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South Mumbai gardens to get green facelift, BMC assures no tree loss

Four 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. 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 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. Cooperage Garden at Nariman Point, included in BMC’s plan to enhance greenery and improve soil health 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.  BS Somani Garden at Cuffe Parade, set for bamboo plantations and landscaping upgrades    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.”  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 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  How does bamboo help? Bamboo is a fast-growing carbon sink, capable of absorbing up to 60 tonnes per hectare, while also improving soil quality.  Cost of the project: Rs 25 lakh  

21 March,2026 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MS
A missing bolt in Coach No. 2071A of a train on Central Railway; (right)  A missing bolt in Coach 2124B of a  Churchgate-Virar train, captured at Bandra station on  March 18. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar

Mumbai suburban trains undergo lock checks following report on poor condition

Central and Western Railways have announced special drives to check the locks and bolts of all trains on the Mumbai suburban network following a mid-day exposé highlighting their poor condition. Responding to the article, Central Railway (CR) Mumbai divisional officials said that instructions had been issued to all car sheds to inspect and fix all the door locks for additional safety and make doubly sure that they are in perfect working order. The problem is more acute with CR, as it has a fleet of 113 older trains, compared to just 12 on WR. Representation Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Western Railway (WR) officials said they had launched a special drive to check these mechanisms. All door and window locks and latches are checked periodically as part of routine maintenance. However, in view of the article, a special drive will be undertaken to inspect and rectify any deficiencies. PASSENGERS SPEAK Ketan Shah, Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee‘The Central and Western Railway in Mumbai are actively looking at the bolt issue with divisional officials of both the railways seeking a report on the condition of these mechanisms. They have assured me that all of them will be fixed well with all the safety parameters in place’ Sarnudh Shirodkar, commuter‘Thank you, mid-day, for highlighting the issue. One bolt for scrap can fetch around R350 to R550. Since there’s no security in any stations despite several bomb incidents, it’s easy to break them off. Typical Mumbai’ mid-day’s audit mid-day had highlighted concerns over the condition of door and window locks, flagging instances of loose or faulty latches that could pose safety risks. The article also revealed how such components, though inexpensive and routinely handled, are subject to constant stress due to heavy daily usage, overcrowding and frequent use, increasing the risk of wear and tear going undetected. The report noted that these components endure significant mechanical stress and vibration, particularly during peak hours, and are exposed to wear and tear over time. Despite their importance, they often escape attention compared to larger, more visible infrastructure issues. The article also warned that delayed detection or inadequate upkeep of such fittings could increase risks, especially in fast-moving locals, where secure doors are critical.

21 March,2026 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The Andheri subway, which was closed at least 10 times in July 2025 due to waterlogging. File pic/Satej Shinde

BMC flood control plan targets drains, avoids widespread road digging

Part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) flood-mitigation plan for Mumbai involves increasing the carrying capacity of underground stormwater drains, involving digging up newly concreted roads across the city. At present, 95 per cent of Mumbai’s over 2000 km underground drain network has been enhanced to a carrying capacity of 55 mm of rainfall per hour, from 25 mm, as per the recommendations of the Chitale Committee report following the 2005 deluge in Mumbai. In January 2023, BMC finalised its Rs 17,000-crore plan to concrete 692 km of Mumbai’s roads. To avoid digging newly concreted stretches, the civic body plans to replace drains only where there is no other option to abate waterlogging. “Sites will be selected after careful study, and drains will be augmented only where required. However, all infrastructure development work that is necessary is an ongoing process for a city like Mumbai,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar. 2023Year BMC finalised plan to concrete 692 km of roads How BMC plans to avoid unnecessary digging . Not every existing drain will be replaced with one with a higher carrying capacity. A study will be conducted about flooding patterns, topography of landscapes, and the requirements of areas. Sites will be selected where drain augmentation is the only solution to tackle waterlogging. The study will be conducted with experts from IIT-Bombay Andheri subway Why does it get flooded? . Due to the gradient of the low-lying area, water flows towards the underpass at high velocity. This is the catchment area of the Mogra nullah, which makes a 90-degree turn at one point. Even the dry weather flow (amount of water flowing through drains during the non-monsoon period) under the Andheri subway is high, equating to 15 to 20 mm of rainfall. This is why even with rainfall as low as 40 mm, the subway gets flooded  What solutions are the BMC exploring? The BMC is considering constructing holding ponds at a cost of approximately R600 crore. This will give relief for rainfall up to 75 mm per hour, with a net impact of 55 mm of rainfall, due to the dry weather flow  What options were put on hold? Turning the nullah northward and then westward, at the juncture where it turns 90 degrees. However, this would give relief for only about 55 mm of rainfall per hour. Considering the dry weather flow, the net relief would be hardly more than 30 mm of rainfall, at a cost of Rs 250 crore 

