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, 2025. 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. He said that 96 tonnes of wet waste from Thane is being processed daily into fertiliser at the Gharmukh project — the first such plant in the state. He also announced that the civic body plans to introduce a “solar dust” concept to help address waste issues. Thane to get its third theatre The statement said that a grand new theatre is being built for the public at Waghbil on Ghodbunder Road. The theatre, spread over 7,350 square metres, will be the city’s third, following the Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan and Dr Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha. The new facility will benefit residents of the Ghodbunder area, and its foundation ceremony will be conducted by Deputy Chief Minister Shinde. During the meeting, Sarnaik also reviewed many other projects in the Ovala–Majiwada constituency, including beautification works at Naglabunder creek, new mangrove parks, the Anand Dighe Gymkhana at Upvan, the Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Bhavan, the Babasaheb Ambedkar Social Justice Centre, the C.D. Deshmukh Administrative Training Building, sports complexes, open-air theatres and libraries. He praised the Thane Municipal Commissioner and officials from all departments for the excellent progress on multiple projects across Ghodbunder Road.
05 December,2025 05:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAs the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra marked one year in office on Friday, the Opposition Congress demanded that it present a white paper during the forthcoming winter session of the state legislature, outlining its achievements over the past twelve months, reported the PTI. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that the BJP-led Mahayuti administration had left the people of Maharashtra deeply disappointed. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, the former minister claimed that farmer suicides had risen over the past year and that agricultural produce was not receiving assured prices, while cultivators continued to struggle to obtain seeds and fertilisers on time. “The government is busy congratulating itself,” Wadettiwar said, adding, “They sit in five-star hotels and boast about their achievements, but people have gained nothing except frustration,” according to the PTI. He urged the government to table a comprehensive white paper during the winter session, beginning on 8 December in Nagpur, listing its pre-election promises, decisions taken, and the extent of their implementation. A white paper is typically a government document providing detailed information or proposals on matters of public interest. Wadettiwar said that the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti coalition had failed on several fronts, including protecting women and safeguarding children’s health. He further alleged a “nexus between builders and ministers” in the state. “Floods in Marathwada have devastated farmers. The number of malnourished children has gone up. Road conditions across the state have deteriorated. Crimes against women are rising. Builders and ministers are seizing land worth crores with mutual understanding. Favoured industrialists are thriving while ordinary people suffer,” he claimed, as per the PTI. The Congress leader also alleged illegal coal mining in Chandrapur district, which he represents in the Assembly. “At the Baranj coal mine in Chandrapur, illegal extraction is under way in complete violation of regulations. Coal worth lakhs is being openly sold in the market,” he alleged, the news agency reported. He said that conditions set by the Environment Department when approving mining in 2023 had been breached, and rehabilitation of affected families remained incomplete. “From the Environment Minister to officials in the Forest Department, everyone is involved in these irregularities,” he added, stating that the matter would be raised in the Assembly next week, reported the PTI. Wadettiwar criticised the government for failing to appoint a Leader of the Opposition in either House, arguing that the ruling coalition had no respect for democracy or the Constitution. “In a democracy, a strong Opposition is essential, but this government wants neither Opposition nor dissent,” he said, as per the PTI. He also demanded that instead of the customary winter session in Nagpur, a full-fledged Budget Session should be held in Maharashtra’s second capital. (with PTI inputs)
05 December,2025 04:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday met orphaned youth and called the reservation for orphans decision 'deeply heart-touching' for him. He said that the decision to grant reservation for orphaned children is one of the most emotionally fulfilling decisions of his life. CM Fadnavis was speaking at Varsha, his official residence in Mumbai, during an interaction with orphaned young people who have secured government jobs through the 1 per cent orphan reservation policy. The Chief Minister said the policy was inspired by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s principle of equality of opportunity. He added that he feels proud that 862 orphaned young men and women have now become independent and are contributing to society. Marking one year since taking oath as Chief Minister, Fadnavis said the anniversary began with a meaningful and heart-warming programme. He noted that some decisions taken in government bring deep emotional satisfaction, and the decision to grant reservation to orphans is one of them. He said that equality should not be limited only to traditional social reservations. “Orphans, persons with disabilities, and other deprived groups also deserve opportunities,” he said, adding that the 1 per cent quota has brought real change to many lives. He encouraged the youth present to become role models for society. “Whatever we achieve is possible because of the systems created by society — schools, institutions, government, and industries. So, giving back to society is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. He urged the young achievers not to stop after reaching their goals and to continue working for the greater good. “A person lives on through their work. Let your work become your identity,” he added. The programme included an emotional moment when a young beneficiary, Vinayak Vishwakarma, recited a poem expressing gratitude towards the Chief Minister, saying, “I haven’t come to take anything today, but to give thanks. Your reservation pulled me out of poverty. You may be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, but for us you are like an elder brother.” CM Fadnavis praised the youth, saying the poem reflected genuine gratitude and showed the true impact of the government’s decision. During the interaction, several young beneficiaries also shared their stories and thanked the government, saying the reservation had given them access to education, employment, and a dignified life.
