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Anjali Damania releases call data, names Eknath Shinde in Ashok Kharat row

Social activist Anjali Damania has released details of alleged call records linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, popularly referred to as “Bhondubaba,” triggering fresh political debate in Maharashtra. According to Damania, the Call Detail Records (CDR) indicate multiple interactions between Kharat and several political figures, even as most leaders have denied any association with him. The revelations come amid an ongoing probe into Kharat’s alleged network, which investigators believe may be extensive. Damania shared the details through a video posted on social media, stating that while such information often reaches investigative agencies, it is equally important for the public to be informed. Frequent Calls With Political Figures Among those named, Rupali Chakankar reportedly had the highest number of recorded interactions with Kharat. Damania claimed that Chakankar made a total of 177 calls, with conversations lasting over 33,000 seconds in total. Additionally, Chakankar’s sister, Pratibha Takad, is said to have made 236 calls to Kharat, indicating frequent contact within the same network. The data also mentions 17 calls linked to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to Damania, the longest of these conversations lasted approximately 21 minutes. Of the total, 10 calls were reportedly incoming, while seven were outgoing. Damania has called on Shinde to clarify the context of these interactions, stating that transparency is necessary given the nature of the ongoing investigation. Other Leaders Named in Call Records The CDR data also includes references to senior leaders such as Chandrakant Patil and Sunil Tatkare, both of whom allegedly had eight calls each with Kharat. However, Damania clarified that the records pertain only to standard phone calls, and no data related to WhatsApp or other messaging platforms is currently available. Family Contacts and Public Disclosure Damania noted that the highest volume of contact in the records was with individuals identified as family members or close associates, followed by interactions with Chakankar. She reiterated that while such data is routinely accessed by institutions, placing it in the public domain is essential for accountability. “People should know who was in touch with whom and how frequently,” she said. Court Sends Kharat to Police Custody in Second Rape Case In a significant legal development, a court in Nashik district has remanded Ashok Kharat to seven-day police custody in connection with a second rape case. The self-styled godman, a former merchant navy officer, was already lodged in Nashik Road Central Jail under 14-day judicial custody in a separate rape case. He was taken into SIT custody from the jail following the latest arrest. The case stems from allegations by a 35-year-old woman, who accused Kharat of sexually exploiting her multiple times since 2020 under the pretext of religious rituals. The complaint was registered at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik district on March 17.

03 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
Prakash Ambedkar. Pic/X

Prakash Ambedkar flags voting irregularities in Maharashtra polls

The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) on Friday reiterated its concerns over alleged irregularities in recent state assembly elections, drawing parallels between voting patterns in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.  Addressing a press conference in Pune, party president Prakash Ambedkar cited data presented by economist Parakala Prabhakar to question the transparency of the electoral process. Late-Night Voting Figures Raise Questions Ambedkar referred to Prabhakar’s analysis of official notifications issued by the Election Commission of India, claiming that a significant portion of votes in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections were recorded well after standard polling hours. According to the figures cited, approximately 4.16 per cent of total votes were cast between 11:45 pm and 2 am, with nearly 52 lakh votes recorded between 8 pm and 2 am. Of these, over 17 lakh votes were reportedly cast after midnight alone. Ambedkar argued that such patterns were “unusual” and comparable to trends observed in Maharashtra during the 2024 Assembly elections. Maharashtra Turnout Spike Under Scrutiny The VBA leader pointed to what he described as a sharp increase in voter turnout in Maharashtra after the official close of polling. He noted that turnout stood at 58.22 per cent at 5 pm on polling day, but rose to 66.05 per cent in the final figures released later—an increase of 7.83 percentage points. Citing Election Commission data, Ambedkar said that between 5 pm and 11:30 pm on November 20, 2024, the total number of votes polled increased by nearly 66 lakh. He further claimed that an additional rise of close to 10 lakh votes was recorded just hours before counting began. In total, he alleged that over 75 lakh votes were added between the evening of polling day and the night before counting. Concerns Over Transparency and Data Disclosure Ambedkar also raised concerns about the non-availability of booth-level data, particularly Form 17C, which details votes polled at individual polling stations. He alleged that such data was not made publicly accessible in the Maharashtra elections, limiting independent verification. He argued that similarities in voting patterns and data gaps across states point to deeper issues in the electoral process, including questions about transparency and accountability. Call for Legal Intervention The VBA has already initiated legal proceedings over the matter. Party member Chetan Chandrakant Ahire has filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court, naming the Union government and the Election Commission among respondents. Ambedkar said he had also written to Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, urging the Congress to join what he described as a legal challenge to the election results. The correspondence, sent on two occasions in 2025, invited the party to intervene in the case pending before the Supreme Court of India. ‘Legal Fight Needed, Not Just Protests’ While opposition parties have staged protests over alleged irregularities, Ambedkar stressed that legal action is essential to address such concerns. He argued that courtroom scrutiny, rather than street mobilisation alone, would be more effective in examining discrepancies and ensuring electoral integrity. The VBA has maintained that early legal intervention could have prevented similar concerns from arising in subsequent elections. The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to the specific claims raised during the press conference.

