had been an accident and asked them to reach Sailee Hospital immediately,” he added. Doctors at Sailee Hospital referred the victim to a larger medical facility. By then, his friends and family had arrived and shifted him to another hospital. Yadav later learned that the young man had succumbed to his injuries. “I was extremely saddened. I truly believed he would survive,” he said, adding that he refused monetary assistance offered by the family. “I told them that his recovery was all I wished for.” Seat belt caused injury Preliminary police investigations suggest that the violent impact caused the victim’s body to lurch forward suddenly. Investigators suspect that the side portion of the seat belt moved forcefully and cut into his neck, inflicting a fatal wound. A police officer said the injury below the chin measured approximately seven centimetres in length and nearly three centimetres in depth. Post-mortem findings According to the post-mortem report, the cause of death was asphyxia, or suffocation, after the seat belt became tightly entangled around the victim’s neck. Sources at the post-mortem centre said the belt exerted intense pressure on the neck, damaging the windpipe. Blood was found oozing from below the chin, and the injury led to a gradual drop in oxygen levels. The victim reportedly succumbed one to two hours after the accident. Doctors also indicated that the injuries could have resulted from seat belt friction or the impact of the crash, which threw the victim against the steering wheel. However, they clearly confirmed that the cause of death was the seat belt itself, which became entangled around the victim’s neck at the time of the collision. Corporator recounts incident Local corporator Shiva Shetty told mid-day that he happened to pass the spot shortly after the accident and rushed to assist. “By the time I reached, the injured man had already been taken to the hospital. With the help of others, I moved the damaged car to the side near the bus depot gate and then went to Sailee Hospital,” Shetty said. He added that doctors advised shifting the victim to a larger hospital, including Kokilaben Hospital, but due to his critical condition, he was eventually taken to Lotus Hospital by ambulance. “I am deeply shocked. A seat belt, which is meant to save lives, became the cause of death. I will write to the government and automobile manufacturers, urging them to make seat belts safer so that such incidents are not repeated,” Shetty said. ADR registered Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), and further investigation is underway. “This is the first time we have come across a case where a seat belt itself is suspected to have caused a fatal injury,” a police officer said. Senior Inspector Madhusudan Nayak of Borivali police station confirmed the registration of the ADR. PSI Prashant Malvade is conducting further investigation.
31 January,2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) attempt to smoothen the surface of the pothole-ridden southbound section of the Kalina-Vakola flyover by shaving off the top layer of tar in several spots is adding to the troubles of motorists plying the Western Express Highway, who are now manoeuvring their vehicles cautiously to avert mishaps, thus bringing traffic to a crawl. Commuters’ grievances Prakash Gaikwad, who works for a ride-sharing app as a side hustle, told mid-day, “Riding on this flyover has become challenging, as the surface layer that has been removed is at least an inch thick, if not more. Because a lot of debris is lying on the road, the height difference only increased, and this is a sure recipe for accidents. I ride so carefully that sometimes I’m moving at 10 kmph to avoid accidents.” One of the shaved patches on the Kalina-Vakola flyover that are causing traffic congestion on January 29 Earlier, the flyover had potholes, which riders had become accustomed to, but since the roadwork has started, regular commuters are getting confused. Ramzan Shaikh, one such motorist, said, “I know the spots that are pothole-ridden, including at the very edge of the flyover where there are drain holes, but since the work has begun, it feels like I am driving on a new route resembling a mud road. I feel it is best to avoid the flyover as much as possible.” The surface-less parts of the road are also very uneven, forcing drivers to stay on their toes constantly to avoid edges. “I had visited this side of the city for the first time, and when I got onto the Vakola flyover, I did not understand what was happening with the road. It was in a terrible condition,” said Pritam Banse. Experts speak Nitin Dossa, chairman of Western India Automobile Association, talking about the dangers of such stretches, said, “While plying roads that are not properly worked on, it is not just two-wheelers that get damaged, but all types of vehicles, and not only the tyres but suspension and other integral parts of the vehicle are at risk.” He added, “Such shoddy work is not acceptable, as it can cause severe accidents. The civic authorities must have better planning, as flyovers are integral to the city’s traffic flow.” Authority comment Though attempts to contact the BMC’s H East ward were made by mid-day to get a comment on the condition of the road and learn when the work would be completed, the authorities did not respond by press time.
