The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a mainly clear sky over Mumbai and its suburbs, with the possibility of light rain during the early morning hours on Thursday. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 23 degrees Celsius. According to the SAMEER App, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 72 on March 19 morning, indicating satisfactory air quality. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex – 82Borivali East – 91Byculla – 77Andheri East – 81Chembur – 75Colaba – 61Deonar – 103Ghatkopar – 100 Meanwhile, the IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts across Maharashtra, warning of thunderstorms and rain. Districts under alert include Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, and Beed. Heat persists despite rain alert Despite the warning, heat and humidity continue to grip the state, offering little relief to residents. According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, large parts of Maharashtra are witnessing above-normal daytime temperatures, particularly in interior regions, while coastal areas remain relatively moderate. Interior regions record rising temperatures Districts such as Jalgaon (37.7 degrees Celsius), Osmanabad (36.8 degrees Celsius), Parbhani (36.2 degrees Celsius), Beed (36 degrees Celsius), and Malegaon (36 degrees Celsius) recorded some of the highest maximum temperatures, signalling intensifying heat across Marathwada and North Maharashtra. Night temperatures in these areas remained between 18 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius, providing limited respite. Central belt sees dry, warm conditions Ahilyanagar (35.2 degrees Celsius), Aurangabad (34.5 degrees Celsius), and Nashik (34.5 degrees Celsius) also recorded above-normal temperatures, reflecting dry and warm weather across central Maharashtra. Mixed weather in western Maharashtra Kolhapur (34.7 degrees Celsius) and Satara (35.2 degrees Celsius) experienced warm days, though cooler nights, particularly in Mahabaleshwar (16.6 degrees Celsius), offered some relief. Coastal regions remain humid but stable Mumbai, Alibag, Ratnagiri, and Dahanu recorded moderate temperatures ranging between 31 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. However, high humidity levels, reaching up to 88 per cent in Dahanu and over 80 per cent in Mumbai, kept conditions warm and uncomfortable. Outlook The IMD indicates that while interior Maharashtra will continue to experience rising heat, the Konkan coast will remain relatively stable but humid. Residents are advised to take precautions against heat exposure, especially during peak afternoon hours.
19 March,2026 10:28 AM IST | MumbaiWestern Railway has unveiled a new QR code-based service aimed at simplifying refund claims for failed digital payments. The initiative, titled Smart Assistant and Refund Access Link (SARAL), was launched at a press conference in Mumbai by Principal Chief Commercial Manager Tarun Jain. Passengers can begin using the system immediately, with the service currently rolled out on a pilot basis in the Mumbai division. How SARAL works The SARAL facility enables passengers to raise refund requests remotely by scanning a designated QR code. After scanning, users must: - Complete an online form - Enter details of the failed transaction - Upload proof of payment The information is then automatically forwarded to the Centre for Railway Information Systems and State Bank of India for verification and processing. Addressing common refund issues Officials stated that approximately 48 per cent of railway transactions are now digital, with 8-10 payment failures occurring daily due to technical glitches - where money is debited but tickets are not issued. Although banks typically process refunds within three to seven working days, delays are not uncommon. Previously, passengers were required to visit booking counters in person to file claims, adding inconvenience and time. Improved convenience for passengers According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, WR, Abhay Singh Chauhan, the SARAL system eliminates the need for physical visits to ticket counters. Passengers will receive email updates at every stage of the refund process, along with a tracking link to monitor progress. The initiative carries the tagline: “Yatra Bhi, Refund Bhi Saral” (Travel and refunds made easy). He explained that by scanning the SARAL QR code, passengers will have to fill out a form, provide details of the failed transaction, and upload proof of payment, reported the PTI. Through every stage of the refund process, passengers will receive updates via the email address provided by them, he informed. "There will be a link to track the refund ," Chauhan added, according to the PTI. Future expansion plans The service is currently limited to Mumbai division but may be extended to other divisions of Western Railway depending on passenger response and effectiveness. (with PTI inputs)
19 March,2026 10:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Wednesday said that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has frozen the bank accounts of ‘Gulzar-e-Raza’, a fake trust, and launched an investigation after preliminary findings suggested the organisation received funds from suspicious foreign sources. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the organisation, allegedly operating under the guise of religious activities, had collected crores of rupees from the public. The trust has been accused of misleading people and engaging in suspicious activities, raising serious concerns over financial irregularities and the misuse of public trust. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Fadnavis further said that the organisation had collected around Rs 4 crore through donations. Noting that the transactions appeared suspicious, he said the ATS has initiated a probe and frozen the bank accounts. “The probe agency is also investigating, as a portion of these funds originated from foreign and dubious accounts,” he added. The case The Gulzar-e-Raza came under suspicion following a routine verification by the Sambhajinagar unit of the ATS of various NGOs and trusts in Beed district. The trust allegedly collected crores of rupees from the public under the guise of religious activities. A probe revealed that the trust siphoned off Rs 4.73 crore. Following investigations, a case of fraud has been registered against four trustees in Beed. According to the officials, the authorities have arrested two and are on the lookout for two others in connection with the case.
