A gas cylinder explosion in Rajaram Chawl, Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar-2, in Mumbai's Goregaon West area early Thursday morning left three people injured and caused partial wall collapse in rooms 180 and 181 on the ground floor. The incident, reported at 7:42 am, was swiftly brought under control by local residents using buckets of water before the fire brigade arrived. Firefighters also cut off the electricity supply to prevent further hazards. According to hospital sources, 28-year-old Maltidevi suffered 30-35 per cent burns and was initially treated at HBT Trauma Care Hospital before being transferred to LTMG Sion Hospital. Two other men, Sarjan Ali Javed Shaikh (37) and Gul Mohammad Amin Shaikh (38), were admitted to Ganesh Hospital, Borivali. Sarjan’s injuries were to both legs, and he is stable, while Gul Mohammad Amin remains in critical condition with back injuries and is under ICU care. Authorities confirmed the fire was confined to plastic and household materials in the affected rooms, with no further spread. The cause has been linked to an LPG cylinder leak.
10 December,2025 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ‘Adopt-a-Slum’ scheme will be audited following allegations of corruption, the Maharashtra government stated in the legislative assembly on Tuesday. Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal, made the announcement in response to a demand by BJP MLA and the party’s Mumbai unit president Ameet Satam. Satam alleged that several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) appointed under the scheme do not follow prescribed norms, appoint fewer workers than mandated, and do not carry out regular waste collection in slum areas. “This results in a large amount of garbage accumulating in public spaces, and there appears to be a misuse of funds allocated under the scheme,” he said. Calling the alleged mismanagement a “scam”, Satam claimed that officials of the BMC’s solid waste management department were also involved. The scheme plays a crucial role in the collection of garbage from slums and its transportation to dumping grounds, but the criteria of 150 families or 750 population per unit is not being followed, Satam said. Instead of the required 15 workers per designated area, most NGOs deploy only five to 10 workers, while claiming funds for more staff, the MLA alleged. Satam also said that garbage should be collected twice a day in slum areas, as households cannot store waste, but this does not happen. “If necessary, the population criterion should be reduced from 750 to 500, and wages of workers should be increased while ensuring adequate deployment of manpower,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | Nagpur | AgenciesDespite Matheran’s protected status, waste is being burnt in the open, raising concerns among environmentalists. A Mumbai-based naturalist and photographer, Mahesh Yadav, who recently documented the scene, said fires were adding to local air pollution and could spark a larger threat to the hill station’s forested slopes. On Saturday, Yadav, along with his friends Prabhu Swami and Kunal Chaudhari, had gone for a nature trail in Matheran, when they were shocked to see that the garbage was burning near a parking lot. “This told a deeply distressing story of environmental negligence and the tragic consequences of human actions within a protected ecosystem. It is a visual testament to how precious natural spaces are being destroyed in the middle of the forest,” said Yadav. He also pointed out that burning plastic and household waste, particularly at a busy entry point like the parking area, releases a hazardous cocktail of toxins, such as dioxins, furans, and heavy metals, into the air. This toxic smoke directly pollutes the air of Matheran. Swami, also a naturalist and photographer, said, “The massive pile of unburnt plastic and food waste poses a grave threat to local wildlife. Animals, confusing discarded bags and containers for food, can ingest the plastic. This leads to blockages, starvation, and a slow, painful death for creatures within the eco-sensitive zone.” Matheran, a picturesque hill station near Mumbai, is known for its charming toy train and scenic beauty. It also attracts wildlife enthusiasts with its rich variety of endemic birds and numerous snake species. However, increased tourism has led to overcrowding and littering, which threatens its unique biodiversity. Despite being a pollution-free destination due to the absence of vehicles, human activity has impacted the area. Matheran Fact File Population of hill station: Over 4000No. of tourists who visit daily on weekdays: 2000 to 2500No. of tourists who visit on weekends: 7000 to 8000Area of hill station: 7-7.2 sq kmArea of eco-sensitive zone: 214.73 sq kmNo. of reptile species: 46No. of bird species: 150+No. of mammal species: 20+