31 January,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturGumbo gambols through the woods of Thane West, his tongue lolling goofily as he spots friendly strangers and demands pets. It is only on closer inspection that one realises the 10-year-old Labrador retriever is missing his lower jaw — the lone battle scar from a life-threatening tumour he defeated just weeks ago after a groundbreaking surgery. Gumbo is now the first documented canine case in the world to have successfully undergone a bilateral mandibulectomy, or the complete removal of the lower jaw. “The way Gumbo has recovered is nothing short of a miracle,” says Dr Vikam Dave, who performed the surgery at his Borivali-based veterinary hospital, Blue 7 Vets. Gumbo, the 10-year-old Labrador, became the world’s first documented canine to survive complete lower jaw removal The operation was considered radical for several reasons. Globally, similar canine cases have involved only partial removal of the jaw, either from one side or the front. While total mandible removal has been attempted a few times, there are no recorded cases of long-term survival. “Not only is it a complex surgery, but success depends largely on how well the dog adapts to life without a lower jaw,” Dr Dave explains. “The tongue has nothing to support it, which can lead to dehydration and fatigue. More importantly, the dog must relearn how to eat and drink with an entirely revised anatomy.” Gumbo’s determination, however, was forged through a decade of neglect and misfortune, says Richa Singh Choudhuri, founder of Bowsome Senior Dogs India Foundation (BSDIF), which rescued him in Bengaluru. Gumbo a few weeks before the tumour ravaged his mouth. Pic/By Special Arrangement For 10 years, Gumbo lived chained and isolated in a Bengaluru building. When he fell ill, his owner abandoned him. His diagnosis — peripheral odontogenic fibroma with osseous metaplasia — was a cruel twist of fate. Though benign, the tumour grew so aggressively that it became life-threatening. He underwent surgery in Bengaluru in October 2025, but when clean margins could not be achieved, the tumour returned rapidly. On December 24, 2025, Choudhuri decided to foster Gumbo and brought him to Thane in a final attempt to save him. Richa Singh Choudhuri, founder of Bowsome Senior Dogs India Foundation, with her son Ivaan and rescued Labrador Gumbo at their Thane residence “The tumour was taking over his mouth and jaw. His teeth would simply pop out into the air,” she recalls. “It became clear he had only days to live.” With certain death as the alternative, Choudhuri convinced Dr Vikam Dave and canine oncologist Dr Ashlesha Dave to attempt complete jaw removal.“We knew there was barely a 10 per cent chance of success,” she says. “But we decided to take that chance.” Medical costs were estimated at around Rs 3.5 lakh. Up to 80 per cent of the amount was raised from BSDIF followers on Instagram within hours, with the remaining expenses covered by Choudhuri’s husband. Gumbo eats independently after relearning how to drink and feed following the removal of his entire lower jaw. Pics/Shadab Khan A CT scan confirmed that the tumour had not spread beyond the lower jaw. On December 29, surgeons removed Gumbo’s mandible along with affected lymph nodes. For the first two weeks, he was fed through a tube. Dr Milind Hatekar, a veteran veterinary surgeon from Pune with 35 years of experience, confirms that this is the first recorded case of a successful complete removal of the lower jaw in the world. “It’s a massive surgery; not many surgeons would opt to do it. Not only do you need specialised skills, but most pet owners would opt to euthanise the dog rather than agree to the procedure. This could be due to concerns over the success rate, the cost, or the intensive care required at home during post-operative recovery,” he says. “But the fact that Gumbo is enthusiastic about food and is successfully eating on his own is proof that the procedure is successful,” he adds. Dr Dave now plans to publish this case study in a veterinary journal. Fully recovered after a radical surgery, Gumbo now enjoys daily walks and playtime at his foster home in Thane “Removing a jaw is very different from amputating a limb,” Choudhuri explains. “You can teach a tripod dog to walk. But how do you teach a dog to eat again?” The answer came unexpectedly. To prevent dehydration, she would place Gumbo’s tongue into chicken broth and gently cup the liquid into his mouth. “He learned how to manoeuvre his tongue on his own,” she says. “By mid-January, he began lapping broth independently and soon progressed to blended meals.” This week brought further good news. The lymph node biopsy returned negative for cancer, confirming complete tumour removal. Today, Gumbo’s only remaining challenges are what Choudhuri jokingly calls his “social butterfly syndrome” and his refined palate.