05 December,2025 03:54 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIndiGo on Thursday issued a detailed public apology to passengers amid widespread flight disruptions, stating that the past few days had brought the airline to a “serious operational crisis”. The carrier said that while the situation will not be resolved overnight, teams are working to restore normal operations “at the earliest”. pic.twitter.com/ckhaWnbo86 — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 5, 2025 In a post on social media platform X, IndiGo acknowledged that many passengers had faced cancellations, long wait times at airports, and limited information. The airline added that Friday would see the highest number of cancellations, terming it a necessary step to “reboot all systems and schedules” for gradual improvement from Saturday. IndiGo informed that its teams were working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to reinstate regular operations, adding that short-term proactive cancellations were being carried out to ease congestion and “prepare for starting stronger tomorrow”. The airline announced a series of measures for affected passengers: Full refunds for all cancellations to be processed automatically to the original mode of payment. Full waiver on cancellation and rescheduling fees for bookings between December 5 and December 15. Hotel rooms across cities and surface transport have been arranged for passengers. Food and snacks being offered at airports. Lounge access is being arranged for senior citizens “wherever possible”. The airline also urged passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and not to visit the terminal if their flight was cancelled. It added that it had “massively increased” contact centre capacity to reduce wait times and pointed customers to its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant ‘6Eskai’ for help with status, refunds and re-bookings. IndiGo said it expected “incremental progress”, adding, “We will do everything to earn back your trust and the love you have showered on us in the last 19 years and we can’t lose it at any cost.” Thanking passengers for their patience, the airline said its frontline staff and teams remain dedicated to restoring normal operations and would continue to share updates. “And once again… our sincere apologies,” the statement concluded.
05 December,2025 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentFlight disruptions at IndiGo continued for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, with the airline still working to stabilise its schedules and restore normal operations. Sources told mid-day.com that Mumbai Airport has seen very limited IndiGo arrivals so far on Friday. As of 1.14 pm, the number of IndiGo flights that had landed remained in “single digits”. Sources indicated that around four flights may have arrived till that time, but this figure could not be independently confirmed. IndiGo has not yet issued a detailed update on the day’s operations. The airline has been scrambling to realign crews, aircraft rotations and schedules after widespread delays and cancellations affected passengers across multiple airports over the past few days. More details are awaited.
05 December,2025 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturShiv Sena (UBT) on Friday attacked the BJP-led government in Maharashtra and the Centre over their delayed response and hollow assurances to the state’s rain-affected farmers, highlighting the gap between political rhetoric and actual relief delivery, reported news agency IANS. "The double standards of those in power regarding farmers' welfare have become abundantly clear. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's disclosure in Parliament has exposed this government's hypocrisy. Helicopters were deployed for Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections, but when it comes to compensating farmers for crop losses, where did those helicopters disappear?" asked the Thackeray camp in an editorial in the party’s mouthpiece, 'Saamana', reported IANS. According to the editorial, the government had claimed to "illuminate Diwali" for rain-affected farmers, but, since the Rabi season has begun, it can neither provide full aid on its own nor send the proposal for additional assistance from the Centre on time. This is the magnitude of the grand talk and rhetoric about farmers' welfare by the Chief Minister and his two deputy Chief Ministers. The editorial said that earlier, the Union Agriculture Minister had stated that no formal proposal for aid had been received from the state government. Following heated exchanges in the state, the minister hurriedly clarified that on November 27, a report had indeed been sent to the Central government, attempting to put a band-aid on the state government's careless actions. The state Agriculture Minister also disclosed belatedly that on November 27, the government had submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking financial aid. But this merely highlighted the government's delayed response even more. "The authorities themselves are dynamic and fast-moving, but when it comes to providing financial assistance to farmers, only their empty rhetoric is swift,” taunted the editorial. “In the first week of October, the state Chief Minister announced a special package of Rs 31,628 crore for rain-affected farmers. Along with that, an announcement was made that the Central government would also send a formal proposal for additional aid. However, it took until November 27 to send this proposal to the Centre -- a full two-month delay. Now, when will discussions on this proposal happen in the Centre? When will a decision be made? When will the Central government provide aid, and when will that amount reach farmers' hands? All these questions remain hanging in the balance,” said the Thackeray camp, reported IANS. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) said the excessive rainfall completely destroyed crops across approximately 70 lakh acres in the state. More than 70 lakh farmers have suffered losses. "The condition of those whose entire farmland was washed away is truly frightening. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that all these flood-hit farmers would not be left in darkness during Diwali," the editorial mentioned, reported IANS. “The special package of Rs 31,628 crore was supposedly announced to provide aid to loss-affected farmers before Diwali. But all these farmers' Diwali remained in darkness. Subsequently, some financial assistance has been distributed in five districts, but the state government hasn't yet provided the aid it announced to farmers in many districts,” claimed the Thackeray camp. (With inputs from IANS)
05 December,2025 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSatellite-tagged Olive Ridley turtle Dhaval Lakshmi, released off the Dahanu coast over a week ago, appears to be enjoying the waters nearby. Since its release, the turtle hasn’t moved in any specific direction and continues to remain roughly 27 km northwest of Dahanu, swimming around the same area without showing any clear directional movement over the past week. This is the same turtle that was found injured off the Dahanu coast in August. After receiving treatment, she was rehabilitated and released back into the sea. According to officials from the Mangrove Cell, Dhaval Lakshmi continues to hover between 27 km and 45 km northwest of Dahanu. “Since her release, she appears to be spending time in the same stretch of water, likely due to the abundant availability of food in the area. It will be interesting to track her movements once she begins travelling further in the coming days.” Pic/Mangrove Cell Dr Dinesh J Vinherkar, the veterinarian at the Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Dahanu, along with the WCAWA (Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Association) team, officials from the Mangrove Cell, and the forest department (Dahanu), played a crucial role in rescuing the turtle after it was found entangled in a ghost net off the Dhakti Dahanu coast. “The female turtle was critically injured and found entangled in a ghost net. After rescuing her safely, we treated her wounds with antibiotics, painkillers and fluid therapy for hydration. We also had to carry out stomach tube feeding and hand-feeding until she began eating on her own. She was given regular swimming practice in the seawater pools at the TTC in Dahanu, and we used laser therapy to help with muscle healing. She responded well to the treatment, and later the decision to fit her with a satellite tag was taken by officials from the Mangrove Cell and forest department, along with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India,” Dr Vinherkar said. Pic/Mangrove Cell Dr Vinherkar believes that tracking a turtle that has recovered from serious injuries with a satellite tag will be a significant milestone in understanding the fate of critically injured sea turtles after rehabilitation. “This will give us hope and confidence to save more injured marine wildlife. The data will help us understand their post-release survival and to develop better strategies for rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and the release of marine wildlife in the future,” he said. The development was a first for the Dahanu coast, wherein the Mangrove Cell fitted a satellite tag on an Olive Ridley turtle to track its journey from the shoreline. The project aims to gather important data on the species’ migration routes, foraging grounds, and population patterns along India’s western coast. Pic/Mangrove Cell Deputy Director Manas Manjrekar from Mangrove Cell said, "As on 04/12/2025, the satellite tagged turtle 'Dhaval Lakshmi' was observed to be around 50 km northwest of Dahanu and around 40 km offshore from the coast of Daman."
05 December,2025 01:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAn official from the Virar-Vasai Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has been arrested in connection with the building collapse in Maharashtra's Palghar district, in which 17 people lost their lives in August, an official said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar (MBVV) police arrested Gilson Gonsalves, the assistant commissioner of the VVMC ward C, on Thursday night, an official said, reported PTI. Ramabai Apartment, an unauthorised four-storey building, collapsed onto an adjacent vacant tenement at Vijay Nagar in Virar area of Palghar, adjoining Mumbai, on August 26. At least 17 people, including two children, were killed in the incident, reported PTI. With the latest arrest, six people have been booked in the case. The Virar police had earlier arrested developer Neetal Sane, who remains in custody, and two women, who owned the land on which the structure was built, and their husbands, who collected rent from the residents. According to Crime Branch officials, Gonsalves, who was in charge of ward C, failed to take action under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, despite a structural audit flagging the building as dangerous and unauthorised, reported PTI. "Assistant Commissioner Gonsalves did not take the mandated action under the MRTP Act when the structural audit found the building to be dangerous and its construction was unauthorised. A case has been registered against him for dereliction of duty by colluding with the building contractor," an official said, reported PTI. The building, constructed around 2012, was confirmed by the VVMC to be illegal, and was built by the landowner and developer without technical advice using substandard materials. The building, Ramabai Apartment, which housed nearly 50 flats, collapsed at 12.05 am on August 26, crashing onto an adjacent but vacant tenement in the Vijay Nagar area, killing 17 people in the incident. Constructed in 2012, Ramabai Apartment has 50 flats, and the collapsed part had 12 apartments. The builder of the ill-fated building, a four-storey structure, in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, has been arrested by the police after the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) lodged a formal complaint with the police. (With inputs from PTI)
05 December,2025 12:58 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of Railways has approved the Central Railway’s proposal to introduce 10 new suburban services and add two new stoppages on Port Line section of the Nerul–Uran and Belapur–Uran corridors. The orders were issued on 3 December through a Railway Board communication to the General Manager (Operations), Central Railway. According to the letter, four of the new suburban services will run on the Nerul–Uran–Nerul route, while six services will operate on the Belapur–Uran–Belapur route. These additions are aimed at enhancing capacity and improving connectivity on the rapidly developing Mumbai's Port Line. The Railway Board has also authorised the provision of stoppages for Port Line suburban trains at Targhar and Gavhan stations in Raigad, which until now did not have suburban halts. Both stations fall on the Nerul–Uran stretch, where ridership has been steadily rising following the extension of suburban operations. Additionally, the order states that speeding up of Port Line services on both the Nerul–Uran and Belapur–Uran sections has been approved, indicating operational optimisation to reduce travel time. The communication notes that these changes may be implemented “from an early convenient date,” with the Railway Board directing Central Railway to give wide publicity and ensure necessary arrangements for smooth rollout. The approval has been issued by Sanjay R Neelam, director (coaching), Railway Board.
05 December,2025 12:49 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentSimone Tata, the pioneering business leader known for shaping Lakmé into India’s iconic beauty brand and establishing the base for fashion retail through the Westside chain, passed away on Friday at the age of 95. She had been recovering from an illness and was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. In a statement, the Tata Group paid tribute to her enduring legacy. “She will always be remembered for her contribution to the growth of Lakmé as India’s leading cosmetic brand and for laying the foundation for fashion retail with the Westside chain. She also guided the work of many philanthropic organisations, including the Sir Ratan Tata Institute. With her positivity and deep resolve, she overcame many challenges in her life while touching many of us deeply. May her soul rest in peace and God give us the strength to overcome this loss,” the statement read. Last respects will be offered on December 6, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Colaba, followed by a mass at 11:00 am. She is survived by her son Noel Tata, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah. Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she first visited India as a tourist in 1953. She married Naval H. Tata in 1955 and began her professional journey with the Tata Group in the early 1960s.
05 December,2025 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said that Maharashtra is set to strengthen its power distribution network through a ‘Digital Twin’ model for solar and other renewable energy sources. He said that the distribution company MahaVitaran will soon implement an AI-based digitisation initiative in collaboration with leading international organisations. “This marks the beginning of environment-friendly and sustainable development through AI technology in the state’s energy sector,” he said. He said that through the cooperation of RF and GEAPP, this state-of-the-art AI-based global platform will set a benchmark for power utilities across India. The Chief Minister said that AI-driven decision-support tools will significantly enhance customer service and help strengthen MahaVitaran’s financial foundation. “The solutions being developed will offer long-term, sustainable and effective support to the power distribution sector. This is the first-ever attempt to develop a Digital Twin for electricity distribution,” he said. The Chief Minister added that the innovative AI initiative is expected to drive major improvements in the use of sustainable and eco-friendly green energy, especially in rural areas. According to the Chief Minister, farmers and electricity consumers in rural Maharashtra will gain more reliable and easily accessible power through this technology. “With global-level AI systems and direct energy-sector collaboration, Maharashtra will deploy advanced digital solutions that will increase the accuracy of power flow, field operations and energy management,” he said. The Energy Department, in a release, said the initiative will have a significant impact across the sector, adding that the digital transformation enables faster project-level decision-making, improves grid efficiency, and increases the utilisation of solar energy. “With enhanced green energy use, pollution levels will be reduced substantially. A reduction of even 1 per cent in power losses could save Rs 1,000-1,500 crore annually, thereby reducing financial losses considerably,” said the department. It said that owing to international collaboration, this initiative could become a major milestone in stabilising power supply and improving service quality in fast-developing countries like India. “Maharashtra now has an important opportunity to contribute to India’s vision of a sustainable, environment-friendly, and self-sufficient energy system,” it said. The department said that through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitisation, MahaVitaran is gearing up to modernise the state’s energy infrastructure, marking the beginning of a new era.
05 December,2025 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