21 March,2026 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MS
File pic

Will BMC’s Rs 10,000-cr proposal end Mumbai’s flooding woes?

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a Rs 10,000-crore flood-mitigation plan for Mumbai and submitted it to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for financial assistance. Mumbai is among three Indian mega-cities selected for NDMA’s Urban Flood Risk Management Programme (UFRMP) — the others being New Delhi and Ahmedabad — and its officials were asked to prepare a plan with comprehensive flood preparedness measures and capacity strengthening. The move comes amid warnings of the urgent need to manage flood risk in low-lying areas in light of increasing instances of high-intensity and unpredictable rainfall patterns in the city.  3404 kmTotal length of drains in Mumbai  Flooding facts  1 On average, 16 days per year record rainfall greater than 100 mm  2 In the past 10 years, high-intensity rainfall (in four hours) has occurred 28 times  3 Over the past six years, average high-intensity rainfall has increased from ~131 mm to ~182 mm.  4 Mumbai experiences an average of six heavy, five very heavy and four extremely heavy rain events per year. (2025) 5 Over 35% of Mumbai’s population lives within the influence of a 250-m radius buffer of flooding hotspots (2025) UFRMP timeline March 2025  A meeting was held with NDMA, chaired by the home secretary. Cities were asked to submit a comprehensive proposal for flood mitigation after consulting a third-party expert agency  June 2025  BMC submitted the proposal outlining flood mitigation measures for Mumbai, after IIT vetted the proposal  February 2026  BMC’s budget 2026 formally announced the  UFRMP Way forward: Principal approval from the Central government is expected for the project Flood-prone areas of city . P/N (Malad). K E and West (Andheri East and West). H E (Bandra East). L (Kurla). N (Ghatkopar). F North (Matunga and Sion) (According to BMC’s flood preparedness guidelines 2025, with up to 800 incidents of flooding between 2016 and 2023)  Steps proposed by BMC under anti-flood programme Non-structural measures. Nature-based solutions      → Bio-retention systems      → Bio-swales                        → Urban sponge parks      → Green corridors      → Permeable pavements      → Mangrove restoration      → Wetland restoration. Technical and IT-based interventions. Public awareness and engagement. Integrated early warning and monitoring system for the city  Structural measures . Construction of retention basins and detention basins in open areas. Construction of stormwater pumping stations at Mahul and Mogra. Augmentation of stormwater drainage network to double carrying capacity . Construction of detention-cum-infiltration tanks such as those at Hindamata, Dadar, and Gandhi Market, Sion . Rejuvenation of Mumbai’s rivers OFFICIALSPEAK Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner‘Since NDMA’s core principle is ensuring robust non-structural measures along with structural measures, we have also focused on nature-based solutions for flood mitigation. Many such solutions can be implemented for urban areas, such as increasing the amount of land where earth is exposed, for water retention, including public open spaces, making open spaces mandatory in private developments, road medians, and permeable footpaths. We await approval’  Status of waterlogging spots At least 29 spots will see waterlogging in the coming monsoon season. According to the BMC budget 2026-27… …Of the 498 flooding spots identified in the city, 391 have been tackled so far …52 will be tackled by this rainy season …26 spots require coordination with other government and private agencies over time 

21 March,2026 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MS
Trident Hospital at Ganesh Nagar in Kandivli West has been operating without mandatory and regulatory approvals. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Mumbai hospital runs without licence; RTI reveals serious regulatory lapses

Even as the state announces plans to crack down on illegal medical practices, serious gaps in enforcement have come to light in Mumbai. Trident Hospital in Charkop, Kandivli West, continues to operate despite allegedly lacking mandatory permissions. Documents obtained through an RTI application reveal that the facility is functioning without required approvals, raising concerns over regulatory oversight and patient safety. Shravan Rajpurohit, who filed the complaint, sought details about the hospital’s official status and authorised bed capacity while also seeking immediate closure of the hospital. Responding to the RTI which was filed in October 2024, the BMC’s Public Health Department stated that Trident Hospital is not registered with the civic body.  In Mumbai, hospitals are required to obtain registration from the BMC and comply with relevant laws for running a hospital.  Shravan Rajpurohit, the complainant. Pic/By Special Arrangement Following complaints raised by members of the state legislative council, the Maharashtra government had last week formed a committee to crack down on bogus doctors and unlicensed nursing homes.  Headed by the additional chief secretary (urban development), the panel includes the health secretary, inspector general of police, director of health services, and senior municipal officials.  October Month RTI was filed in 2024 No action on complaint  Shravan Rajpurohit has been following up with the BMC ward office concerned and local health officials for over a year, but no concrete action has been taken so far. The complainant alleged that despite repeatedly notifying authorities about irregularities, business continues as usual Civic body issued birth certificate In its RTI reply, BMC said that no birth certificates had been issued for any child born at Trident Hospital, as per civic records. However, this claim appears to contradict the documents. A copy of a birth certificate issued by the BMC reportedly mentions “Trident Hospital” in the place-of-occurrence field, along with its address, raising serious questions about discrepancies Matter escalated  With no action on the ground, the complainant has now escalated the issue to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and local MLA Yogesh Sagar. Complainant Shravan Rajpurohit has sought immediate closure of the hospital, a detailed inquiry against the concerned doctor and the hospital management, and action against civic officials for the alleged inaction and possible shielding of irregularities BMC admits violation Pooja Desai, a senior health official from the R South municipal ward, confirmed that Trident Hospital is operating without mandatory registration. “We have submitted the inspection report [IR], and  a police case was also filed at the local [Charkop] police station. The health department does not have the power to seal/shut down the hospital. The process is underway. For now, the hospital continues to function without permission,” the official told mid-day. She added that efforts had been made to discourage people from visiting the erring hospital Hospital silent mid-day reached out to Dr Anil Yadav, who manages the hospital. “I am out; I will speak to you later,” the doctor said in response to a series of queries asked by this newspaper

21 March,2026 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Mohammad Shaleem, who owns a computer shop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, holds his baby at Mumbai airport. Pic/Sarthak Mehta

Mumbai airport sees emotional reunions as fliers return from West Asia

The arrival gate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus witnessed a rare heartwarming scene on Friday, as a flier held his newborn baby for the first time. Passengers arriving from Abu Dhabi and Dubai told mid-day the on-ground situation in West Asia seemed normal, and they were delighted to reunite with their families in India. Mohammad Shaleem (centre), a computer shop owner, reunites with his family at the Mumbai airport after arriving from Dubai on Friday. Pic/Sarthak Mehta Mohammad Shaleem, Computer shop owner in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who arrived from Dubai‘It’s been almost a year since I visited India. Usually, I come back every six months. This time, I was occupied with work. Now, I have returned amid the war just for my baby. Spending time with her in her newborn stage is unparalleled. She is 1.5 months old, and I am holding her for the first time; the feeling is surreal’ Ahmad (right), who arrived in Mumbai from Abu Dhabi Ahmad, Passenger from Abu Dhabi‘Some media houses have inflated the situation; it’s not that bad. We were safe there. We flew Etihad, as there was no Indian airline option. Two tickets cost more than Rs 50,000’ Flier Haseeb Shaikh poses with his sister Sara Shaikh Haseeb, A flier from Abu Dhabi ‘I work in Abu Dhabi. This is my first time travelling back to India since the unrest began. Initially, I was scared of travelling via air, but after being assured by a few friends who had gone through the experience, I finally decided to travel yesterday [Thursday]. The situation in Abu Dhabi is pretty usual and safe’ Ticket availability and costs According to Etihad and Emirates passengers, ticket availability was not an issue, with some even claiming they booked just a day prior. Ticket costs were reportedly steep till Friday, ranging from Rs 16,000 to Rs 65,000

