The Maharashtra government has reiterated its ban on non-biodegradable plastic flowers and announced stricter enforcement measures against those involved in their sale, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the State Legislative Council. Issue raised in Legislative Council The matter was raised by members of the Legislative Council, who highlighted the environmental damage caused by plastic flowers and their adverse impact on the state’s floriculture industry. Members urged the government to ensure a complete ban on such non-biodegradable products and called for stricter implementation of existing regulations. A special notification banning plastic flowers will be issued soon and all municipal corporations will be directed to take action against such markets.प्लास्टिक फुलांच्या बंदीबाबत लवकरच एक विशेष अधिसूचना (Notification) प्रसिद्ध करण्यात येईल. त्या संदर्भात कारवाई करण्याच्या… pic.twitter.com/Q10arP6M58 — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 18, 2026 Government assures strict enforcement Responding to the concerns, State Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said that regular inspections are being conducted by concerned authorities and action is taken against violators. Chief Minister Fadnavis further assured the House that immediate steps would be taken to strengthen enforcement. “We will instruct all concerned agencies to take prompt action against those selling plastic flowers,” he said. Existing ban and rising concerns Maharashtra already has a ban in place on the use, sale, and distribution of non-biodegradable plastic flowers. However, despite the restrictions, the use of artificial flowers has been increasing across urban centres. Cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad have seen a surge in the popularity of low-cost plastic alternatives, raising concerns among stakeholders.
18 March,2026 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced an inquiry into alleged irregularities in a land tender for project-affected persons (PAP) in Mumbai's Malad area. The government has directed that no further action on the project should be taken until the probe is completed. Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal, told the state assembly that the inquiry will be conducted by an additional chief secretary and instructions will be issued to the municipal corporation accordingly. Allegations raised in the assembly The issue was highlighted through a calling attention notice by Aslam Shaikh (Congress), with supplementary questions from Yogesh Sagar and Murji Patel (both BJP). Lawmakers alleged that in the land allotment, the developer received Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and a premium much higher than what was due, raising suspicions of possible corruption. Shaikh claimed that serious irregularities occurred in the PAP housing project in Malad (East). Originally, the land parcel was reserved for police staff quarters but was diverted for PAP housing. The cost per unit increased from Rs 32.21 lakh to Rs 50.98 lakh after April 2025, resulting in an additional financial burden of around Rs 618 crore. The legislator also said the land valuation was hiked from Rs 84,460 per sq metre to Rs 1.33 lakh per sq metre without a fresh survey or independent assessment. He questioned the grant of 50 per cent TDR and advance premium, claiming it may have violated tender conditions. Shaikh demanded a high-level inquiry by a retired judge-headed committee, suspension of the revised Letter of Acceptance (LOA), and action against officials involved. Government defends the project Responding to the allegations, Madhuri Misal rejected claims of wrongdoing. She said the project is being implemented as per the Development Plan 2034 and all applicable regulations. According to the minister, 40 per cent of the land is earmarked for police housing while 60 per cent is for PAP tenements. The revised cost was based on updated valuation approved by the Inspector General of Registration. Misal maintained that the tender process was transparent and payments were made in stages according to prescribed conditions. She denied any irregularities in the execution of the project. Next steps The Maharashtra government will first conduct a detailed inquiry led by senior officials to review the Malad PAP housing project, including land valuations, TDR allocations, and premium calculations. Based on the findings, the government will decide whether to suspend approvals, take action against officials, or implement corrective measures to ensure transparency
18 March,2026 03:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government will constitute an expert task force to examine the growing concerns around children’s unregulated use of the internet and social media, after acknowledging that existing efforts to ensure online safety have fallen short, reported news agency PTI. State IT Minister Ashish Shelar made the announcement in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, citing rising risks associated with increased digital exposure among minors. Govt admits current measures are inadequate Responding to a query, Ashish Shelar said surveys indicate a sharp rise in the use of mobile phones, internet platforms and social media among children below 16 years of age in the state, reported PTI. He acknowledged that existing awareness programmes and safety initiatives have not delivered the expected results, particularly in addressing risks such as cybercrime, exposure to inappropriate content and excessive screen time, reported PTI. Rising concerns over children’s digital habits The minister noted that parents, experts and social organisations have raised repeated concerns about the impact of prolonged screen exposure on children’s mental health, academic performance and social behaviour, reported PTI. There have also been growing demands for regulatory