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Horoscope today, March 17: 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 17. Aries  March 21 – April 20Intention of advice received is based on love for you. Get a second opinion if you need surgery done.Cosmic tip: Resolve an ongoing issue with relatives as soon as possible. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Sometimes it’s better to maintain an unclear mindset about an issue instead of there being clarity. Follow traffic rules implicitly. Tweaking the diet brings results.Cosmic tip: Gradually change lifestyle habits to feel healthier. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Paying attention to what you say keeps a misunderstanding away. Make sure it can’t be understood as gossiping. Cosmic tip: Maintain this rapport with your spouse/partner. Cancer June 22 – July 23A karmic cycle of hesitation and doubt makes it better not to take any major decision today. Cosmic tip: Have a long conversation with a friend even though you are pressed for time. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Some want to get back to reading an interesting book they had put aside. Those with sensitive digestive systems need to take extra care. Cosmic tip: Simplify life which in turn helps manage stress. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Using appropriate language helps make a point that was eluding the person. Cosmic tip: Think carefully before making a work commitment you may not be able to complete. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Clarity is what’s important when making a crucial decision. Pending work is completed quickly. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Enjoy dining out with family. Scorpio  Oct 23 – Nov 22Boring chores have to be taken care of, so just tackle them. A karmic cycle of reconciliation begins for some. Cosmic tip: Be extra careful about what you say, communicating simply and quickly. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Several mini holidays are revealed. Income increases gradually. Avoid eating street food. Cosmic tip: Consciously remain focused if handling a completely new kind of project. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A plateau phase ends that brings in financial stability. Emotionally you are on Cloud 9 as a rapport continues with your karmic soulmate.Cosmic tip: Look at options available when making a sensitive decision. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Travel out of town has to be undertaken even though so much is happening at work.Cosmic tip: Work through karma by being extra thoughtful and loving to people who have been pillars of strength. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A day of quick movement and equally quick decisions made keeps you busy. Give instructions as required. Cosmic tip: Be content with life the way it is instead of wanting something else.

17 March,2026 02:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray slams CM Fadnavis. File pic

Uddhav Thackeray slams CM; says, 'If there is no shortage of LPG, then why the q

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday questioned the claims of the Union and Maharashtra governments on no shortage of LPG amid the West Asia crisis and asked why queues were being seen for cylinders if this was the case.He also took a swipe at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the latter's assertion that the Opposition was creating panic through misinformation despite there being no shortage of LPG or fuel in the state. "If there is (LPG) supply, then why are queues (for cylinders) being seen? I have received information that 30 to 40 per cent of hotels in Mumbai are shutting down due to the shortage. Common citizens are suffering," Thackeray said If the government claims there is no shortage of LPG cylinders, then why are people struggling to get them, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader asked. "If the chief minister is not willing to accept that such a situation exists, then the state's situation is really difficult," he said while alleging that the government machinery had failed to convey the ground reality to Fadnavis. He said it is a serious matter when those in power, despite understanding the situation, are not willing to acknowledge the suffering of the people and continue to claim nothing is wrong. Speaking to reporters in Pune on Sunday, Fadnavis had said, "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are deliberately creating fear among people, resulting in citizens standing in queues for LPG cylinders." "We have sufficient gas supply. There is absolutely no need to queue up for LPG anywhere," the CM had said. India imports about 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of natural gas and 60 per cent of LPG needs. Before the US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran's retaliation, more than half of India's crude imports, about 30 per cent of gas and 85-90 per cent of LPG imports came from Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The conflict has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies.