21 March,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak Mehta
Representational pic/iStock

Horoscope today, March 21: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs

Do 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 21. Aries  March 21 – April 20Completing pending assignments on time is crucial, especially where one is concerned. Cosmic tip: Don’t indulge in a display of anger as this reveals losing control in a situation. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Work/business related travel takes you away frequently. Seniors are appreciative of effort in projects/assignments.Cosmic tip: Make up your own mind about an issue and how to deal with it. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Life begins moving quicker after a slow karmic phase. Introspection about the past brings a smile and elevated joy.Cosmic tip: Be appreciative of all the gifts brought by a friend. Cancer June 22 – July 23Being someone for whom the truth is important makes it easier to make difficult decisions which are of the kind not faced earlier. Cosmic tip: Be self-protective and unapologetic about it too. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Long working hours have never been an issue, but those in a new relationship wish they had more time for the important person.Cosmic tip: Start planning now that a positive reply has been delivered. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23An email for an interview is received. Career challenges are easily overcome and dealt with, which in itself brings satisfaction. Cosmic tip: Maintain a cordial distance from people you don’t like. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Truth is sometimes quite different to what is perceived. Don’t make impulsive decisions. A digestive issue settles down.Cosmic tip: Be careful if carrying important documents. Scorpio  Oct 23 – Nov 22Some take the annual holiday earlier. Existing in the present moment with awareness is all that is important.Cosmic tip: Remember the past can’t be altered even to suit your memory of it. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Seeking advice from someone you trust and respect is good, but it may not be what you were expecting (the person’s perspective is different).Cosmic tip: Make time for friends and relatives you love. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Using the advantages available as of now can be implemented as and when you feel like it. Cosmic tip: Keep communication clear even if it means being slightly blunt. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19What is rightfully due to you will be received. Maintain faith and trust in the Higher Power. Cosmic tip: Look at ways to improve your everyday routines, like mealtimes, sleeping time, waking up time. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Considering the situation from different perspectives helps send the right answer to an important query. Those who wear specs may need to get their eyes tested.Cosmic tip: Centre on the inner peace within.

21 March,2026 03:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
Rupali Chakankar had faced growing political pressure over her alleged proximity to the accused, Ashok Kharat. FILE PIC

Nashik godman row: Maharashtra Women’s Commission chief Rupali Chakankar resigns

Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday submitted her resignation to Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, citing personal reasons. The move comes amid intense political controversy over her alleged links to self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, also known as Captain Kharat, who was recently arrested from Nashik on charges of sexual harassment and rape. In a letter to the CM, Chakankar wrote: “I respectfully request you to kindly accept my resignation from the post of Chairperson, Maharashtra State Commission for Women.” She cited personal reasons for tendering her resignation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and conveyed full trust in the CM, hoping for continued cooperation in the future. The resignation will become effective only once formally accepted by the appointing authority. The development comes shortly after Chakankar met CM Fadnavis in Mumbai and handed over a separate letter on behalf of the State Women’s Commission, urging a thorough and objective investigation into the Kharat case. Fadnavis reportedly asked her to step down from the post during the meeting. In a tweet, she wrote: “On behalf of the State Women’s Commission, I handed over this letter to the Chief Minister, requesting a high-level inquiry to bring out the truth and ensure strict action against the accused.” आज मुंबई येथे मुख्यमंत्री आदरणीय देवेंद्रजी फडणवीस साहेब यांची भेट घेतली.या पत्रात अशोक खरात महिला अत्याचार प्रकरणाचा सखोल व वस्तुनिष्ठ तपास व्हावा तसेच या प्रकरणाची उच्चस्तरीय चौकशी करत या प्रकरणातील सत्यता बाहेर यावी व आरोपीवर कठोर कारवाई व्हावी याबाबत त्यांना राज्य महिला… pic.twitter.com/ff9JgC9vrY — Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 20, 2026 Later, she submitted her resignation to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) National President and Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar.  'I have decided to tender this resignation, accepting moral responsibility'  She tweeted: “In light of allegations currently being made through various media, I have decided to tender this resignation, accepting moral responsibility so that a fair and transparent investigation can take place. Respected Sunetra Tai will take the appropriate decision. आज राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षाच्या राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्षा, आमच्या नेत्या तसेच राज्याच्या सन्माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री आदरणीय सुनेत्रावाहिनींकडे माझ्याकडे असलेल्या राज्य महिला आयोगाच्या अध्यक्षपदाचा राजीनामा सुपूर्द केला.सध्या विविध माध्यमातून होत असलेल्या आरोपांची निष्पक्ष आणि पारदर्शक… pic.twitter.com/rUuS7oPEWR — Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 20, 2026 The developments follow a major political uproar after Kharat’s arrest. Chakankar, who is also a trustee of Shri Shivnika Sansthan in Sinnar, Nashik — where Kharat serves as president — faced criticism after photographs and videos surfaced showing her washing Kharat’s feet and holding an umbrella over him, acts widely criticised as reverential. Opposition leaders across parties had demanded her immediate resignation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sushma Andhare and Sanjay Raut questioned who was “protecting” her, while social activist Anjali Damania warned of statewide agitation if she was not removed. NCP leader Rupali Thombare Patil alleged possible evidence tampering and called for her ouster on moral grounds. Amid the political controversy, CM Fadnavis reportedly asked Chakankar to step down. He had earlier ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT), led by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Tejasvi Satpute, to probe allegations against Kharat. Chakankar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating she was unaware of Kharat’s alleged crimes and describing the viral footage as politicised. (With IANS inputs)

20 March,2026 11:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Around 794 Naxalites have surrendered in Gadchiroli. Representational pic

Eleven Naxalites with Rs 68-lakh bounty surrender in Gadchiroli

Eleven Naxalites, including five senior operatives, with a total bounty of Rs 68 lakh on their heads surrendered before the police and CRPF in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Thursday, news agency PTI reported, quoting an officer. The 11 include a divisional commander (DVCM), an area committee secretary, one people's party committee member (PPCM), a commander and an area committee member, a release from the office of the Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police said. "The Maharashtra government had announced a cumulative reward of Rs 68 lakh on them. Since 2025, a total of 123 armed Maoists have surrendered in Gadchiroli. Left Wing Extremism in the district has almost come to an end. Once active in all 10 sub divisions of Gadchiroli, it is now confined to border areas of Bhamragad sub-division," the release added. Till date, a total of 794 Naxalites have surrendered in Gadchiroli, it said. Gadchiroli Police set up new assistance centre in remote Bangadi village to curb Maoist activities In a major push to strengthen security and accelerate development in Maoist-affected regions of Maharashtra, the Gadchiroli Police on Thursday established a new police assistance centre at Bangadi. As per an official statement, this is an extremely remote village in the Bhamragad sub-division; therefore, the police assistance centre will help make the situation under control. Located just 8 km from Laheri Sub-Police Station and barely 2 km from the Chhattisgarh border, the newly set-up centre is expected to play a crucial role in curbing Maoist activities while improving access to government services in the region. The facility was constructed within 24 hours using a workforce of over 1,000 personnel, the statement further said. The operation involved C-60 commandos, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams, newly recruited police personnel, 500 special police officers, and private contractors, supported by heavy machinery including JCBs, excavators, trailers, and trucks. The newly built centre is equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi connectivity, portacabins, a generator shed, an RO water plant, a mobile tower, and sanitation facilities. Robust security arrangements have also been put in place, including deployment of Gadchiroli Police personnel, SRPF units, CRPF forces, and special operations squads, along with fortified bunkers and perimeter defences. Marking the occasion, a Jan Jagran Mela (public awareness drive) was organised, during which essential items such as sarees, dhotis, blankets, utensils, school supplies, and sports equipment were distributed to local residents.

20 March,2026 10:12 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondent
Officials from Kurar Village Police Station have registered the incident and further investigation is underway. Representational Pic

Mumbai: 8-year-old boy dies after falling into water-filled construction pit

In a tragic incident reported from Kurar in Malad East, an 8-year-old boy lost his life after falling into a water-filled pit at an under-construction site on Thursday evening. The deceased was identified as Divyansh Morya, a resident of Chagan Patel Chawl in Ambewadi, Kurar Village. According to police sources, the incident occurred around 8:00 pm when the child was playing in the vicinity. He reportedly noticed a ball inside an open construction pit and attempted to retrieve it using a stick. In the process, he lost balance and fell into the water-filled pit, leading to drowning. Family members began searching for the boy when he did not return home and subsequently lodged a missing person complaint at the Kurar Village Police Station. Late in the night, while continuing the search, the boy’s father reached the construction site and spotted his son’s body floating on the surface of the water. The child was immediately rushed to Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital in Kandivali, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The incident was officially reported at 3:52 am on March 20, 2026, by the hospital authorities, and an update was issued at 9:15 am. As per police officials, the pit had been excavated by Mauli Construction and was left open and filled with water. Police have registered a case against those responsible for the construction site, and further investigation is underway.

20 March,2026 10:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and BNHS comes together for Vulture release initiative (Pic/Special arrangement)

BNHS partners with Kaziranga Tiger Reserve for vulture release initiative

In a landmark step for wildlife conservation, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR), in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society, on Friday released five endangered Slender-billed Vulture into a newly constructed soft-release aviary at Biswanath. This initiative marks the first-ever release of captive-bred Slender-billed Vultures in India. It also marks a major step by the Assam Forest Department towards rebuilding the dwindling population of the critically endangered species in the wild. The five vultures were brought from the Rani breeding centre in Assam, which was established in 2007 and has successfully bred 56 Slender-billed Vultures so far. Experts say that the centre has now reached a stage where 5 to 10 birds can be released annually. Additionally, BNHS has bred over 60 vultures at its Haryana facility, which will further support future releases. Vultures kept in a soft-release aviary After being shifted to Biswanath, the birds have been placed in a soft-release aviary at Tewaripal village, where they will undergo acclimatisation for a few months before being released into the wild. They further noted that five of the vultures have been fitted with solar-powered tracking tags, while all have been ringed for identification, enabling authorities to monitor their movement and survival. Speaking at the event, BNHS president Praveen Pardeshi lauded the Assam Forest Department and KTR administration for their efforts in reviving the species and emphasised the importance of involving local communities in conservation initiatives.  Vinay Gupta, Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam, further highlighted that the project could also boost eco-tourism in the region, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth. Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director KTR, reiterated their commitment to conserving lesser-known species. She further emphasised that while wild populations of the Slender-billed Vulture still breed in Kaziranga, the release of captive-bred birds is expected to significantly strengthen their numbers. The event was witnessed by various forest officials, BNHS staff, and residents of Tewaripal Village, marking a historic moment in India’s conservation journey. The event was attended by several key conservation figures, including BNHS President Praveen Pardeshi, Assam’s Chief Wildlife Warden Vinay Gupta, BNHS Director Kishor Rithe, KTR Field Director Sonali Ghosh, Nameri Tiger Reserve Field Director Pirai, BNHS Centre Manager Sachin Ranade, and Biswanath DFO Ritupaban Borah.

20 March,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
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