03 April,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
The block will take place during the intervening night of April 4 and 5. Representational Pic/File

WR to operate jumbo block at Bandra and between Mumbai Central-Mahim on April 4

Western Railway (WR), while sharing Mumbai local train updates, announced a major traffic and maintenance block between key sections in Mumbai on April 4 and 5, 2026. An official statement said that a major block will be undertaken on the fifth line between Bandra Terminus and Bandra from 10 am on April 4 to 10 pm on April 5. The work is being carried out to augment Culvert No. 22. During this period, Level Crossing No. 18 between the two stations will remain closed for road traffic. Jumbo block between Mumbai Central and Mahim In addition, a jumbo block will be conducted between Mumbai Central and Mahim, the statement said. It said, this block will take place during the intervening night of April 4 and 5, from 12:15 am to 4:15 am. Impact on train operations During the jumbo block, all fast line trains will be diverted to slow lines between Santacruz and Churchgate. The maintenance work will include track, signalling and overhead equipment upgrades. Advisory for commuters Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as changes in train operations and temporary disruptions are expected during the block period. WR witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend Meanwhile, Mumbai’s suburban railway network on the Western Railway is witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend: daily ridership remains below pre-Covid levels, yet revenue has not only recovered but surpassed earlier figures, largely driven by AC local trains. WR operates as many as 133 AC local trains on its suburban section. According to the latest data, WR’s general suburban services carried an average of 34.87 lakh passengers daily before Covid, generating about Rs 2.12 crore in daily revenue. In contrast, current figures show 29.52 lakh daily passengers, but higher earnings of Rs 2.39 crore per day. WR Mumbai Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Singh attributed the increase in earnings to a change in passenger mix, with more commuters opting for AC EMUs. 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals “In March 2026 alone, about 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals. There has been a noticeable rise in commuters opting for first-class and AC local services, which yield higher fares,” he said. Additionally, stricter enforcement against ticketless travel has improved compliance and contributed to higher collections. Another factor is changing post-pandemic travel behaviour. With hybrid work models still in place, the number of daily office commuters, once the backbone of suburban traffic, has not fully rebounded. At the same time, occasional and non-regular travellers are more likely to purchase single tickets instead of heavily subsidised monthly passes, improving per-passenger revenue.

03 April,2026 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Parth Pawar (left). NCP President Sunetra Pawar. File Pic

Sunetra Pawar, son Parth meet Praful Patel amid NCP control speculations

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, accompanied by her elder son Parth, met senior party leader Praful Patel at his residence in New Delhi, a party spokesperson said on Friday, reported PTI. The meeting took place on Thursday night amid the speculations of controlling the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after the death of former party chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, the spokesperson added. Parth Pawar denounces speculation The meeting assumes significance as Parth Pawar on Thursday described reports targeting Praful Patel, NCP's working president, and Sunil Tatkare, the party’s Maharashtra unit chief, as "unfounded and speculative," the PTI reported.  The reports had suggested that they tried to take over the party following the death of then Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28.  Parth's statement came amid speculation that Sunetra Pawar was upset with Patel and Tatkare. MLA Rohit Pawar highlights ECI letter NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar had claimed last week that Sunetra Pawar wrote to the Election Commission of India on March 10, informing the poll body about her appointment as party president and stating that any earlier communications received from the party after her husband Ajit Pawar's death should be ignored. Clarifications on party control dispute According to political sources, Sunetra Pawar was not convinced by the clarification provided by Patel and Tatkare regarding the letter sent to the ECI before she assumed charge as party chief. Patel and Tatkare had written to the ECI on February 16, stating that the party constitution had been amended and all powers were given to working president Praful Patel, Rohit Pawar alleged, claiming they were attempting to seize control of the party. Official confirmation of the meeting NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe confirmed that Sunetra Pawar, Parth, and Patel met on Thursday night at Patel’s residence in the national capital. Next generation steps into politics While Parth has recently been elected as a Rajya Sabha member, the NCP has inducted his younger brother Jay Pawar into the party's apex committee, marking his formal entry into politics. Sunetra Pawar’s recent appointments Sunetra Pawar, who took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra on January 31, was unanimously elected as party president on February 26. (With PTI inputs)

