The city is expected to witness a partly cloudy sky across both the city and suburbs, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Daytime temperatures are likely to reach around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may hover near 22 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s air quality continues to remain favourable, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 49, placing it in the ‘good’ category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer App. AQI across Mumbai stays largely satisfactory Air quality across most parts of the city ranged between ‘good’ and ‘satisfactory’: Bandra Kurla Complex – 87Borivali East – 53Andheri East – 68Chembur – 45Colaba – 60Ghatkopar – 67Bhandup West – 42Kurla – 61Malad West – 39Mulund West – 25Powai – 34Sewri – 32Worli – 46Sion – 33Vile Parle – 49 Surrounding regions report similar trends Neighbouring areas also recorded moderate to good air quality levels, with Thane at 72, Navi Mumbai at 67, and Kalyan at 56. Overall, the city continues to enjoy relatively clean air and stable weather conditions, offering relief to residents amid fluctuating seasonal patterns. Maharashtra weather update: State records mild temperatures; Konkan remains warm and humid Across Maharashtra, most regions recorded below-normal maximum temperatures, indicating a cooling effect likely due to recent weather activity. Coastal areas remained humid, while interior regions experienced relatively drier and more comfortable conditions. Mumbai and Coastal Konkan Mumbai recorded moderate temperatures with Colaba at 32.5 degrees Celsius and Santacruz at 31.3 degrees Celsius, both slightly below normal. Minimum temperatures remained around 23.6 degrees Celsius, indicating warm and humid conditions. Coastal stations like Alibag (32.6 degrees Celsius), Dahanu (31.8 degrees Celsius), Harnai (31.0 degrees Celsius), and Ratnagiri (31.7 degrees Celsius) also reported near-normal temperatures with relatively high humidity levels, reflecting typical coastal weather patterns. North Maharashtra In North Maharashtra, Nashik (31.6 degrees Celsius) and Jalgaon (35.5 degrees Celsius) recorded below-normal daytime temperatures, with departures as low as minus 4.7 degrees Celsius in Jalgaon. Minimum temperatures ranged between 18 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius, while humidity remained moderately high, particularly in Nashik at 83 per cent, indicating relatively comfortable but slightly cooler-than-usual conditions. Marathwada The Marathwada region experienced warm days but below-normal temperatures overall. Aurangabad (34.7 degrees Celsius), Beed (36.0 degrees Celsius), Osmanabad (37.1 degrees Celsius), and Parbhani (36.1 degrees Celsius) all recorded temperatures lower than seasonal averages. Night temperatures hovered around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius, with moderate humidity levels, suggesting stable but slightly cooler weather across the region. Western Maharashtra Western Maharashtra saw mild to warm conditions. Kolhapur (32.5 degrees Celsius), Sangli (34.6 degrees Celsius), Satara (33.8 degrees Celsius), and Sholapur (36.4 degrees Celsius) all recorded below-normal maximum temperatures. Meanwhile, Mahabaleshwar remained the coolest at 27.1 degrees Celsius, with a low minimum of 16 degrees Celsius, reflecting its hill station climate. Humidity levels varied, but overall conditions remained comfortable. Central Maharashtra In central parts like Ahmednagar and Jeur, temperatures showed slight variation. While maximum temperature data for Ahmednagar was unavailable, the minimum dipped to 18.4 degrees Celsius. Jeur recorded a high of 37.0 degrees Celsius, still below normal, with relatively lower humidity compared to coastal regions.