17 March,2026 12:13 AM IST | Mumbai | PTI
3D rendering of the proposed Byculla Cable-Stayed Bridge in Mumbai. PIC/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Mumbai’s Byculla cable-stayed bridge to open before monsoon, says MahaRail

The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail) has announced that the state-of-the-art Byculla Cable-Stayed Road Overbridge (ROB) is entering its final phase of construction and is set to open to the public before the onset of the monsoon. The new structure will provide a crucial, weather-resilient link between eastern and western sides of Byculla, ensuring smooth commutes for Mumbaikars during the rainy season. The Rs 287-crore project, being built adjacent to the century-old Byculla ROB, upgrades the existing two-lane corridor to a four-lane bridge, spanning 916 meters with a 50-meter-high pylon. Once operational, the old bridge will undergo comprehensive strengthening, while traffic flow on the Eastern Express Highway continues uninterrupted. Key features and highlights Total length: 916 meters (including approaches) Bridge height: 9.70 meters Pylon height: 50 meters Capacity: Four lanes Special features: Selfie point, decorative and remote-controlled LED lighting, three-tier utility duct system. MahaRail’s patented three-tier utility duct system has been integrated into the crash barriers, enhancing functionality and safety. The bridge also features a signature LED lighting system, which will illuminate the structure in vibrant tri-colours on national occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day. A designated selfie point has been incorporated into the design, allowing citizens to capture the bridge’s grand architecture against the Mumbai skyline. MahaRail is currently executing the complex erection work over the busy Byculla vegetable market and active railway lines using Double Eye-Cell (DEC) technology, one of the most challenging phases of the project. The new bridge will be seamlessly connected to one span of the existing 'Y' bridge, ensuring uninterrupted traffic to and from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) while preserving the historic significance of the corridor. With 80 per cent of the work already completed, MahaRail aims to transform commuting in Byculla into a safe, efficient, and visually striking experience well before the 2026 rains. About MahaRail MahaRail is a joint venture of the Government of Maharashtra and the Ministry of Railways, focused on boosting rail and road infrastructure across the state. The corporation undertakes projects including new rail lines, ROBs, road underbridges (RUBs), limited height subways (LHS), and flyovers, with the aim of eliminating level crossings and enhancing connectivity in Maharashtra.

17 March,2026 12:09 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic

Budget Session without opposition leaders: Uddhav targets Mahayuti govt

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday expressed frustration over the non-appointment of leaders of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislature despite raising the issue multiple times. He met Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and requested appropriate action. "There are still no Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses ever since the new government came to power (after the 2024 assembly polls). I came here to remind him (Narwekar) and request that appropriate action be taken. Every year I have been raising this issue," Thackeray told reporters after meeting Narwekar at the Vidhan Bhavan. He said he requested the speaker to expedite the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition. "The post is an important democratic mechanism meant to ensure accountability of the government," he added. In a first, the ongoing budget session of the legislature is functioning without a leader of opposition (LoP) in both the assembly and the council. The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had stated that the absence of LoPs weakens institutional checks and balances at a time when the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti enjoys a commanding majority. The vacancy in the assembly has persisted since the 2024 assembly elections, in which no single opposition party crossed the conventional 10 per cent strength required for recognition of the LoP. Congress's Vijay Wadettiwar and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Ambadas Danve were the last leaders of the opposition in the legislative assembly and council, respectively.  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.

16 March,2026 11:40 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Vijay Wadettiwar. File Photo

Injustice in fund allocation against opposition MLAs, alleges Vijay Wadettiwar

Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday alleged that the Mahayuti government is biased, claiming that funds allocated in the budget have been given exclusively to Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the ruling alliance while the opposition legislators have been left out, news agency IANS reported.  Participating in a discussion on the departmental budget in the state assembly, Wadettiwar said that while funds had been provided for roadworks in the constituencies of ruling party MLAs, opposition legislators had received nothing. “Is this what ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ looks like?” he asked. Maharashtra Budget Session 2026: Wadettiwar alleges bias in road repairs Wadettiwar said that roads in the constituencies of ruling MLAs are being improved, but the moment those constituencies end the roads become dilapidated, forcing people to navigate pothole-ridden stretches. He demanded that opposition MLAs should not be excluded from the allocation of funds and should receive their due share. He further said that roads across the state are in poor condition and contractors have not been paid their previous dues. With Rs 62,000 crore in outstanding bills, contractors have warned of launching a strike from April 6. Wadettiwar also raised concerns over an alleged Rs 250 crore QR code scam in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He claimed that contractors siphoned off crores of rupees using QR codes without carrying out any actual work. “Are the ministers even paying attention to this?” he questioned. Congress legislator alleges tribal funds diverted, institutions neglected Highlighting what he described as the dire state of the tribal development department, Wadettiwar alleged that tribal funds are being diverted to the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. “Tribal children did not receive funds for uniforms for an entire year, and orders were placed only at the end of March. Out of the Rs 4,349 crore allocated for social security and welfare in the Tribal Development Department, a staggering Rs 3,416 crore has been diverted to the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. Depriving tribal children of facilities to implement other schemes is an act of injustice,” he said. Wadettiwar accused the government of strangling educational institutions due to political animosity, reported IANS. He cited the example of action taken against Nitesh Karale’s Phoenix Career Development Academy, alleging that the institution was investigated and shut down simply because Karale had campaigned against a tribal minister’s daughter in local body elections. “Action is being taken against well-functioning institutions out of sheer political revenge, which is harming students. Is this a democracy or a dictatorship?” he asked. He also condemned the practice of making students clean toilets in tribal hostels, calling it “extremely shameful” and demanding action against the management. Vijay Wadettiwar slams BJP for reneging on 2014 Vidarbha promise Wadettiwar further criticised the BJP for going back on its 2014 promise of creating a separate Vidarbha state. He noted that the government plans to spend Rs 1,000 crore on a new Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur. He argued that if the project is expected to be completed by 2028, it suggests the government has no intention of creating a separate Vidarbha. According to him, this goes against former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of “smaller states” and amounts to a betrayal of the people of Vidarbha. Wadettiwar also said that wages in Maharashtra’s cement industry are significantly lower compared to Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, leading to the exploitation of workers. Referring to preparations for the Kumbh Mela, he alleged that substandard work has been detected in several projects, reported IANS. He took a swipe at the government, claiming that while the Divisional Commissioner is attempting to take action, ministers are shielding the engineers responsible. (With IANS inputs)

16 March,2026 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational image. File pic

Domestic dispute turns fatal in Malad as man allegedly stabs wife to death

A domestic dispute turned fatal in Malwani after a man allegedly attacked his wife with a kitchen knife, leading to her death and injuring two of her relatives who tried to intervene.  The incident occurred during the late hours of March 15 at around 10.30 pm in the Malwani Gate No. 7 area, New Collector Compound, in Malad West. According to the police, the accused, identified as Mohd Sabir Ansari (44), allegedly arrived at his wife’s parental home and began arguing with family members. During the altercation, he allegedly assaulted them and asked his wife, Afsana Ansari, to return home with him. Police officials, while briefing about the incident, said that when Afsana refused and reportedly told him that he did not provide money to run the household, the argument escalated. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly picked up a kitchen knife and attacked her. When Afsana’s brother, Faim Ahmed Abdul Rahim Ansari (40), and niece Sabina tried to rescue her, the accused allegedly stabbed them as well, injuring them in the back and knee, respectively. Hearing the commotion, relatives and local residents rushed to the spot and took the injured to Shatabdi Hospital, where they were admitted for treatment. During treatment, doctors declared Afsana Ansari dead. Case registered under various sections of BNS Police from Malwani Police Station registered a case against the accused under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to murder, attempt to murder, assault and criminal intimidation, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act. Senior Police Inspector Shailendra Nagarkar confirmed that the case has been registered and the accused is in police custody while investigators probe the circumstances that led to the fatal attack. Officials further highlighted that the accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.

