In a shocking incident of cruelty to animals in Jogeshwari West, a ram, named Rocky, died due to injuries sustained during a fight. His opponent named Chamkila survived the fight. Amboli police has registered an FIR against those who participated in it and started investigation into this matter. Accused are Sajid Abdul Latif Saiyed, Saud Firdos Master, and Imran Mohammad Ali Qureshi. The incident On March 24, complainant Saloni Sakaria received information about sheep fighting between January and March 2026. The fight was organised at Rawji Maidan in Jogeshwari West. The video of the sheep fighting with a large crowd watching was also uploaded on YouTube. Complainant Saloni submitted a video of the sheep fight to the Amboli police. The footage clearly shows accused Sajid Sayed, Saud Master, Imran Qureshi, and others organising the fight. FIR registered Police Sub-Inspector Sushantkumar Patil visited the spot, and an FIR was registered on April 2 under various sections. A police officer said, “A prize of Rs 1 lakh rupees was to be awarded to the winner. In this fight, Chamkila the ram reportedly won the fight while Rocky died.” Rocky vs Chamkila >> Rocky the ram died, Chamkila the ram won >> Winner stood to collect Rs 1 lakh cash prize
05 April,2026 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Dinesh VaktaniaJust 20 minutes before a bus crashed on the Mumbai-Goa highway on Friday, killing two passengers and injuring 38 more, a motorist trailing behind the sleeper coach had seen the bus driver driving erratically and even reported it to the RedBus app. This “digital warning” is now being scrutinised by the Nagothane police as grounds to prove criminal negligence by the bus driver. Survivors have already alleged that driver Hemant Patil, 33, was intoxicated. As mid-day had earlier reported, the terrified Goa-bound passengers had even filed a complaint on the app and halted the journey for a midnight “sit-in” protest. But with no alternative transport at 2 am, they were forced back into the vehicle which crashed an hour later in Sukeli Khind, a notorious stretch of the highway. It has since emerged that a motorist driving behind the bus also reported the bus being driven recklessly on the narrow ghat section. “The motorist even spoke to some survivors after the crash, confirming he had tried to flag the danger digitally,” said a police source. This “third-party” evidence is now central to the case being built by API Sachin Kulkarni of Nagothane Police Station. A team from the RTO is expected to conduct a “mechanical audit” of the bus. Investigators are looking for signs of brake failure or steering lock, though preliminary findings suggest the bus failed to negotiate an “upward gradient” due to excessive speed. Driver in coma The driver, Hemant Patil, a resident of Kankavli, remains in a coma at Alibaug Civil Hospital. He has been booked under the BNS for rash driving and causing death by negligence. “We have sent the driver’s blood samples for chemical analysis,” API Sachin Kulkarni said, “Once the medical report confirms the alcohol level, we will be in a position to press more stringent sections.” Doctors say One of the deceased has been identified as Advocate Neelam Vibhute, a resident of Panvel. Neelam was traveling with her husband, Vaibhav , who also sustained injuries. The second deceased victim was identified as Naeem Shaikh, a resident of Kamothe. At MGM Hospital, Kamothe, 12 of the 22 injured are in serious condition. Dr KR Salgotra, Medical Superintendent, confirmed that five patients are battling multi-organ trauma. “The nature of the injuries—pelvic fractures and head trauma—indicates the high velocity at which the bus hit the ground,” he said.
05 April,2026 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghFake it till you make it... to Japan Visitors click photographs with artificial cherry blossoms at a Lower Parel mall Of making timeless music Mumbai-based alternative indie-pop artist Karan Jhaveri, stage name Tallz, is set to released his first song Zikr Ho on Friday. It is a track that blends timeless romance with a contemporary sonic pulse. Featuring the evocative voice of Nikhil D’Souza, the song marks Tallz’s first independent single after years of working across shows and films. Karan Jhaveri, aka Tallz Having studied music in the United States before returning to India in 2016, Tallz found his creative footing in electronic music. With Zikr Ho, he channels that experience into what he calls a “timeless yearning for love,” pairing upbeat, groovy production with deeply poetic lyricism. At its core, “the track explores the idea of love as identity where two individuals merge so completely that one cannot be mentioned without the other,” Jhaveri explains. Penned alongside lyricist Ginny Diwan, the words elevate a personal emotion into something almost spiritual, echoing Sufi concepts of zikr, meaning remembrance and devotion. It’s official: Always autographs before selfies Our in-house cricket nut admitted to us that he used to collect autographs of cricketers in his youth. “Now why are you bringing up your youth,” we asked. “Good question,” he shot back. “I only wanted to remind you that in an earlier era, collecting autographs was the No. 1 passion for sports fans when there were no selfies.” Farokh Engineer interviews Sir Garfield Sobers (centre) and Dennis Lillee at the Wankhede Stadium in 1984. Cricket fans still seek their autographs “Okay, okay,” we said. “Who was your best ‘catch’ among cricketers,” we asked. He couldn’t single out, but said he likes getting autographs on autobiographies. Among his modest collection are Sir Garfield Sobers, Dennis Lillee and even tennis legend Martina Navratilova. He related his sob tale about getting to Sobers at the Wankhede Stadium in 1987 with a mini bat and the great man unable to sign it because the pen refused to work. Autograph gone, Sobers left, but another opportunity came. Sobers now doesn’t like to oblige with autographs, he hears. Enthralling us with autograph-related stories, he said he read recently that Indian tennis great Vijay Amritraj always obliged autograph seekers because he was an autograph collector himself as a lad. He also used to reply to letters from fans. Amritraj once received a letter asking for a reply on personalised stationery just like he had done for a fellow letter writer. Fans sure can get upfront and personal. Forgotten no more A new multi-volume biography, Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy: The Forgotten Philanthropist of the 19th Century, attempts to bring forward a key Mumbai story. Authored by his great-grandson Hussain Adamjee Peerbhoy, the book revisits the life of one of Bombay’s earliest and most influential figures. Adamjee Peerbhoy was a businessman, builder, and the city’s first Indian Sheriff. Born in 1846 in Dhoraji, Sir Adamjee arrived in Bombay with just five rupees. By his twenties, he had built both wealth and influence, but it was his philanthropy that left a deeper imprint. Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy “From that point, our downfall began,” says Hussain Peerbhoy, tracing it back to the family’s decision to join India’s freedom movement despite lucrative offers from the British. What struck the author most was his great-grandfather’s spirit. “His way of life… his humbleness, his love towards the poor and underprivileged children… his kindness and humanity,” he says, adding that Sir Adamjee believed in giving wealth away. The book combines archival material with QR-enabled audio-visual elements. “I wanted people to experience his life, not just read about it,” he says. Make a Moon landing soon The Moon continues to hold us in thrall. Pics/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT With four astronauts on the Artemis II mission leaving the Earth’s orbit and now on a 10-day mission around the moon, it is apt to spotlight a new show at the Nehru Planetarium in Worli. The Moon Mission — India’s Journey to the Moon is now showing at the Planetarium. The show celebrates humanity’s timeless fascination with the Moon. Audiences can relive the historic launch of Chandrayaan 1 in 2008, the mission that made the groundbreaking discovery of water molecules on the lunar surface and transformed global understanding of the Moon. The story continues with Chandrayaan 2 and culminates in the triumphant success of Chandrayaan 3, which achieved a historic soft landing near the lunar south pole on August 23, 2023, making India the first nation to accomplish this milestone. “More than a story of science and technology, this is a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and the human spirit of exploration,” said Planetarium spokespersons. There are a number of time slots for the Moon mission. Call : 9892890510 for your ticket to the moon.
05 April,2026 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Self-employed businesspersons should avoid complicated deals. Focus on steady and safer investments rather than taking risks.Life tip: Following your natural talents will help you build a life full of purpose. Also remember that living a meaningful life is a process and not a destination. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Think very carefully before taking any action that could have long-term consequences. This is a positive time for family finances and inheritance matters.Life tip: Trust your feelings about an important situation, and don’t hesitate to act accordingly, even if it seems out of character for you. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Pay attention to small details and don’t try to rush through any extra work you may have. Maintain a cordial equation with colleagues and seniors.Life tip: Let go of trying to control situations and just do what you can in the circumstances. Let challenges work themselves out without too much struggle. CancerJune 21 – July 22Pay attention to traditions and follow them if they make sense to you. This is a positive time to expand your professional as well as personal network.Life tip: A challenge can be a blessing in disguise even if it means stress in the present moment. Let go of what is not important. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Be very clear about your goals and the steps you take to achieve them. Seniors need to take a little extra care of themselves.Life tip: Eat healthy and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Look at health from a long-term perspective rather than a short-term fix. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Be very careful about whom you spend your time with, especially someone who encourages you to make risky financial choices. Take a little extra care of your health.Life tip: Be honest with yourself if there is a situation you have been ignoring in the hope that it will go away. Focus on what you want and not your fears. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Any challenge has a solution and you need to be a little creative in how you approach it. Avoid getting into disagreements with bosses and seniors.Life tip: Let go of any need to control situations or other people. Accept things as they are, and work with situations instead of fighting them. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Don’t react to any email or message that seems out of context. Try to get the facts before you respond. Use your professional network intelligently.Life tip: Accepting what you really want is the first step in making any changes you need. Focus on what really matters. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21A traditional approach to a situation that seems minor would be the best way to handle it. Be very clear but diplomatic in your communication.Life tip: Move forward with confidence, but make sure you do not make outcomes all about you. Do what needs to be done just because it is right. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Avoid taking shortcuts, and make sure you get your information from correct sources. Take on only as much works as you can handle effectively.Life tip: Timing is important, and you should avoid procrastinating. Success will only come with focused and sustained effort. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Focus on creating stability and a workable framework rather than rushing into a new project. A friendship or relationship could have a few stressful moments.Life tip: Choose your thoughts carefully, and align your actions in the same direction. Focus on what is right, even if you face challenges. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Beware of frenemies or colleagues who really do not wish you well. A younger person in the family may need help or advice.Life tip: Make time for a creative hobby you love without trying to be perfect at it. This is the best way to relax and de-stress.
05 April,2026 06:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseA spouse cannot be accused of abetting the suicide of his or her partner merely because there was marital discord between the two, the Bombay High Court (HC) has said while quashing a case lodged against a woman for abetment of her husband’s suicide. The HC’s Nagpur bench, in an order passed last week, held that matrimonial discord is common in domestic life and suicide cannot be attributed to any of the spouses solely due to a marital dispute. The court added that there must be instigation or direct incitement from the accused to the victim to end life. "In such cases, it cannot be held that due to abetment from one partner the other committed suicide," the court said. The bench allowed the plea filed by a 49-year-old woman, a teacher by profession, seeking to quash the abetment case filed against her in 2019 by the Amravati Police, news agency PTI reported. A single bench of Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke said that in the present case, both the husband and the wife had levelled allegations of ill-treatment and abuse against each other, and at most it could be said that the woman might have been the reason for the man’s frustration. "Such types of discord and differences are common in domestic life and until and unless some guilty intentions are there, it is ordinarily not possible to show that the woman was responsible for the death of her husband," the HC said. The court noted that to charge a person with abetment of suicide, the prosecution must prove that the accused played a role in the suicide, encouraged the individual to take their life, or conspired with others to ensure the person committed suicide. There has to be instigation or direct incitement from the accused, the HC said. "In order to attract the offence of abetment, there must be mens rea (intention). Without knowledge or intention, there cannot be any abetment," it stated. The bench said words uttered by any of the spouses in a fit of anger would not be sufficient to constitute the offence of abetment. Suicide note held no one responsible, states Bombay High Court The note left by the man did not reflect that he died by suicide due to abetment by his wife, the court said, adding that it clearly stated no one was to be held responsible for his death. The couple married in December 1996. The man and his parents had alleged that the woman abused them and also assaulted the man. They said she threatened to commit suicide and implicate them in false cases. The in-laws further alleged that she had an illicit relationship with another man and would leave the matrimonial home for several days without informing anyone. In November 2019, the man, reportedly under pressure, committed suicide, after which his parents lodged a case against the woman for abetment. The woman claimed that she too was physically assaulted and abused by her husband and his parents during the marriage. The court noted that in the present case, there was marital discord between the couple and allegations of ill-treatment on both sides. (With PTI inputs)
04 April,2026 11:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Saturday around 6.15 pm, a technical fault in coach D1 of Train No 12109 DOWN Panchavati Express prevented it from departing from Platform No 10 of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Railway officials immediately inspected the train stationed at Platform No 10. As the technical fault was found to be major, the entire train was evacuated. Subsequently, around 7 pm, the defective coach was detached from the train, and both the rake and the separated coach were moved to the yard for repairs. Passengers scheduled to travel on the train were permitted to continue their journey on alternative services. The railway administration has also made arrangements to provide refunds to those opting to cancel their tickets. No crowding at CSMT, says Central Railway The station superintendent said the train will be rescheduled and depart from Platform No 10 once repairs are completed. At present, there is no overcrowding at the railway station. All the passengers have either taken alternative routes or boarded other trains, and the situation remains calm. Confirming the incident, Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Dr Swapnil Nila said, "This evening at CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), one coach of Panchavati Express was marked sick because of the C&W (carriage and wagon) wheel defect. The same was detached and the remaining rake was sent on its onwards journey. The passengers were adjusted in other coaches as there was no heavy rush because of Saturday."
04 April,2026 09:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAmid rising summer temperatures and mounting pressure on the city’s water reserves, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has directed civic officials to take urgent and coordinated steps to ensure a steady and uninterrupted water supply across the city. During a review meeting with senior officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s water department, the Mayor assessed the current water stock position and the growing number of complaints related to supply disruptions. She instructed officials to strengthen water management practices and optimise the use of available reserves to prevent shortages in the coming weeks. Rising demand, climate uncertainty add pressure Highlighting the challenges posed by Mumbai’s expanding population and increasing demand for water, Tawde stressed that traditional supply systems alone may not suffice. She pointed to the added uncertainty caused by changing rainfall patterns linked to climate variability, calling for a more sustainable and multi-pronged approach to water management. With summer intensifying, the Mayor emphasised the need to explore alternative water sources while reviving existing but underutilised ones. She also underlined the importance of involving citizens more actively in conservation efforts to reduce overall demand. Survey and revival of wells and borewells As part of immediate measures, Tawde directed officials to compile updated data on all public, government and private wells and borewells in Mumbai and assess their operational status. The move is aimed at identifying additional water sources that can supplement the city’s supply during peak demand. Referring to the 2009 water shortage triggered by deficient rainfall, she noted that the civic body had then relied on repaired public wells to ease the crisis. Drawing from that experience, she instructed that functional wells be prioritised for immediate use, while non-operational ones be repaired where feasible. Officials have also been asked to conduct necessary testing to determine whether water from such sources can be treated and used for drinking purposes, instead of limiting it to non-potable uses like gardening and cleaning. Housing societies urged to step up The Mayor called on private housing societies to play a more proactive role in water management. She said societies should ensure regular maintenance and cleaning of wells and borewells within their premises and install appropriate water purification systems where required. At the same time, she cautioned against excessive groundwater extraction, stressing that usage must remain within sustainable and regulated limits to avoid long-term depletion. Rainwater harvesting key to long-term security Looking beyond immediate measures, Tawde underscored the importance of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems in preventing future shortages. She urged housing societies to adopt such systems, noting their role in maintaining groundwater levels and improving long-term water security. Citing an example, she said similar systems are already operational in her residential complex in Ghatkopar, combining rainwater harvesting with borewell purification and supply. Call for collective responsibility The Mayor concluded by stressing that ensuring a reliable water supply requires coordinated efforts from the administration, citizens, housing societies and industries alike. She appealed to all stakeholders to minimise wastage, promote reuse and adopt responsible water consumption practices during the summer months.