07 April,2026 10:17 AM IST | MumbaiFollowing up on an RTI query which had revealed that the BMC had only levied a fine of Rs 5000, Advocate Godfrey Pimenta’s second RTI regarding the same matter, has now revealed that out of the Rs 87 crore contract cost of the whole project of the Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge, an amount of Rs 7.78 crore has been withheld by the civic body. The BMC claims that a fine of Rs 3.56 crore will be levied. What happened The Gokhale bridge’s completion had been delayed by two years due to a misalignment with the CD Barfiwala flyover, which left an almost 2-metre-wide horizontal and vertical gap between the bridges. This delayed the opening of the bridge to 2025. The bridge had been closed in 2022. The misalignment after construction of Gokhale bridge. FILE PIC ‘Details withheld’ In the second response that Pimenta received, information regarding a document supposed to be attached with the RTI response has been withheld, Pimenta claims. “This seems to have been done deliberately,” he said. Advocate Speak Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, who had raised the question about the fines, earlier told mid-day, “It was concerning that only Rs 5000 had been imposed so far… it set a very bad precedent to contractors who are related to future projects. The money which has been withheld is a part of the ‘retention money’ as part of the contract doesn’t directly signify that it is a penalty imposed on the contractor. Usually, the penalty is taken out of the retention money, but BMC has not clarified if any amount has been taken out of the retention money,” Pimenta said. Official Speak Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar responded to mid-day’s queries, saying, “The total penalty imposed on the contractor of the Gokhale bridge project is of Rs 3.56 crore. The final bill with respect to the project is in process.” Project details Cost: Rs 87 crYear of closure: 2022Year of opening: 2025
07 April,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturTwo adult male tigers, STR-07 and STR-08, have been recorded in the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, taking the total count in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) landscape to nine. Their presence was confirmed through camera traps, pugmarks, and other scientific methods. Preliminary findings indicate that both tigers occupy separate territories. The forest department is analysing their movement routes, habitat use, and water-source dependence to map their range. Officials said the addition reflects the success of sustained conservation efforts under the tiger reserve project. Rohan Bhatte, Honorary Wildlife Warden, said, “The rising tiger numbers in the range reflect the success of conservation efforts”, adding that Rayba and Sardar (T7 and T8) remain crucial links in Sahyadri-Konkan corridor. Tigers in STR and adjoining Radhanagari landscape T1 SenapatiT2 SubhedarT3 BajiT4 ChandaT5 TaraT6 HirakaniT7 RaybaT8 SardarT9 Shiledar
07 April,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavRest Assured? Putting their lives at risk, three people sleep on the divider of the Kora Kendra flyover in Borivli West. Bon voyage, Rostam Magoo, a visually impaired pet dog at Project Meher. PICS COURTESY/PROJECT MEHER Rostam, a visually impaired cat who was rescued from the Kachrali Lake area in Thane late last year, is all set to live the American dream. After finding a temporary shelter with city-based organisation Project Meher, Rostam has found a new home in the USA. A flight volunteer will now accompany Rostam on the long journey on April 24. Vinita Kalgutkar, co-founder, told this diarist, “Rostam is a fearless feline. Despite multiple medical conditions, he’s found a way to live an active life. He often spins in circles to communicate when he’s happy, hungry, or wants to play.” With Rostam already picking out his airport fit, all eyes are on Magoo, a rescued pet dog looking forward to finding a new family. Those keen to know more, and lend a helping hand can log on to @projectmeher. Yee haw, Mumbai meri jaan Tushar Phulke plays the harmonica on the Marine Drive promenade. PIC COURTESY/THE OG COWBOY OF BOMBAY A cowboy walks into a SoBo café, and that’s not the beginning of a joke. Tushar Phulke, a 53-year-old with an obsession for everything Wild West has been turning heads in SoBo with his customised cowboy costume. “I grew up watching classic Western films... [Clint] Eastwood, John Wayne, the likes of them. People know about cowboys from films. But for me, it’s a way of life,” Phulke, who works a day job at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, told this diarist. The actor is now shooting a video series that will be released on his YouTube channel, The OG Cowboy of Bombay. “I plan to head to landmarks like [the now shut] Rhythm House, Marine Drive, The Ambassador Hotel, and tell the stories that make these spots special,” he shared. While he won’t be drawing any guns, he fired a few quick one liners at us over a call. “Ghode toh bahot dekhe hai humne, chalaye bhi hai, par Kala Ghoda ki kahaani kuch aur hi hai.” We swear we could hear a horse giddy up in the background. Let’s eat some Seoul food Spicy Tteokbokki at the (right) Korean restaurant. PIC COURTESY/SEOUL DAK Andheri’s eating out scene just got a Korean-style upgrade with the opening of Seoul Dak in Oshiwara recently. Known for its Seoul-style street food, the menu features the popular Spicy Tteokbokki and Classic Soupy ramen. “With Korean cuisine seeing growing interest in India, we’re excited to bring authentic Korean street food to even more neighbourhoods in the city,” founder Sean Lee, told us. Out of the box in Malvan Sadhana Tawde. PIC COURTESY/ARTISTE’S INSTAGRAM We can tell the times are changing, because Malvan’s Dhuriwada village is in for a lesson in new-age hip-hop this month. Mumbai-based beatboxer Sadhana Tawde will head to the Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan in the coastal village to teach the basics of making beats without any external instruments. “It’s an unlikely audience, and many of them will be listening to hip-hop for the first time. Representing the city and the culture is a huge responsibility to shoulder, but I’m looking forward to seeing young talent emerge from the village in the next few years,” Tawde revealed to this diarist.