measures such as screen-time limits, parental controls and age-based restrictions to manage children’s digital engagement more effectively. Expert task force to study issue in detail Shelar said the proposed task force, to be set up by the Information Technology Department, will include experts from multiple sectors and will conduct a comprehensive study of children’s digital usage patterns, reported PTI. The panel will examine the extent of social media use among minors, its psychological and physical effects, and the role of online gaming, digital advertising and content platforms in shaping behaviour. Review of global frameworks and policy options The task force will also analyse existing national and international regulatory frameworks to identify best practices. It is expected to recommend legal, technical and administrative measures to enhance child safety in the digital space, reported PTI. The report will be submitted within a specified timeframe, following which the government will decide on further action. Possible steps include regulations and awareness drives The minister said the state is considering multiple measures, including strengthening awareness campaigns, improving coordination between schools and parents, and, if necessary, introducing legal provisions to regulate children’s use of digital platforms, reported PTI. Focus on safe and responsible technology use Shelar emphasised that the objective is not to restrict access entirely but to promote responsible and safe use of technology while safeguarding children’s well-being, reported PTI. The proposed initiative reflects growing recognition of the challenges posed by rapid digital adoption and the need for updated policies to protect younger users. (With inputs from PTI)
18 March,2026 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday directed the state government to urgently address the shortage of medical diagnostic equipment in Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district and submit a detailed statement before the House, reported news agency IANS. The directive came after legislators raised concerns over the lack of essential facilities such as MRI and CT scan machines in the region, forcing residents to seek treatment outside the area. Concern over lack of diagnostic facilities Members across party lines highlighted the difficulties faced by patients due to the absence of basic diagnostic infrastructure in government hospitals in Sangamner, reported IANS. They pointed out that citizens are compelled to travel long distances or depend on private healthcare providers for tests such as MRI and CT scans, leading to increased financial burden and delays in treatment. Speaker expresses displeasure over delay Taking a serious view of the issue, Speaker Narwekar expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in addressing the shortage, noting that the matter had been raised earlier as well, reported IANS. “The government must take immediate cognisance of the situation in Sangamner,” he said, stressing the need for prompt action on critical public health concerns, reported IANS. Govt asked to submit data on statewide shortages The Speaker directed the administration to compile comprehensive data on the availability and shortfall of MRI and CT scan machines across Maharashtra, with specific details on Sangamner, reported IANS. He instructed that the information be presented before the conclusion of the ongoing Assembly session to enable informed discussion and corrective measures. Warning to officials over non-compliance Issuing a stern warning, Narwekar emphasised that directions from the Chair must be strictly followed by the bureaucracy, reported IANS. He said that failure to comply with Assembly directives could invite strict action, adding that officials cannot disregard instructions issued by the presiding authority. Deadline set for pending responses The Speaker also addressed delays in responding to pending ‘Calling Attention’ motions, directing the government to place replies before the House without further delay, reported IANS. He warned that if the responses are not submitted by the next working day, it could lead to breach of privilege proceedings against the Chief Secretary. Focus on accountability and public health Reiterating the urgency of the matter, Narwekar said the government must submit a detailed report on the shortage of diagnostic equipment in Sangamner along with statewide data, reported IANS. He stressed that timely action is crucial to ensure better healthcare access for citizens and to address gaps in public medical infrastructure. (With inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has informed the State Legislative Council that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has seized the bank accounts of an organisation identified as “Gulzar-E-Raza” over suspected foreign funding and financial irregularities. CM flags suspicious transactions Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the House that the organisation had received approximately Rs 4 crore through donations. He said preliminary findings suggest that some of these funds originated from suspicious foreign accounts. “Since the investigating agency believes that the funds received are from foreign and suspicious accounts, the ATS has seized the bank accounts,” Fadnavis said. Allegations of financial fraud The organisation is accused of operating under the guise of religious activities while allegedly collecting large sums of money from the public. It is suspected of using forged or misleading documents to obtain financial clearances from banks and to mislead the Income Tax Department. The allegations have raised concerns over potential financial fraud and misuse of public trust. Investigators are now examining the organisation’s financial transactions, documentation, and compliance with regulatory norms.
18 March,2026 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA court in Thane district of Maharashtra has acquitted two men charged with the murder of a shepherd nearly three years ago, citing insufficient evidence and the failure of a key eyewitness to support the prosecution’s case. On March 16, Principal District and Sessions Judge S. B. Agrawal cleared Anna, alias Abraham Mundarangi (50), and Anil Basavraj Maratha (32) of all charges. The duo had been accused of assaulting Nagesh Raju Kamble with a belt and bamboo on the night of April 12, 2023, resulting in his death. According to the prosecution, Kamble, who worked for Mundarangi, was allegedly beaten after returning late with the sheep owned by the accused. However, the case faltered when the sole eyewitness, Ganesh Amuksiddha Bhosale, turned hostile. Advocate Sudhakar Parad represented the accused. The court highlighted gaps in both forensic and circumstantial evidence. “The chemical analysis report does not denote anything,” the judge observed. Regarding the recovery of the alleged murder weapons, a belt and a bamboo, the court found the link unproven. “The recovery is inconsequential because there is absolutely nothing to show that it was this belt and bamboo with which the deceased was assaulted,” the judgment stated. The chemical analysis report also failed to establish the presence of blood stains on these items. While a medical report confirmed that Kamble’s death was homicidal due to head injuries, the court noted inconsistencies in the testimonies of the victim’s siblings. “It cannot be said that the prosecution has been successful in bringing home the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt,” the judge concluded, acquitting both men of all charges. Thane court acquits two men in 2002 train robbery case In a similar incident last month, a court in Maharashtra's Thane district acquitted two men in a 2002 train robbery case. The court, while passing the orders, noted that the prosecution had failed to examine even a single material witness over the past two decades. In a judgment delivered on February 9, Additional Sessions Judge P R Ashturkar held that there was "absolutely nothing on record" to indicate the involvement of the accused, Shaikh Babu, alias Chhota Babu Shaikh Pyare, and Shaikh Ayub Shaikh Yusuf. As per the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly robbed a female passenger on board the Chalukya Express on July 24, 2002, near Kalyan. Following the accusations, the court recorded that despite repeated attempts, no prosecution witness could be traced. The court stated, "There is absolutely nothing on record which would even remotely indicate the involvement and active participation of the accused in the said matter." Only one witness, a police constable tasked with serving a summons, was examined, who deposed that the witnesses were untraceable. The district court acquitted both accused, saying keeping the matter lingering would be a futile exercise without any outcome. (With PTI inputs)
18 March,2026 01:25 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA traffic signal LED lamp broke and was found hanging at the busy Cadbury Junction in Thane (West) on Tuesday morning, prompting a coordinated response from multiple civic agencies. No injuries were reported in the incident, officials said. Incident reported to Disaster Management Cell According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), information about the incident was received around 10:45 am. The alert was conveyed by journalist Ganesh Parkar, following which emergency teams were immediately mobilised to the site. The incident occurred near the signal close to Cadbury Bridge along the Nashik–Mumbai Road, a key arterial route that witnesses heavy vehicular movement. Multi-agency response at the site Upon receiving the alert, personnel from the traffic police, TMC’s electrical department, Disaster Management Cell, and the fire brigade rushed to the location. The teams were equipped with a hydraulic crane, a pickup vehicle, and an emergency response vehicle to handle the situation efficiently. Authorities ensured that traffic movement in the area was regulated while the damaged infrastructure was being addressed, preventing any potential risk to commuters. Damaged signal safely removed Officials said the broken LED traffic signal lamp, which was left hanging, was safely removed with the coordinated efforts of the traffic police, Disaster Management Cell staff, and the electrical department team. Fire breaks out in vehicle outside car showroom in Thane In another incident, an electric vehicle was gutted in a fire that broke out at in a car outside a showroom in Wagle Estate area of Thane district in Maharashtra on Wednesday, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze was reported in a car at around 8:15 am at a vehicle showroom located in the Ashar Compound area, civic officials said. A new electric car kept in the showroom for sale caught fire, they said. Fire brigade teams, along with disaster management staff and showroom employees, worked together to control the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was completely burnt. However, no injuries were reported in this incident either. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the situation was brought under control and further investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
18 March,2026 12:07 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA Mumbai court has rejected the discharge plea filed by city Mayor and BJP corporator Ritu Tawde in connection with a 2016 case involving the alleged assault of two school teachers, observing that there is sufficient material on record to proceed with framing of charges, reported news agency PTI. Court finds sufficient evidence to frame charges Additional Sessions Judge Y.P. Manathka, in an order passed on Tuesday, held that the statements of the victims, along with those of other witnesses, clearly indicate Tawde’s alleged involvement in the incident, reported PTI. “The victims have categorically named the applicant as the person who assaulted them,” the court noted, adding that such evidence is adequate at this stage to proceed with the trial. Incident dates back to 2016 school dispute The case pertains to an incident that took place on July 29, 2016, at a civic-run Urdu medium school in the Vakola area of Mumbai. According to the prosecution, the dispute arose over the sudden transfer of a female teacher who was reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer. The issue led to tensions between the school management and those opposing the transfer, reported PTI. Allegations of assault and abuse The prosecution alleged that Tawde, along with six others, entered the school premises and engaged in a heated argument with the management over the transfer decision, reported PTI. During the altercation, the accused allegedly used abusive language and physically assaulted two teachers. Police claimed that the victims were slapped during the incident. An FIR in the case was registered on August 11, 2016. Defence cites delay and denies involvement In her plea seeking discharge, Tawde argued that her presence at the school was coincidental and unrelated to the alleged incident. The defence also pointed to a 13-day delay in registering the FIR, describing it as unexplained, reported PTI. Tawde further claimed that the complaint was motivated and that her political position was used to give prominence to what she termed a personal grievance. She alleged that the complainant acted with malice and ulterior motives to falsely implicate her in the case. Prosecution stresses seriousness of incident Opposing the discharge plea, the prosecution argued that the statements of the victims clearly establish Tawde’s role in the alleged assault. It further emphasised that the incident took place within a school, a space meant for learning and discipline, making the alleged act particularly serious, reported PTI. Court dismisses plea, trial to proceed After considering submissions from both sides, the court concluded that the available evidence, including consistent witness accounts, was sufficient to frame charges, reported PTI. Dismissing the plea, the court ruled that the case should proceed to trial, where the evidence will be examined in detail. (With inputs from PTI)
18 March,2026 11:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn electric vehicle was gutted in a fire that broke out at in a car outside a showroom in Wagle Estate area of Thane district in Maharashtra on Wednesday, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze was reported in a car at around 8:15 am at a vehicle showroom located in the Ashar Compound area, civic officials said. A new electric car kept in the showroom for sale caught fire, they said. Fire brigade teams, along with disaster management staff and showroom employees, worked together to control the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was completely burnt. However, no injuries were reported in this incident either. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the situation was brought under control and further investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. Fire at flat in Thane building In an another incident, a fire broke out late on Tuesday night in a residential building in Mumbra area of Thane district of Maharashtra, officials said. The civic officials said that the incident occurred at around 11:56 pm in a flat located on the fourth floor of a building in the Naseem Bagh society near Shadi Mahal Hall in Amrut Nagar area of Mumbra. Following the information regarding the blaze, the fire-fighters rushed to the spot and launched an operation. The investigations revealed that the fire started in the kitchen of the flat owned by a resident identified as Nargis Khatun. Fire brought under control Emergency teams, including fire brigade personnel, police and electricity staff later managed to control the blaze. The power supply to the affected area was immediately cut off to prevent further danger. The fire was brought under control within minutes, around 12:10 am, officials said. No injuries were reported in the incident, they said. Officials said that the fire caused damage to the kitchen area, including the electric board, wiring and other household items. The rest of the flat and building remained safe due to the swift response by emergency services, the officials said.
18 March,2026 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government in the Saamana editorial, saying that Maharashtra’s public healthcare system is in crisis. According to the party, the system is “on a ventilator,” eroded by corruption and mismanagement, and urgent reforms are needed before any claims of achieving world-class healthcare status can be taken seriously. ICU tragedy exposes gaps in hospital care The criticism comes after a shocking incident in a Mumbai western suburb hospital in Bhayander, where an elderly woman died after a rat gnawed her hand while she was on a ventilator in the ICU. According to an editorial in the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamana, “while the government speaks of progress, infants continue to die of malnutrition in tribal areas, and an elderly woman dies from a rat bite in a city right next to Mumbai.” The editorial described the incident as a “horrific event” that “has stripped away any dignity left in the government healthcare system.” The ICU where the woman was being treated was located on the fourth floor, yet a rat reportedly managed to reach her hand without being noticed by hospital staff. Bleeding continued until relatives arrived the following morning, but by then, it was too late. Hospital administration under scrutiny The hospital administration’s response has drawn further criticism. Officials reportedly suggested that rats might have entered the hospital due to nearby construction, a claim the Shiv Sena called “ridiculous and shameful.” The editorial argued that even if there is construction nearby, it does not excuse the hospital’s failure to control a rat infestation. The hospital reportedly had a pest control and medicinal spraying contract in place, but the Shiv Sena editorial said this is “an admission of an existing rat problem that the hospital failed to control.” Calls are growing for a criminal investigation against the hospital administration for negligence that contributed to the woman’s death. Dual crisis: Rats and corruption The incident has sparked a broader debate about public health in Maharashtra. According to the Shiv Sena, the state faces a “dual infestation”: rats in hospitals and corruption in the health department. “Rather than focusing on healthcare, the authorities seem more concerned with the financial health of contractors and suppliers to line their own pockets,” the editorial said. The party also pointed out that despite government claims of world-class services, public healthcare funding has been cut. “The public health budget was reportedly slashed by approximately Rs 5,000 crore. Nationwide, for a population of 140 crore, there are only about 1.3 to 1.4 million hospital beds available. Public health spending remains stagnant at only 2.5 per cent of the GDP. In tribal areas, mothers and children continue to die from malnutrition,” the editorial noted. The Shiv Sena further highlighted the contrast between government announcements and the reality on the ground. “Just two weeks ago, in the state budget, the government made grand announcements regarding healthcare facilities. However, a soul-shaking incident in Bhayander has completely exposed these claims,” the party said. The party called for urgent reforms and accountability, emphasising that healthcare, not financial interests or political messaging, must be the priority. (With IANS Inputs)
18 March,2026 10:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain and thundershowers across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg on Wednesday, indicating a possible early shift towards monsoon-like conditions in the state. However, Mumbai’s weather told a different story on the ground, with the city waking up to morning haze. Despite forecasts hinting at rainfall, heat and humidity persisted, with temperatures expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius, as per IMD. The city’s air quality remained satisfactory, with the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) SAMEER app reporting an overall AQI (Air Quality Index) of 86. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 99 Borivali East: 92 Byculla: 93 Andheri East: 103 Chembur: 95 Colaba: 61 Deonar: 119 Ghatkopar: 120 Kandivali East: 36 Kandivali West: 90 Bhandup West: 91 Malad West: 95 Mazgaon: 105 Powai: 36 Morning haze reduced visibility in several areas, but air quality remained largely within safe limits. Nowcast warning: Thunderstorm alert for Latur, Nanded, Hingoli; rain likely in Marathwada The IMD Mumbai on Wednesday issued a nowcast warning for several parts of Maharashtra, valid for three hours from 7:00 am IST. A yellow alert has been sounded for Latur, Nanded, Hingoli, Beed, Parbhani and Dharashiv districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are very likely in Latur, Nanded and Hingoli, with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph. Meanwhile, Beed, Parbhani and Dharashiv are likely to witness light spells of rain, with chances of thunder and lightning in isolated areas. Residents in the affected districts have been advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions during the warning period. Maharashtra weather update: Heat persists across state, coastal areas relatively cooler Meanwhile, Maharashtra continued to witness warm conditions on Wednesday, with several interior districts recording above-normal maximum temperatures, according to the latest IMD weather report issued at 8.30 am. Among the hottest regions, Beed and Sholapur recorded highs of 39 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Jeur at 38.5 degrees Celsius and Osmanabad at 37.8 degrees Celsius. Parbhani and Malegaon also saw elevated temperatures, hovering around 38 degrees Celsius. In contrast, hill station Mahabaleshwar remained the coolest in the state with a maximum temperature of 29.1 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal by 2.4 degrees Celsius. Mumbai and coastal belt Mumbai recorded moderate temperatures, with Colaba at 32.4 degrees Celsius and Santacruz at 31.1 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures stood at 22.6 degrees Celsius and 21.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. As per the IMD, coastal regions like Alibag (33.5 degrees Celsius), Dahanu (33.7 degrees Celsius), and Ratnagiri (32.1 degrees Celsius) experienced relatively stable conditions, aided by higher humidity levels. Temperature trends Several parts of the state, including Beed and Dahanu, recorded temperatures above normal, indicating persistent heat in interior regions. Meanwhile, cities like Jalgaon (minus 2.0 degrees Celsius deviation) and Mahabaleshwar saw below-normal daytime temperatures. Humidity levels Humidity remained high in coastal and Mumbai regions, with Dahanu recording 90 per cent relative humidity in the morning, followed by Mumbai-Colaba at 89 per cent and Santacruz at 82 per cent. Interior areas such as Aurangabad reported lower humidity levels at 43 per cent. Overall, the weather across Maharashtra reflects a mix of rising heat in inland districts and relatively stable, humid conditions along the coast.
18 March,2026 10:09 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
-1773827148733_d.png "Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal. Pic/X @madhurimisal")
-1773809867731_d.png "Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. File Pic")