16 March,2026 09:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Panel at TISS examines challenges facing youth and children in India. (Pic/Special arrangement)

TISS hosts Viksit Bharat programme to discuss social policies and development

The School of Social Work at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) organised a day-long programme under the Viksit Bharat Series on Sunday, focusing on the theme “Social Policies and Practices: Pathways to Viksit Bharat.” The event brought together policymakers, academics, social workers, farmers, and students to discuss inclusive development strategies for India’s future. The programme featured panel discussions, expert lectures, a Shetkari Mela showcasing millets and farm products, farmer interactions, and a documentation corner highlighting grassroots initiatives. Millets Mela Inaugural session highlights policy–practice link The inaugural session was chaired by Bipin Jojo, Dean of Social Work at TISS, who welcomed participants and explained the vision behind the Viksit Bharat Series. He noted that the initiative aims to create a platform within the institute to examine pressing social issues and explore pathways for development through policy dialogue. Vice-Chancellor Badri Narayan Tiwari emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between policy formulation and ground-level practice, stressing that policies must evolve from lived experiences and real-world challenges. Prof Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice Chancellor, TISS Delivering the keynote address, Preeti Sudan, former chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission, spoke about the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. She highlighted the need for policies that integrate life-cycle approaches—covering childhood, adolescence, and youth—and system-level frameworks that strengthen governance and institutions. Sudan also pointed to emerging challenges such as demographic transition, fragile education-to-employment pathways, rising youth unemployment, and intersectional inequalities linked to gender, caste, and rural location. She stressed that youth should be treated as active agents in development rather than passive beneficiaries, advocating participatory policymaking and dialogue-driven implementation. Preeti Sudan, IAS (Retd) and former Chairperson, UPSC Panel examines youth and children’s policy challenges The second session focused on “Issues and Challenges of Youth and Children and Implications for Policy.” The panel discussion was facilitated by Vijay Raghavan from the School of Social Work. Panellists included Roshni Nuggehalli, executive director of Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), Amita Bhide from the School of Habitat Studies at TISS, social worker Santosh Shinde, and Ankit Rathod of Pratham. Speakers discussed the impact of demographic shifts, youth unemployment, and structural vulnerabilities on young people. Nuggehalli highlighted the need to connect policy with practice through life-cycle and systemic approaches. Bhide noted that many policies focus heavily on skill development while overlooking the dignity of labour, calling for stronger links between education and employment through accessible internships and grassroots opportunities. Shinde stressed that achieving a developed India requires prioritising children’s welfare, pointing to concerns about child exploitation and limited budget allocations for child protection. Rathod emphasised the need for an integrated system combining education, skill development, apprenticeships, and certification, along with continued support for youth transitioning into the workforce. Shetkari mela celebrates farmers and sustainable agriculture The third session featured a Shetkari Mela organised by the School of Social Work, bringing together farmers, students, faculty, and partner organisations. Shetkari Mela showcasing millets and farm products Farmers associated with the Pragati Field Action Project of TISS and the NGO Srushtidnyan showcased indigenous seeds, millets, kitchen gardens, and sustainable farming practices through stalls and discussions. The event created an interactive space for participants to engage with farmers’ experiences and learn about ecological knowledge that supports resilient food systems and rural livelihoods. Discussion on women-led development The fourth session focused on “Women-led Development for Viksit Bharat.” It was facilitated by Trupti Javeri Panchal, who traced the evolution of gender policies from Women in Development (WID) to Gender and Development (GAD), emphasising that women today must be recognised as leaders driving social transformation. Panellists included Pramila Sudhakarbabu Marupuri, Divya Taneja, Sweety Pathak of Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), and Yogendra Ghorpade from Towards, Advocacy, Networking and Development Action (TANDA). Discussions addressed issues such as gaps in the criminal justice system affecting vulnerable women, domestic violence, trafficking, and the lack of livelihood opportunities for women in prisons. The panel also highlighted the historical marginalisation of De-notified Tribes, calling for better recognition, stronger legal protections, and improved access to health, education, and identity documentation. Speakers also discussed support systems for survivors of violence, including special police cells and One Stop Centres, and emphasised community-based approaches to improving maternal and child health in urban slums. Call for participatory policymaking The concluding session was facilitated by Shewli Kumar and Sohini Sengupta, who emphasised that policymaking must recognise social diversity and local realities. They argued that effective policies should emerge through bottom-up, participatory processes, incorporating voices from communities rather than relying solely on top-down approaches. Speakers also highlighted the need for stronger infrastructure, especially in areas such as maternal health, and greater engagement between policymakers and the public. The discussions concluded with a consensus that inclusive, participatory, and context-sensitive policies are essential to achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

16 March,2026 08:39 PM IST | Mum | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses the media at Mantralaya on Monday. PIC/X

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill aims to curb fraudulent conversions: CM

Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, stated that the proposed Freedom of Religion Bill is not against any particular religion but aims to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions and ensure social harmony. The Maharashtra government on Friday introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill (Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam), 2026, aimed at strengthening provisions against forced or fraudulent religious conversions. The Bill, tabled last week in the Assembly, was taken up for discussion on Monday. “The Bill is not against any one particular religion. It applies to all. It is for protecting people from forceful conversion and not to prevent anyone from practising the religion of their choice, if it is done willingly,” Fadnavis added. Appealing to members of the state legislature to approve the Bill aimed at strengthening law and order and prohibiting forceful conversions, the CM stated that Maharashtra is not the first state to bring such a law. He said around 13 states in India have introduced similar laws, of which 12 have already implemented them. “Tamil Nadu had passed such a law earlier, but it was not implemented,” Fadnavis mentioned. The CM, while describing the intention and content of the proposed Bill, maintained that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but that freedom does not include conversion through force, fraud, misrepresentation, or inducement. “The Supreme Court has also recognised the power of states to regulate such conversions,” Fadnavis added. What does the draft say Illegal conversions through allurement, deception, pressure, or involving minors will be treated as offences under the proposed law. If a marriage is carried out for illegal conversion, the court can declare it null and void. However, children born from such marriages will have the right to property and maintenance from their parents. “For children born from such marriages will be given the religion of their mother,” Fadnavis added. Who can file a complaint The victim, their mother, father, brother, sister, or any blood relative can file a complaint in such cases. Even if no complaint is filed, the police can take suo motu action if they find that an illegal conversion has taken place. Punishment Under the proposed law, a person found guilty of illegal conversion can face up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. In cases involving Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, the punishment can be up to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. If the offence is committed by a group, the punishment can be up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. More punishment for a repeat offender A repeat offender can face up to 10 years of imprisonment. Action against organisations If any organisation is found involved in illegal conversions, the government will have the authority to take action against that organisation.

16 March,2026 07:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Chhagan Bhujbal appealed to citizens to refrain from encouraging black marketing of LPG cylinders. Representational pic/PTI

Maharashtra LPG crackdown: 1,208 cylinders seized across state, says Bhujbal

Following the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crisis triggered by the Iran–United States (US) war, Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday informed the legislative council that authorities have seized 1,208 cylinders during a crackdown on illegal activities across the state. According to statistics shared by the minister, 23 cases have been registered, and goods worth Rs 33.66 lakh have been confiscated. The police have also arrested 18 people in connection with the cases so far. Bhujbal was replying to queries raised by members of the Maharashtra Legislative Council over people standing in long queues for hours, allegations of black marketing of cylinders, and reports of several hotels, citizens, and educational institutions facing shortages or being forced to shut their eateries due to the non-availability of gas cylinders. Maharashtra LPG Shortage: Committees formed to probe irregularities, says minister The minister further stated that the issue is related to the Government of India and that the Centre has already clarified that adequate stocks are available. He appealed to citizens not to panic, avoid standing in long queues and refrain from encouraging black marketing. The minister also informed the House that district collectors and superintendents of police have been asked to form committees and conduct inquiries into complaints of irregularities in gas distribution.