19 March,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarAfter Mumbai saw unprecedented hot weather last week, when temperatures touched 40 degrees C, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated unseasonal rainfall for Mumbai and its neighbouring districts for Wednesday and Thursday, with a yellow alert for Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. While a green alert has been issued for Mumbai with the possibility of light rain and thundershowers, the IMD has issued a rainfall alert for all 36 districts of Maharashtra, with an orange alert for Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded, Latur, and Dharashiv. Reason for rainfall According to information from IMD, the unseasonal rainfall across Maharashtra is a result of a trough that runs from the Gulf of Mannar to south interior Karnataka across Tamil Nadu at 0.9 km above mean sea level. 48-hour forecast for city Mainly clear sky in the city and suburbs. Possibility of light rain towards early morning. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 32 degree C and 23 degree C, respectively IMD’s forecast Mumbai: Light rain and thundershowers on Wednesday and Thursday Thane and Palghar: Light rain and thundershowers on Wednesday and Thursday Other coastal districts Raigad: Yellow alert, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds on Wednesday, light rain on Thursday Ratnagiri: Yellow alert, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday Sindhudurg: Yellow alert, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds on Wednesday. Light rain on Thursday
19 March,2026 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThousands of Mumbaikars are waiting longer than ever for justice as staff shortages cripple consumer courts, despite presidents being in place between 2021 and 2025, according to the latest Consumer Justice Report, released on Wednesday (March 18). Not a single year saw full member strength across the four Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (DCDRCs). By 2025, three operated with just one member, while Mumbai Suburban Additional had both seats vacant for three straight years (2023-2025). Maharashtra ranked 11th among 19 states, while Andhra Pradesh topped and Telangana ranked last, highlighting widening gaps in consumer justice delivery. RTI revelations The Mumbai Suburban DCDRC has gaps in representation, case clearance, and fund utilisation, according to RTI data. Representation: Between 2021 and 2025, the commission never appointed a woman member, reporting a woman representative only in 2023 when the president was female. Caseload: From 2022-2025, the four Mumbai DCDRCs cleared just 36 per cent of 4388 cases; Mumbai Suburban performed worst at 19.5 per cent, clearing only five per cent of 575 cases in 2024. Central Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban together handled over 60 per cent of filings. Budget: Mumbai Suburban received R13.3 crore (47 per cent of total R28.6 crore) but utilised only 41 per cent, dropping to 26 per cent in 2024-25. Other commissions fully utilised funds in 2023-24. Impact: Experts warn that vacancies, low case clearance, and poor fund utilisation undermine consumer confidence in Mumbai’s grievance redressal system. ‘Strong system needed’ ‘Mumbai, India’s financial capital, which has some of the highest household consumption levels, deserves a stronger consumer redressal system. Yet, its four district commissions cleared only 36 per cent of 4388 cases (2022-2025). No year saw all posts filled, and staff shortages persist. With cases pending beyond three years despite a six-month mandate, the system is failing to keep pace with the city’s growing consumer demand’.Valay Singh, project lead, India Justice Report. Why this matters >> Mumbai is not just India’s financial capital but also one of its busiest consumer markets>> Disputes from real estate to online shopping are growing in volume >> With rising consumer spending across state, especially beyond metros, burden on courts to rise The report that was released on March 18 Expert view Legal experts warn that vacancies are not just administrative lapses; they directly impact justice delivery. Fewer members mean slower hearings, longer waits, and growing frustration among citizens.
