Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday urged citizens not to be misled by misinformation regarding Thane’s cluster redevelopment scheme. He assured that all eligible residents registered up to 2022 will receive homes under the initiative, according to the PTI. Speaking at the ‘bhoomi poojan’ ceremony and the inauguration of several civic projects, Eknath Shinde said that certain vested interests were attempting to create confusion about the scheme. “Do not fall prey to false propaganda. Keep your focus on official information. Our only concern is the convenience and welfare of the citizens. Those who registered for redevelopment until 2022 will certainly receive homes under the cluster scheme. The initiative provides better planning, enhanced amenities, and integrated infrastructure, making it a major step for long-term urban renewal,” he said, reported the PTI. Shinde also highlighted other ongoing projects, including the metro rail network, internal metro lines, road expansion, tunnel connectivity, and the upcoming coastal road, which he said were transforming Thane. “These initiatives aim to make Thane a seamless extension of Mumbai and improve daily convenience for residents. The coastal road will address long-standing traffic congestion once and for all,” the Deputy Chief Minister added, the news agency reported. Meanwhile, last week, Shinde praised the development works undertaken in Ambernath area of Thane district in Maharashtra and pledged metro connectivity to the town should his party secure victory in the civic polls. While speaking at an election rally in Ambernath town late on Saturday night, Eknath Shinde stated that he is the true Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray, one who stands by and fulfils every assurance he makes. He commended the development efforts in Ambernath, which falls under the constituency of his son, Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde highlighted significant development initiatives and vowed to bring metro connectivity as well as a Thane-model cluster scheme to the town. “If the people so desire, they can ensure that our rivals lose their deposits in the Ambernath Municipal Council elections,” he declared, according to the PTI. Reflecting on his modest upbringing and experiences of hardship, Shinde said that the sacrifices made by his mother and wife motivated him to launch the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to women from economically disadvantaged families, as per the PTI. He added that the scheme has received immense affection from women across Maharashtra. (with PTI inputs)
06 December,2025 07:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentTensions rose in Malwani area of suburban Mumbai on Saturday during the inauguration of the new KEM Hospital at Gate No. 7, as workers from the Congress and BJP parties gathered at the venue and began shouting slogans following a face-off, sources said. The situation remained tense throughout the morning, prompting the Malwani Police to deploy extra security to prevent any escalation, they said. Despite the political face-off, the inauguration proceeded without any untoward incident, police officials said. Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, and former Maharashtra Minister and sitting MLA Aslam Shaikh jointly cut the ribbon and officially opened the hospital. Local residents, speaking on condition of anonymity said that they were not concerned about which political party conducted the opening. “What matters is that the hospital has finally been inaugurated safely,” one of the resident said. The new facility is expected to serve thousands of patients in the Malwani area, improving access to healthcare for the local community, the resident said.
06 December,2025 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has successfully driven the installation of 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days. The milestone was recognised as a new world record by the Guinness World Records (GWR) on Friday, an official statement said. The achievement positions Maharashtra as the fastest-deploying solar agriculture state in India and second only to China globally in the scale and speed of solar pump deployment by a single administrative region, it said. MSEDCL’s accomplishment reflects their commitment to accelerating India’s clean energy transition, improving farmer livelihoods, and supporting sustainable irrigation through the effective implementation of the PM-KUSUM (Component B) and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MTSKPY) schemes. MSEDCL’s strategic approach to record deployment Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s operational excellence and farmer-centric model were key to achieving this historic milestone: Structured planning and prioritisation: Installation efforts focused on drought-prone zones to maximise irrigation impact and sustainability. Vendor accountability: Transparent empanelment and strict service-level agreements ensured grievances were resolved within three days, with automatic escalation mechanisms for unresolved issues. Rapid, large-scale deployment: Multiple installation teams deployed simultaneously across districts, supported by pre-positioned pump inventory and digital tracking systems. Farmer-centric execution: Pumps were sized based on landholding (3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms), with hands-on support for installation, usage, and maintenance. Policy synergy: Future connections are being given by off-grid solar pumps to ensure a reliable and daytime power supply to farmers. Through these initiatives, MSEDCL has established a scalable and replicable model for solar irrigation deployment, demonstrating how strong systems, real-time monitoring, and farmer-first execution can drive transformative outcomes. With over 7.47 lakh solar pumps installed to date and a target of 10.45 lakh pumps, MSEDCL is spearheading one of the largest renewable energy