“He refuses plain water,” she laughs. “He prefers cucumber-mint water with ice cubes or chicken broth. For meals, he loves chicken and fish, as long as it’s blended into a smooth paste so he can eat it himself.” Now fully recovered, the 10-year-old Labrador is up for adoption in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. “He’s extremely gentle, loves people, and gets along beautifully with children and cats,” Choudhuri says as her five-year-old son strokes Gumbo’s head. “On walks, he insists on greeting everyone. His walks may take longer, but his adopters will make many friends along the way.” Oct 2025Month Gumbo first underwent surgery How to adopt animals in Mumbai . Visit shelters run by organisations such as the Youth Organization in Defence of Animals (@yodamumbai) in Malad, and The Welfare of Stray Dogs (@wsdindia) in Sewri to see which dogs are up for adoption. To adopt a senior dog, follow Bowsome Senior Dogs India Foundation on Instagram @bowsomeseniordogsindia and fill out the application form available on their profile. The NGO staff will counsel your family to match you with a cat or dog that’s a good fit for your lifestyle. A few basic to-dos before you pick up your new pet: Scope out the closest veterinarian, animal pharmacy, and food sources. Get a collar, leash, and pet tag with your contact number on it Who's the dog's doc? Dr Vikram Dave is a veterinary surgeon specialising in orthopaedics and neurology, with over 18 years of experience in his field. He and his wife, canine oncologist Dr Ashlesha Dave, run Blue7 Vets, an animal hospital in Borivali West. Dr Dave has undergone training in the US, Australia, and Europe, and has gone on to pioneer pet medicare in the country. He was the first in Mumbai to perform a total hip replacement on a dog in 2024 and is currently conducting groundbreaking neurosurgical research that could someday translate to brain surgery for animals.
31 January,2026 07:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Debjani PaulDo 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 January 31. Aries March 21 – April 20Consider an ended relationship as a learning lesson (you may be wary of attachments for a while). Cosmic tip: Decide on practical steps to take career/business to the next level. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Some routines may seem necessary, but on close inspection, that’s not true. The day is extremely busy since morning. A client sends good news.Cosmic tip: Never talk about your fears or weaknesses. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Love life may be on a yo-yo karmic cycle, but you can see the humour in that, too.Cosmic tip: Use positive visualisation to center energies, bringing clarity about the next course of action. Cancer June 22 – July 23Ideally, students should begin revisions for exams now. A trip is planned with cousins. Consider how to deal with a plateau phase.Cosmic tip: Stay calm when people expect you to get angry (this confuses them). Leo July 24 - Aug 23What is said could be misunderstood by you, so don’t be in a rush to judge. Newly married Leos consider themselves lucky.Cosmic tip: Casually find out why someone is being so indifferent. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Consider making an investment since finances have improved. Thoroughly understanding an assignment helps deliver exactly what the client is looking for.Cosmic tip: Don’t react emotionally. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Those wanting to invest in property overseas could do so in this karmic cycle. Select work over which there’s some control and can be managed by a single person.Cosmic tip: Get enough sleep. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A friend from school days you had forgotten about gets in touch. Praise from your boss keeps the karmic balance in your favour.Cosmic tip: Work harder to be two steps ahead of competition. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Some may consciously deviate from the present career path. Keep relationship in a state of contentment. Cosmic tip: Ignore what people say about you (don’t give it energy, starving it completely). Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20There’s greater understanding and bonding with the spouse. Remaining in a state of happy anticipation happens after discussing career with someone.Cosmic tip: Mentally bid goodbye to stress. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Don’t allow the mind to get sidetracked by what’s related to you by a gossip-monger. Focus on positive happenings. This extends a positive karmic cycle. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Never reveal plans in advance. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20By becoming impossible to offend, you become the stronger one who realises what the other person hopes to achieve. Cosmic tip: Respond with logic, not anger.