19 March,2026 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonFour prominent South Mumbai gardens are set for a green facelift with new plantations, landscaping, and bamboo fencing. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has clarified that no existing trees or plants will be removed or damaged during the work. The upgrade will cover Cooperage Garden, Nehru Garden, BS Somani Garden, and Walter D’Souza Garden. Except for Cooperage Garden, the other three gardens underwent maintenance and upgradation over the past year. This year, the BMC has planned focused horticulture work to enhance greenery and improve environmental conditions. Walter D’Souza Garden at Marine Lines, one of four South Mumbai gardens set for a BMC-led green upgrade with bamboo plantations and landscaping According to an A ward official, the project is designed to help cool surrounding areas and reduce pollution. Soil quality will be improved to support faster plant growth, while bamboo plantations will aid carbon sequestration and enrich soil health, benefiting surrounding vegetation. Authorities speak An a ward official“We have planned extensive horticulture work suited to the area, footfall, and climatic conditions. These gardens are popular among residents and tourists, so they have been selected in the first phase. Bamboo has been chosen as it grows quickly and helps reduce pollution. Soil health will be significantly improved to ensure long-term plant growth and sustainability.” Cooperage Garden at Nariman Point, included in BMC’s plan to enhance greenery and improve soil health Which are the gardens? >> Cooperage Garden on Madame Cama Road near Mantralaya, known for its wooden gazebo>> Nehru Garden in Colaba>> Walter D’Souza Garden>> BS Somani Garden in Cuffe Parade BS Somani Garden at Cuffe Parade, set for bamboo plantations and landscaping upgrades What is planned? >> Plantation of 3-foot-tall bamboo across the gardens>> Removal of 15 cm of topsoil, replaced with a mix of red soil and cow dung to improve fertility and reduce pollution>> Addition of Korean or Mexican carpet lawns, known for dense, dark green cover, cooling effect, and drought resistance>> Plantation of colourful shrubs
19 March,2026 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSA last-minute announcement regarding a platform change at Ahilyanagar railway station sparked a stampede-like situation on the night of March 15, according to Andheri West resident Anand Shirali, who was awaiting the 11042 Sainagar Shirdi-Dadar Central Express with his wife Priti and daughter Risaa at the time of the incident. Shirali, a regular traveller to Ahilyanagar told mid-day, “The train arrives at 11.10 pm, as per schedule. At times, the platform is changed from 1 to 2 as several goods trains ply on the Platform 1 track.” Priti and Risaa Shirali during an earlier visit to Ahmednagar, now Ahilyanagar PICS/ANAND SHIRALI The history Ahilyanagar is a city in and the headquarters of Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, India. Both the city and district were formerly called Ahmednagar. On May 31 2023, Eknath Shinde announced that Ahmednagar would be renamed Ahilyanagar in honour of Ahilyabai Holkar, a queen of the Malwa kingdom. On March 13, 2024, the Maharashtra state cabinet announced that it had approved the new name when announcing the renaming of seven railway stations in Mumbai Meher baba Meherabad is a spiritual retreat in Arangaon village about nine kilometres south of Ahilyanagar. Home to Indian spiritual master Meher Baba’s Samadhi Mandir. Meherabad was originally established as an ashram by Meher Baba in 1923. The crowd surges at Ahilyanagar railway station as the platform change is announced Shirali’s recollections Looking back at the night he calls horrific, Shirali said, “The announcement of a change from Platform 1 to 2 was made exactly seven minutes before arrival. The train entered the station with passengers still struggling to get to Platform 2, juggling kids and luggage. I helped two co-passengers board. The train usually halts for three minutes, though this time I recall it was extended by three minutes. This train has many Shirdi pilgrims and followers of Meher Baba. There was total chaos and mismanagement as a result of the late platform change. Unfortunately, this has happened on several occasions earlier, too, but on Sunday, it was teetering on the verge of a stampede situation. I thought someone would have a heart attack,” concluded Shirali Railway Speak Dr Swapnil Nila chief public relations officer of Central Railway‘I have asked individuals concerned to identify the cause for this and avoid platform changes at short notice’ Voices Behram Boman Irani, 73, Mahim resident‘I approached the station master P Kumar’s office thrice, requesting him to start the escalator. The ascending escalator was started while the descent was not working. The bridge steps are uneven, and some of them have slippery glazed bathroom tiles. I somehow got into the bogey with great difficulty, helped by Anandbhai [Shirali]. I took at least 15 minutes to settle down. It was extremely disturbing’ Pramila Akhtar Farooqui, 75, Goregaon resident who has vowed not to take the train‘There was panic and chaos. We got on the escalator ascending, but had to take the stairs going down. I am a heart patient. I get palpitations. I thought somebody was going to collapse. Shouldn’t regular announcements be made with reference to platform change? That, too, at least half an hour or a little more ahead?’
19 March,2026 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharBanquet halls, event venues, and vendors selling plastic flowers are set to face stricter scrutiny as the Maharashtra government moves to enforce its ban on non-biodegradable plastics. Municipal corporations will issue notices to halls, directing them to avoid such decorative materials, while action is being considered against violators. Environmental concerns Raising the issue in the Legislative Council, BJP MLA Pravin Darekar flagged the environmental damage caused by plastic flowers and their impact on the floriculture sector. NCP (SP) MLC Shashikant Shinde questioned how banned products continue to be sold openly and demanded stricter action. Ban scope Responding to the members’ query, State Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said that concerned agencies carry out regular inspections and take action against violators. “Not only flowers, but beyond this the ban includes thermocol and all types of non-biodegradable plastic,” Munde added. Special drives CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that civic bodies will conduct special drives to curb violations. The govt will also amend existing notifications to strengthen enforcement. Season relief Considering the ongoing wedding season, SS (UBT) MLC Anil Parab sought a grace period. Fadnavis agreed, saying enforcement will begin after a reasonable window. Reason for the action The growing popularity of non-biodegradable plastic, including flowers, in cities such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Mumbai, and Pune, is adversely impacting the traditional floriculture sector. Enforcement data 1,24,783Establishments inspected 3390Establishments fined 67.54Tonnes of plastic seized
19 March,2026 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarLarger than life Artists add final touches to a 20-ft eco-friendly statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar that will be displayed at the Gudi Padwa celebrations in Girgaon today Ode to the goddesses A rough sketch of the diorama; (right) a section from the display. PICS COURTESY/SUNIL KOTHARE How many goddesses of Mumbai can you name?” Dr Anita Rane-Kothare (below), former head of the department of AIHCA, St Xavier’s College, quizzed us yesterday. Dr Anita and husband Sunil Kothare are putting together a unique diorama featuring nine goddesses of the city at the upcoming Gudi Padwa celebrations in Malad’s Mamletdarwadi. These include the more widely recognised Mumbadevi, and Kalbadevi, alongside Patladevi of Malad, and Harbadevi of Madh. “The definition of what Mumbai comprises has changed over the years, and so, we must know about the deities from neighbourhoods beyond South Mumbai and Bandra. We’re looking forward to displaying them in the presence of more than 500 revellers,” she told this diarist. The visual learners among us can head to the vibrant celebrations this morning. Clean sweep Nandakumar Pawar with the waste collected from Elephanta Island Elephanta Island knows how to walk the talk. After The Guide section in mid-day reported the Sagarshakti group’s plan to clear 3000 kg of waste from the island last weekend, senior officer Nandakumar Pawar dropped us a happy message last morning: “Mission accomplished!” The ‘elephantine’ collection was courtesy of volunteers, the Maharashtra Forest Department, and local fishermen. A clean sweep, quite literally. Chef’s notes TVM Chancellor Dr S Srikumar presents an award to (right) Hemant Oberoi Sweet and sour’ could describe legendary chef Hemant Oberoi’s mood nowadays. Oberoi is all smiles after recently receiving an honorary Doctor of Literature from the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth (TVM), Pune. Concern lies in the UAE, he told this diarist, where his restaurants Martabaan and Indikaya are facing “negligible business due to the West Asia conflict.” Closer to home, in Mumbai, foodies reminiscing Oberoi’s magic can turn to his cloud venture OB’s Kitchen, which he calls “quite different from running a restaurant, yet satisfying.” See to believe Visually impaired members and sighted guides experience (right) the play Bolavita Dhani. PICS COURTESY/BLINDS WHO TREK; Saurabh Talpade Watching a play took on a different meaning at Shivaji Mandir in Dadar last Sunday. An audience of visually-impaired individuals were invited by director Hrishikesh Joshi to witness the Marathi play, Bolavita Dhani. With a sighted individual seated between two visually-impaired people and relaying the incidents, the experience was unique for both the actors and the audience. “They had a great time. We met the cast after the show, and some of our members recalled the lines perfectly, much to the surprise of the cast,” shared Siddesh Nayak, founder, Blinds Who Trek.
19 March,2026 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayA weak Alphonso season from the Konkan belt has upended Mumbai’s mango market, with a 60-70 per cent production hit forcing traders to plug gaps with lookalike “Alphonso” (Hapus) varieties from Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Unseasonal rain and pest attacks during flowering have delayed the harvest, slashing arrivals of Ratnagiri and Devgad Hapus and reshaping early-season supply across the city. How to spot the real Hapus (Sanjay Pansare’s quick guide) Smell first, not lookA genuine Konkan Hapus has a strong, natural aroma that you can notice even from a distance New batch of Hapus arrives at APMC amid supply crunch Colour checkRich saffron-yellow when ripe, never dull or patchy Skin testThin, delicate skin that feels soft and smooth Watch the fakesThicker skin, firmer feel, more fibrous bite and noticeably weaker fragrance signal southern varieties sold under the Alphonso umbrella On ground (South Mumbai) Retailers in Crawford Market and Colaba are stocking southern varieties to meet demand, while genuine Devgad Hapus remains scarce, premium, and increasingly difficult for buyers to identify. Former APMC Fruit Market director Sanjay Pansare performs pooja of Hapus at Vashi market, as traders navigate a weak Konkan season and rising dependence on southern “Alphonso” varieties Market snapshot (APMC, Monday)17,000 boxes total arrivals 6325 boxes: Genuine Konkan Hapus 10,675 boxes: Southern varieties 500-600 crates/day (20 kg each) from Kerala, TN, Karnataka 60-70percent production deficit in Konkan Price gap (per dozen) Rs 3000- Rs 9000Konkan Hapus Rs 1200- Rs 1500Southern “Alphonso” What changed >> Erratic weather during flowering>> Pest attacks hit the yield>> Harvest delayed, early market captured by southern states Supply shift Sanjay Pansare, former APMC Fruit Market director‘Southern varieties now make up 60 per cent plus of “Alphonso” stock in Mumbai “Arrivals of genuine Hapus are barely 10 per cent of last year’ Spot the real Hapus (Former APMC fruit market director Sanjay Pansare’s quick guide) Smell first, not lookA genuine Konkan Hapus has a strong, natural aroma you can notice even from a distance Colour checkRich saffron-yellow when ripe, never dull or patchy Skin testThin, delicate skin that feels soft and smooth Watch the fakesThicker skin, firmer feel, more fibrous bite and noticeably weaker fragrance signal southern varieties sold under the Alphonso umbrella
19 March,2026 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for March 19. Aries March 21 – April 20Discard what you know is not right, consciously making wise choices. Delayed payments come in.Cosmic tip: Don’t allow yourself to be manipulated in a calculated manner. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Life is good. You hope it continues remaining just so. Collecting all relevant information is why your assignments are so perfect.Cosmic tip: Stay clear of giving advice which may be misunderstood, and you blamed later. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Saving a relationship may have been challenging, but it was worth working towards a new beginning based on love and mutual respect.Cosmic tip: Take each day as it evolves in your stride. Cancer June 22 – July 23Appreciate it when friends encourage having a broader perspective instead of focusing on one or two angles. Positive karma incurred spotlights finances.Cosmic tip: Keep the mind peaceful. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Making a decision is kept on hold, about which you are glad in retrospect as circumstances might have blown it out of proportion. Cosmic tip: Nurture a relationship with love and tenderness. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A colleague reveals truths about a conversation for which you weren’t present, attending a training programme. Cosmic tip: Listen to intuition. Something wonderful is going to manifest. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Combining a holiday with work may not work out as expected, as focus is divided between both. An important assignment is still being negotiated for the final ‘go ahead’.Cosmic tip: Appreciate this unexpected gift. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Be ultra careful when making a big investment because of so many scams happening. Legal papers are signed. Cosmic tip: Focus on good qualities, being tolerant of small irritating ones. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Fast action is required today. Changing some pre-sleep routines help go to sleep quicker.Cosmic tip: Stay away from an unnecessary argument (both are right with their own perspective). Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A last-minute change of programme is annoying, but thinking of it as something inevitable makes it easier to accept. Cosmic tip: Do take good care of yourself. Avoid taking good health for granted. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Life appears to be in a slow-moving karmic cycle, but at the unseen level there’s plenty of activity, about which you get to know later.Cosmic tip: Go for a walk every day if possible. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20People are more accepting of boundaries you’ve set, so meeting them is no longer annoying. Cosmic tip: Go with the flow, accepting thoughts emerging, which magically manifest regularly.
19 March,2026 03:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseADVERTISEMENT
