The family of Ramdhani Yadav, who was killed on Saturday in the Mulund Metro slab collapse incident, said that they have received Rs 39.5 lakh from the authorities, following which they will now take the body for the last rites. A bridge segment of the under-construction Metro Rail Line 4 collapsed on passing vehicles in Mumbai’s Mulund area on Saturday, leaving one person dead and three injured. Yadav’s family had earlier said that they would not take the body for the final rites until they received compensation while also seeking compensation and government jobs for his kins. While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) disbursed Rs 15 lakh to the victim’s family, Rs 20 lakh was given by the contractor, and an additional Rs 4.50 lakh was given for the air ambulance to lift the body to Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. The chief minister has also announced Rs 5 lakh in compensation. Ramdhani’s brother Ramsamuj Yadav said, “We have received compensation from MMRDA, and we took the body. We will do the final rites of my brother. Our demands are that my brother’s kin should get government jobs.”
17 February,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaAt least six of the light fixtures on the 1.2-kilometre-long Vakola skywalk are either loosely attached to the metal beams of the structure’s ceiling or hanging by a single wire. Residents say this is a recipe for disaster, and despite informing the authorities, no action has been taken. The skywalk, which allows easy access between SV Road and Kalina Military Camp in Santacruz West and East, respectively, is riddled with multiple issues, from hawkers to a lack of a roof over a newly constructed section. Loose light fixtures are a common sight on the Vakola skywalk Light fixture is a feature of public infrastructure which easily gets overlooked by commuters due to not always being in the line of sight, but pedestrians say that when the fixtures are broken and damaged to this extent, they get noticed, and it's just a matter of time before they fall. Issues that plague skywalk >> Lack of maintenance>> Hawkers at the western end of the structure>> Missing roof at the eastern end>> Electrical wires covering the walls A spot at the eastern end of the structure where a light fixture can be seen dangling. PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR According to the authorities... >> A tender was called for the installation of lights and allied electrical fixture work>> The sub-engineer, electrical department, of H East ward, inspected the skywalk on February 8>> Another inspection was carried out on February 16 Locals lament Reynold Abraham, Santacruz East resident‘My wife and I have been noticing the deteriorating state of the light fixtures. The skywalk is plagued by many issues and urgently requires maintenance. If a fixture falls, it is not just that there would be less illumination, but pedestrians could be severely injured’ Ivan Pais, Santacruz resident‘I have been talking to the authorities on behalf of the St Anthony’s Street Welfare Association for a long time now, and have spoken to them multiple times about how the skywalk requires maintenance and is getting worse day by day, but I have not received a single reply stating that work will start. Our concerns are being ignored’ Maxim Fernandes, member, St Anthony’s Street Welfare Association‘The lights are just one of the many issues. Before the pandemic, when a new part of the skywalk was inaugurated, the authorities claimed the skywalk would be regularly maintained, but no such thing has happened’ 1.2 kmLength of the skywalk
17 February,2026 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturFresh allegations of illegal construction inside the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park have surfaced, with environmentalists claiming trees have been cleared and unauthorised sheds erected inside the Royal Palms township in Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon. Activists warn that night-time construction and film shoots are causing noise, light, and traffic disturbance to wildlife in the protected area. What triggered complaint >> Alleged construction near Windsor Gate at Royal Palms>> Trees and vegetation reportedly cleared>> Sheds allegedly built without environmental clearance>> Activities said to be ongoing at nightEnvironmentalist Stalin D has written to multiple authorities, including the Collector, BMC, Forest Department, MPCB and police. What activists allege “Trees have been cleared, and large sheds are being erected illegally. This has continued despite complaints for four years,” said Stalin D. “We have submitted geo-tagged photos and videos and expect action.” Official response The municipal commissioner, who also heads ESZ monitoring committee, did not respond to queries till press time. The Royal Palms location, where vegetation has been cleared and structures are now visible. Pics/By Special Arrangement Disturbance reported >> Night film shoots with high lighting>> Loud sound equipment>> Heavy vehicle movement through Aarey roads A local resident said, “Night shoots with intense lighting and noise are disturbing both wildlife and residents. How are such activities allowed inside the Eco-Sensitive Zone?” Questions raised >> Why no action despite earlier complaints?>> Has the ESZ monitoring committee failed to act?>> Zonal master plan for the area is still pendingActivists say they may approach the court if authorities do not halt the work. What is banned in an Eco-Sensitive Zone >> Mining and excavation>> Polluting industrial activities>> Large construction projects>> Night shoots and high-intensity lighting>> Any activity disturbing wildlife habitat
