Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced that the Maharashtra Budget 2026 session will commence today, with him set to present the Budget. He noted that the groundwork for the financial exercise had already been completed by late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar laid groundwork before demise, says CM Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said that Ajit Pawar had meticulously prepared for the Maharashtra Budget 2026 before his untimely demise. He added that while presenting the Budget himself would be a responsibility, the foundation laid by Pawar would guide the process. The Chief Minister also expressed confidence in Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, stating that she would carry forward the legacy and responsibilities with the same commitment shown by her husband. “The Assembly session is beginning tomorrow. I will present the Budget. Ajit Pawar had made all the necessary preparations. This will be a new experience for Sunetra Pawar, but I am confident she will perform her role just as Ajit Dada did,” Fadnavis said. Ajit Pawar’s legacy in state finances highlighted Ajit Pawar, a seasoned leader in state finances, had presented the Maharashtra Budget 11 times and was in the process of preparing his 12th Budget at the time of his passing. His experience and administrative acumen had long been considered instrumental in shaping the state’s fiscal policies. DGCA, CBI to probe fatal Baramati plane crash Speaking about the tragic plane crash that claimed Pawar’s life, Fadnavis said that investigations are currently underway. He informed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident and that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry will also be initiated to address public concerns and ensure transparency. “We are all mourning the loss. The DGCA is investigating the incident, and we will also conduct a CBI inquiry. There are valid doubts in people’s minds that must be addressed. Many politicians, including myself, have flown using VSR company aircraft. It is important that all questions are answered,” he said. The fatal crash occurred on January 28, 2026, when a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures went down while attempting to land in dense fog at Baramati Airport. All five individuals on board, including Ajit Pawar, lost their lives in the दुर्घटना. Sunetra Pawar takes charge; govt launches new initiatives In the aftermath of the tragedy, Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister on January 31, 2026, marking a significant political development. Reflecting on her husband’s legacy, she acknowledged his contributions and expressed readiness to take forward his work. “The Maharashtra Budget 2026 begins tomorrow. Ajit Pawar presented the Budget 11 times and was preparing for his 12th. His sudden demise is a great loss, but we will continue his work,” she said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Fadnavis also inaugurated the ‘Divyang Sahayak Portal’ of the state’s Divyang Welfare Department at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, along with Minister Atul Save and other senior officials. Additionally, a report reviewing the work of the Krishna and Godavari Basin Development Corporations under the Water Resources Department for the year 2025 was released in the presence of the Chief Minister, highlighting ongoing efforts in water resource management across the state. (With inputs from ANI)
23 February,2026 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai woke up to mostly clear skies and relatively pleasant weather on Monday, February 23, but a lingering layer of smog continued to affect overall air quality across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast similar conditions for the day, with clear skies likely to prevail and temperatures expected to range between 20 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. The gradual rise in daytime temperatures in recent weeks संकेत the transition towards the summer season. As per IMD’s 8:30 am observations, Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 22.6 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz registered 20.3 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was reported at either location. Air quality remains a concern Despite stable weather conditions, pollution levels continue to remain a concern for residents. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 104 on Monday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. According to data from the Centre’s SAMEER app, air quality varied across different parts of the city. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 162, Andheri East 132, and Deonar 151. Other areas included Kandivali at 123, Bandra East 113, Byculla 106, Malad 93, Colaba 84, and Mulund West 61—keeping most locations within the moderate range. Moderate rain likely along TN Western Ghats; dry weather to continue in rest Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast moderate rainfall over parts of the Western Ghats over the next two days, while most other regions of Tamil Nadu are expected to experience largely dry conditions. In a statement, the Meteorological Department said that one or two places in the Western Ghats districts are likely to receive light to moderate rain today and tomorrow. The rainfall activity is expected to remain limited to isolated pockets in hilly and adjoining areas, with no widespread precipitation forecast. Meanwhile, the rest of Tamil Nadu, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry and its Karaikal region, is likely to experience dry weather. Weather officials indicated that there are no significant weather systems currently affecting large parts of the state, resulting in stable atmospheric conditions. Looking ahead, the department has forecast moderate rainfall over southern Tamil Nadu on February 26. Though details regarding the intensity and spread are yet to be specified, officials said the rainfall is expected to be confined to select districts in the southern region. As for temperatures, no major fluctuations are anticipated across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the coming days. However, a slight rise in maximum temperatures cannot be ruled out. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover close to seasonal averages. In Chennai, the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy for the whole day. The department has also forecast the possibility of light mist in one or two areas during the early morning hours.
23 February,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMore than a lakh motorists who were caught up in a massive traffic gridlock on Mumbai-Pune Expressway earlier this month after a gas tanker mishap will get toll refund cumulatively valued at Rs 5.16 crore, a senior Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) official said on Sunday. On February 3, a gas tanker turned turtle on the Khopoli stretch of the expressway, leading to a 33-hour disruption which saw traffic come to a standstill for several kilometres, leaving many motorists and passengers facing a shortage of water, food and other basic amenities. Following the accident, the administration had ordered an immediate suspension of toll collection. However, toll charges had been deducted from FASTag accounts of many motorists. “A refund of Rs 5.16 crore will be processed. The amount will be credited to FASTag accounts of vehicle owners in the next few days,” the official told PTI. Rs 5.16 crCumulative amount to be refunded 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
23 February,2026 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesA camera trap trail across the Western Ghats has revealed a remarkable feat of endurance and instinct: male tiger STRT-2, known as Subhedar, completed a long-distance round trip between Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary within just two months. Though the straight-line distance between the two habitats is much shorter, forest officials estimate the tiger may have covered nearly 250 km while navigating dense forests, wildlife corridors, and human-dominated landscapes. Tushar Chavan, field director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, said “the movement highlights the exceptional dispersal ability of tigers in the Western Ghats”. He noted that such journeys are rarely linear, with animals forced to negotiate terrain, forest connectivity, and human presence, underscoring the importance of secure corridors for long-term conservation. Camera trap data confirmed Subhedar’s recent round trip between the two protected areas. Earlier records indicate that the tiger was monitored at Radhanagri between April 2022 and April 2024, before being sighted again in the Sahyadri region in October 2024. The distance puzzle >> Straight-line distance: 100 km>> Estimated actual distance travelled: 250 kmReason: Non-linear movement through forests, corridors, and human landscapes Why this journey matters >> It highlights functional wildlife corridors in the Western Ghats>> It hows tigers can safely traverse mixed-use landscapes>> It reinforces need for landscape-level conservation, not isolated reserves About the corridor >> Sahyadri spans Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts>> Connects Tilari, Radhanagri, Chandoli, Koyna, and Karnataka reserves>> Around 32 tigers haunt the corridor>> 14 tigers recorded in the Sahyadri region Subhedar’s movements April 23, 2022: First recorded at Radhanagri Wildlife SanctuaryApril 13, 2024: Last confirmed monitoring at RadhanagriOctober 28, 2024: Sighted in Sahyadri Tiger ReservePast two months: Trek between two spots confirmed What’s next? * The Maharashtra forest department plans to reintroduce more tigers* Efforts underway to boost prey base* Focus on herbivores such as sambar and chital to support tiger population growth 250 kmDistance the big cat covered within two months
23 February,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a bid to reclaim neglected city spaces, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned a pilot project to convert the area beneath a flyover near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 1 into a sprawling “community urban farm”, officials said. The initiative, expected to be a first for the Western Express Highway corridor in the metropolis, aims to transform a 24,000-sq-ft stretch into a lush agricultural zone where locals can grow vegetables, fruits and other plants, they said. To ensure the project, which is likely to be launched next month, remains eco-friendly, there are plans to use compost generated from local wet waste. The area will be fenced to prevent unauthorised parking and misuse by anti-social elements, which have plagued under-flyover spaces. The T1 flyover project follows the success of similar ‘garden-under-flyover’ initiatives in Matunga and the ‘One Green Mile’ at Parel, but it is said to be the first to introduce active food cultivation as a core component. What does the project entail? Under the proposed plan, the BMC will create dedicated cultivation pits of about 6 ft x 3 ft, which will be offered to locals on an adoption basis. Participating families will be responsible for maintaining and harvesting their respective plots, fostering a “farm-to-table” culture What facilities are being planned? There will be a demonstration area to teach people how to create balcony and terrace gardens. A small section will be earmarked for selling surplus organic produce. A “plant crèche” will also be created, where people can leave home plants for maintenance while travelling Who is bringing this project to life? The BMC’s role is to provide land, water, and electricity, and the rest of the work has been taken up by local organisations What has been done so far? Twenty-four pits have been constructed and will be extended as per demand and people’s participation. Work on fencing and soil preparation is expected to begin next month. If successful, the BMC plans to replicate this “edible landscape” model across other flyovers in the suburbs Voices Satish Kolvankar, Swachh Parle AbhiyanUrban farming under a flyover presents challenges like limited sunlight and high pollution. However, by using vertical gardening techniques alongside the pits, we can significantly improve the local micro-climate A senior civic officialThe idea is to move beyond the traditional concept of just beautification or jogging tracks. We are creating a functional green ecosystem in the heart of the city’s concrete sprawl 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