31 January,2026 02:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe body of a newborn baby boy was recovered from Juhu Beach near Mora Gaon early on Friday morning. A morning walker spotted the infant at the seashore and alerted nearby residents, who then informed Mumbai Police. The body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination. According to police, the incident came to light around 7 am when locals were walking along the beach in the Mora Gaon area. A police officer said the newborn appeared to be no more than 15 days old. Cause of death yet to be ascertained, say Mumbai Police Speaking to mid-day.com, Senior Inspector Sunil Jadhav of Juhu Police Station said, “Local residents found the body of a newborn boy at the seashore. We rushed to the spot and confirmed that the baby was dead. The body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem. We are awaiting the report to determine the exact cause of death.” He added, “We are checking all possible CCTV cameras in the area and verifying hospital records to trace the parents. We are also reviewing missing persons reports to see if any newborn baby boy has been reported missing in the past few days.”
31 January,2026 01:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaWestern Railway will operate a five-hour block on the UP and DOWN Fast lines between Churchgate and Mumbai Central on Sunday, February 1, to carry out essential maintenance of tracks, signalling systems, and overhead equipment. The block will be implemented from 10.35 am to 3.35 pm. During this period, all the Fast Line trains will be operated on the Slow Lines between Churchgate and Mumbai Central stations. Some UP and DOWN suburban services will be cancelled, while certain Churchgate-bound trains will be short-terminated and reversed from Bandra or Dadar. Western Railway has appealed to passengers to check with station masters at all suburban stations for a detailed list of affected trains and plan their journeys accordingly. Western Railway to introduce four new 12-car locals on Mumbai suburban network Western Railway (WR) will introduce four additional 12-car non-AC (air-conditioned) suburban services in Mumbai from February 1 to enhance commuter convenience and connectivity. With the addition of 12 new suburban trains, the total number of suburban services on WR will rise from 1,406 to 1,410. According to officials from WR, the expansion has been made possible following the completion of construction work on the sixth railway line between Kandivali and Borivali. Officials also highlighted that the commissioning of the new line has enabled the shifting of all Bandra Terminus-bound suburban services to the 5th and 6th lines between Borivali and Bandra Terminus, a move that will significantly improve operational efficiency and traffic management. Of the four new suburban services on the Western Line, two will operate in the UP direction and two in the DOWN direction. UP direction trains Bhayandar to Bandra, departing at 11.39 am Bhayandar to Churchgate, departing at 12.14 pm DOWN direction trains Bandra to Bhayandar, departing at 4.30 am Bandra to Bhayandar, departing at 1.21 pm In its official statement, WR also said that the induction of these services will also lead to minor changes in the timings of certain existing suburban trains. WR has appealed to passengers to take note of the revised schedules to avoid inconvenience. The introduction of these additional services is expected to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and provide smoother travel for thousands of daily commuters across the WR suburban network.
30 January,2026 11:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAround 200 unauthorised hawkers and illegal encroachments on footpaths along Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg (Irla Marg) in Andheri West were removed on Thursday by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) K West ward. Officials said unauthorised encroachments were found on the footpaths of Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg, which connects Swami Vivekananda Marg and Gulmohar Marg and is located near the entrance of the Cooper Hospital. Hawkers had set up illegal stalls, obstructing the movement of ambulances carrying patients in emergency situations to the hospital. The demolition drive was carried out using four encroachment removal vehicles, three JCBs, and other equipment. Nearly 100 BMC officers and staff, along with police personnel, were deployed during the operation. Joint drive clears illegal obstructions on three congested Andheri West roads Earlier on Wednesday, a joint drive by the Amboli police, traffic police, and the BMC brought major relief to residents of Andheri West, with three chronically congested roads finally cleared of illegal obstructions. Sawant Road, Veera Desai Road, and Duttaji Salvi Road — which routinely witnessed severe traffic snarls — were freed of illegal hawkers, abandoned vehicles, and unauthorised parking of dumpers, tankers, and JCB machines. As a result, commute time on these stretches has dropped sharply from nearly 25 minutes earlier to about 10 minutes now. Residents said repeated complaints to civic and police authorities in the past had failed to yield results. The breakthrough came after the Amboli police initiated a joint meeting with the BMC and traffic police, leading to coordinated enforcement on the ground. Sanjay Sawant, a resident of Gundecha Symphony Society on Veera Desai Road, said daily travel had become exhausting due to congestion. “Every day, we struggled to cross our own area. We were stuck for at least 25 minutes just to pass one lane. Tankers and JCB machines were parked everywhere. Despite several complaints, nothing changed earlier,” he said, adding that emergency services were frequently affected. “School buses and ambulances were often stuck. Now we can actually see the road. Earlier, all we saw were vehicles and traffic jams. More than 60 societies on this stretch were impacted. We are thankful to the BMC, traffic police, and Amboli police, and have even invited them for a felicitation,” Sawant said. Another resident, Nakul Vaid, said the situation had earlier turned unsafe. “There was no footpath left for walking as everything was encroached. Dumpers and tankers dominated the area, and residents were threatened whenever issues were raised. Traffic kept increasing, and public urination was common. We only hope this problem does not return,” he said. Suresh Makhija, a committee member of Gundecha Society, said the clearance had restored basic dignity for residents. “For years, heavy dumpers, cranes, and JCBs were parked here. Their drivers created a nuisance by bathing and urinating on the roads. For the first time in many years, the issue has been resolved. I am 76 years old and can finally walk safely on a footpath,” he said. SK Rout, chairman of Palash A and B Wing Cooperative Housing Society, said residents had noticed a visible change. “There is no unauthorised commercial vehicle parking, no roadside urination, and no antisocial elements gathering. Earlier, it took 25 minutes to cross Veera Desai Road. Now it barely takes 10 minutes,” he said. A senior police officer from Amboli police station said three FIRs were registered for illegal parking that posed a threat to public safety. “More than 150 illegal hawkers were removed. Earlier, only one lane was usable due to encroachments. All lanes are now clear. We have towed 37 abandoned vehicles and continue to tow 50 to 60 illegally parked vehicles daily,” the officer said. Senior Inspector Pramod Kokate of Amboli police station said the enforcement drive would continue. “We seized abandoned vehicles, JCBs, tankers, and trucks. Three FIRs were registered for dangerous parking that endangered lives. The action will continue in coordination with the BMC and traffic police to ensure congestion does not return,” he said. Malad Similar action was also carried out in Malad, where the police and P-North Ward officials jointly acted against 15 unauthorised hawkers. Legal action was also initiated against 53 individuals. Authorities emphasised that the campaign to keep roads safe will continue. दि. २९/०१/२०२६ रोजी मालाड पोलीस ठाणे आणि BMC पी उत्तर यांच्यातर्फे १५ अनधिकृत हॉकर्सवर संयुक्त निष्कासन कारवाई करण्यात आली, तसेच ५३ जणांवर कायदेशीर कारवाई झाली. रस्ते सुरक्षित ठेवण्यासाठी आमची मोहीम सुरूच राहील.#MaladPolice #MumbaiPolice #BMC #PublicSafety #CleanMumbai pic.twitter.com/RMJuPTkQcY — मालाड पोलीस ठाणे - Malad PS Mumbai (@Malad_PS) January 30, 2026
30 January,2026 11:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has registered a complaint with the police against an advertiser for allegedly illegally constructing iron structures and advertising hoardings in Shivaji Park at Mumbai’s Dadar area. A case in this regard has been filed at the Shivaji Park Police station. The hoardings were removed by the G-North Ward (covering West, Mahim, and Matunga) officials on Friday morning. Unauthorised advertising hoardings with images of sportspersons were constructed on both the sides of gate number 5 of Shivaji Park without permission from the municipal corporation. Iron structures were also put up at both the locations for these hoardings, which measured approximately 20 X20 feet. Mumbai advertiser fails to comply with BMC notice; action taken under public property laws According to BMC's statement, the ward office issued a notice to the advertiser concerned, Abhishek Chavan, on Thursday to remove the unauthorised advertising hoardings and iron structures. "However, as he did not remove the hoardings and structures, a complaint was registered against him at Shivaji Park Police Station on January 30, 2026," an official said. The action was taken under the Maharashtra State Prevention of Defacement of Public Property Act, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, and Indian Penal Code, for defacing public property.
30 January,2026 10:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSBrihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to expedite the construction work on the upcoming 2,000 million litres per day (MLD) ultra-modern water treatment plant (WTP) at the Bhandup complex, stating that the project will significantly strengthen the city’s water supply system once completed. Gagrani said the project would ensure the supply of higher-quality and safer drinking water to Mumbaikars, while also addressing future demand arising from population growth, industrial requirements, and rapid urbanisation. He stressed the need to adopt modern technology during implementation to ensure an efficient, environment-friendly, and long-term sustainable water supply system. The Mumbai civic body has set a deadline of April 2029 to complete the project. Gagrani visited the project site on Friday to review progress. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malwade, Chief Engineer (Water Supply Projects) Mahendra Ubale, along with other senior engineers and officials, were present during the inspection. Mumbai’s water supply is primarily sourced through two major systems. Under the Tansa–Vaitarna system, water from reservoirs such as Tansa, Modak Sagar, Middle Vaitarna, and Upper Vaitarna is conveyed to the Bhandup complex through gravity-based pipelines. The water is then treated at the old and new treatment plants at Bhandup before being supplied across the city through service reservoirs. At present, around 2,600 MLD of water is supplied every day to Mumbai. The existing 1,910 MLD water treatment plant at Bhandup was constructed around 46 years ago and has become structurally weak, necessitating its replacement. The new 2,000 MLD plant will process water every day and is crucial for enhancing supply capacity to Mumbai’s western suburbs and island city. Mumbai: Work underway on 7.4-hectare plant; focus on capacity boost and long-term water security Gagrani said the new plant, spread over 7.4 hectares, will replace one of Asia’s largest existing water treatment facilities, enabling Mumbai to receive water at a higher capacity. He noted that soil testing, excavation, site barricading, relocation of power transmission towers and plantation work are currently underway, while civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation works are being carried out simultaneously. He directed officials to complete as much work as possible before the monsoon. Emphasising the importance of clean water, Gagrani said access to safe drinking water is vital not only for public health but also for economic development and environmental sustainability. He said that, considering Mumbai’s rapid growth and urbanisation, it is essential to strengthen water supply planning and ensure long-term sustainable management. Gagrani added that the BMC remains committed to bridging the gap between water demand and supply through innovative technology and robust infrastructure investments.
30 January,2026 10:35 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