17 February,2026 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavFor nearly two decades, 24 families of Chembur’s Tilak Safalya Co-operative Housing Society have shown that collective will and perseverance can overcome delays, legal battles, and uncertainty to transform lives. What began as a hope for better homes in 2007 has today become a story of courage, unity, and people-driven redevelopment. The actual drilling work for the construction of the new tower commenced at the site recently. Nineteen-year wait In 2007, a private developer was appointed to redevelop the society’s 200 sq ft MHADA tenements. By 2010, the old building was demolished, but reconstruction never started. Despite years of hardship, the 24 families united, taking their case from the Arbitral Tribunal to the Supreme Court. In 2018, they reclaimed redevelopment rights, a victory for collective perseverance over bureaucratic delays and corporate failure. People take charge The society adopted the self-redevelopment model, avoiding external developers and handling approvals, financing, and planning. Architects, engineers, and a reputed contractor are now executing the project under the society’s guidance. Construction is progressing steadily. Civic responsibility Tilak Safalya CHS is setting new standards in sustainable living with plans for centralised air-conditioning, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and green building certification. The project embodies Article 21 of the Indian Constitution’s right to a clean environment and Article 51A’s duty to protect nature, showing how civic responsibility can be built into urban development, said the residents. The residents have also ensured that a sprinkler system was put in use to keep the AQI level under control at the construction site. Residents speak Adv Selvam Rajan, 63, Room No. 3340, cancer survivor and former BPT staffer We vacated our building in 2007, but the previous developer let us down. My two children and I struggled. I went into depression, paid high rent, and worried about their education. Yet, we stayed united. Today, standing on our own plot, we see a new home rising. After so many years of hardship, this self-redevelopment project gives us hope. Our new flats will be four times larger than the original 208 sq ft MHADA house. Residents who have been awaiting redevelopment since 2007 Shobha Shetty, 58, Room No. 3341 After 19 years of legal battles and paying high rents, I am finally happy and satisfied. We faced many hardships, took loans, and sacrificed for our children’s future. Self-redevelopment has given us hope, a good home, and a fresh start. Pradeep Aapkar, Room No. 3342 It is only because of the unity and patience of the residents that we were able to wait for almost two decades, hoping to have a shelter of our own. Today, our hope has borne fruit through self-redevelopment, which has allowed us to be involved with the project from its inception to its completion. Timeline of events 2007: Private developer appointed to undertake redevelopment 2010: Old building demolished; promised reconstruction did not begin 2010-2018: Prolonged litigation over redevelopment rights >> Case heard before the Arbitral Tribunal>> Appeal made in Bombay High Court>> Final appeal made at Supreme Court 2018: Society wins legal battle; redevelopment rights reclaimed 2018-2024: Society decides to pursue self-redevelopment model Nov 26, 2024: Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) secured July 22, 2025: Commencement Certificate (CC) obtained; project officially registered with RERA 2025-2026: Construction begins Green initiatives planned >> Centralised air-conditioning system>> Solar energy integration>> Rainwater harvesting>> Green building certification Expert view Self-redevelopment has transformed tenants from silent sufferers into empowered decision makers. It has replaced uncertainty with ownership, delay with determination, and dependency with dignity. In unity, the members have discovered not just bigger homes but a renewed hope and control over their future, and a true sense of right to property Adv Shreeprasad Parab, expert director, Maharashtra State Housing Federation
17 February,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonMumbai minute A young couple finds peace amidst the pillars of the viewing gallery near the Chaityabhoomi seashore in Dadar Writing’s on the Warli wall Visitors observe the wall mural (right) Akash Bhoir and Dinesh Barap. Pics/Ashish Raje The newest attraction at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Botanical Udyan and Zoo is not a new four-legged superstar, but a reminder to save the city’s existing wildlife. Artists Dinesh Barap and Akash Bhoir have painted a 22-feet-tall Warli mural near the Golden Jackal enclosure. “It depicts the dichotomy of our forests. In one half, you’ll see tribal life thriving; the other half is marred by deforestation, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and air pollution. It is a reminder that we are as complicit in this erosion of our forests as the authorities,” said Barap, a resident of Navapada inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Commissioned by Asar Social Impact Advisors, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Climate Action Cell, and the BMC, the mural took seven days of eight-hour shifts to reach completion. We’re hopeful Mumbaikars will pay heed. Money talks (From left to right) Paul Abraham, Dr Shailendra Bhandare, Dr Sanjay Garg, and Prof Najaf Haider at the book launch. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Coins were the talk of the weekend, though money wasn’t as the Odyssey Of The Rupee was launched at the Sarmaya Arts Foundation on February 14. Edited by Dr Shailendra Bhandare, the book launch witnessed authors Dr Sanjay Garg, and Professor Najaf Haider join Bhandare and curator Paul Abraham in a conversation that spanned the history of the Indian currency. “From the coins minted by Sher Shah Suri, to their takeover and standardisation by the Mughal Empire, and the establishment of sarabs, it was a fascinating conversation,” Abraham revealed. For readers, the book will be available at the gallery later this month. Many happy returns A performance during the 2025 tour. Pics Courtesy/Anjunadeep The London-based music label Anjunadeep will return to India with a two-city tour this March. The independent label will bring performances that are a blend of house, progressive, and emotive music through artistes like CRi, Eli & Fur, Nordfold, and Parallel Voices for their famed Open Air performances in Mumbai (March 14) and Bengaluru (March 15) next month. Citizen-speak Actor Dia Mirza visits a stall during an exhibition. Pics Courtesy/MCW While there will be policy makers, climate activists, and institutions among others at the Mumbai Climate Week (MCW) that opens today, the focus will be the citizens. Children during a beach clean-up leading up to the week “We have 200 citizen activists on the speaker panels,” shared founder Shishir Joshi. Every citizen signing up to attend has a five-minute platform to voice their grievance at the Vaartavaran session, too. We guess it might be the most crowded event.
