Mumbai city and its suburbs are likely to witness mainly clear skies through the day. Warm weather conditions are expected to prevail, with the maximum temperature likely to reach around 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 21 degrees Celsius. According to the latest forecast issued at 9 am, mainly clear sky conditions are expected across the city and suburbs. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 113 on Monday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. According to the Centre’s SAMEER app, pollution levels varied across different parts of the city on Monday. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 136, Andheri East 129 and Deonar 137 all reflecting relatively higher pollution levels within the moderate range. Meanwhile, Colaba reported an AQI of 85, Chembur 94 and Worli 97, indicating steady air quality conditions. In contrast, Borivali East recorded a comparatively better AQI of 61, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. Overall, while most monitoring stations remained in the ‘moderate’ bracket, the variation across locations highlighted fluctuating air quality levels in different pockets of the city. Delhi's air quality remains 'poor', AQI at 214 The air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the 'poor' category on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 214 around 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked a marginal improvement from Sunday, when the AQI stood at 221 at the same time. In contrast, some central areas of the city showed relatively better air quality. The AQI in the area around India Gate and Kartavya Path was 156, and around AIIMS it was 148, both classified as 'moderate', as per CPCB data.As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'. On Sunday, areas such as Mundka recorded (275), Anand Vihar (265), Bawana (241), Rohini (250), Dwarka (221), ITO (213), Ashok Vihar (243), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (265), Vivek Vihar (252), and Chandni Chowk (228).
16 February,2026 10:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWork on 35 LED advertisement hoardings at Carter Road Promenade has been halted after resident protests, but locals now allege that hoarding material has been dumped along the rocky shoreline beside the promenade. “The contractor has dumped the hoardings on the rocks and left,” said a resident who joined the protest. Residents gather at Carter Road promenade to protest the proposed LED hoardings and demand the project be scrapped What triggered the row >> Plan to install 35 LED hoardings on the Carter Road promenade>> Work paused after local opposition>> Residents say unused hoarding material now lies on seafront rocks Protest on the promenade >> 40+ residents gathered Saturday evening>> Demand: Withdraw hoarding permission>> Online petition launched>> 1400 signatures collected so far What Bandra residents want 1. Withdraw permission for the waterfront hoardings2. No commercial construction on promenade3. Preserve it as a public open space4. Remove dumped construction material Resident Speak “There was a lot of anger and disappointment among residents,” said Renuka Tahiliani, the founder member of the promenade. “We want to know who benefits from this advertising revenue, because it is not the community that uses this space.” 1400No of signatures collected so far for the online petition
16 February,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSA day after the Mulund Metro construction accident, two of the injured victims remain in the ICU at Upasani Hospital but are stable, police said. One victim, sitting in the rickshaw, died on the spot when a concrete slab from the under-construction Metro Line Green fell onto vehicles below. People gather near damaged vehicle. Pic/PTI Sarpanch’s kin demands justice A relative of the deceased, said, “He had come from Uttar Pradesh on family business and was travelling for this purpose when the slab collapsed on him. We want compensation because this tragedy happened due to negligence.” The concrete slab that crushed an auto and Skoda car from the under-construction Metro line in Mulund Victims >> RamdhaniYadav, 49 — died on the spot>> Rajkumar Indrajit Yadav, 45 — ICU>> Mahendra Pratap Yadav, 52 — ICU>> Deepa Rahul Ruia, 42 — discharged Feb 14 Official response mid-day contacted MMRDA on additional safety measures, but no response was received by press time. Fear on the roads Auto drivers in the area say the incident has shaken their confidence. “If such negligence can happen, how do we drive without fear?” said a local auto driver who knew the victim. Feb 14Day the incident occurred
16 February,2026 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturDespite the passage of the winter months, when Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is typically at its worst, there has been little improvement in terms of air purity in the first half of February, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The average AQI in February is 121, in the moderate category, while that of January and December was 107 and 117, respectively. Throughout February, Mumbai reported only one day with an AQI at 99 (satisfactory), on February 10. In comparison, the first 15 days of January had recorded satisfactory days, and a total of eight such days throughout the month. In December 2025, Mumbai had reported two satisfactory days. Throughout February, PM10 has remained the main pollutant, indicating that dust from construction sites and vehicular combustion are chiefly responsible for the worsening air quality, according to experts. What is PM10? This refers to inhalable particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres (a fifth the size of a human hair), including dust and combustion particles. Common sources of PM10 include construction sites and unpaved roads.