10 December,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavOver a decade since the project was first mooted, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken the first step towards the construction of the Gargai dam, which will increase Mumbai’s annual water supply by 440 million litres (ML). On Tuesday, the civic body floated tenders for the construction of the Gargai dam at a cost of Rs 3000 crore. This cost covers the construction of the dam, along with the cost for environmental clearances required for the project. In 2018-19, the BMC’s general body gave in-principle approval for the construction of the dam, with a provision to spend up to R3105 crore for the project. This cost covered the aspect of rehabilitation of project-affected persons from the area where the dam will be constructed and the cost of acquisition of land for their rehabilitation. Displacement issues The project, spread across approximately 2100 acres of land, will result in the submergence of two villages — Ogda and Khodade — in Wada taluka of Palghar district. The BMC also plans to acquire land from four adjacent villages — Pachghar, Aamle, Phasgaon, and Tilmal — to make the entire catchment area free of human habitation, and make the area congruent with the existing Tansa wildlife sanctuary. The project is set to affect 619 families, with plans to resettle them in 400 hectares of land near Devli. To retain and continue supporting their tribal lifestyles, those residing in six villages of Wada taluka in Thane district, affected by the construction of the Gargai dam, will have their own homes with pigeon coops, cow sheds, and backyards in the tribal style. The BMC has decided to pay them to build their homes instead of constructing new residences as part of the rehabilitation plan. The money is about five times the value of their current homes, and the cost has been determined by the public works department. The demand for this type of rehabilitation was made by concerned villagers in their ‘Gram Sabha Tharav’. The villagers are entitled to up to 2.5 hectares of forest land for tilling, and one government job per family. This is set to cost the civic body Rs 600-800 crore, in addition to the construction cost of the project. Project fast-tracked The project that has been stuck at the planning stage for a decade has now found impetus ahead of the BMC election. The last such poll was held in 2017. In September 2025, Ashish Shelar, then-Mumbai BJP chief and Maharashtra cultural affairs minister, directed the civic body to fast-track the project and float tenders on priority within a month. Water supply gain Seven lakes supply water to Mumbai at present, with a total capacity of 14,33,262 ML of water. The BMC supplies the city with 3950 to 4100 ML of water per day. However, as per the civic body's projections, Mumbai is set to need 29.87 per cent more water by 2031, or 5326 MLD, and 56.69 per cent more water by 2041, or 6424 MLD. Three proposed big-ticket projects are set to augment Mumbai's water supply — the Gargai and Pinjal dams, and the desalination plan planned at Manori. Fact box Mumbai’s present water supply14,33,262 million litres Gargai dam will add440 MLD Projected water requirement for Mumbai Year 2031: 5325 MLD 29.87% moreYear 2041: 6424 MLD 56.68% more
10 December,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSBusinessman and philanthropist Anant Ambani, founder of the wildlife conservation centre Vantara, has become the youngest ever and the first Asian to receive the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare. The Global Humane Society selected Anant for his visionary leadership in establishing Vantara, a conservation centre that has redefined what is possible in large-scale rescue, rehabilitation, and species preservation through evidence-based welfare programmes and science-led conservation initiatives. Dr Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of Global Humane Society, said, “Vantara receiving the Global Humane Certified distinction reflects not only excellence in care, but a profound dedication to giving every animal dignity, healing and hope. And there is no greater champion of that vision than Anant Ambani, whose leadership has set a new global standard for compassion in action. Vantara represents one of the most extraordinary commitments to animal welfare anywhere in the world.” “For me, this reaffirms a timeless principle — ‘sarva bhuta hita’… the wellbeing of all beings. Animals teach us balance, humility and trust. Through Vantara, our purpose is to give every life dignity, care and hope, guided by the spirit of ‘seva’. Conservation is not for tomorrow; it is a shared dharma we must uphold today,” Anant said. Global Humane Society, the international brand of American Humane Society — the oldest national humane organisation in the US and the largest certifier of animal welfare — has bestowed the award upon only a select few over the years. Founded in 1877, the Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. The Global Humane Certified programmes are some of the most rigorous, meaningful certifications in animal welfare anywhere in the world.