17 February,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayIn a reversal of the traditional “study abroad” dream, international students are now eyeing India as a higher education destination. Illinois Institute of Technology has announced its Mumbai campus at Godrej Business District, becoming the first US university to establish a base in the city and attracting enquiries from students across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. What’s happening >> First US university campus in Mumbai>> Located at Godrej Business District>> Over 1000 enquiries in two months>> Interest from India, diaspora, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia “The Mumbai campus is envisioned as a South Asian hub with a multicultural student cohort from the first year,” said Raj Echambadi, President of Illinois Tech Courses on offer>> 4 undergraduate>> 4 postgraduate Fields>> Computer Science>> Data Science>> Business>> Artificial Intelligence Degrees and standards Degrees awarded: US-accredited Accreditation body: Higher Learning Commission >> Curriculum mirrors Chicago campus>> No extra Indian approvals needed Can India become a study destination? Karan Gupta, consultant“India offers credible academics, English-medium education and lower costs, which makes it attractive. The challenge is delivery; smoother visas, housing and clearer career pathways are needed.” Dhaval Mehta, consultant“These campuses can build a stronger ecosystem with global students and the Indian diaspora, but infrastructure and space constraints will determine success.” Joyce Issac, consultant“India has a cost advantage and strong academic base, but facilities, labs and student experience must match global campuses.”
17 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarA total of 32 cars worth Rs 2.44 crore were seized and one person has been arrested after a major vehicle rental and mortgage racket was busted by the Thane Crime Branch, a senior police official said on Monday. The probe into the case began after five vehicles were reported as stolen at the Wagle Estate police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav told reporters. “Our probe zeroed in on Ulwe resident Sandeep Raghu Shetty, who would promise vehicle owners high returns in a rental scheme. He would take possession of the vehicles to rent them out. However, he would fraudulently mortgage these vehicles and pocket the money obtained on them,” the official said. Racket spread over state Shetty was held by the Crime Branch on February 6, and his interrogation revealed that the racket was spread all over Maharashtra, the DCP said. “We seized 32 cars worth Rs 2.44 crore from Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, Kalyan, Lonavala, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Parbhani. We believe there are more vehicles that have been mortgaged fraudulently to third parties after being taken on rent from victims. A detailed investigation is underway,” Jadhav informed. 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
17 February,2026 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesA week after residents protested against 35 LED hoardings planned along Carter Road Promenade, the Maharashtra government has cancelled the project. Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said the Maharashtra Maritime Board has been instructed to halt the work immediately and remove all construction material from the site. Residents gather at Carter Road Promenade to protest the proposed LED hoardings and demand the project be scrapped on Saturday Teen sawaal with minister Nitesh Rane Have you cancelled the Carter Road hoardings plan? Why?Yes. The contractor moved ahead prematurely without full permissions while the Maritime Board is still drafting a comprehensive waterfront hoardings policy. I have directed that the work stop and the material be removed. Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane. File pic What will the policy mean for Mumbai?We have been working on a policy. The draft is ready. It will consider development needs, public sentiment, and long-term planning before any decisions are implemented. Will promenades like Carter Road still see ads in future?Revenue generation and self sufficiency is important for the Maritime Board, and hoardings are one option. But nothing will be allowed without a structured policy that covers all aspects. What happened>> 35 LED hoardings planned along Carter Road>> Residents protested and issued a legal notice>> Government has now cancelled the plan>> Contractor told to stop work and clear site Why the plan was stopped Residents argued the hoardings would:>> Set a precedent for commercial exploitation of waterfronts>> Damage the area’s natural beauty and public character>> A protest letter warned the move would be a “permanent blot” on a cherished public space Policy in the works>> The Maritime Board is drafting a statewide waterfront hoardings policy, expected by February 23>> Rane said monetising waterfronts is necessary but must follow a structured policy