23 February,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesWhile expert conclaves and panel discussions marked Mumbai Climate Week 2026, students across the city contributed by taking climate awareness directly to communities. Learners from several educational institutions participated in initiatives aimed at turning climate discourse into practical action. Under the British Council’s “Climate Skills – Seeds for Transition India programme”, Mumbai University trained 820 students, 206 faculty members and 16 NGO representatives from 150 institutions. Participants from seven districts — Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg — were trained in climate change strategies and adaptability, and showcased their initiatives over the past week. A parallel initiative was undertaken at HSNC University, where students attended a three-day training on Mumbai’s environmental health. They later chose waste segregation as their focus and developed presentations for schoolchildren. The students are now visiting around 15 schools to engage younger audiences. “We interacted with Std V to VII students to gauge their climate awareness and found them far more attuned to environmental crises than expected. Many were instinctively eager to do the right thing, and no concept seemed too technical for them,” said Avani Jaiswal, a first-year student, KC College. What HSNC college students were trained in >> Lesson planning and conducting lectures>> Climate awareness>> Public speaking and social media awareness Activities conducted by the college students >> Quizzes and storytelling sessions with schoolchildren>> Waste bin distribution to promote plastic segregation>> Visits to 10-15 schools for climate conversations>> Over 200 school students and 20+ cleaning staff sensitised so far 206MU faculty members trained under the British Council programme
23 February,2026 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarUnruly two-wheeler riders I request the traffic police to come out with a special squad to control two-wheelers continuously breaking laws by riding in no-entry spaces, jumping signals, parking in the middle of road etc. I also request the traffic commissioner to go back to normal road entry rules like before in Hutatma Chowk, MG Road where one lane is empty and another fully jammed outside Standard Chartered BankDarayes Karkaria Auto mess at Kharghar Autos outside Kharghar station. FILE PIC Need help with a long-standing and worsening public nuisance at Kharghar Railway Station (CBD Belapur side), which severely affects thousands of daily commuters. For the past 15–20 years, auto drivers have completely ignored the designated auto stand and instead form long chains right at the station exit gate. They block the only pedestrian pathway and the exit area, creating a bottleneck. Many residents of Kharghar, including myself and others, have repeatedly complained in writing to the DCP Traffic (Navi Mumbai) about these violations — unauthorised parking/standing, meter refusal, blocking public way, and hawker encroachments. To no avail.Amit G Jammed private road PIC/Prakash Nanavati A small stretch of less than one km narrow internal road is the source of major traffic bottlenecks between Lake Homes Complex in Chandivli till Jal Vayu Complex in Powai. This road is used by BEST buses, school buses, company staff buses, private cars, auto rickshaws, taxis, ambulances, commercial vehicles like tempos and heavy industrial trucks, dumpers and RMC mixers. This is a private road, yet its users are 95 per cent non-residents. Hoping for some help in resolving this by the authorities concerned.Prakash Nanavati Abusive society member In a housing society WhatsApp group, a member abused another member and watchman, and questioned his intelligence. These messages were posted in a society group visible to multiple members. The other member approached the police, but they expressed helplessness. What action are police required to take in cases of humiliation and abusive messages under BNS?Sagar Mane No street lights for ten years A decade-old road connecting east western area of JVLR has no street lights yet. Initially, the authority responsible was MMRDA and today, BMC is the sole authority for the upkeep of JVLR. Requesting a pothole-free, lit-up road from BMC.Ashokkumar C 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. Not illegal to feed strays A senior civic official said, “It is not illegal to feed street dogs in Mumbai. This is a matter of compassion and care. BMC has issued detailed guidelines to ensure feeding of street dogs and cats happens in a controlled manner. The guidelines are available on the BMC website, which outlines feeding times, areas where dogs and cats can be fed, and how to maintain cleanliness and sanitation when humans are feeding street dogs.” The official said the civic body intervenes in case of street dogs who are rabid or diseased. Citizens and call and complain on 1916 for help regarding rabid animals. Duties of a ward officer According to BMC, the assistant commissioner, earlier called the ward officer, is the administrative head of a ward and oversees daily civic services. City has 26 wards, each led by one assistant commissioner who coordinates with BMC headquarters, central departments such as roads, drains and solid waste management, and neighbouring wards for cross-boundary work. Officer meets citizens to between 3 pm and 5 pm every Monday and Friday, conducts regular inspections and directs staff to address service gaps. Pollution in Bandra, Khar, and Santacruz A senior official from BMC said, “The areas are seeing a large number of infrastructure projects that can contribute to air pollution. The air pollution in this area is noted to mainly be dust, arising from pollution and vehicular combustion. In other countries, solutions like dome structures covering construction sites are normal. In case of Mumbai, there are issues to iron out, such as who will bear the cost of such cover on sites.”
23 February,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday hinted at relief for the common man in the upcoming state budget, but at the same time signalled the introduction of corrective and discipline-oriented measures where required. Addressing the media after the customary tea party and cabinet meeting in Mumbai, the CM stated that all suggestions made by the late Ajit Pawar would be incorporated into the budget. Fadnavis stated that the budget had been meticulously prepared by Pawar. “Ajit Pawar worked very hard to present a good budget. Unfortunately, due to his demise, the responsibility has now come to me,” he said, describing Pawar as a disciplined and strict finance minister who was clear about what could and could not be done. Fadnavis will present the budget on March 6, with the session scheduled from February 23 to March 25. He took charge of the finance portfolio following the death of Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28. Sunetra Pawar’s statements Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar expressed confidence that the budget session would unfold smoothly. Recalling the contribution of Ajit Pawar, she noted that he had presented the state budget 11 times, the second-highest by any finance minister in Maharashtra’s history and said he had meticulously planned key welfare schemes, including the Ladki Bahin initiative Traffic relief Promising long-term relief from traffic, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the Mahayuti government was working towards a congestion-free Mumbai and exploring underground projects to reduce pressure on the city’s roads. Shinde further described Fadnavis as an expert who understands the pulse of Maharashtra and asserted that the budget would take the state to new heights, with electoral promises to be honoured at the appropriate time. Issues that MVA plans to raise The Opposition sharpened its attack on the ruling coalition, flagging alleged corruption and rising unemployment. It also sought answers over the controversial Pune land deal reportedly linked to Parth Pawar, son of the late Dy CM. The Anti-Corruption Bureau recently arrested a Mantralaya clerk attached to the Food and Drug Administration department, headed by NCP (Ajit Pawar) leader Narhari Zirwal VSR audit Fadnavis stated that an audit of VSR Aviation had commenced, amid demands for action against the firm over alleged violations of aviation norms. The call for a probe and a ban on the company was raised by Pawar’s nephew. The CM stated that he had flown in the VSR plane on three to four occasions, stating, “Whatever the outcome of the probe, it will help other politicians only.” MVA’s boycott Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders boycotted the tea party, stating that, for the first time, both the Legislative Assembly and Council would function without a leader of the Opposition, calling it a serious blow to democratic conventions. However, signs of discord within the alliance were visible at the Opposition’s media interaction, where NCP-SP representatives were not present
23 February,2026 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe South Mumbai Residents Association (SMRA), a non-political, non-commercial body, held an interactive session between planners/leaders and citizens at the Priyadarshini Park (PDP), Nepean Sea Road, on Sunday, February 22, morning, called ‘Citizen Dialogue’. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani was the chief guest/speaker. There was Susieben Shah, founder of SMRA and MP Milind Deora, also part of the dialogue. Key points up for discussion were: ‘Proposed beautification of the Coastal Road Promenade’ and other key and civic open space concerns in South Mumbai. Project plans being explained through slides. Pics/Atul Kamble Susieben Shah spoke to the sizable SoBo audience, telling them about the power of unity, “alone we have fingers, together we make a fist of strength and amplify our voices.” There was a slide presentation showing plans for the Coastal Road gardens, a 7.5 km distance from Worli to the Priyadarshini Park. Deora said, “This is not a project but a responsibility.” Gagrani claimed, “Today, Mumbai is going through an unprecedented transformation. We are ramping up public infrastructure along with private redevelopment. The challenge is to find a method in the madness, which is to make it more citizen-friendly. The entire Coastal Road and the adjacent gardens are on reclaimed land, and this must be used for public purposes. There has been some concern about this being used for commercial activity, but that is not true. Only maintenance charges (for parking, washrooms) will be levied.” In the end, the commissioner said, “We are not just showing you utopian dreams. There is a timeline, maybe two years, for completion of the gardens. Remember, as a citizen, open spaces are important to me too. I am a temporary commissioner; I am a permanent Mumbaikar.” Highlights >> Gardens on the Coastal Road from Worli to Priyadarshini Park (Nepean Sea Road)>> Distance of: 7.5 km>> 11 public underpasses>> 2 parking spaces (Worli)>> 1 is being built at Haji Ali>> 60,000: No. of trees to be planted Interactive session >> Citizens asked questions about the racecourse, and a conceptual plan was showcased>> There were questions about AQI levels>> Concerns about littering>> Nepean Sea Road citizens pressed for access to the Coastal Road from Nepean Sea Road>> Citizens asked the commissioner about timelines Features >> Sports hub planned at Haji Ali in Worli>> Miyawaki forests are part of the plan>> Thinking about a bird trail at Bhulabhai Desai junction>> Plans for a festival plaza and Ferris wheel on the Worli side
23 February,2026 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharAn overflowing drain in a subway that links Malad East and West has been a thorn in the sides of commuters and residents for at least two months. Locals told mid-day that despite flagging the issue with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on X and receiving responses from the civic body, nothing has changed on the ground. The eastern exit of the underpass The underpass, sandwiched between railway tracks and a nullah, unfailingly witnesses sewage overflow whenever there are pipe-related blockage or leakage issues. According to on-duty traffic police officers during the monsoon months, pumps are activated in the subway to prevent flooding. But otherwise, they are mostly inactive, which leads to such issues. mid-day contacted the BMC’s P North ward, but received no reply by press time. Voices of concern Shankar Bhai Patel, a daily user of the subway‘We not only get splashed with dirty water while driving but also on the elevated footpath, especially when vehicles are speeding. Sometimes during the monsoon season, when the pumps are not activated in time, we have to wade through knee-deep dirty water in the subway’ Subhas Varma, auto driver‘We have learned to live with the stink because we can’t avoid it. We avoid the extreme right of the tunnel where the seepage occurs. Sometimes, this slows down traffic. The stink here is unbearable. Water from the Malad fish market and the nullah both seep through because it is a low-lying area’ An auto driver‘The bus stop is right next to the subway, so the traffic police come often, as do the regular police. It is when they come and point it out sometimes that action is taken. Whenever we, the people who use the subway daily, say anything, we are ignored’
23 February,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturThe Central Railway (Mumbai) on Saturday announced that was working on setting up Emergency Medical Rooms (EMRs) at 44 stations in addition to the existing ones to help injured commuters in the golden hour. “Central Railway has taken various measures to ensure safe and comfortable travel for its passengers. Setting up EMRs at stations is a significant step towards providing medical aid during emergencies. The Mumbai Division has established EMRs at several suburban stations to provide immediate medical assistance. The primary aim is to offer first-aid care to bonafide passengers, including railway staff, who face medical emergencies due to accidents, illnesses, or other incidents,” a CR spokesperson said. “CR plans to expand this service to more stations, with tenders floated for 44 stations on the Mumbai division. This initiative aims to reduce response time during medical emergencies, providing critical aid during the golden hour. With this proactive approach, CR reaffirms its commitment to passenger safety and well-being, ensuring a secure and comfortable journey for all,” he added. “The Bombay High Court has directed railway authorities in public interest litigation filed by me to establish emergency medical rooms at every Mumbai Suburban station, but only 4 out of 90 Central Railway stations comply,” railway activist Samir Zaveri said. What are EMRs equipped with? These EMRs are equipped with basic life-support equipment, oxygen supply, stretchers, and medicines, staffed by qualified doctors and trained paramedical personnel round the clock. A portable lab, medical store, and ambulance facility are also available. Status of the work Already operationalEMRs are already operational at Byculla, Kalyan, and Vashi stations Contract awarded/work doneContracts for 10 more stations awarded, with Kalva, Titwala, and Karjat already operational Work underwayWork is underway for the remaining seven stations — Kurla Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Thane, Mumbra, Mankhurd, and Chembur.
23 February,2026 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