10 December,2025 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Maharashtra government will recover money from those state employees as well as male beneficiaries who have illegally availed of the financial benefits under the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme reserved for women, the Legislative Council was told on Tuesday. This information was shared by Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare in a written reply after MLCs Pragya Satav, Satej Patil, Bhai Jagtap and others raised the issue of illegal beneficiaries of the scheme during question hour. Accordingly, the department concerned has been directed to take necessary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services Rules against the officers/staff and initiate recovery from them, the minister stated. The state cabinet also decided not to enforce strict recovery of money from those women beneficiaries who have been removed from the scheme for some reasons and who have voluntarily withdrawn themselves. Under the “Mukhyamantri — Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” scheme, eligible women in the 21 to 65-year age group received a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1500 through direct benefit transfer (DBT). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2025 09:01 AM IST | Nagpur | AgenciesThe Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday released separate videos alleging corruption within the Maharashtra government, triggering sharp political exchanges during the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur. In a video shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve, Alibaug MLA Mahendra Dalvi from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction is allegedly seen handling a large bundle of cash. Dalvi has denied the allegation. Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Dalvi said the video had been manipulated and held no truth. He also hinted, without naming him directly, that Ajit Pawar, led NCP leader and MP Sunil Tatkare, was involved. “Someone from Raigad is behind all this,” Dalvi said. Although both Tatkare and Dalvi belong to the Mahayuti alliance, the two are known for frequently taking jabs at each other. “Attempts are being made to tarnish my image. I am willing to resign as MLA if this video is proven genuine,” Dalvi added. The video circulated by Danve sparked uproar on the second day of the winter session. While Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders demanded action, Shinde Sena ministers defended their MLA. Responding to Dalvi’s allegations, Danve said the MLA should first prove the video is fake rather than questioning its source. “I stand by what I have said,” Danve asserted. Tatkare also hit back, criticising Dalvi for dragging him into the controversy. “I haven’t spoken to Danve, not even over the phone. Why would I involve myself in something like this? I deal with issues directly, not in such a manner [with opposition's help],” the MP from Raigad said. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande held a press conference alleging large-scale corruption in the public works department. He also showed a video in which an alleged PWD employee is seen handling cash. “This money is taken for clearing tenders and for processing pending contractor bills,” Deshpande claimed.
10 December,2025 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarAye, aye, captains! Good fielding Great throw! Making a run for it Waiting for my turn Yeh laga siiiiix!
10 December,2025 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Nimesh DaveThe Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed an amendment bill that seeks to ease restrictions on subdivision of small land plots in urban areas with the government saying the legislation will benefit nearly three crore residents. The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, was presented by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and passed in the lower house after a debate. He told the house the legislative measure will benefit nearly 60 lakh families, or about three crore residents, living on small ‘gunthewari’ plots (unauthorised division of agri land into smaller parcels for residential use) in cities. With the amendment, buying and selling of small plots will become simpler, and landowners can now have their names recorded independently in the 7/12 land title document. The requirement for repeated Non-Agricultural (NA) permissions from district collectors was removed in areas where a development plan or regional plan was already approved. Instead, owners could complete the process by paying a one-time premium. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2025 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesMumba’s quartet of visually impaired skaters and their coach have become the first such athletes to participate in Nepal’s 1st National Inline Skating Marathon. The 5-km event, held on hilly terrain instead of a skating rink, saw nearly 300 participants — but only four were visually impaired: Nishi Jariwala, Shubham Singh, Aftab Patel and Shivani Bandichode, all in their early twenties. The group, trained by the National Association for the Blind (NAB) and Turning Point Specially Abled Skating Association, completed the route in 30-45 minutes and was felicitated on December 6. Sushant Chowgule, coach The marathon tested balance and courage alike. Participants had to manoeuvre slopes, rubble, and uneven paths. The group was guided by organisers riding ahead on motorbikes, honking to alert them to potholes or sudden dips. The Nepal trip also became the students’ first experience of air travel. “We never imagined we’d get to fly before our own families. In Nepal, we travelled independently, and the locals supported us at every step,” they told mid-day. Practise laps With skating still unfamiliar territory for the visually impaired, they trained by holding hands, calling out cues, or skating in pairs with their folded white canes. Finding a rink was the biggest challenge. “We were turned away from several rinks in Mumbai. Owners feared injuries and made us sign bizarre waivers. But falling is part of learning any sport,” said coach Sushant Chowgule. Chowgule, who is partially blind himself, eventually trained them on the Western Express Highway — skating from Borivli to Goregaon at dawn. “Everyone, even the police, thought we were crazy. Now that we've achieved this milestone, the same people cheer for us,” he said. The group now practises in Malad and has access to a few skating rinks. Achievers speak Nishi Jariwala, 22 (Partially blind with 25 per cent vision)“Speed skating is just the beginning — I want to become a figure skater one day. I grew up playing with skates at home and in my building. My vision keeps deteriorating with age, so I keep adapting my training techniques.” Shubham Singh, 24 (Completely blind)“I had normal vision until 2015, when retinal detachment symptoms began. An operation in 2018 went wrong, and I lost my sight. Before that, I played kabaddi, cricket and many sports. Skating and the blind community helped me reconnect with that part of myself. I was terrified of falling, but with support, I’ve learned to move ahead.” Shivani Bandichode, 22 (Completely blind)“My family was scared I’d get hurt, and in school with sighted students, sports were never encouraged. Over time, I started believing I’d fall and injure myself, too. Then a friend introduced me to Nishi, and skating slowly erased my fears. Now my mindset has changed — the worst is a minor fall, but the confidence I gain is far greater.”
10 December,2025 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarMumbai Customs has uncovered an alleged fraud involving the tampering of identification plates on heavy machinery imported from China — an operation that, if undetected, would have enabled the importers to evade nearly Rs 2.5 crore in anti-dumping duty (ADD). The suspected manipulation, described by investigators as a sophisticated attempt to cheat the Indian government, surfaced between October 31 and November 1, when a senior appraising officer conducted a surprise inspection at Indira Dock. Three Chinese wheel loaders imported by an Indian company were parked in the open yard after unloading. Under Central government rules, machines with a payload capacity up to 7000 kg attract ADD, while those above that limit do not. During the initial inspection, the officer observed all three machines displaying QR-coded identification plates showing a payload of 7000 kg, which meant ADD was applicable. However, during a joint check the next day, all three machines were found with new plates — without QR codes — showing the payload as 7100 kg, placing them just above the duty threshold. The overnight change raised a strong suspicion of deliberate misdeclaration. According to the Customs’ investigation, the original plates had allegedly been removed and replaced with counterfeit ones to falsely inflate payload capacity and avoid paying ADD to the Indian government. Action taken Following the discrepancy, Customs froze clearance of the machines and forwarded the case to the Special Investigation & Intelligence Branch (SIIB). After confirming plate tampering and inconsistencies across documents and physical inspection, SIIB elevated the matter to law enforcement. Police confirmed that an FIR has now been registered against officials of the Indian importing company. This action follows an official complaint filed directly with the Mumbai Police by Senior Intelligence Officer Dinesh Kumar Mahawar of SIIB, who stated in his report that the suspected plate-switching amounted to a calculated attempt to defraud the Union government. “This was not a clerical mistake. The plates were changed after landing at the dock. The intention appears to be to dodge anti-dumping duty,” a senior Customs official said. The three wheel loaders remain detained at the port as investigators review CCTV footage, port-entry logs, and conduct technical examinations of the original and replacement plates. If established, the case could become one of the most significant ADD-evasion attempts detected at Mumbai Port in recent years. Anti-dumping duty This is a special tariff imposed by the govt to protect domestic industries from unfairly cheap imports. For wheel loaders imported from China, ADD is applicable if the machine’s payload capacity is 7000 kg or below. If the payload is above 7000 kg, ADD is not levied. In this case, Customs officers first found QR-coded plates showing 7000 kg, while allegedly swapped plates showed 7100 kg.
10 December,2025 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilADVERTISEMENT
