Two nearly 11-foot-long Indian Rock Pythons were rescued from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in Powai on Saturday morning. The snakes were spotted outside the H14 boys’ hostel, causing concern among students and staff, officials said. Soon after the sighting, the students and institute staff informed Plants & Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) Mumbai. The rescue team reached the location within seven to eight minutes and safely handled the reptiles, they said. Large reptiles rescued According to Abhijit Chavan, a member of PAWS, the two pythons were very large. One weighed around 19 kg and the other about 17 kg. Both snakes were nearly 11-foot-long, an official statement said. After being rescued, the pythons underwent a medical check-up. The examination confirmed that both reptiles were in good health. Safe release into natural habitat Following the medical examination, the pythons were released into Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali later the same morning. Officials said the park provides a safe and natural environment for the snakes to live freely.
13 December,2025 06:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarMaharashtra government has announced a step towards making Mumbai slum-free, with plans to implement cluster redevelopment projects on land parcels measuring 50 acres or more. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Legislative Council on Friday. Under the new plan, 17 large slum redevelopment projects have been selected in the first phase across different parts of Mumbai. These projects will be implemented under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) through a cluster redevelopment model, an official statement, issued by Shinde's office, said on Saturday. 17 locations selected in first phase The selected areas include Antop Hill, Krishna Nagar, Ketkipada (Borivali), Gopikrishna Nagar (Dahisar), Oshiwara, Govandi, Cheeta Camp (Trombay), Chembur, Tagore Nagar (Vikhroli), Vikhroli Parksite and Bhandup, among others. The projects are expected to benefit lakhs of slum residents and bring large-scale planned development to these areas, the statement said. Shinde said that the new policy focuses on redeveloping entire neighbourhoods instead of small, scattered SRA projects, helping improve living conditions and urban planning. Joint venture model for faster completion To ensure timely completion, the projects will be developed on a joint venture basis with support from government agencies such as MMRDA, CIDCO, MIDC, MSRDC, MHADA and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The policy received cabinet approval on 7 October 2025, followed by a government resolution issued on November 13 2025, the statement said. Relief measures for slum residents The statement further said that the Shinde also announced an extension of the SRA Abhay Scheme till December 31, 2026, providing relief to slum dwellers facing technical issues related to the sale or transfer of huts. He also extended the MHADA Abhay Scheme for Occupation Certificates (OC) by one year. Faster grievance redressal To speed up complaint resolution, Shinde announced that the number of Apex Grievance Redressal Committees (AGRCs) will be increased. Currently, over 2,100 cases related to SRA projects are pending. He also directed the BMC to introduce a new housing scheme for homes built by municipal employees on civic lease plots.
13 December,2025 04:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday announced 'Swachhta Manthan', a large-scale, almost a year-long, cleanliness competition that will held from January to December 2026 across the city. The initiative aims to make Mumbai cleaner and more beautiful by encouraging active participation from citizens, housing societies, institutions and private establishments, an official statement said. The competition is being organised by the Solid Waste Management Department of the BMC and offers total prize money of Rs 4.20 crore. Winners in each category will receive cash prizes and certificates, the Mumbai civic body official statement said. Wide range of categories The competition will be conducted across several categories, including clean administrative wards, clean residential complexes, clean slum areas, clean commercial establishments, clean hospitals (government and private), clean schools (government and private), clean restaurants, clean community toilets, clean roads and streets, clean gardens and open spaces, and clean market areas, the statement said. Special category for adopting and maintaining surrounding areas Each category will have prizes for first, second and third positions. The top prize for the clean administrative ward category will be Rs 50 lakh, while most other categories will offer prizes of up to Rs 15 lakh, the official statement said. Encouraging citizen and celebrity participation The BMC plans to encourage citizens and well-known personalities from films, sports and other fields to adopt areas and help maintain cleanliness. Housing societies are also encouraged to take responsibility for nearby public spaces. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have appealed to citizens and private organisations to participate in large numbers and support the goal of a clean and beautiful Mumbai. Actor Akshay Kumar has also expressed his willingness to actively support the initiative, the civic body statement said. Independent Evaluation and Awards The performance of participants will be assessed by an independent third-party agency. A grand award ceremony will be held in December 2026 in the presence of senior leaders and dignitaries. BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to implement the competition effectively across the city. Further details regarding application procedures and participation guidelines will be announced soon.
13 December,2025 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA minor garbage fire broke out in an open plot belonging to Mafatlal Company at Atkoneshwar Nagar in Kalwa East, Thane, on Saturday morning. The incident was reported to the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell at around 11:38 am Fire brigade personnel and disaster management staff rushed to the spot with a rescue vehicle and brought the blaze under control. The fire was completely extinguished by around 12:15 pm. No injuries were reported in the incident, and the situation is currently stable. Mumbai Fire Brigade to conduct special safety drive from Dec 22–28 ahead of New Year celebrations With large gatherings expected across Mumbai for New Year 2026 celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a week-long special fire safety campaign to ensure compliance and prevent fire-related incidents. The drive will be carried out by the Mumbai Fire Brigade between December 22 and 28 in hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, banquet halls, malls, and establishments that are likely to see high footfall. The initiative comes in the wake of the recent tragic Goa nightclub fire incident which claimed 25 lives. BMC said enhanced vigilance and stricter enforcement are essential to safeguard citizens during festive gatherings. The campaign will be conducted under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi. Dr Joshi said the Goa incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and adherence to fire safety measures. She added that Mumbai’s Fire Brigade is equipped to handle emergencies with advanced systems, equipment and trained personnel, but public awareness and preventive measures remain crucial to avoiding disasters. Last year, a similar special drive was undertaken, during which the Fire Brigade inspected 731 establishments across the city. Action was taken against 12 properties for failing to comply with fire safety norms under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. The BMC noted that the inspections proved effective in preventing fire incidents at those locations. This year too, teams will inspect a wide range of establishments, including starred hotels, gyms, party halls, lodging and boarding facilities, crowded malls and popular restaurants. Strict action will be taken against those found violating mandatory safety norms. Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar said non-compliant establishments will face action under the provisions of the 2006 Act. He reiterated that adherence to fire safety conditions is compulsory for the safety of both patrons and property.
13 December,2025 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai residents and commuters are advised to plan ahead this weekend as major traffic, water supply, and train service disruptions are expected across the city and neighbouring Thane. Traffic advisory: Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour 2025 – December 14 The Mumbai Police have issued a detailed advisory ahead of Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour event at Wankhede Stadium and Brabourne Stadium. The event, starting at 5 pm, is expected to attract large crowds, causing heavy traffic in South Mumbai. Parking Restrictions: No parking at stadiums. Temporary restrictions on C, D, E, F, G Roads, Veer Nariman Road, Dinshaw Vachha Road, Jamshethji Tata Road, and N.S. Road. One-way Traffic: D Road (west-east), E Road (southbound); restricted access on Veer Nariman Road. Road Closures: Coastal Road (Marine Drive–Worli/Tardeo) and Chandra Bose Road. Alternative routes are provided for major junctions. Pay-and-Park: Limited slots near Churchgate, HT Parekh Marg, Dorabaji Tata Road, Jamanalal Bajaj Marg, Vidhan Bhavan. Advice: Use public transport and avoid driving to stadiums. Diversions effective 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Ghodbunder Road traffic diversions – December 12–14 Thane Traffic Police announced major diversions due to road maintenance and resurfacing between Gaimukh Nirakendra, Kajupada, and Fountain Hotel. Heavy Vehicles: From Mumbai/Thane: Stopped at Y Junction and Kapur Bawdi Junction; detour via Kharegaon Toll Plaza – Mankoli – Anjurphata – Kasheli. From Mumbra/Kalwa: Blocked at Kharegaon Toll Plaza; detour via Kharegaon Khadi Bridge – Mankoli – Anjurphata. From Nashik: Blocked at Mankoli Naka; reroute via Ajurphata. Light Vehicles: Can use wrong-side diversion from Gaimukh Chowki near Fountain Hotel. Advice: Follow detours and plan travel to avoid delays. Water supply disruptions Thane: 50 per cent water cut until December 15 due to a fault in a 1000 mm pipeline from Pise Dam to Temghar WTP. Water will be supplied 12 hours daily; residents advised to use water judiciously. Mumbai (BMC Wards K/East, H/East, G/North): 24-hour water shutdown from 9 am December 12 to 9 am December 13 for major pipeline connection work. Some areas may get low-pressure water, others will face complete shutdown. Central Railway mega block – December 14, 2025 Essential engineering and maintenance work will affect suburban train services- Main Line: Fast lines between Matunga and Mulund blocked 11:05 am – 3:45 pm. Trains diverted to slow lines; 15-minute delays expected. Trans-Harbour Line: Services between Thane and Vashi/Nerul suspended 11:10 am – 4:10 pm. Down/up services from Thane, Panvel, Nerul, Vashi cancelled. Special Train: Additional service 01081 from LTT Mumbai to Banaras, departs 8:25 am December 14, reaching 16:05 next day, stopping at Kalyan, Nashik Road, Bhusawal, Jabalpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and others. Commuter Advisory: Residents and travelers are urged to plan routes, use public transport, and cooperate with authorities during these planned disruptions to avoid inconvenience.
13 December,2025 01:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentClear skies expected across city and suburbs on Saturday, with maximum temperatures around 34 degrees Celsius and minimum 17 degrees Celsius, says the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Air quality remains moderate, with the SAMEER app reporting an AQI of 115. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart conditions, may experience breathing discomfort. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions while commuting or spending extended time outdoors. Meanwhile, Maharashtra experienced cool temperatures across most regions on Saturday, with minimums dipping below 10 degrees Celsius in several areas. Hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar and Ahilyanagar recorded minimum temperatures of 12.9 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively, with relative humidity ranging from 53 per cent to 97 per cent. Both locations reported no rainfall, while seasonal rainfall stood at 296.4 millimetres in Mahabaleshwar and 84.4 millimetres in Ahilyanagar. In the coastal regions, Dahanu recorded a minimum of 15.3 degrees Celsius with 71 per cent humidity, while Ratnagiri reported 17.1 degrees Celsius and 41 per cent humidity. Harnai experienced warmer conditions, with a low of 21.4 degrees Celsius and dry weather. Colaba, the southern tip of Mumbai, recorded a minimum of 20.7 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity. Urban areas of the state saw chilly mornings as well. Thane-Belapur Industrial area recorded a minimum of 19.2 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent humidity, while Pune and Baramati dropped to 8.8 degrees Celsius and 7.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. Nasik, Parbhani, and Dharashiv reported minimum temperatures of 8.6 degrees Celsius, 11.5 degrees Celsius, and 10.2 degrees Celsius. Matheran remained mild at 17.2 degrees Celsius. The interior districts, including Satara (9.5 degrees Celsius), Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (11.2 degrees Celsius), Kolhapur (14.0 degrees Celsius), and Sangli (11.7 degrees Celsius) experienced clear skies with patches of haze. Nanded recorded a slightly warmer minimum of 9.9 degrees Celsius with maximum temperatures touching 29.4 degrees Celsius. No rainfall was reported across the state during the 24-hour period ending Saturday morning, though seasonal rainfall accumulation varied significantly, from 41.2 millimetres in Dharashiv to 405.7 millimetres in Ratnagiri. Residents were advised to carry light woollens during early mornings and evenings as temperatures remain cool across the state.
13 December,2025 12:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday highlighted the growing menace of child abductions and missing children in the state, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take urgent and concrete action. In a post on X, Thackeray said the number of children being abducted or going missing in Maharashtra has risen by nearly 30 per cent between 2021 and 2024, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. He expressed concern over inter-state gangs that abduct children, force them into labour, or make them beg, and criticised the government’s perceived inaction. प्रति, श्री. देवेंद्र फडणवीस, मुख्यमंत्री, महाराष्ट्र राज्य, सस्नेह जय महाराष्ट्र, एका अत्यंत महत्वाच्या आणि गंभीर विषयाकडे तुमचं लक्ष वेधून घेण्यासाठी हे लिहीत आहे. महाराष्ट्रात लहान मुलं पळवण्याचं, ती बेपत्ता होण्याचं प्रमाण वाढतं आहे. एनसीआरबीच्या आकडेवारीनुसार जरी गेलं… — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) December 13, 2025 “Some cases are registered, and official responses often mention children recovered and returned safely. Maharashtra does not need such generic answers,” Thackeray wrote. He questioned how many cases never even reach the police and highlighted the psychological trauma children face even after being rescued. Thackeray also raised concerns over children seen begging on streets, bus stands, and stations, urging investigations into whether the adults accompanying them are really their parents, and suggesting DNA tests if necessary. The MNS chief called for legislative discussions on child abductions, missing girls, and illegal land grabs, questioning the effectiveness of the Winter Session if ministers are often absent and critical issues go unaddressed. He added that the central government should coordinate with states to tackle the problem, but suggested it is currently distracted by other matters. “Maharashtra expects the Chief Minister and Home Minister to pay attention and take concrete steps, not just facilitate a discussion in the assembly,” he said. Navi Mumbai reports 499 child kidnappings in 11 months; 41 still missing As many as 499 children were reported kidnapped in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township between January and November this year and the police managed to trace 458 of them, while 41 remain missing, officials said on December 3. Among the 458 recovered children, the reasons for their disappearance indicated more of emotional distress and personal circumstances rather than criminal intent, as 128 of the cases were linked to love affairs and 114 to children running away after being scolded by parents, they said. Besides, 103 children had gone to relatives, 63 left for trips, and 48 went to a girlfriend's house. One case each involved mental disability and an accidental death report (ADR), a police release said. Among these overall figures, 25 cases pertained to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, it said. Between January 1 and November 29 this year, 499 children, including 349 girls, were reported kidnapped in Navi Mumbai. The police traced 458 of them, including 315 girls, the release said. The 41 children still missing comprise 34 girls and seven boys, it said. The police registered 483 cases of these child kidnappings and solved 442 of them, achieving a detection rate of 91.78 per cent, as per the data. The majority of these cases were registered in the Turbhe area (51), followed by Rabale (49), the release added.