07 April,2026 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayAlleging a “grave violation” of court orders, city-based environmental NGO Vanashakti has written to the state’s chief secretary and civic officials, raising fresh concerns over a massive debris dumping site along the Mithi river in Aarey Milk Colony. The NGO said the debris was to be cleared and the land developed into a garden as per court directives. Instead, it alleged, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has failed to comply and has transplanted trees from the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project onto the plot. Several of these trees, it claimed, have begun to wither. Environmentalist Stalin D points to the uncleared debris during a recent visit to the Aarey site Environmentalist Stalin D has written to the chief secretary, the municipal commissioner, and the principal secretaries of the environment and urban development departments, flagging the issue. ‘Misleading’ claim Vanashakti termed the situation “misleading”, stating that the Aarey debris dumping case before the NGT and compensatory afforestation commitments made for the GMLR project in the Supreme Court are distinct legal matters and cannot be merged. Concerns over survival The NGO also questioned the survival of plantations, claiming that saplings have been planted on unstable debris, possibly mixed with chemical waste, and that several transplanted trees have already died. It has urged authorities to comply with judicial directions, restore the site as planned, and clarify the status of both proceedings. What committee found During its 2023 inspection, the committee examined both banks of the river, including the Tapeshwar Mandir side and the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road stretch. Its report noted that an area about 750 metres long, 80 metres wide, and 20 metres high was affected by dumped debris and mud. The damage was categorised as “severe”. Transplanted trees and saplings in Aarey Milk Colony A preliminary BMC estimate suggested that around 12 lakh cubic metres of debris had been dumped at the site. The committee also flagged the possibility of trees buried under the debris and recommended satellite imagery for further assessment. What is the complaint? The complaint refers to proceedings before the National Green Tribunal’s western zone bench, which had earlier taken note of large-scale illegal dumping of mud and debris, allegedly up to 80 metres high, along the riverbanks in Aarey. What does the activist say? “A high-level committee headed by the then chief secretary had assured the tribunal that the site would be scientifically restored and later converted into a public garden, with slope stabilisation as a priority. However, a recent site visit shows that instead of restoration, the land has been covered with haphazard plantations and dead transplanted trees. The same plot is now being projected as a compensatory afforestation site for trees lost to the GMLR,” said Stalin D. Background In July 2023, the NGT directed the removal of illegally dumped debris near the Mithi river in Aarey Milk Colony, along the JVLR stretch. A joint committee that inspected the site on July 18 flagged risks of landslides and contamination affecting the river. The tribunal had constituted a panel comprising officials from the BMC, the Mumbai suburban collector’s office, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. The land falls under the Aarey Milk Colony CEO’s jurisdiction and the BMC’s S ward, as per revenue records. mid-day visit A mid-day visit last week found that debris along the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), near the Mithi river in Aarey, had not been cleared. Parts of the plot had saplings that were being watered and maintained. However, another section had transplanted trees from the GMLR alignment, several of which appeared dead or in poor condition, according to Stalin.