16 February,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSA row is brewing over the membership policy of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) Kharghar Valley Golf Course (KVGC), with residents alleging a lack of transparency and questioning the basis on which memberships have been granted to select government officials. What was envisioned as a public recreational facility for Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Kharghar is now under public scrutiny for appearing exclusive and inaccessible to ordinary citizens. RTI disclosures indicating that several bureaucrats, senior police officers and top executives of government-owned companies have been allotted memberships have further intensified calls for clarity, accountability, and transparency. Kharghar residents say restricting membership threatens the long-term sustainability of the golf club, as broader public participation is needed for financial stability and to align the club with its intended purpose. Concerns have also been raised about governance. When management and membership are concentrated in a small group, transparency in operations, maintenance, and finances comes into question. What RTI reply reveals A board resolution was passed on September 25, 2025, which was approved with a modified fee structure for KVGC (copy given under RTI) KVGC green fees - 18 holes For walk-in members:Weekday charges Rs 2500Weekend charges Rs 3500For pre-booked membersWeekday charges Rs 2000Weekend charges Rs 3000For Indian Golf Union membersWeekday charges Rs 1500 Weekend charges Rs 2500 KVGC green fees - 9 holes For walk-in members:Weekday charges Rs 1500Weekend charges Rs 1800For pre-booked members:Weekday charges Rs 1200Weekend charges Rs 1500For Indian Golf Union members:Weekday charges Rs 1000Weekend charges Rs 1250 Common concerns Dr Sanjay Barnwal, professor and Kharghar resident‘I applied for membership but was told I was not a government servant, while IAS, IPS/IFS officers, CIDCO employees, and retired government officials were given memberships, often at subsidised rates. Common citizens are ignored. The elite monopolise facilities, and lobbying prevents fair access’ Mangal Kamble, founder-chairperson, Swachh Kharghar Foundation‘If memberships are not opened fairly, it raises serious questions about sustainability. Citizens deserve clarity, and I am even considering approaching the Lokayukta to seek transparency’ Activist speaks Anuj Mirgal, 22, final-year medical student‘Through my RTI query, filed in December 2025, I learned that preferential treatment is being given to IAS, IPS, IFS officers, CIDCO employees, and other officials. Common people, who pay taxes and fund these resources, are being ignored’ CIDCO’s response Priya Ratambe, PRO, CIDCO‘Currently, anyone can play at the golf course by paying the applicable charges. Basic infrastructure for public use is nearing completion and will be ready in a few months. Public membership has not yet started, but will be launched soon across various categories. The course is already receiving an overwhelming response’
16 February,2026 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonCommuters in Panvel and Ulwe have alleged widespread overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers who refuse to operate by meter and instead demand flat, arbitrary fares. Passengers claim short-distance rides are often denied unless they agree to pre-decided rates. What we found A mid-day ground check found a driver charging Rs 50 for a 900-metre ride from Panvel railway station (West) to Pillai College, nearly double the metered fare of about Rs 26. When questioned, the driver reportedly said, “Yahan meter system nahi chalta”. Similar flat-rate demands were observed at auto stands in Ulwe, where meters were not switched on. Ajit Sharma, a Panvel resident (right) Samarth Solanki, social activist Commuters speak Sunny Pandey, a resident of Ulwe, said, “Drivers decide rates as per their wish and refuse rides if passengers argue”. Ajit Sharma from Panvel alleged that short trips are routinely charged a minimum of Rs 50. Social activist Samarth Solanki said some drivers behave rudely when passengers insist on meter fares. Drivers’ justification The autorickshaw drivers claim that meter use is not followed locally, arguing that short trips are not financially viable due to fuel costs and waiting time. None of them cited any official permissions, despite fare meters being legally mandatory. What traffic police say Navi Mumbai DCP (Traffic) Tirupati Kakde responded to the allegations, outlining enforcement measures and complaint mechanisms. Commuters allege autos are not using meters and charging arbitrary fares.We cannot say that auto drivers are operating without meters entirely. However, those found violating traffic rules or overcharging are regularly penalised. What enforcement steps are being taken?We have been conducting decoy operations for the past two years. Police personnel in civil dress pose as passengers to catch violators. What awareness efforts have been undertaken?Around 4350 meetings have been conducted with auto and taxi unions, commuters, and traffic officials to ensure compliance. What can commuters do if they face overcharging or refusal?Navi Mumbai has 16 traffic units with dedicated contact numbers. Citizens can call Dial 112 or approach the nearest traffic unit for immediate action. Sunny Pandey, an Ulwe resident Ground reality check DistanceUnder 1 km Meter fareRs 26 Fare chargedRs 50