13 December,2025 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a major capacity-augmentation move, Western Railway has drawn up plans worth Rs 70 crore to expand Dadar station into a bigger midtown terminus, creating space for more express trains and easing pressure on Mumbai Central. The proposal includes new lines, extended platforms, yard rearrangement, and significant overhead equipment (OHE) and signalling upgrades, marking the most ambitious remodelling of Dadar in decades. The new plans will integrate the station with the fifth and sixth lines, which aim to segregate mail express and suburban trains. Dadar already handles platform-return express trains — services that arrive and depart from the same platform. At present, the station has only two terminal lines, from which nine platform-return trains are operated daily. With the sixth line project absorbing one of these terminal tracks, railway planners say the system will soon hit a bottleneck. “With additional platform-return services planned — at least eight more — the existing arrangement would become unmanageable,” a senior WR official said. “The new Line No 8 is essential to sustain future traffic.” The expansion plan The brand new Line No. 8 will be added along the eastern flank of Platform 7, complete with full OHE installation, signalling integration, and crossovers linking the new line with the stabling lines. This additional line will be the backbone of the future platform-return operations. In addition to this, Line No. 6 will be extended towards the Dadar Junction Loop (Line No. 4), providing a new shunt signal, upgraded OHE and crossover connectivity between Lines 5 and 6, allowing better flexibility for routing express trains during peak congestion. Structural modifications To make way for the expanded yard, part of a railway colony quarters block will be dismantled and rebuilt, and the southernmost foot overbridge (FOB) will lose one landing, which will be reconstructed in a new alignment. Additionally, the Passenger Reservation System office will be shifted, while the yard master’s office will be moved slightly eastward. Officials say these interventions will unlock critical space for smooth yard geometry. Why Dadar matters Dadar’s role as a strategic midtown dispersal point for long-distance trains is set to grow as Mumbai Central faces saturation. With new corridors and future long-distance redistribution being planned, Dadar is being positioned as a secondary terminal for select express services. Voices Shailesh Goyal, Former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee‘If an additional line and platform is built, Dadar station can be used as an intermediate small terminal. Due to it being junction for WR and CR, this new line on the WR side can also connect with the CR main line, and WR can run trains for CR.’ Rajiv Singal, Member, Western Railway Mumbai’s Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee‘The move will help people on the Central Railway side who otherwise need to travel to Bandra or Mumbai Central to catch mail/express trains.’ Benefits on completion >> Capacity to handle 17 platform-return express movements>> Improved yard fluidity>> Reduced conflicts with suburban trains>> Potential future terminal-grade operations
13 December,2025 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarShiv Sena (UBT) is trying to corner other Shiv Sena factions over creation of Vidarbha state. Recently, a senior BJP leader had reiterated that the party would continue to stand by its promise of securing statehood, a stand that the undivided Shiv Sena had vehemently opposed. Taking a cue from the BJP leader’s statement, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, said in Nagpur on Friday: “What is the stand of those [a reference to Eknath Shinde and his party] sitting next to the CM?” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hails from Nagpur and has always supported statehood. Thackeray’s move is seen as an attempt to corner the Shinde Sena. “Supporting Vidarbha would mean taking a stand opposite to that of Balasaheb, one that Shinde will not endorse. On the other hand, opposing the move would be another difference among the ruling allies. Any stand Shinde takes will create a stir in political circles,” said a Sena (UBT) leader. In 1960, Maharashtra was formally declared a separate state, with Mumbai as its capital. Vidarbha comprises 11 districts across two revenue divisions (Nagpur and Amravati). For years, locals have been demanding a separate state, arguing that it would lead to better governance and help address the developmental backlog. The move was always supported by the BJP and opposed by its ally partner, the undivided Shiv Sena. Thackeray said that Sena (UBT) would oppose any move to bifurcate Maharashtra to create another state. 1960Year Maharashtra was formally declared a state