04 April,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has initiated outreach efforts ahead of the upcoming Baramati assembly bypoll, contacting Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to seek his party’s support. The conversation, which took place on Friday, is being viewed as a significant political development in the run-up to the crucial election, reported PTI. The Baramati bypoll is scheduled to be held on April 23, with Sunetra Pawar set to contest as the official candidate of the Nationalist Congress Party. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders confirm discussion The outreach was confirmed by senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and party secretary Milind Narvekar. According to Raut, the discussion between Pawar and Thackeray focused specifically on the bypoll and the possibility of electoral support, reported PTI. He also indicated that Thackeray is expected to make a formal announcement regarding the party’s stance at a press conference in the coming days, keeping political observers on watch for a potential shift in alliances, reported PTI. Sympathy factor and family ties may influence decision Sources suggest that Thackeray may not be opposed to backing Sunetra Pawar, citing longstanding personal and political ties with the Pawar family. The bypoll has been necessitated following the death of Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati and was a prominent political figure in the state, reported PTI. Ajit Pawar’s passing in a plane crash earlier this year has created a sympathy factor that could play a role in shaping electoral dynamics. Sunetra Pawar, who assumed office as Deputy Chief Minister shortly after the incident, is now seeking to consolidate support across party lines. Opposition alliance dynamics face new test The development comes at a time when the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP—is already navigating internal differences. While the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) has indicated it will not field a candidate against Sunetra Pawar, the Congress has taken a divergent position. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal recently announced that the party intends to contest the bypoll, stating that approval has been received from the central leadership. This divergence has added complexity to the opposition’s strategy in the state, raising questions about coordination within the alliance. Nomination filing and electoral history of Baramati Sunetra Pawar is expected to file her nomination papers on April 6, formally entering the race. The Baramati constituency has long been a stronghold of the Pawar family, with Ajit Pawar winning the seat multiple times with significant margins. In previous assembly elections, he secured victories by large vote differences, reinforcing the constituency’s importance in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The upcoming bypoll is likely to be closely watched, not only for its electoral outcome but also for the broader political signals it may send regarding alliances and leadership equations in the state. (With inputs from PTI)
04 April,2026 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe administration in Maharashtra's Thane district has launched a fortnight-long disaster preparedness exercise in collaboration with national and state response forces to strengthen emergency response mechanisms, officials said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The 'Familiarisation Exercise Programme', conducted from April 1 to April 15, aims to improve coordination and response capabilities during natural and man-made disasters, an official release stated, reported PTI. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force are involved in the exercise. "A total of 25 trained personnel, including senior officers, have been deployed in the district to conduct hands-on training and familiarisation sessions across urban and rural areas," the release said, reported PTI. The exercise focuses on equipping local administrative staff and first responders with practical skills in rescue operations, inter-agency coordination and the use of specialised disaster-response equipment. Officials, including subdivisional officers and tehsildars, along with civil defence personnel, police patils and community volunteers such as 'Aapda Mitra' and 'Aapda Sakhi', are participating in the training sessions, reported PTI. Around 200 participants are being trained at multiple locations, including civic bodies and tehsil offices in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Shahapur, Murbad and Ambernath. Konkan division employees to undergo training to enhance efficiency Meanwhile, Government employees in Maharashtra's Konkan division will undergo training in areas like AI, data analytics, blockchain and communication skills to enhance their efficiency and adaptability in governance, officials have said. The training sessions will be held as part of a weeklong programme being implemented in association with the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat, a release said on Thursday. The initiative, jointly organised by the Government of India and the Maharashtra government, aims to bring dynamism in administrative functioning and connect government employees with modern technologies, it added. (With inputs from PTI)
04 April,2026 05:34 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has awarded a compensation of Rs 21.5 lakh to the family of a 45-year-old woman run over by a speeding tempo in 2020, reported news agency PTI. The tribunal, presided over by K P Shrikhande, held the tempo driver solely responsible for the fatal accident, directing the vehicle owner and insurer to jointly and severally pay the compensation with a 9 per cent annual interest from December 9, 2020, when the claim was filed, till realisation, reported PTI. A copy of the order passed on March 30 was made available on Saturday. The accident occurred on August 30, 2020, on the Kalyan-Bhiwandi road near Kongaon when a speeding tempo hit the victim, Meera Kamlesh Singh, from behind while she was standing near a road divider, reported PTI. The victim succumbed to the grievous injuries sustained in the accident. The tribunal held that the vehicle was being driven in a rash and negligent manner. Quoting a Supreme Court ruling, the tribunal noted, "It is settled in law that once a chargesheet has been filed and the driver has been held negligent, no further evidence is required to establish negligence." The tribunal dismissed the insurer's contention regarding breach of policy conditions. Treating the deceased as a homemaker, the tribunal fixed a notional income of Rs 7,000 per month and calculated total compensation at Rs 21.5 lakh. Thane MACT awards Rs 44.13 lakh compensation to kin of man crushed to death by crane Meanwhile, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has granted a compensation of Rs 44.13 lakh to the family of a 46-year-old man who died after a JCB crane crashed into a motorcycle in 2020, reported PTI. Tribunal member R V Mohite directed the crane owner and the insurer New India Assurance Co. Ltd. to jointly and severally pay the compensation with 9 per cent interest per annum from the date of the petition, reported PTI. A copy of the order passed on March 24 was made available on Friday. The accident occurred on February 5, 2020, when the victim, Prabhakar Bajrangi Sharma, was riding pillion on a motorcycle and a speeding JCB crane first dashed into a pedestrian and then hit the two-wheeler and ran over him, reported PTI. Sharma, who was employed as an assistant manager in an automobile firm, sustained serious injuries and died during treatment at a hospital in Navi Mumbai. The vehicle owner and the insurance company contended before the tribunal that the motorcyclist had been negligent. However, it rejected these claims, citing a lack of evidence. "The evidence on record shows that the operator of the offending vehicle (crane) was driving it in a rash and negligent manner," the tribunal stated, observing that there was nothing on record to show any contributory act on the part of the deceased, reported PTI. The insurance company sought to avoid liability by claiming the crane operator did not have a valid licence for the vehicle. The tribunal dismissed this technicality, noting that the unladen weight of the JCB was 7,460 kg, falling under the Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) category. The tribunal awarded Rs 44.13 lakh compensation to the deceased man's wife and three sons. (With inputs from PTI)
04 April,2026 05:27 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified desilting operations across the Mithi River and key drainage networks, with officials setting a firm deadline of May 31, 2026, to complete the work ahead of the monsoon. Push for Faster Execution and Transparency Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar has directed officials to accelerate desilting work across major and minor drains, particularly at waterlogging-prone locations. He emphasized the need for structured planning, including strict timelines for each drain, with start and completion schedules to be made publicly accessible via a digital dashboard. Daily targets have also been mandated to ensure timely completion, while contractors have been instructed to provide real-time updates on machinery deployment as per tender conditions. Field Inspections Across Key Locations Bangar conducted an on-ground inspection on April 3, reviewing ongoing desilting works in the Mithi River and eastern suburbs. Under a three-package plan, work has commenced at five locations along the river. Key sites inspected included stretches near the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority office, and areas near a prominent international school in the vicinity. In addition, inspections were carried out at Boundary Nala in Mulund and Somaiya Nala in Ghatkopar, where officials were directed to prioritise flood-prone zones and coordinate closely with local representatives. Focus on Flood Prevention and Micro-Planning Civic authorities are placing strong emphasis on micro-planning to ensure that flooding hotspots are effectively addressed. Bangar noted that desilting must cover the entire river stretch, with particular attention to narrow sections and densely populated areas. To prevent debris from flowing into the sea, the installation of trash boom systems has been recommended wherever feasible. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that removed silt is dried for at least 48 hours before transportation, with daily progress to be uploaded on the monitoring system along with video evidence. Strict Monitoring and Contractor Accountability The BMC has introduced a digital monitoring mechanism to track progress, with officials required to update data daily. Payments to contractors will be released only after verification of work quality and adherence to deadlines. Bangar warned of strict action against contractors and officials in cases of negligence, poor-quality work, or failure to maintain transparency. Engineers have been directed to remain present at sites to ensure close supervision of operations. Crackdown on Illegal Dumping During inspections at the BKC stretch, authorities flagged concerns over illegal dumping of debris into the river. Bangar warned that strict action would be taken against violators, stressing that such practices could undermine flood prevention efforts. Coordination with Railways At Somaiya Nala, civic officials highlighted ongoing coordination with Central Railway authorities, who have initiated desilting work within railway culverts. This work is also expected to be completed within the May 31 deadline. Learning from Past Success Officials cited last year’s success in preventing flooding at several vulnerable locations, including Bhandup railway station and Chunabhatti, and stressed the need to replicate similar planning and execution this year. With just under two months remaining, the BMC has underscored the urgency of completing desilting works on schedule to minimise the risk of monsoon-related flooding across Mumbai.
04 April,2026 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