16 February,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghThe Union Cabinet has approved a 131-km Kasara-Manmad rail project that will include India’s second-longest railway tunnel, a 24 km stretch through the ghat section. The project is part of the plan to quadruple the Mumbai-Howrah high-density corridor and separate passenger and freight traffic. Why this project matters >> Connects Mumbai to northern and eastern India>> Removes bottlenecks in steep ghat section>> Eliminates the need for banker engines>> Cuts travel time and improves reliability “This is a complex project involving advanced tunnel engineering and major infrastructure works,” an official said. What changes after completion >> No banker engines needed in the Kasara-Igatpuri stretch>> Faster passenger and freight movement>> Better access to the Nashik region and pilgrimage sites>> Improved connectivity to ports, power plants and logistics hubs“The project will significantly enhance capacity, efficiency and service reliability on this corridor,” a railway spokesperson said. What are banker engines Banker engines are railway locomotives used to provide temporary additional power and traction to assist trains in climbing steep gradients.
16 February,2026 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of the Metro Line 4 corridor (Wadala-Kasarvadavli) following the incident that occurred on February 14. In an order issued from the Bandra-Kurla Complex headquarters and approved by Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal (IAS), the authority constituted a Special Intensive Safety Inspection Team. It will carry out “preventive and corrective measures” aimed at ensuring construction quality, structural stability, and public safety. Officials clarified that the inspection will not interfere with the ongoing inquiry into the incident but is intended for immediate risk mitigation. Teen sawaal In a chat with mid-day, MMRDA Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal spoke about the mishap and steps being taken against those culpable. What exactly happened?According to the preliminary investigation, the incident occurred due to a lack of concrete stitching or a technical problem with the fastening. What action is being taken?Action has been initiated against the contractor of the line, Milan Infra, who has been fined R5 crore. The general consultants monitoring the line, Louis Berger and DB-Hill, have been penalised for a sum of R1 crore. The deceased and the injured have been offered compensation, and their medical expenses will be looked into with the best possible treatment. Will the contractor be prosecuted?Safety is of paramount importance to MMRDA. An inquiry committee led by Project Director Basavraj MB has been set up. Legal action will be initiated against all those found guilty. The team The team will be led by MMRDA Director (Projects) B Bhadragond, with senior engineers and safety officials as members, along with external safety heads from other Metro lines. The inspection, commencing on February 15, will last for at least three consecutive days and may continue longer if necessary. What will it do? The team will submit day-wise inspection notes, a list of unsafe conditions and immediate actions taken, a corridor-wide compliance matrix and a consolidated report recommending corrective and preventive measures and whether work should resume or continue. Scope of audit Inspectors have been asked to examine parapets, edge beams, crash barriers, handrails, structural elements near traffic and public areas, precast segments, reinforcement work, temporary works, shuttering, construction debris, barricading, and traffic management arrangements. Compliance with approved drawings, safety protocols, and construction procedures will also be checked. Site visits All contractors and supervising agencies must provide full access to sites and produce drawings, method statements, quality assurance records, and inspection reports. Any lapse in supervision or execution found during the inspection will be recorded and responsibility fixed as per contractual provisions. Expected action MMRDA has issued strict directions that any unsafe or non-compliant element must be immediately secured, removed or rectified without waiting for the final report. Construction activity at locations identified by the inspection team may be restricted or suspended until written clearance is granted.