transitions in India’s agricultural sector, creating a model that can be replicated across states and internationally. A giant leap in Maharashtra’s energy transition Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his transformative PM-KUSUM initiative, Maharashtra has accelerated the shift toward clean, farmer-centric irrigation. In one month, we have installed more than 45,911 solar pumps across the state, making Maharashtra the No. 1 state in India for solar agriculture." This achievement also ensures irrigation security, improves productivity and farmer incomes and reduces the dependence on conventional energy sources. Also, the state government is committed to expanding this momentum and building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for every farmer in Maharashtra. Congratulations to State Discom (Mahavitaran), he said. Lokesh Chandra Chairman and Managing Director, MSEDCL, said, "This success has been possible due to efficient scheme design, transparent vendor empanelment, and strict service-level compliance. Every vendor is mandated to resolve farmer grievances within three days, failing which the matter escalates to MSEDCL for action. The State has also adopted a policy to release new agricultural connections through off-grid solar pumps, shifting fully to solar-based solutions." He further added, "Our pump-sizing policy: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger holdings. This ensures equitable distribution and maximum benefits to small and marginal farmers." A replicable model for India and the World Through its structured planning, transparent pump allocation, strong vendor ecosystem, ecological safeguards, and farmer-first execution, Maharashtra has created a national model for clean energy in agriculture which can be replicated by the global south. The Government of Maharashtra and MSEDCL remain committed to expanding solar irrigation, strengthening farmer resilience, and accelerating India’s clean energy transition.
06 December,2025 06:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSuspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a mosque modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid at Rejinagar in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, escalating political temperatures in the state where the assembly elections are due next year. Amid a heavy deployment of state police, RAF and central forces, Kabir, alongside visiting Islamic clerics, cut a ceremonial ribbon on a sprawling stage at Rejinagar, even as the actual mosque construction site was nearly a kilometre away from the venue. Slogans of Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar rent the air as thousands, many of them carrying bricks on their heads as symbolic offerings, surged into the venue from the early morning. The event was scheduled on December 6, the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992, a choice that has lent the ceremony both emotive charge and sharp political edge. Security was tightened not only in Rejinagar but also across the adjoining Beldanga belt, which the administration effectively turned into a high-security zone in anticipation of crowd spillovers and possible flare-ups. Kabir, who was suspended by the Trinamool Congress earlier this week on charges of indulging in communal politics, struck a defiant tone from the stage, repeatedly asserting that the proposed structure would come up at any cost. I am doing nothing unconstitutional. Building a place of worship is a constitutional right. Babri Masjid will be built, he told the gathering. He claimed that the project would not face any financial hurdles. An industrialist, who does not want to be named, has promised Rs 80 crore. There will be no shortage of funds, Kabir said, adding that the main mosque would be constructed on three 'kathas' of land, while the total complex would spread across nearly 25 bighas. Unveiling an expansive vision for the site, Kabir announced that the complex would also house a hospital, a medical college, a university, a hotel and a helipad, with the total projected investment pegged at around Rs 300 crore. A local doctor, he said, had already donated Rs 1 crore for the project. Religious leaders from Saudi Arabia were present on the dais, lending a transnational religious presence. As Quranic recitations echoed from loudspeakers, supporters raised bricks aloft as "imaarati khairat", symbolic construction donations, before handing them over to volunteers near the stage. Kabir repeatedly framed the project as both a religious and emotional redress. Thirty-three years ago, a deep wound was inflicted on the hearts of Muslims. Today, we are applying a small balm to that wound, he said, while alleging that threats had been issued against him over the announcement of the mosque. The suspended MLA also invoked demography to buttress his argument. There are 40 crore Muslims in this country, four crore in this state. Can we not build one mosque here? he asked, drawing loud applause from the packed crowd. The spectacle, however, has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines. The BJP accused the TMC of covertly encouraging polarisation ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, even as the ruling party distanced itself from Kabir's actions, citing his suspension as proof that it does not endorse his politics. Senior TMC leaders described Kabir as a free agent whose defiance had become politically untenable. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 December,2025 06:24 PM IST | Kolkata | PTIWestern Railway on Friday announced that it will run seven pairs of special trains to help passengers during the busy festive and winter travel period. These trains will connect major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Bhiwani, Bilaspur and others, providing extra capacity for the growing number of travellers. According to Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Vineet Abhishek, the special trains will operate between Mumbai Central New Delhi, Mumbai Central Bhiwani, Mumbai Central Shakur Basti, Bandra Terminus Durgapura, Valsad Bilaspur, Sabarmati Delhi and Sabarmati Delhi Sarai Rohilla. Key train services- - Mumbai Central New Delhi Superfast Special (2 trips) The train will run on December 6 and 7, with halts at major stations including Borivali, Surat, Vadodara and Kota. It will have First AC and AC 2-Tier and 3-Tier coaches. – Mumbai Central – Bhiwani Superfast Special (14 trips) This bi-weekly service will operate from December 9 to 31. It will stop at important stations such as Ajmer, Jaipur, Rewari and Charkhi Dadri. The train will include AC 3-Tier, Sleeper and General coaches. – Mumbai Central – Shakur Basti Superfast Special (4 trips) Running on December 7, 8 and 9, this train will connect Mumbai with Delhi’s Shakur Basti. It will halt at Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Mathura and other key stops. – Bandra Terminus – Durgapura Superfast Special (2 trips) This service will operate on December 7 and 8 with halts at Surat, Vadodara, Ratlam and Kota. It will offer all major classes, including First AC and Sleeper. – Valsad – Bilaspur Special (8 trips) This weekly train will run every Friday from December 19 to January 9, and every Thursday in the reverse direction. It will serve stations such as Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Nagpur, Raipur and Durg. – Sabarmati – Delhi Superfast Special (4 trips) Operating on December 7 and 9 in both directions, this train will halt at Mehsana, Palanpur, Ajmer, Jaipur and Gurgaon. – Sabarmati – Delhi Sarai Rohilla Special (1 trip) This single-trip service will leave Sabarmati on December 7 and reach Delhi the same night, stopping at Ajmer, Jaipur, Rewari and Delhi Cantt. Western Railway has announced that bookings for most of these trains are already open. Booking for Train Nos. 09001 and 08244 will open on December 7, 2025 at PRS counters and on the IRCTC website. Passengers have been advised to check the national enquiry portal for detailed timings and stoppages.
06 December,2025 05:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a shocking incident, a 78-year-old man from Maharashtra's Thane city has allegedly been duped of Rs 1.06 crore in an online investment fraud. The incident happened after the individual was lured with promises of lucrative returns. As reported by news agency PTI, the police have registered a case against one person in this connection, the police officials stated. An official from the Rabodi police station further asserted that, “The accused first added the senior citizen to a WhatsApp group and later lured him to join another group for investments, promising high returns,” as per PTI. He added that, “Believing the assurances, the victim allegedly made 21 online transfers to multiple bank accounts, amounting to Rs 1.06 crore between October and November. But when he asked for his money back, the accused stopped responding.” Based on the victim's complaint, the police on Thursday registered a case on charges of cheating against the accused. While a detailed probe has been initiated by the police authorities, further investigation into the matter is still underway to trace the accused and identify the money trail, the police added. Thane man loses Rs 11.69 lakh in forex trading fraud In a different scenario, earlier on December 1, police had registered a case against 16 persons for allegedly cheating a man of Rs 11.69 lakh in a forex trading racket in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. As per the reports, the accused lured the 24-year-old victim, a resident of Ulhasnagar, into forex trading by promising high returns. Based on their instructions, he transferred Rs 11,69,165 to multiple bank accounts between October 14 and November 22. But when he asked for his returns and his invested amount, the accused stopped responding, an official from Ulhasnagar police station said, reported PTI. Furthermore, based on the victim's complaint, the police registered a case on November 30 against 16 persons, including a woman and a person posing as a customer care executive, on charges of cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, he added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
06 December,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBJP MLA Mihir Kotecha on Friday demanded that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) immediately cancel the Rs 550-crore contract awarded to S. P. Singla for the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, citing poor-quality work that has contributed to rising air pollution in Mulund. Speaking to the media, Kotecha said last week Mulund’s Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked significantly, affecting residents’ health. “The dust, polluted air, and substandard work from this project are major contributors to the deteriorating AQI,” he said. The MLA, accompanied by municipal engineers, project consultants, ward officials, and solid-waste management teams, inspected a 2-km stretch of the project from Amar Nagar to Nahur. During the inspection, around 100 instances of violations were identified. Kotecha said that while the BMC had issued 40 warning letters and imposed a Rs 1-crore fine on the contractor, no improvement has been observed. “Because of the contractor’s negligence and substandard work, residents are not getting clean air. A serious threat to citizens’ health has emerged. The BMC chief must immediately cancel this contract,” he demanded. Kotecha also highlighted safety concerns along the elevated sections of the GMLR. “There are no barricades, railings, or proper lighting installed, creating serious risks for commuters. Any incident could result in a fall of 20–25 feet, which is potentially life-threatening,” he said. This comes after the MLA recently inspected a 2-km stretch of LBS Road, where Metro Line-4 construction is underway, and had demanded action against the contractor there as well.
06 December,2025 02:52 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gathered at his memorial in Mumbai's Dadar on Saturday to pay tributes to the social reformer on his death anniversary, observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Din'. As reported by news agency PTI, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were also present at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park to pay tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. On the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Din, the Maharashtra Governor, while addressing the public, asserted that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gave the country a constitution which ensured equal rights to all people. Every year, thousands of people from across the state converge at 'Chaityabhoomi' on December 6. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar died on this day in 1956. In view of expecting a large crowd on this day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water and medical stalls at the Shivaji Park to make sure that followers of the Ambedkar who gathered do not experience any kind of inconvenience. On the occasion of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s death anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recalled Ambedkar's 'visionary' leadership. While taking to social media, PM Modi wrote, “Remembering Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey. He inspired generations to uphold human dignity and strengthen democratic values. The Prime Minister further added that, “May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat,” as reported by PTI. Today, on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, paid tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Delhi. We will keep working with full vigour to realise his dream for our nation. pic.twitter.com/nIejtgr0nJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2025 Central Railway to not operate weekly mega block in Mumbai on December 6 The Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday also said that it will not operate a weekly mega block in Mumbai in view of Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2025. In an official statement, Central Railway said that it will not operate the weekly mega block on the Mumbai suburban network over the CSMT-Kalyan Main Line and CSMT-Panvel Harbour Line, including the Trans-Harbour Line and Port Line, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in view of "Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2025". Meanwhile, in another statement, the Central Railway on Thursday announced a temporary restriction on the sale of platform tickets at 13 major stations from December 5 to 7, 2025, ahead of the expected heavy rush of devotees visiting Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The move aims to manage crowding on platforms and ensure smooth passenger movement within station premises, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)
06 December,2025 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state is committed to ensuring that the grand memorial for Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mill in Mumbai’s Dadar is completed by December 6 next year. Speaking at Chaityabhoomi on the 69th Mahaparinirvan Day, he said construction is underway and the government will make every effort to meet the deadline. The Maharashtra government had also appointed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority as the Special Planning Authority for the 4.84-hectare project in 2013, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the bhoomi pujan on October 11, 2015, reported news agency PTI. Envisioned as a ‘Shanti Sthala’, the memorial will feature gardens reflecting Ambedkar’s life and philosophy, a towering bronze-clad statue, and facilities including a 1,000-seat auditorium, lecture halls, a library, conference rooms, a meditation centre, a Parikrama Path, administrative offices, and parking, reported PTI. In May 2022, the state set up a cabinet sub-committee under the Social Justice Department to coordinate the project. The site lies close to Chaityabhoomi, where lakhs gather every year on December 6 to pay homage to Ambedkar, who passed away on this day in 1956. Thousands gather at Chaityabhoomi; Governor and CM hail Ambedkar's enduring legacy Thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gathered at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai’s Dadar on Saturday to pay homage on his death anniversary, observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among the dignitaries who offered tributes at the memorial. Governor Devvrat said Ambedkar gifted India a Constitution that ensured equal rights to all, noting that great leaders live on through their thoughts and work. Despite adversities, Ambedkar believed in the transformative power of education, he said. Fadnavis highlighted Ambedkar’s far-sighted vision, saying he laid the foundation for India’s progress and contributed to the nation’s energy security through the concept of a national power grid. He added that India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, is on track to reach third place soon. The state government, he said, remains committed to completing developmental works at the Chaityabhoomi complex. Shinde said Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle centred on equality, liberty, justice and fraternity, and that his call to “Educate, Organise and Agitate” continues to inspire social change. The Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and several ministers, MPs, MLAs and dignitaries laid floral tributes at the memorial and visited a BMC-organised photo exhibition. A helicopter showered flower petals over Chaityabhoomi, and attendees received copies of the Constitution. Every year, thousands converge at the site on December 6; Ambedkar passed away on this day in 1956. To manage the crowd, the BMC set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water facilities and medical stalls at Shivaji Park. In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Ambedkar’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism”, saying his ideals continue to illuminate India’s path toward building a Viksit Bharat. (With PTI inputs)
06 December,2025 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gathered at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai’s Dadar on Saturday to pay homage on his death anniversary, observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among the dignitaries who offered tributes at the memorial. Governor Devvrat said Ambedkar gifted India a Constitution that ensured equal rights to all, noting that great leaders live on through their thoughts and work. Despite adversities, Ambedkar believed in the transformative power of education, he said, reported news agency PTI. Fadnavis highlighted Ambedkar’s far-sighted vision, saying he laid the foundation for India’s progress and contributed to the nation’s energy security through the concept of a national power grid. He added that India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, is on track to reach third place soon. The state government, he said, remains committed to completing developmental works at the Chaityabhoomi complex. Shinde said Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle centred on equality, liberty, justice and fraternity, and that his call to “Educate, Organise and Agitate” continues to inspire social change, reported PTI. The Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and several ministers, MPs, MLAs and dignitaries laid floral tributes at the memorial and visited a BMC-organised photo exhibition. A helicopter showered flower petals over Chaityabhoomi, and attendees received copies of the Constitution. Every year, thousands converge at the site on December 6; Ambedkar passed away on this day in 1956. To manage the crowd, the BMC set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water facilities and medical stalls at Shivaji Park. In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Ambedkar’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism”, saying his ideals continue to illuminate India’s path toward building a Viksit Bharat. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis vows to complete Ambedkar memorial by December 6 next year Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state is committed to ensuring that the grand memorial for Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mill in Mumbai’s Dadar is completed by December 6 next year. Speaking at Chaityabhoomi on the 69th Mahaparinirvan Day, he said construction is underway and the government will make every effort to meet the deadline. The Maharashtra government had appointed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority as the Special Planning Authority for the 4.84-hectare project in 2013, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the bhoomi pujan on October 11, 2015, reported news agency PTI. Envisioned as a ‘Shanti Sthala’, the memorial will feature gardens reflecting Ambedkar’s life and philosophy, a towering bronze-clad statue, and facilities including a 1,000-seat auditorium, lecture halls, a library, conference rooms, a meditation centre, a Parikrama Path, administrative offices, and parking, reported PTI. In May 2022, the state set up a cabinet sub-committee under the Social Justice Department to coordinate the project. The site lies close to Chaityabhoomi, where lakhs gather every year on December 6 to pay homage to Ambedkar, who passed away on this day in 1956. (With PTI inputs)
06 December,2025 02:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant breakthrough, the civic officials on Saturday seized as many as nine tonnes of banned plastic from a godown in Maharashtra's Palghar district. As reported by news agency PTI, acting on specific inputs, a team of personnel from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) reached the godown at Sari Compound, Achhole, in the Nalasopara area on Friday and found the banned plastic stock kept there. The official statement released by the civic authorities says that this is the largest seizure of prohibited plastic by VVMC. The civic officials emphasised, "A fine of Rs 5,000 has been recovered from the godown owners, and punitive action has been initiated," as cited by news agency PTI. The release issued by the civic authority also stated that “anyone manufacturing, storing, selling, or using banned plastic will face penalties of Rs 5,000 for a first offence, Rs 10,000 for the second, and Rs 25,000 along with three months' imprisonment for repeated violations,” as quoted by news agency PTI. BMC clears 50 illegal stalls in Mulund In a different scenario, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s T ward on Wednesday, December 3, launched a crackdown on hawkers encroaching on footpaths and roads in Mulund, a day after clashes broke out between residents and hawkers over illegal occupation of public spaces. The Mumbai civic authorities removed more than 50 hawkers from the Mulund market area and nearby arterial roads. On Tuesday, two separate altercations took place between locals and hawkers over encroachments on RRT Road, Ganesh Gawde Road and Walji Raja Road. Residents alleged they were verbally abused and threatened when they objected, prompting two police complaints from citizens who say they have been raising the issue for over two years. Nirmal Thakkar, a Mulund resident and member of the citizens’ group Jagrut Mulundkar, and one of the complainants, said, “After the two incidents on Tuesday, we also approached the DCP, who assured us that action will be taken against hawkers who are threatening residents.” Residents also said that the hawkers have increasingly taken over footpaths and road corners, creating severe congestion. While writing a letter to the BMC earlier this year, resident Sharad Sejpal wrote, “For years hawkers have been selling on the roadside, but in recent months they have taken things to the extreme. They have encroached on sidewalks and set up bases at every junction. Pregnant women, the elderly, schoolchildren and all Mulundkars are struggling to walk and drive. Traffic problems are increasing. Is this acceptable?” (With inputs from PTI)
06 December,2025 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