16 March,2026 06:48 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Central Railway TTI Mohammed Shams

CR TTI becomes Mumbai Division’s first ‘crorepati’ in ticket-checking earnings

A Travelling Ticket Inspector (TTI) of Central Railway has crossed the Rs 1 crore mark in ticket-checking earnings for the financial year 2025-26, becoming the first official in the Mumbai Division to achieve the milestone. Mohammed Shams Chand, a TTI from the Open Detail Batch in the Mumbai Division, recorded ticket-checking earnings of Rs 1,00,38,505 after detecting 11,483 cases between April 1, 2025 and March 15, 2026, Central Railway said on Sunday. Railway officials said his performance has helped curb ticketless travel and prevented significant revenue loss to the national transporter. The achievement has also set a benchmark within the ticket-checking fraternity. Meanwhile, Central Railway has urged passengers to travel only with valid tickets purchased through authorised vendors, station booking counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), or the official website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Passengers can also book tickets using the Rail One mobile application. Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards ticketless travel, the railway administration said it remains committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and dignified journey for passengers. Central Railway cracks down on ticketless travel Central Railway has intensified its drive against ticketless and unauthorised travel, recovering more than Rs 227 crore in penalties from nearly 38 lakh offenders during the financial year 2025–26 (April 2025 to February 2026), according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. Railway officials said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable travel experience for passengers while discouraging violations across its network. During the period from April 2025 to February 2026, Central Railway’s ticket checking teams apprehended 37.99 lakh passengers travelling without valid tickets or with improper travel authority. This represents an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to the 34.60 lakh passengers caught during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. In terms of penalties, the railway recovered a record Rs 227.03 crore, compared to Rs 185.62 crore during the same period last year, marking a rise of more than 22 per cent. February 2026 also records sharp rise in penalties Central Railway said the enforcement drives also saw significant results in February 2026, when 3.65 lakh passengers were caught travelling without valid tickets. The figure is higher than the 3.32 lakh offenders detected in February 2025, indicating an increase of nearly 10 per cent. During the month, ticket checking teams collected Rs 23.27 crore in penalties, up from Rs 18 crore in February last year, reflecting a rise of nearly 30 per cent.

16 March,2026 06:22 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal defended the actions of CIDCO. Representational Pic/File

BJP MLAs allege mismanagement by CIDCO over water supply in Navi Mumbai

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday alleged serious mismanagement and lack of transparency by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in handling water supply projects in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas, reported the PTI. The issue was raised during a debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, where legislators highlighted the impact of water shortages on thousands of residents. BJP MLA Prashant Thakur said many residential societies in Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Uran were facing chronic water shortages. He alleged that CIDCO’s figures on incremental water supply were misleading and claimed that residents were forced to rely heavily on private water tankers, spending crores of rupees annually, according to the PTI. Thakur also pointed to alleged inconsistencies in official data related to reservoir capacities and pipeline infrastructure, and called for the creation of a state-level authority to coordinate water distribution among CIDCO, municipal corporations and local panchayats. More allegations over project delays Another BJP MLA, Mahesh Baldi, supported the claims and said delays in automation projects and poor reservoir management were worsening the water crisis, the news agency reported. He urged the government to ensure that planned supply schemes are implemented without further delay. Govt responds to allegations Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal defended the actions of CIDCO. She said several short-term measures were being implemented, including the use of surplus water from reservoirs in Navi Mumbai and the diversion of allocations from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) pipeline, as per the PTI. Long-term projects underway According to the PTI, Misal said that the long-term projects, including the Savase-Vang water supply scheme, were currently being implemented to address the issue. She also informed the House that a tender has been issued for the full automation of the water supply system, with the project expected to be completed by December 2026, the news agency reported. The minister further said that a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would be held before the end of the current session to resolve water management issues in the region. (with PTI inputs)

16 March,2026 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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