17 February,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSWith the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela expected to draw millions in 2027, railways are fast-tracking upgrades of Mumbai’s terminals and building new ones to handle the surge in long-distance trains. Officials say expanding terminal capacity, redistributing train origins and easing congestion in South Mumbai are key to ensuring smooth movement during the pilgrimage season. “If more trains are to run for the Kumbh Mela, infrastructure must be ready. Many difficulties are faced while working in a busy place like Mumbai, since it is necessary to maintain existing smooth train services. Hence, work is being planned accordingly,” a senior railway official said. Mumbai CSMT >> Airport-style concourses planned >> Separate arrival and departure zones >> Multi-modal hub vision with improved circulation Dadar >> Being developed as a mid-town terminus>> New platform and track works>> Improved foot overbridge and connectivity Bandra Terminus >> 3 new pit lines added>> Passenger holding areas planned for peak crowds Panvel >> Yard remodelling at Kalamboli>> Expanded terminus capacity>> More long-distance trains to originate here Jogeshwari >> New terminus with 3 platforms>> Will shift train load from Mumbai Central and Bandra Vasai Road >> New platforms for outstation trains>> Aims to reduce empty rake movements Kurla LTT >> More long-distance trains to originate here>> Passenger facilities being expanded Stations being readied >> Panvel>> Jogeshwari>> Vasai Road>> Dadar>> Bandra Terminus>> Kurla LTT >> Mumbai CSMT Kumbh timeline Flag hoisting: Oct 31, 2026First Amrut Snan: Aug 2, 2027
17 February,2026 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDo 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 February 17. Aries March 21 – April 20A finance related trip within the country is the beginning of increased profits. Have an annual dental check-up.Cosmic tip: Change outlook towards life to change your life. TaurusApril 21 – May 20After several meetings you feel the business idea won’t work. Let it be. Friends continue friendship bombing you. Cosmic tip: Continue being direct so people know exactly where they stand with you. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Money lent more than five years ago and written off by you as a karmic debt, is returned. A calmly moving karmic cycle brings mental peace.Cosmic tip: Be committed to enjoying family get-togethers. Cancer June 22 – July 23Overthinking a matter could create more problems; accepting explanations given with a pinch of salt is best. Ruminate on a good idea.Cosmic tip: Leave a situation alone by disregarding it for the time being. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Being temporarily distracted with conversation may make you miss out on the fact of being followed by a potential pick-pocket. Cosmic tip: Have a healthy diet, drink enough water and get enough sleep at night. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Never stop evolving; keep learning; maintain curiosity about life to keep the brain healthy. Cosmic tip: Be kind to yourself; not everyone has your strength. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22No major financial difficulties are seen (think why you feel emotionally bereft sometimes).Cosmic tip: Keep the mindset positive to help complete a mountain of incoming work. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Deal with positive or negative emotions in the way they ought to be handled for peace of mind. Don’t ignore a toothache.Cosmic tip: Stop an argument before it spirals out of control. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Some have to deal with unexpected expenses at home. A troubled relationship enters a karmic cycle of closeness. Cosmic tip: Don’t hold onto real or imagined snubs or being willfully ignored. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Keeping behaviour within accepted professional norms is best maintained scrupulously. Cosmic tip: Be careful whom you trust in a very short while of making an acquaintance. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19It’s possible that what someone older is saying is the truth, which was complicated to create rifts with two people.Cosmic tip: Don’t be unnecessarily critical of a person. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A project has been worked on for a week and still that ‘Eureka’ moment hasn’t struck, that this is how it needs to be handled. Persevere.Cosmic tip: Apply for bureaucratic permissions needed.
17 February,2026 03:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMadhav Viradiya from Mumbai is among the 12 candidates who secured a perfect 100 percentile in the first session of JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.). The 17-year-old student, originally from Gujarat, moved the city to pursue his engineering dream and has now emerged as one of the country’s top scorers. Currently a resident of Andheri, Madhav chose the city of dreams as his study destination, avoiding the competitive nature of typical coaching hubs such as Kota. “Mumbai helped me strike a balance. Previously, I used to reside in Kota with my elder sibling. While helpful, it was immensely competitive and you felt unseen if you did not perform well,” he told mid-day. The student now finds time for a game of cricket and some music every now and then to relieve the stress of exam preparation. Read more: 12 candidates score a perfect 100 percentile; check all toppers list Family support and future plans “My parents have made many sacrifices to help me achieve my dream. My father lives in Vadodara, handling our business, and my mother moved to Mumbai with me. I hope to study at IIT Bombay after my JEE Advanced,” said the student, who attended junior college at Narayana e-Techno in Mumbai. Interest in astronomy Apart from preparing for the entrance exams, the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics kept the student occupied. “I studied for these tests once, and since then I have been hooked on these subjects. So far, this is a hobby. But we will see where it goes,” he told mid-day.
16 February,2026 11:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarADVERTISEMENT
