Trunk call A vendor carries elephant-shaped balloons on the Matunga railway foot over bridge Discovering the unknown Feather Duster Worms Biomapping the North, an initiative by Marine Life of Mumbai under the Coastal Conservation Foundation, is working to fill a crucial gap in marine biodiversity data from the city’s northern shores. Pearly Sea Anemone. Pics courtesy/Shaunak Modi and Arvind Premanand As director Shaunak Modi told this diarist, “We did not have the number of observations that were comparable to the southern shores of Mumbai, so we realised that while we had some data from the north, it was not enough to understand the biodiversity there.” Hence the volunteers have documented species across Bhuigaon, Uttan, Gorai, Dana Pani and Erangal, recording 240 observations of 85 species by 14 observers till now. From garbage to gulaab Members of Govandi Arts Festival who helped revamp the lane. Pics courtesy/Govandi Arts Festival Perhaps neighbourhoods across Mumbai ought to take a leaf out of the residents of Natwar Parekh Compound in Govandi. In September 2025, mid-day’s The Guide pages had covered the Community Design Agency’s (CDA) community development project in an article titled, ‘Gully Girls of Govandi.’ The lane before the revamp The latest news is that the project has inaugurated yet another transformed lane, now called Gulab gully. The vibrantly painted lane after it was improved “The community came together to pool in for 25 per cent of the funds, hire a contractor to incorporate the designs,” shared junior architect Neha Raut, who was part of the core team alongside Parveen Shaikh and the Sakhi Sangh Women’s Collective among others. History at arm’s length A life size replica of the façade of the Cellular Jail at the school. Pic courtesy/pais_friends_library Vistors to the ongoing book exchange at the CP Goenka School in Dombivli hosted by Pai’s Friends Library might witness an ode to India’s history. “Keeping with its theme of history, we have designed the space to resemble the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a chance to teach children of its historicity, and the freedom fighters’ sacrifice,” shared Pundalik Pai, Pai’s Friends Library. The city is the canvas An untitled illustration by Dumbre at Upper Govind Nagar in Malad. Pics courtesy/Siddesh Dumbre Siddhesh Dumbre, a UX/UI designer and part-time illustrator from Malad, has taken it upon himself to turn abandoned and scrappy buildings into art. His original series, Seeing the Unseen, began about five months ago, when he started illustrating overlooked structures across the city. Dumbre said, “This started as a passion project when I was strolling around town, and I found a roof that looked like the benches at the beach; with that the series was born. I later renamed it to My art taking over Mumbai, as it sounds more fun, while my main motive would be to beautify the abandoned.” Through his work, Dumbre reimagines neglected spaces, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s forgotten corners and overlooked urban landscapes.
13 April,2026 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayIn a bid to boost tiger numbers in the Radhangari Wildlife Sanctuary officials have submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra Forest Department to consider the translocation of a female tiger from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve landscape to Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, in the northern Western Ghats. In a letter addressed to Chief Wildlife Warden M S Reddy, Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate highlighted that while the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) currently has seven tigers — four males and three translocated females. Meanwhile, Radhanagari has recorded three male tigers, with no tigress captured on camera. The proposal The proposal points out that while permission has already been granted to translocate five female tigers to STR, a parallel move to introduce a tigress in Radhanagari should also be considered as it would initiate breeding with the existing males in the sanctuary, stabilising the tiger numbers. According to the proposal, cubs born in Radhanagari could eventually disperse towards STR and other parts of the northern Western Ghats, aiding long-term habitat connectivity and strengthening conservation outcomes in the region. Warden Speaks Speaking to mid-day, HWW Rohan Bhate said, “The move could also provide a boost to eco-tourism in both Radhanagari and STR, while increasing awareness and public support for wildlife conservation. I have requested the Chief Wildlife Warden to consider the proposal and, if found suitable, issue necessary directions to the Field Director for further action.” Tigers in STR and adjoining Radhanagari landscape T1 SenapatiT2 SubhedarT3 BajiT4 ChandaT5 TaraT6 HirakaniT7 RaybaT8 SardarT9 ShiledarT10 Ranoji