07 April,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Maharashtra government on Monday said there is no shortage of petroleum products in the state amid the West Asia crisis and asked people to avoid panic buying. The state had faced challenges in LPG supply due to dependence on imports from Gulf countries, but the situation is now improving with calibrated policy measures by the Union government, Additional Chief Secretary (Food and Civil Supplies) Anil Diggikar asserted. He said, “Petrol and diesel stocks are adequate in the state. The situation has stabilised. LPG supply to the commercial sector has also been partially restored.” 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
07 April,2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesDixit Solanki, the first Indian casualty in Oman linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, was brought home to his family at 7 am on Sunday. While the Indian government confirmed his death and the family obtained a death certificate, they moved the Bombay High Court on Monday seeking permission for DNA testing. Residents of Kandivli’s Mahavir Nagar told mid-day that the Solankis kept to themselves but were known to be kind. Neighbour Speak Naina Lal Prajapati, a resident who works at Raj Kamal General Store opposite the Solanki home, said, “Dixit would come to our shop to buy things, though the interactions between us were always brief, he would be very kind and well spoken. The news was shocking to us, and we all in the area hope that the family gets the closure they need and deserve.” Dixit Amritlal Solanki. Pic/By Special Arrangement Another neighbour living two houses away said the family’s request for DNA testing was understandable. “It is not easy to accept the death of a loved one, especially when they cannot even identify him. The family has become more withdrawn since the news,” the neighbour said. Current status Sources from Charkop police station said the mortal remains of the 33-year-old have been kept at John Pinto International Private Limited, a funeral services facility, for now. What happened on board >> Ship MKD Vyome had 92 people on board>> 17 were Indian nationals>> Dixit Solanki was working as an oiler near the engine during the attack>> The initial fire was partly controlled by the crew>> Fire later intensified, trapping Dixit and leading to his death>> 91 people jumped off and were rescued by MT Sand, a ship bound for Muscat>> Remains were moved from Muscat to the UAE, where the Malta-based company conducted forensic procedures
07 April,2026 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturAfter finding themselves battling unhygienic conditions caused by persistent waterlogging linked to ongoing Metro construction work, even after nine months since they first raised concerns, employees working at Swastik Chambers in Chembur took matters into their hands. In a rare show of unity, they briefly halted the Metro construction work on Wednesday, demanded corrective measures, and compelled the project in charge to address the situation and ensure maintenance. Official speak Project Supervisor MMRDAWater gets accumulated due to the ongoing piling work at multiple spots. This blocked the sewage system, and thus we started pumping out the water once all work was done. But after their complaints, we now pump the water two to three times a day. Unhygienic conditions caused by persistent waterlogging Voices Jaya Goyal‘The waterlogging caused by the accumulation of dirty drain water, had become a daily ordeal for us. Although construction workers had begun pumping out the water following mid-day’s report in June last year, their efforts proved insufficient. The water was typically cleared only in the evening after construction work concluded, leaving the premises flooded and unsanitary through the day’ Ajit Mehta‘Not only did they start pumping water regularly, but they also cleared all the algae that had accumulated due to previous waterlogging, which had become a haven for mosquito breeding, resulting in many of our employees falling sick’ Quaid Doongerwala‘This increased frequency has significantly improved conditions at Swastik Chambers, preventing water stagnation and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases’
07 April,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarIn a city thirsting for open spaces, a shoreline has been treated as a godown for over three months. Citizens residing near Dadar beach told mid-day that that a stretch of the waterfront is being occupied by construction materials being used to concrete the nearby Pandurang Naik Marg. Beach-goers and local families are forced to share the precious open space with iron rods, reinforcing bars, pipes, and hazardous gas welding cylinders. Residents have also expressed annoyance about the parking of heavy vehicles, including buses, at the spot, as well as occasional noise pollution. The other side Pranay Shetty, GHV India’s site engineer, told mid-day, “These are large materials, and they have to be processed on site. We have the permission to operate on Pandurang Naik Marg till May 31, 2027, but we didn’t want to unnecessarily block the stretch that is ready and cause inconvenience to residents. That’s the reason why we were carrying out this work on the beach. But we have noted the concerns and are shifting from the beach to our designated road.” Concerns of residents >> Construction material lying openly on the beach>> Lack of rigid and effective barricading at entry points>> Parking of vehicles on the beach>> Lack of action by the traffic police>> Speeding two-wheelers Dadar residents have also opposed the parking of heavy vehicles, including buses, on the beach Official Speak Vinayak Vispute, Assistant commissioner, G North Ward‘The improvement of Pandurang Naik Marg is in progress under work code C-320 [and overseen] by the chief engineer of the roads department. The contractor, M/s GHV India, has stacked the material. I have informed the roads department [about the need to take the] necessary action’ Residents’ concerns Vaibhav Rege, secretary, Shivaji