03 April,2026 03:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said the state should create its own egg brand. File Pic

Maharashtra plans ‘Aarey-style’ egg brand support poultry, cut imports

The Maharashtra government is reportedly planning Aarey-style’ egg brand support poultry farmers and cut dependency on imports. The state plans to develop a state-specific egg brand and expand poultry farming through subsidies in a bid to reduce dependence on imports, officials said, reported the PTI. The state’s animal husbandry department is working on measures to increase egg production and strengthen the supply chain. Currently, Maharashtra imports around 1.5 crore eggs daily from southern states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to meet its demand of nearly 3 crore eggs per day. Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said the state should create its own egg brand, similar to well-known milk brands like Aarey and Mahanand, according to the PTI. She noted that such branding would help ensure quality standards while providing a stable market for poultry farmers. Rising demand driven by urban centres Officials said demand for eggs and poultry products is largely driven by urban areas. Increasing local production is expected to enhance income opportunities for rural farmers and poultry entrepreneurs, as per the PTI. Strong existing poultry base According to the animal husbandry department, Maharashtra currently has more than 7.42 crore poultry birds, with around 14.26 lakh families engaged in the sector, the news agency reported. Regions such as Nandurbar, Dhule, Nashik, Amravati and Sangli have higher participation in poultry farming. Subsidy schemes to encourage growth According to the PTI, under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Pashudhan Udyojakata Yojana, financial assistance is being provided at two levels - Small Units (up to 500 birds): - The state plans a subsidy of up to Rs 1.66 lakh (50 per cent of project cost), with 75 per cent support for SC/ST beneficiaries Large Units (5,000 birds): - The project cost was likely to be fixed at Rs 30 lakh, with subsidy of Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 22.5 lakh for SC/ST beneficiaries Aim to strengthen rural economy The Maharashtra government's initiative aims to promote rural entrepreneurship by linking agriculture with allied sectors, while also reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a steady supply of eggs within the state, officials said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)

03 April,2026 02:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image

Thane MACT awards Rs 44 lakh to kin of man killed by crane

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has granted a compensation of Rs 44.13 lakh to the family of a 46-year-old man who died after a JCB crane crashed into a motorcycle in 2020, reported news agency PTI. Owner, insurer held jointly liable for payout Tribunal member R V Mohite directed the crane owner and the insurer New India Assurance Co. Ltd. to jointly and severally pay the compensation with 9 per cent interest per annum from the date of the petition, reported PTI. A copy of the order passed on March 24 was made available on Friday. Speeding crane hit pedestrian, then motorcycle The accident occurred on February 5, 2020, when the victim, Prabhakar Bajrangi Sharma, was riding pillion on a motorcycle and a speeding JCB crane first dashed into a pedestrian and then hit the two-wheeler and ran over him, reported PTI. Sharma, who was employed as an assistant manager in an automobile firm, sustained serious injuries and died during treatment at a hospital in Navi Mumbai, reported PTI. Tribunal rejects negligence claim against victim The vehicle owner and the insurance company contended before the tribunal that the motorcyclist had been negligent. However, it rejected these claims, citing a lack of evidence. "The evidence on record shows that the operator of the offending vehicle (crane) was driving it in a rash and negligent manner," the tribunal stated, observing that there was nothing on record to show any contributory act on the part of the deceased, reported PTI. Licence argument dismissed; Rs 44.13 lakh awarded The insurance company sought to avoid liability by claiming the crane operator did not have a valid licence for the vehicle. The tribunal dismissed this technicality, noting that the unladen weight of the JCB was 7,460 kg, falling under the Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) category, reported PTI. The tribunal awarded Rs 44.13 lakh compensation to the deceased man's wife and three sons. (With inputs from PTI)

03 April,2026 02:03 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Thane Municipal Corporation

Thane: TMC cleanliness drive in Diva clears 14 tonnes of waste

A large-scale cleanliness drive carried out in Diva by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) witnessed strong participation from residents, civic officials and social workers, as the civic body intensifies efforts to improve sanitation across its jurisdiction. The campaign, conducted in Ward No. 33 under the Diva Ward Committee, is part of a broader initiative being rolled out across all ward committee areas. The drive follows a civic push to extend cleanliness efforts beyond Thane city to surrounding areas such as Diva, Mumbra and Kalwa. Weekly Drives Across All 33 Wards Civic officials said the initiative is being implemented on a weekly basis across all 33 wards under TMC limits. The decision to expand the scope of sanitation activities aims to ensure uniform cleanliness standards across rapidly growing suburban pockets that have historically faced infrastructure gaps. The directive to widen the reach of such drives was issued earlier, with a focus on improving waste management systems and addressing localised sanitation concerns. Officials noted that areas outside the Thane city core, including Diva and Mumbra, are now being prioritised under this plan. Focus on Key Diva Stretches On Friday, the drive covered several key locations in Ward No. 33, including the stretch from Y Junction to Kausa Lake, along with Charni Pada Road and adjoining areas. The campaign began with a cleanliness pledge, with participants committing to maintaining hygiene in their neighbourhoods. The operation involved coordinated action by multiple civic departments, highlighting an integrated approach to sanitation rather than isolated clean-up efforts. 14 Tonnes of Waste Cleared According to TMC officials, around 150 sanitation workers were deployed for the exercise. The civic body also pressed into service mechanised equipment, including jetting machines, a JCB, dumpers and multiple garbage collection vehicles. By the end of the drive, approximately 14 tonnes of waste and debris had been cleared from the targeted areas. Roads were washed thoroughly using water jets, and unauthorised posters pasted across public spaces were removed as part of the clean-up. Multi-Department Participation Officials from several departments — including solid waste management, garden, encroachment, filaria control and construction — participated in the operation. Civic authorities said such coordination is essential for addressing sanitation challenges holistically, especially in densely populated localities. Senior officials, including health and sanitation officers, were present on the ground to supervise the exercise. Citizen Participation Key to Success Apart from municipal staff, local residents and social workers participated actively in the drive. Civic officials said public involvement remains crucial for sustaining cleanliness efforts beyond periodic campaigns. While the initiative has drawn a positive response, officials indicated that continued engagement and regular monitoring will be necessary to ensure lasting improvements in sanitation across the Thane Municipal Corporation area.

03 April,2026 01:49 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/BMC

Mumbai: BMC starts trenchless upgrade of drains to boost flood control

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a major infrastructure upgrade to strengthen over a century-old network of underground arch stormwater drains in the island city, using geopolymer lining through trenchless technology. The civic body said the intervention aims to significantly improve the structural integrity of British-era drains while enhancing their capacity to discharge rainwater more efficiently during heavy downpours. Officials estimate that the upgrade could extend the lifespan of these drains by at least 50 years. Focus on ageing and vulnerable infrastructure Mumbai’s stormwater drainage system—much of which dates back over 100 years—has been under increasing strain due to rapid urbanisation and more frequent extreme rainfall events. The city’s geography, bounded by the Arabian Sea and influenced by tidal conditions, further complicates drainage, especially during high tide. According to civic data, the island city alone has a 495-km-long stormwater drain network, while the eastern and western suburbs account for an additional 63 km each. In total, Mumbai’s arch and closed drain network spans 621 km. Routine maintenance such as desilting is carried out annually. However, recent CCTV inspections conducted by the BMC’s operations and maintenance teams revealed widespread structural deterioration in several sections of the underground drains. These include cracks in masonry, displaced bricks, damaged joints, partial roof collapses and other defects that could compromise drainage efficiency during intense rainfall. CCTV surveys flag urgent repairs Based on these findings, 56 arch drains measuring a combined 23.5 km were identified as being in poor condition. Of these, 27 drains covering 14.28 km have been prioritised for urgent rehabilitation under Phase 1 of the project. Currently, lining work is underway across stretches totalling around 14 km. Senior civic officials, including Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam and Chief Engineer (Storm Water Drains) Kalpana Raut, recently inspected ongoing work near the Shantiniketan outfall close to the Shamal Das Gandhi Marg flyover. Trenchless technology to minimise disruption The BMC has opted for geopolymer lining using trenchless technology—a method that allows repairs to be carried out without large-scale excavation. This is expected to reduce disruptions to traffic and daily life in densely populated parts of south Mumbai. The technology was selected following consultations with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, and subsequent recommendations by a Technical Advisory Committee in November 2022. While widely used in countries such as the United States, this marks the first large-scale application of geopolymer trenchless lining for stormwater drains in India. Addressing flood risks amid extreme rainfall In recent years, Mumbai has witnessed episodes of intense rainfall, with nearly 1,000 mm recorded within a few days in some instances, leading to widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas. Civic officials said the upgraded lining will not only reinforce the structural stability of the drains but also improve internal flow characteristics, enabling faster discharge of stormwater. Sustainable and long-term solution Apart from durability, the BMC has highlighted the environmental benefits of geopolymer materials, which are considered more sustainable compared to conventional options. With Phase 1 focusing on the most vulnerable sections, the project is expected to serve as a model for future upgrades across the city’s ageing drainage network, as Mumbai continues efforts to strengthen its flood mitigation infrastructure ahead of increasingly erratic monsoon patterns.

03 April,2026 01:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/BMC

Mumbai: BMC orders urgent action on contaminated water complaints

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed its water engineering officials to prioritise and immediately address complaints of contaminated water supply, amid rising concerns reported from several parts of the city. The directive was issued by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar during a review meeting held at the civic headquarters on Thursday. Officials were instructed to treat such complaints with urgency and ensure time-bound resolution, while also strengthening on-ground monitoring systems. Focus on Complaints Amid Rising Concerns While the BMC has long maintained that it supplies potable water across Mumbai and has received recognition for its services, officials acknowledged that recent complaints related to water quality, low pressure, and irregular supply have surfaced in certain localities. Bangar directed that all grievances be taken seriously, with a clear emphasis on prioritising cases involving contaminated water due to potential public health risks. Civic officials have been asked to ensure swift redressal and maintain transparency in addressing citizen complaints. Leak Detection and Field Inspections In response to reports of leakages in pipelines, the administration has ordered the immediate deployment of dedicated teams to identify and fix faults in the water distribution network. Officials have also been instructed to conduct on-site inspections in areas reporting low pressure or inadequate supply. Corrective measures are to be implemented without delay where issues are verified. Suggested interventions include revising water distribution patterns, improving zoning mechanisms, repairing leakages, and, where necessary, introducing structural changes or additional water boosting systems. Zero Tolerance for Contamination The civic body has adopted a strict stance on contaminated water complaints. During the meeting, Bangar emphasised that any delay in addressing such issues could have serious consequences, particularly in densely populated areas. Officials have been directed to immediately trace the source of contamination and initiate round-the-clock corrective work. Zone-wise special teams are to be formed for rapid response, with provisions to deploy additional manpower wherever required. Coordination Across Departments The BMC has stressed the need for seamless coordination among various divisions of the Water Engineering Department, including supply, planning, construction, and maintenance units. Engineers have been instructed to improve communication across subdivisions to avoid delays in project execution. Senior officials will extend support in cases where projects face hurdles; however, the administration has warned that negligence will invite accountability and disciplinary action. Infrastructure Work Impact Under Review The civic body also flagged concerns over ongoing road and infrastructure projects potentially affecting underground water pipelines. Officials have been asked to ensure prompt repairs or installation of new pipelines wherever damage occurs. A ward-wise review of water supply planning is expected to be undertaken soon, with assistant engineers tasked with submitting updates on ongoing works in their respective jurisdictions. Meeting Context The review meeting, attended by senior officials including Deputy Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malavde and Water Engineer Dilip Patil, comes at a time when Mumbai is witnessing increased water demand due to summer conditions, alongside extensive infrastructure works and the approaching monsoon season. Civic authorities indicated that the measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted and safe water supply across the city in the coming months.

03 April,2026 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The officials further said that emergency services were quickly rushed to the scene after receiving the information, Pic/RDMC

Fire breaks out at sweet shop in Thane, no injuries reported

A fire broke out at a sweet shop in Maharashtra's Thane district on Friday morning, civic officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The officials further said that emergency services were quickly rushed to the scene and the situation was brought fully under control. According to Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the incident occurred at the sweet shop, located in Ashar Metro Tower near MRR Children’s Hospital in the Vartak Nagar area of Thane (West). The fire was reported to the disaster management control room at around 9:18 am. Fire origin linked to inverter battery According to the officials, preliminary information suggests that the fire started in an inverter battery placed on a loft area inside the shop. The blaze quickly spread to nearby materials, including electrical wiring, cardboard and a wooden cupboard. Teams from the fire brigade, disaster management unit, local police and electricity department rushed to the spot. Firefighters, supported by rescue vehicles and equipment, worked promptly to bring the situation under control. Property damaged Officials stated that no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire caused damage to the inverter battery, electrical fittings and other items within the shop. The fire was completely extinguished with the joint efforts of the fire brigade and disaster management personnel. Authorities stated that the situation is now stable and under control. Fire breaks out at timber yard Meanwhile, in an another incident, a fire broke out at a timber yard in Diva in the early hours of Thursday, prompting a swift response from local fire brigade personnel. The incident was reported to the Disaster Management Cell of the  at around 4:43 am. According to officials, the blaze occurred at a timber yard owned by Yash Bhagwan Faujdar, located at Chandicha Pada near Phadke Pada Lake on Khardi Road in the Khardi area of Diva.  Firefighters from the Diva Beat Fire Station rushed to the spot with one fire tender and a rescue vehicle to contain the situation. Officials further said that the fire was confined to one side of the timber yard, where a quantity of timber was damaged due to the blaze.  No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident., the officials said.

03 April,2026 12:16 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
The city on Thursday witnessed partly cloudy skies later in the evening and light rains. Representational Pic/File

Mumbai receives brief drizzle; may have been caused by western disturbance: IMD

Parts of Mumbai, particularly the suburbs, on Thursday night experienced light drizzle, according to the weather department officials who said that it may have been caused by western disturbance. Despite the drizzle, none of the city’s observatories recorded measurable rainfall activity, said Sushma Nair of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), reported the PTI. The official indicated that the brief spell of drizzle may have been caused by a western disturbance, a weather system known to influence conditions across parts of India. The city on Thursday witnessed partly cloudy skies later in the evening, with no significant weather activity reported thereafter. The IMD had on Thursday predicted that areas in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and parts of Maharashtra were likely to witness light rains and thunderstorms. Weather alert Meanwhile, The weather department has issued a yellow alert for Thane, Raigad and several parts of Maharashtra including Ratnagiri, Satara, Ghats in Pune, Sangli, Solapur, Parbhani, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv, Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Washim, Wardha and Yavatmal. A yellow alert, warning of thunderstorms, was issued for neighbouring districts including Thane and Raigad. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40/kmph) was very likely at isolated places," a weather bulletin said. An orange alert was also issued for districts in Maharashtra including Dhule, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna and Beed. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, gusty winds (50-60/kmph) and hail at isolated places was very likely," the weather bulletin said. Mumbai weather on April 3 Mumbai is set to experience light rains on Friday, a day after witnessing drizzle in some parts of the city. The IMD has predicted that light showers are expected in parts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra on April 3. Some parts of Maharashtra, including Pune, witnessed heavy unseasonal rains on Thursday. Meanwhile, the weather department stated that city’s overall maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. Thunderstorms and rains likely in parts of Maharashtra Meanwhile, the IMD had last week predicted a fresh spell of cloudy weather and thunderstorms was expected in parts of Maharashtra this week, with light rain likely in several regions. According to the weather department, Maharashtra's ghat regions may also witness thunderstorms, gusty winds, rain and possible hail in some places. Other parts of Vidarbha may also see changes in weather conditions. (with PTI inputs)

03 April,2026 10:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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