13 April,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavResidents of Birla Vanya in Khadakpada, Kalyan West, held a peaceful satyagraha on April 11, alleging a lack of transparency in the utilisation of maintenance funds collected by the developer. The protest follows claims that nearly 24 months of advance maintenance collected from residents were exhausted within 14 months, without a Chartered Accountant-certified audit or a detailed statement of expenditure being shared. Residents had submitted a formal letter to the senior police inspector on April 9, informing authorities about the planned silent protest. The agitation was conducted without slogans or disruption to public order. “We are not refusing to pay, but we need clarity on where the money has been spent,” said a resident. Demand for accountability Residents have sought>> A Chartered Accountant-certified audit of maintenance funds>> A complete bifurcation of expenses>> A halt on further charges until financial transparency is ensuredA society member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The builder’s representative offered a temporary solution by saying they will discuss it with us, but we want a permanent solution so we can live in our home peacefully.” Builder respondsResponding to the protest, Birla Vanya’s sales national head, Ankit Agarwal, said, “The members held a silent protest but they have withdrawn it now, and we will meet with them to clarify. On Saturday, we will discuss this with all members and try to resolve the issue.” Next course of action Residents said that if their concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, they may approach the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority. Timeline of events>> Advance maintenance collected: Approximately 24 months>> Funds reportedly exhausted: Within 14 months>> Police informed: April 9>> Silent protest held: April 11 Wider contextThe dispute reflects a broader pattern of conflicts between homebuyers and developers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over maintenance charges, fund utilisation, and financial transparency. Maintenance dispute? Here’s what the law says >> Audit is your right: Builders must provide a CA-certified statement of maintenance funds>> Separate account mandatory: Maintenance funds cannot be mixed with the builder’s business accounts>> Charges must be reasonable: Arbitrary or excessive demands are not permitted under RERA>> Society formation: Must be completed within stipulated timelines; delays can invite legal action
13 April,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghProblems Auto menace “We have observed that since the past few years, the auto rickshaw numbers have increased in Santacruz West. Added to this, there are also the double parking problems which are causing a great inconvenience to pedestrians like senior citizens and children. We request the concerned authorities to look into these aspects on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, a thought may be given to make it an auto-free area like Mahim.”Seema Bokkasan Aarey Milk booth on footpath “I am once again writing to you to please look into the Aarey Milk Stall/Booth which has been placed on the footpath just outside the ‘Bombay Institution for Deaf and Mutes’ in Mazgaon (opposite Mazgaon Court). It has been placed there for the past 3 years and locked up and non-operational. Some MLA/politicians in this area have made money doing this nonsense. We don’t need this useless monster taking up space on the footpath. Can mid-day kindly investigate?”Sheila D’Souza Uneven footpath, broken railings “The exit at DN Nagar Metro station, Andheri (West), located near the signal, presents a significant safety concern for pedestrians, particularly the elderly, due to the need to traverse the roadway to access the opposite side. The removal of existing railings to facilitate passage, in the absence of alternative exits, has created an unevenly cut railing with sharp edges, posing a risk of injury. This condition has persisted for an extended period.”Kamal Siddiqui Badly managed bus queues “I am writing to draw attention to the distressing situation of long and poorly managed queues for BEST bus routes at Malad. Commuters relying on routes 243 and 622 to Jankalyan Nagar, as well as buses to Marve (272), are routinely subjected to waiting times of a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour. This daily ordeal is both exhausting and inefficient, particularly for working residents. What is especially frustrating is the stark contrast with other routes, such as 620, where buses are seen plying nearly empty at frequent intervals. This apparent imbalance in allocation points to a larger issue of route planning and resource management. Despite multiple complaints being submitted to BEST authorities, there has been little to no improvement. I urge your publication to investigate this matter and highlight the disparity in wait times, commuter load, and route management. Greater public scrutiny may help bring about the necessary corrective action.”Nichola Pais Responses After Mumbaikars sent in their questions and woes to mid-day last Monday, some of the authorities concerned responded. We haven’t given up on the rest. We shall continue to hold authorities accountable for the state of the city. How does one identify a licensed hawker Usha Jeyakumar Response: A senior official from the licence department said, “Within one week, BMC will launch the project where licensed hawkers are given QR codes with details of their documents, which they need to display at their stall. However, evn if a licensed hawker uses unnecessary space on a footpath, litters the area or uses footpaths for storage, BMC takes action against them.” The official confirmed that action will be taken against these hawkers if they are found to be bending any rules. Dead signal Meldan D’Cunha Response: DCP Traffic Dipali Ghade said, “So far I have not received any such information about a signal not functioning post midnight-night. But I will look into the matter and get into the details of the issue.” Cancelled trains Joseph D’Silva Response: “The 97330 (T-36) Thane scheduled departure at 8.36 am is running every day. As per the timetable, it is not scheduled to run on Sundays and holidays,” a CR spokesperson said, adding real-time details of its run from the operations department are available.
13 April,2026 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayBandra’s Lucky Junction, which was flooded due to a pipe leak on last Friday, has been repaired by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff over the weekend. According to the BMC, the pipe had leaked due to high pressure, leading to the road over it caving in with water pressure, and the entire area flooding with ankle-deep water within minutes. Local Speak Workers clear debris after the situation is brought under control on Friday evening.PIC/Rane Ashish Sayyed Rafiq, who lives near SV road, told mid-day: “The BMC on Friday worked immediately to clean the road and the hole of all its debris. Civic staff then laid a new tar road over it for easy flow of traffic. They handled it well and acted promptly. This has spared us a lot of inconvenience. We just hope that no such thing happens again.” Cop Speak The stretch after being fixed by the BMC, on Sunday. Pic/Shadab Khan On Friday, traffic cops faced heavy inconvenience as traffic had to be diverted for hours as work on the road proceeded. However, the issue was resolved by Sunday. “The flow of traffic is back to normal, without much delay. On Friday, we saw traffic crawling. We had to carefully manage and divert every vehicle, which caused a lot of ruckus at the junction. But BMC has repaired the road already… it is now back to normal.” BMC Speak On Friday, BMC’s H West ward confirmed to mid-day that the issue was caused by water pressure, and that such issues occur rarely. mid-day contacted the ward office again to check if the repair work had been completed, but didn’t receive a response till the time of going to press.
13 April,2026 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) are trading barbs over the controversy surrounding self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, triggering a fresh political row in the state. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged that the BJP is deliberately amplifying the issue to tarnish the image of its allies and create mistrust within the ruling alliance. The BJP, however, has hit back strongly, asking Pawar Jr. to focus on internal issues within his own party instead of questioning others, further escalating the war of words between the two sides. Grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, Rohit, on X posted that there had been reports that the BJP’s allies in power were trying to poach MLAs and MPs from the Opposition, but the reality seemed very different. “There is strong information that by the end of next month, a ‘big party in power’ may actually target its own allies. Today, the BJP may be showing a friendly attitude towards its allies, but tomorrow those same allies may feel betrayed. So, it would be wise for the allies to remain cautious to avoid being targeted themselves,” he posted. War of words over godman Arrested self-styled godman from Nashik, Ashok Kharat In a veiled attack on the BJP, Pawar alleged that the arrest of Ashok Kharat, a Nashik-based self-proclaimed godman, which had brought embarrassment to the state, had not come out on its own. It appeared to have been deliberately brought forward, and the incident may just be the beginning. Photos of several political leaders from Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP seen with Ashok Kharat have caused embarrassment for the ruling alliance and its allies. BJP hits back BJP leader and MLC Praveen Darekar rejected the allegations and said that instead of making baseless statements, Pawar should focus on what is happening within his own party, referring to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP.
13 April,2026 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Bombay High Court has passed an interim order and put on hold a directive of the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner that suspended elections to the Asiatic Society of Mumbai and placed the 200-year-old institution under an administrator, holding that there was a prima facie violation of natural justice. Justice Farhan P Dubash granted interim relief after noting that the society and its managing committee were not given prior notice or an opportunity to respond to the inspector's inquiry report that formed the basis of the commissioner’s 50-page order dated March 13. The order had blocked elections scheduled for March 14. Senior counsel Atul Damle, appearing for petitioners led by Kumar Ketkar, argued that the only communication before the order was a notice to the election officer on March 11, which did not put the society on notice of the proposed action. The state sought time to reply. The matter will be heard on April 16. The commissioner’s order will remain stayed until then. Contest turns political The election has drawn prominent political figures:Vinay SahasrabuddheKumar KetkarBoth are contesting for the top post with their respective panels, intensifying what has traditionally been an academic institution’s internal process. Independents in fray >> Seven independent candidates are contesting>> They have positioned themselves as non-aligned and reform-oriented Rare collections >> Over one lakh books>> Around 3000 manuscripts (Sanskrit, Persian, Prakrit)>> Approximately 1300 maps>> The library holds rare works, including manuscripts such as the Divine Comedy and a Persian version of the Mahabharata. Additional One managing committee post (two-year term: 2025–2027)Seven-member scrutinising committee (2025–2026) Funding snapshot Rs 75 lakh in BMC budget 2026-27, Rs 1 crore annual grant from state government (restricted use; not for salaries), and additional grant from the Ministry of Culture Preservation concerns Basement storage conditions flagged for urgent improvementLong-standing concerns over the conservation of rare materials What triggered the dispute? >> Surge in new memberships in recent months>> Disagreements over the voter list>> Inspector inquiry report leading to administrative intervention>> These issues contributed to the postponement of elections on both scheduled dates Elections postponed twice Original poll date: November 8, 2025Rescheduled date: March 14, 2026Status: Postponed twice following directions from the charity commissioner’s office Posts to be filled Two-year term (2025–2027): PresidentFour vice-presidentsHonorary secretaryThree-year term (2025–2028): Five managing committee members About the Asiatic Society Founded: 1804Location: Town Hall, Horniman Circle, MumbaiStatus: Grade-I heritage structure
13 April,2026 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for April 13. Aries March 21 – April 20Yes, there’s a lot of work, but it makes achievements extra sweet and success even sweeter. Cosmic tip: Deal with every situation as it turns up, but don’t be obsessed about the future. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A new business opportunity may be tempting, but there’s awareness of taking on too much and not being able to do justice to it. Cosmic tip: Enjoy yourself at a party tonight. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Stepping into a new experience is a challenge you overcome. Financial good fortune is revealed for some. Cosmic tip: Be tactful when dealing with someone younger who is disappointed. Cancer June 22 – July 23Slight frustration is to be expected since plans didn’t work out as expected. Keep whatever happened to yourself. Cosmic tip: Overcome a challenge with focused thinking and a practical mindset. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Going with the flow of life brings very many more opportunities your way. Some receive a precious gift. Do get enough sleep. Cosmic tip: Be aware spiritual growth is taking you ahead of others. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Being on your guard if someone gushes over you has become second nature. Only eat food that agrees with you. Cosmic tip: Be circumspect, keeping yourself away from negative people. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A team meeting is interesting yet too time consuming (this could have been completed in 20 mins.). Cosmic tip: Don’t spend too much time with one particular friend. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Love for the family and their well-being is anchored deep within your heart and mind. Cosmic tip: Know when to move on if a plan doesn’t work, or a business idea receives luke-warm response. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A karmic cycle when troubles and worries are either relieved or resolved comes as a huge sigh of relief. Cosmic tip: Decide on one workable option instead of too many, creating mental confusion. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Spending time with many people is not just interesting but a reason to celebrate good news. Give a wide berth to a gossip. Cosmic tip: Say all the right things, but remain detached. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Someone you trust may be secretly gnawing away at the relationship’s very foundation. Modifythe diet a little. Cosmic tip: Don’t think everyone you meet will become a friend. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Crossroads are something you don’t like to deal with. Some may decide on a change of residence. Health is good. Cosmic tip: Be supportive towards family, making them a priority always.
13 April,2026 02:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThree children were safely rescued after being trapped in a malfunctioning lift at a Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) building in Kasarvadavali on Sunday evening. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, information about the incident was received at around 7:18 pm from the Ovala Fire Station. The incident took place in a ground-plus-12-storey TMC building located at Kasarvadavali village along Ghodbunder Road in Thane (West). Lift stuck on fourth floor due to technical fault Officials said the incident occurred in the B Wing of the building when a technical malfunction caused the lift to get stuck on the fourth floor. Three children were trapped inside at the time of the incident. The children were identified as Sanskrit Shingade (9), Karan Kagda (15), and Rohit Kagda (16). Rescue operation completed Fire brigade personnel, along with a rescue vehicle and a lift technician, were immediately deployed to the site. With assistance from local residents, the team carried out a swift rescue operation. All three children were safely evacuated within approximately 10 minutes, officials said. No injuries reported Authorities confirmed that none of the children sustained any injuries during the incident. The situation was brought under control quickly, preventing any escalation. Man, toddler injured as portion of ceiling collapses in chawl in Thane In another incident, a man and a three-year-old girl were injured after a portion of plaster and a ceiling fan collapsed on them in a chawl in Maharashtra's Thane district in the wee hours of Sunday. The incident occurred around 3.30 am in a ground-floor room of Tambewadi Chawl on Mumbra bypass road, said the civic Disaster Management Cell. Asif Khan (32) suffered a head injury, while Asma Khan (3) sustained wounds to her legs, and they were immediately shifted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa for treatment. A team from the disaster management cell and the fire department rushed to the spot and cleared the debris, the Disaster Management Cell said, adding that the condition of the chawl is being examined.
12 April,2026 10:46 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale on Sunday expressed grief over the death of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, saying her passing marks a significant loss for Indian film music. A defining voice of Indian cinema In a statement, Athawale said Bhosle’s contribution to Indian cinema went beyond playback singing, describing her as a defining voice whose absence would be deeply felt across the industry. He noted that her career, spanning decades, shaped the sound of Hindi and regional cinema alike. He termed her death an “irreparable loss” and said her work had left a lasting imprint on generations of listeners. Versatility across languages and genres Athawale highlighted Bhosle’s versatility, pointing out that she had recorded songs in multiple languages, including Hindi and Marathi, and excelled across a wide range of musical styles. Her ability to adapt to different genres made her one of the most enduring and influential figures in Indian music. He added that her distinctive voice and sustained dedication to her craft helped her build a legacy that resonated both in India and internationally. Beyond cinema: cultural and social resonance The minister also recalled her contributions beyond mainstream cinema, including songs dedicated to B. R. Ambedkar. He said such works reflected the breadth of her musical engagement and her connection with diverse audiences. According to Athawale, Bhosle’s popularity extended far beyond India, earning her a global fan base over the years. Legacy that will endure While noting that her death marks the end of an era, Athawale said her music would continue to live on. “Her songs will remain with us,” he said, adding that her voice would continue to inspire future generations. A career spanning decades Born in 1933, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at a young age and rose to prominence in the 1950s. Over a career spanning several decades, she recorded more than 12,000 songs in multiple Indian and foreign languages. From soulful classics like “Tora Man Darpan Kahlaaye” to popular tracks such as “Khallas,” she showcased unmatched versatility across musical styles. She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday evening due to extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, where she breathed her last on Sunday. Her passing has left millions of fans, artists, and members of the music fraternity mourning the loss of one of India’s most iconic voices. On behalf of his party, the Republican Party of India, Athawale extended condolences and paid tribute to the late singer.
12 April,2026 08:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday paid his last respects to legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, whose mortal remains were brought to her residence in Mumbai earlier in the day. Visuals from the location showed an ambulance carrying the singer’s mortal remains arriving at her residence, followed by police vehicles. Security arrangements were tightened as the Chief Minister arrived to offer his tributes. The veteran singer, a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan, passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at the age of 92. Widely celebrated as the “Queen of Melody,” her demise marks the end of an era in Indian music. Along with the Chief Minister, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, MLAs Sunil Shinde and Prasad Lad also visited the residence to pay their respects. Last rites with full state honours Minister Ashish Shelar informed that the last rites of Asha Bhosle will be performed with full state honours on April 13, 2026, at 4 pm. CM expresses deep grief Earlier in the day, speaking in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed profound sorrow over the singer’s demise, describing her as one of the most versatile artists in Indian music and calling her passing a major loss to the nation and the global music fraternity. He also noted that her death marks another irreparable loss for the iconic Mangeshkar family, following the demise of her sister, Lata Mangeshkar. “This is a moment of grief for music enthusiasts across India and the entire world. She was known as the most versatile artist… This is a great loss to all of us; we stand with the bereaved family,” he said. Tribute on social media In a post on X, Fadnavis described Asha Bhosle as a “star of the Mangeshkar lineage” and said her voice was the “soul of music.” He highlighted her remarkable versatility across genres, including devotional music, classical compositions, ghazals, folk, pop, and film songs in multiple languages. A career spanning decades Born in 1933, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at a young age and rose to prominence in the 1950s. Over a career spanning several decades, she recorded more than 12,000 songs in multiple Indian and foreign languages. From soulful classics like “Tora Man Darpan Kahlaaye” to popular tracks such as “Khallas,” she showcased unmatched versatility across musical styles. She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday evening due to extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, where she breathed her last on Sunday. Her passing has left millions of fans, artists, and members of the music fraternity mourning the loss of one of India’s most iconic voices.
12 April,2026 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