Park ALM‘Dadar beach is filled with stalls and horse carts. This particular stretch is always accessible to the public, providing citizens with a space to relax and walk. Restricting that accessibility by dumping construction materials is not acceptable’ Rahul Nadkarni‘The beach is a public space and should not be used for such activities. It’s a nuisance for residents. I think contractors are paid enough to ensure such processes are carried out in a godown. Earlier, the workers used to start sawing at 6 am. Now, this work begins a bit later. I had recently reported this encroachment to the BMC as well through its e-portal’ Jitendra Kewal Ramani‘This is a grave concern. I have witnessed people getting hurt here at night due to the iron bars left lying on the beach. Kids play here, and gas cylinders for welding are just left here unsecured. Dadar beach, already such a short stretch, is being obstructed by these materials’ May 31, 2027Day till when contractor has permission to operate on Pandurang Naik Marg
07 April,2026 08:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaAt Mulund railway station, the new swanky “jodi” foot overbridges (FOBs) are nearing completion — but a critical link has gone missing. Unlike the earlier bridge, the new structures are not connected to the ticket booking office, raising questions over design and commuter convenience. While railway officials say the issue is being addressed, residents and daily commuters are calling it a planning lapse that defeats the purpose of seamless connectivity. Key connectivity missed In all the developmental works and involvement of multiple agencies, a major design flaw has emerged:>> The new FOBs are about 10 metres away from the elevated booking office, and no direct connection has been built so far>> Commuters will have to walk extra or take a detour to access tickets>> Seamless integration existed earlier, where the FOB and ticket house were linked Wave of development The redevelopment of Mulund station is part of a larger infrastructure push involving multiple agencies:Executed by the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti unit (Mumbai division)Integrated with station redevelopment by Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Plan includes:>> Jodi FOBs (merged bridge structures for better flow)>> Elevated deck across the station>> 14 staircases>> 7 escalators>> 2 elevators>> A redesigned entrance plaza>> Expected completion: April According to CR officials... The elevated booking office above platforms 4, 5, and 6 lines was earlier connected to both the Kalyan-end FOB and the CSMT-end public FOB. Initially, the public FOB alignment passed adjacent to the booking office and was directly connected. After the dismantling of the old FOB by the Gati Shakti unit, the alignment was made straight. This resulted in the new FOB being located approximately 10 metres away from the booking office. The new FOB has not been connected to the overhead booking office. The issue has been taken up with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation and is under the planning stage. Old bridge down The original 50-year-old FOB was flagged as unsafe in March 2023. The bridge was severely corroded by:Rotting vegetables dumped by illegal hawkersStructural alterations by a public toilet contractorThe bridge was repaired and reopened briefly for six months. It was finally demolished in 2024 for complete replacement At a glance Location: Mulund stationProject: Jodi FOBs and elevated deckGap: Approximately 10 metres from the booking officeDeadline: April 2026Issue: No direct ticket office connectivity Voices Gandharva Purohit, Mulund resident, who first raised the issue‘Mulund gets a new FOB but it’s not connected with the booking office. Though it is intended to decongest the coaches at CSMT end, accessibility remains an issue’ Sagar Devre, advocate-activist‘What’s the point of a bridge that doesn’t take you where you actually need to go? This is planning without thinking. Earlier, everything was connected and seamless. Now we will be forced to walk extra just to buy a ticket—how is this progress? Looks like decisions are being made on paper, not on the ground. Daily commuters are the ones paying the price’
07 April,2026 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai’s suburban railway network on Western Railway (WR) is witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend: while daily ridership remains below pre-COVID levels, revenue has not only recovered but surpassed earlier figures — all this because of AC local trains. WR runs as many as 133 AC local trains on its suburban section. Shift in trend Addressing a press conference, WR Mumbai Divisional Manager Pankaj Singh said the increase in earnings is due to a change in passenger mix, as more people are now opting for AC Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). Another factor is the post-pandemic travel behaviour. With hybrid work models still in place, the number of daily office commuters — once the bulk 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. Shift to other modes Singh also pointed to growth of the Mumbai Metro system and expansion of the road network, which is gradually offloading the dense crush load from the Mumbai suburban network — particularly those willing to pay for more comfortable journeys. Despite the dip in ridership, WR’s suburban system appears to be moving toward a more revenue-efficient as well as a more comfortable system, where higher yields per passenger offset lower volumes. Official Speak Pankaj Singh, Mumbai divisional manager, Western RailwayIn March 2026, 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. Additionally, stricter enforcement against ticketless travel has improved compliance and contributed to higher collections. Commuters/revenue earned Pre-COVID levelsDaily passengers : Rs 34.87 lakhDaily revenue: Rs 29.52 lakh Current levelsDaily passengers: Rs 2.12 croreDaily revenue: Rs 2.39 crore 133No of AC local trains Western Railway operates
07 April,2026 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