16 February,2026 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWard officer’s duties are? I wish to ask, what are the duties of a ward officer? Because they only act if a complaint comes in. Isn’t the ward officer responsible for making the rounds of the ward and inspecting, e.g., the condition of the roads, etc.? - Naveen Singh Traffic lights not working Could you shed light on who — between you police and BMC — decides to erect a traffic signal in our city? Who is responsible for auditing and maintaining these traffic signals? Have you all noticed some traffic signals lack a proper view for motorists? Some do not work. - Suheil Merchant Stray dog problems Thank you so much for giving us a window. We stay near Dahisar West RTO. There are people who come and feed street dogs, because of which their population has increased, and it has become very risky for children, the elderly, the partially disabled, and motorists. I see these dogs chasing two-wheelers, and the riders have to speed away out of fear. - Mitchelle John Illegal parking blocking road at Chembur The Sion Trombay Road from Chembur Naka signal to Diamond Garden signal is totally blocked by illegal tempo stands, dealers of second hand cars parking their vehicles from footpath to roads, outstation buses stop to load luggage, and passengers because of which ambulance, fire vehicles, government vehicles, and public vehicles are stuck in traffic for hours. There have been several complaints made online and in writing to the traffic police but action is taken for a certain period of time and things are back to square one. We need a permanent solution. - Mohd Salim Qureshi Please help us stop destruction of mangroves This is regarding the commencement of mangrove clearing for the Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Project. We are aware that citizens have written to the CM to prevent this from happening. We wish to bring to your attention the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) wherein two globally significant mangrove species in the Charkop-Kandivali-Gorai belt will face total extinction. The destruction of these specific plants is a violation of the Biological Diversity Act. We request urgent attention.- Bhoomi Suriya
16 February,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayFollowing mid-day’s report, fresh questions have surfaced over a temporary mining permit issued in Manpada, Thane, inside the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Forest officials said the Thane Municipal Corporation will seek an explanation from the Collector’s office on how the permission was granted in a prohibited zone. Environmentalists have demanded an inquiry and possible offence registration. What happened >> Temporary mining licence issued on Dec 20, 2025>> Allowed extraction of soil, stone and murum>> Area: 7.38 hectares in Manpada village>> Quantity permitted: 500 brassForest authorities say the site lies within the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone of SGNP. A JCB machine at the Manpada location Why is it controversial >> Mining is prohibited under the 2016 ESZ notification>> Forest land in Survey No. 59/A/1/1 falls inside the zone>> SGNP officials objected within three days of approval Dry vegetation being burnt at the Manpada site, where environmentalists allege preparatory work had begun despite objections over the mining permission What sources say A forest department source said the Collector’s office has stopped the work and cancelled the permission after receiving objections from SGNP.“The municipal corporation will now seek an explanation on how permission was issued in the Eco-Sensitive Zone,” the source said. Evidence of work Photographs with mid-day allegedly show excavation activity at the site before the halt order. A flattened patch of land at the Manpada site Legal position Under the Dec 5, 2016, Central notification:>> Activities are classified as prohibited, regulated or promoted>> Mining is listed as a prohibited activity in the ESZForest officials say this makes the approval questionable. Environmentalist demands action Rohit Joshi, Environmentalist“A thorough inquiry must establish how the licence was granted. If work took place, an offence should be registered.” Timeline of objections Dec 23, 2025: SGNP Deputy Director writes to the Collector objecting to mining, warning that the approving officer could be held personally responsible.Feb 6, 2026: Deputy Conservator of Forests, Thane, writes seeking immediate cancellation of the licence, citing violation of the 2016 ESZ notification.
16 February,2026 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavNorth Cyber police have arrested two men from Kurla for allegedly cheating a 66-year-old yoga teacher from Kandivali West in a “digital arrest” fraud. The victim was threatened with fake money laundering charges and forced to transfer Rs 10.35 lakh for verification. Police say the mastermind is still absconding. The victim >> Age: 66>> Profession: Yoga teacher>> Location: Kandivali West>> Loss: Rs 10.35 lakh via RTGS How the scam worked >> Call claiming SIM used in crime>> Fake arrest warrant and freeze notices sent>> Victim kept on WhatsApp video calls>> Threats made under “national secrecy” laws>> Money demanded for verification>> Police describe this tactic as a “digital arrest” scam. Investigation >> Mastermind absconding>> Wider network under probe>> More victims suspected Arrested Faraz Zakir Sharif, 28 and Aaman Gulam Khan, 38 Arrested on February 9 from Kurla Money trail >> About Rs 5 lakh routed to a registered import-export firm>> Accounts linked to shell companies The larger racket Police say the accused:>> Rented offices in Malad, Bhiwandi, Taloja and Andheri>> Created fake firms>> Recruited unemployed youths for documents>> Opened bank accounts in company names>> Abandoned offices after use and shifted locationsThe accounts were allegedly supplied to cyber fraud gangs to route stolen funds.
16 February,2026 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