13 December,2025 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA male adult leopard that had been roaming inside the highly sensitive Pune Airport premises for nearly eight months was tranquilised and captured on Thursday. The rescue involved a 30-member joint team from the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, the Indian Air Force, and Pune Airport Authorities. The leopard’s presence was first confirmed on April 28. Since then, officials tracked its movement across underground service tunnels, dense vegetation patches, and low-footfall areas within the airport — terrains that made locating and capturing the big cat extremely difficult. On December 4, monitoring teams confirmed that the leopard had entered the airport’s underground tunnel network. ILLUSTRATIONS/UDAY MOHITE Officials confirmed that no injuries occurred during the operation, and airport functioning remained uninterrupted. The Pune Forest Department will now decide on the leopard’s long-term management as per protocol. Authorities sealed most tunnel exit points, strengthened barriers and repositioned cameras to map its movement in real time. A strategic final capture plan was put into action on Thursday, and the team guided the leopard into tunnel — a controlled space chemical immobilisation Despite deploying camera traps, live surveillance systems and trap cages, the leopard had been evading capture and continued to navigate restricted zones since its presence was first reported on April 28 this year. Inside the cramped, low-visibility 80-foot-long tunnel, wildlife veterinarian Dr Gourav Mangla successfully darted the animal. Dr Mangla asserted that success was possible only because every team member stayed calm and followed the plan exactly Voices Dr Gourav Mangla, wildlife veterinarian who darted elusive leopard‘The operation demanded precision, patience and quick reassessment. The leopard had damaged two live cameras. I had to take a clean shot from a very difficult angle inside a confined tunnel’ The leopard was extracted and transported to the Transit Treatment Centre in Bavdhan, where it is recovering well and remains under supervision. The capture underscores the importance of planned, evidence-based wildlife operations in complex urban ecosystems Mahadev Mohite, deputy conservator of forests, Pune Division‘This operation demonstrates strong preparedness and seamless cooperation between the Forest Department, RESQ, the Air Force, and airport authorities. Pune has shown it is capable of handling complex wildlife situations even in highly sensitive urban infrastructure.’ Neha Panchamiya, founder-president, RESQ‘Every wildlife capture is different. Decisions must be driven by strategy and context, not urgency. This rescue proves that data, technology and teamwork can ensure both human safety and wildlife welfare.’
13 December,2025 09:15 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalA late-night copper wire theft in South Mumbai escalated into a violent confrontation after three men allegedly threatened a watchman with knives when he attempted to stop them, police said on Thursday. The accused were arrested from the Wadi Bunder-Dongri belt, while police suspect the involvement of others and have launched a search for the rest of the gang. The incident took place on Tuesday near Manohar bar at Wadi Bunder, where the replacement of old telephone and power cables is underway along the northern carriageway of P D’Mello Road. The complainant, Manikandan Pitchemani Nadar, 36, a supervisor associated with the cable replacement work and a resident of Goregaon East, told police that the accused arrived at the site late at night carrying cutters. The trio was pulling out old telephone and power cables when confronted by watchman Venkatesh Giri on the night of December 9 When watchman Venkatesh Giri, who had been deployed to guard the site, noticed the theft and tried to intervene, the accused allegedly brandished their weapons and restrained him before fleeing with around 23 metres of copper wire, valued at approximately Rs 70,000. The stolen material has not yet been recovered. Based on the complaint, police registered a case of robbery and, under the guidance of DCP (Zone I) Dr Pravin Mundhe, arrested Laxman Hanumant Pawar, 48; Bhima Hanumant Pawar, 39; and Kanya Ganesh Chavan, 22, all residents of the Wadi Bunder footpath area in Dongri. They reportedly are lemon-and-chilli vendors. The arrests were made on December 12 with the help of the police detection staff. Five other suspects — identified as Julie, Ibo, Hasin and Ajay, along with several unidentified men — are absconding. Police believe the gang has been involved in similar thefts.
13 December,2025 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilADVERTISEMENT
