A massive fire broke out in a dyeing company in the Bhiwandi area of Maharashtra on Saturday. Fire tenders are currently present at the spot to control the blaze. Fire officer Sachin Pawar stated that the fire is very intense and the fire department is making efforts to control the situation. There are at least five fire trucks present at the scene. "4-5 fire trucks are present at the scene. Efforts to extinguish the fire are underway... The fire is very intense... " he stated. So far, there have been no reports of any casualties. Further details awaited. 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
28 February,2026 09:30 AM IST | Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) | ANIAfter years of complaints over medical neglect in Mumbai’s forested Aarey belt, the long-pending proposal to transfer Aarey Hospital to the BMC has finally moved forward, offering hope of quicker emergency care for residents of 27 tribal hamlets and nearby settlements who currently travel several kilometres for treatment. The move follows sustained reporting, official scrutiny and repeated warnings about delayed treatment in cases ranging from snakebites to road accidents, with the hospital transfer proposal now sent to the civic body’s Improvement Committee for approval. 27No. of tribal hamlets in Aarey Colony Aarey healthcare crisis in numbers 27 tribal hamletsPlus, around 32 slum settlements in the area 1lakh+ residentsPopulation dependent on limited healthcare access Rs 1.10 croreCost of hospital renovation initiated after reports 30-year transfer proposalHospital land and quarters to be handed to BMC 1932 sq mTotal area of hospital and staff quarters Why the hospital matters Forest terrainFrequent snakebite casesHuman-wildlife conflictRegular injuries reported Two-lane roadAccident-prone Aarey Mikl Colony Road. Nearest emergency centres. Jogeshwari Trauma Centre. Cooper Hospital, Vile Parle Travel delayCritical in life-threatening cases What leaders say Ravindra Waikar, MP‘There is an urgent need for a hospital capable of handling emergencies such as accidents and snakebites. The proposal to transfer the hospital to BMC has finally begun’ Voices from residents Prasad Khandagale, Resident‘We are glad the hospital may become fully operational, but it must have doctors, staff and anti-venom available’ Recent snakebite timeline Oct 2024: Resident rushed after snakebiteJune 2024: Woman died en route to hospitalSept 2023: Teen injured in snake encounter2017: Two deaths recorded in separate snakebite incidents
28 February,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavOften dubbed the “Bharatpur of Maharashtra,” Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary is among the state’s most important wetlands and a key stopover for migratory birds. Declared a sanctuary on February 25, 1986, the Ramsar site near Niphad, Nashik district, has now completed 40 years. Spread over 800.96 hectares, it supports more than 265 bird species, including about 80 migratory visitors. “The sanctuary, often called the Bharatpur of Maharashtra, is the state’s first Ramsar site for birds and biodiversity” said Hiralal Chaudhari, range forest officer. mid-day brings you glimpses of its vibrant avian life. 265Bird species in Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary Spot-billed duck; Western yellow wagtail; Siberian stonechat Purple moorhen; Ballion’s crake; Common kingfisher Spotted crake; Ruddy-breasted crake; Small pratincole
28 February,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavWeeks after a controversial mining permission inside the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park was revoked, fresh concerns have emerged at the same Manpada plot in Thane, where an environmentalist claims to have found large quantities of construction debris dumped across the site, raising questions about continued violations in a legally protected area. The plot had earlier been cleared for the extraction of 500 brass of material across 7.38 hectares, despite mining being explicitly banned in the zone under the 2016 Central notification. Now, the alleged dumping of debris and erection of tin-sheet boundaries have triggered renewed demands for action, with activists warning that even non-mining activity in the ESZ can constitute a violation. Tin-sheet fencing erected around the Manpada plot, which environmentalists claim may also violate ESZ norms A portion of the plot in Manpada, Thane West, where mining permission had earlier been granted and later revoked, appears levelled Construction material is scattered across the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park Rohit Joshi, environmentalist In numbers 7.38 hectares: Size of Manpada land parcel in question500 brass: Material extraction permitted earlier1 eco-sensitive zone: Legally protected under 2016 notification1 revoked mining licence: Permission was cancelled after forest objections What activists found Construction debris: Spread across large portions of the landTin-sheet boundary: Erected around the plotLocation: Survey No. 59/A/1/1, identified as forest landAllegation: Dumping inside ESZ violates environmental rules What the law says 2016 ESZ notification: Classifies activities as prohibited, regulated or promotedMining: Explicitly listed as prohibitedConstruction debris dumping: Also considered a violationArea status: Plot falls within notified Eco-Sensitive Zone of SGNP Timeline of events Dec 20, 2025: Mining licence issued for extractionDec 23, 2025: SGNP deputy director objects, warns officer of liabilityFeb 6, 2026: Forest department seeks cancellationFeb 17, 2026: Environmentalist visits site, alleges debris dumping
28 February,2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMotorists commuting along the busy Mankhurd stretch have raised serious concerns over a group of women beggars who allegedly step directly into moving traffic instead of remaining on pavements. The women, often seen carrying newborn babies and accompanied by an elderly woman, reportedly approach vehicles halted at signals and even slow-moving traffic, putting themselves and motorists at risk. Regular commuters say the situation has become frequent, particularly during peak hours when traffic congestion is high. With the Mankhurd stretch witnessing heavy vehicular movement throughout the day, commuters are urging coordinated action by the traffic police and local authorities to prevent a potential mishap and ensure motorists and pedestrians are safe. Routine patrolling Officials from the local traffic police station said that routine patrolling is conducted on the stretch and action is taken whenever traffic obstructions are noticed. However, they acknowledged that sustained enforcement requires specific inputs or complaints from the public. Citizens call for an inquiry Govind Pal, journalist‘It is alarming to see small babies being carried into the middle of busy roads filled with trucks and tankers. There should be an inquiry into whether this is part of an organised begging activity’ Ratnesh K Mishra, advocate‘Even if a driver is not at fault, an accident involving a pedestrian can result in serious legal trouble and emotional trauma. Authorities must treat this as a road safety issue’ Anil Kumbhare, joint commissioner of police (traffic)‘The department has not received any formal complaint regarding the matter so far. We are not aware of this issue. If we get complaints from the motorists, we will act on it’ Sunny Pandey, sales professional and daily commuter ‘They suddenly come in front of the vehicle and knock on the windows. You are forced to apply brakes immediately. If the vehicle behind you fails to react in time, it can easily lead to a collision’
28 February,2026 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghThe Maharashtra government has announced undertaking a special drive to check whether school buses are following basic safety rules. The government said that during the drive, the police will check whether mandatory norms, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the presence of a female attendant, are being followed. The rules mandate . Installation of GPS tracking systems . CCTV cameras inside the bus . Deployment of female attendants on school buses Government guidelines Around two years ago, in the wake of rising harassment cases involving school students, the government had issued guidelines to strengthen safety measures on school buses. Voices Ram Shinde, Legislative Council ChairmanAs several members sought to raise additional questions on the issue, he advised Opposition members to bring up the matter in detail through a calling attention notice or under other relevant rules of the House. This, he said, would allow a comprehensive discussion, ensure all concerns are addressed, and enable the government to give a detailed reply and outline the action taken. Sambhuraj Desai, Cabinet MinisterHe assured the House that the government will direct the traffic police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to conduct a special inspection drive of all school buses. ‘Strict action will be taken against those violating the rules, and operators will be asked to comply with the norms or face the consequences.’ MLA raises safety concerns Sachin Ahir, MLA, Shiv Sena (UBT)He raised concern in the Assembly over the rising number of missing girls across the state. He also highlighted cases of school-going girls allegedly being abused and assaulted on school buses, urging the government to take strict action and strengthen safety measures. A few days ago, a private bus driver was arrested in connection with the alleged molestation of a student in Badlapur.
28 February,2026 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe political rift within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) deepened on Friday as a fresh war of words broke out between the two rival factions. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar launched a sharp attack on senior leaders from the opposing camp, saying those who believe they can control Sunetra Pawar have the wrong impression. A day after DCM Sunetra Pawar was appointed national president of the NCP, Rohit drew a direct comparison between his uncle, Ajit, and his aunt, Sunetra. (From Left) MLAs Devyani Pharande, Monika Rajiv Rajale, Namita Mundada, Pankaja Munde (Minister of Environment & Climate Change, Animal Husbandry,), Manisha Chaudhary, Vidya Thakur, Manda Mhatre, Seema Hiray pose for a selfie in the Assembly premises at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai on Friday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi ‘Strong like Ajit-dada’ Taking a dig at senior leaders from Ajit Pawar camp, Rohit said everyone knew it wasn’t possible to control Ajit. However, after his death, he claimed, three to four leaders appear to be trying to influence Sunetra. “Sunetra-kaki is a strong personality capable of running party on her own. Those who are dreaming about controlling her will soon understand her leadership qualities,” Rohit said. Friction escalates On Thursday, NCP leader Praful Patel said that others should not teach them how to manage and run the party. His remarks were interpreted by many as an indirect reference to Rohit and a few other leaders from the NCP-SP faction. Jan 28Day Dy CM Ajit Pawar died in Baramati plane crash Ajit’s death led to friction Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Even before his death, there had been discussions about a possible merger between the two NCP factions. After his death, the issue turned into a fresh point of conflict between leaders of both camps. While Sharad Pawar suggested that Ajit had expressed a desire to reunite the party, leaders from the latter’s faction rejected the claim. More than capable On Thursday, after being elected national president of the NCP, Sunetra Pawar said in her speech, “I spent 40 years of my life with Ajit Pawar.” Her remark was seen as a clear indication that she considers herself capable of handling party matters firmly. Rohit Pawar meets Raj Thackeray NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar met MNS chief Raj Thackeray in Mumbai on Friday to discuss concerns over the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar on January 28. After the meeting at Shivaji Park, Rohit said he shared his doubts about the incident and the investigation, and claimed that the MNS chief assured him support, saying the issue was about “justice for a Marathi leader”. According to media reports, Raj is said to have asserted that Sunetra Pawar, too, should speak about the plane crash mishap. Demand for deeper probe Rohit Pawar has been demanding a deeper probe and an FIR against the aircraft operator — VSR Aviation — especially after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) grounded its planes. However, police have declined to file an FIR, stating that the CID is already investigating the case as an accidental death. Rohit argues that the matter now requires a broader probe into the company and other serious concerns. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, too, sought a CBI inquiry, while Rohit has called for an investigation by Indian and international agencies under independent monitoring.
28 February,2026 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe only entry/exit concrete gate for both vehicles and pedestrians of Dhake Colony Co-operative Housing Society (CHS) on JP Road in Andheri West had been dug up at the beginning of February for cabling work. There was a heavy, industrial metal sheet placed at the gate, as work went on below. Cars were able to enter/exit smoothly over the metal sheet. Tiles and blocks lie around on the previously dug-up space The colony has five buildings with approximately 150 residents. The work was completed in a few days, and residents expected the entry to be restored to its previous smooth concrete, with the metal sheet removed. While the metal sheet was removed, the patch at the gate is still in shambles, and has not been concreted. Residents point to the problem Anand Shirali, chairman, Dhake Colony CHS, said, “The patch is at our gate. One has to be an extremely skilled driver to get inside. The work has been over since a fortnight at least, but this gate remains dug up. We have another small gate on the side of the colony, which can be accessed by pedestrians, though not by vehicles. Mud, stones, and bricks make this an uneven patch. If somebody needs an ambulance or fire brigade, this would be next to impossible. A doctor in the colony, who has a big car, parks on the road outside the colony to cater to emergencies. The turning radius is also extremely tight now, so it is difficult to manoeuvre.” Complaints on relevant phone numbers and X handles evinced no response. Anand Shirali, chairman, Dhake Colony CHS 150Approximate no. of society residents affected Tweet heat Shira Lee, on X @mybmc Main arterial JP Road Dhake Colony CHS gate entry dug up 20 days back and not repaired. Getting cars inside/outside is difficult. The society has many senior citizens who may need an ambulance, but cannot enter. Bus route no. 425 is affected, too. K West ward — HELP! Cause of injury Shailesh Bhat, Society residentThis unattended work is unacceptable. Senior citizens and small kids are at the highest risk of injury thanks to the high probability of accidents. Repair it quickly. Fall before exam Nilesh Sawant, Society residentThis patch is dangerous. A few days ago, I was taking my 11-year-old daughter to school on a scooter at 7.15 am. She had exams. The scooter wobbled on this uneven patch, and we both fell down. Luckily, we were not seriously hurt but certainly shaken up. This needs urgent attention. Walking an issue Ramila Gala, Society residentWe have been waiting for 25 days for this concreted and smoothened stretch. Even walking is difficult, especially for senior citizens who now fear negotiating the patch and put off going out. Recently, I had guests at home, and one visitor actually twisted his leg on this uneven stretch. I do not understand why this should take so much time.
28 February,2026 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe Bombay High Court has directed Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to pay compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the widow of an employee who died due to COVID-19 in April 2021. A bench of Justice Makarand Karnik and Justice Shriram Modak in its February 24 order, a copy of which was made available on Friday, noted that the widow, Sunita Bapu Jagtap, was entitled to compensation. Widow’s plea rejected She had challenged the MSRTC’s decisions of January 2022 and March 2023 rejecting her compensation claim stating deceased Bapu Jagtap “was not assigned essential services and he was not the driver involved in the interstate transport”. The HC, however, noted that MSRTC had taken a narrow view and “forgot the precarious situation prevailing during COVID when no one was ready to go out of the house to discharge their duties”. The court added that the deceased may have got the virus while discharging his duty. The life of the general public came to a standstill and public services, including transport, were kept open for limited services, the HC said. ‘Driver risked his life’ “It was part of the duty of the husband of the petitioner to attend the job, which he had done at the risk of his life,” the bench noted. The MSRTC cannot avoid its responsibility, HC said while directing it to pay R50 lakh as compensation to the petitioner. 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
28 February,2026 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesLove Birds A flock of seagulls foreground a young couple sharing an intimate moment at Dadar Beach Gubu-Gubu goes to Karjat A moment from the play at Karalewadi Zilla Parishad Shaala Students at the Kamal Vidyalaya and Karalewadi Zilla Parishad Shaala in Karjat were in for something different this week. Mumbai-based Gillo Repertory Theatre put up two renditions of a Marathi play, Gubu-Gubu at both schools on February 26. Founder-director, Shaili Sathyu shared with this diarist, “The children responded amazingly well, and were very interactive, even joining the performers in reciting dialogues and dancing. At one point, intrigued villagers from nearby areas came to watch as well.” Children at Kamal Vidyalaya watch performers enact a scene from the play. Pics Courtesy/Gillo Repertory Theatre Mittal’s April pranks Aditi Mittal. File pic It might just be February, but a comedian can never be too prepared. Come April, Aditi Mittal is set to launch her special Bad Altitude on YouTube. “I intend to release it on April 1. I always intended it for OTT, but it was getting so complex, I decided to go on my own,” Mittal revealed with a gleeful laugh. This page had written about Mittal’s performance back in January. “It is a show about my recent trip to Mount Everest,” the comedian had shared. While the April 1 date might seem like a prankster’s dream, Mittal has no time to rest. She is already at work on her next set, Beti Testing that will go on the floor in the second half of March. “It is a spin on the techie term, beta testing. For now, the set is under work, and literally being ‘tested’,” she told this diarist. Little Theatre gets an upgrade Audience at the newly refurbished performance space The cultural hub of National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA) had a new look on Friday. The Little Theatre stage is now back with some improvements and a plaque to affirm a new association with the international investment firm, Jefferies. The space opened on Friday after undergoing a basic refurbishment of its interiors, with more improvements to come in the near future. Regulars can be assured that the space will retain its rich and diverse programming. “In an interconnected world, institutions and enterprises cross borders with ease. The plaque we unveil today is, therefore, more than a marker of recognition. It is a testament to a relationship built on trust, respect, and a common belief that culture is a universal language — one that transcends geography, sector, and background,” shared NCPA chairman Khushroo N Suntook. (From left) Former HDFC vice chairman Keki Mistry, former HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh, NCPA chairman Khushroo N Suntook, and Aashish Agarwal, Country Head (India), Jefferies at the launch. Pics/Satej Shinde Trumpeting for Joe Gedion Labane, Consul General of South Africa, Mumbai presents the award to Joe Vessaokar (right). Pic Courtesy/@gohalluhallu; (right) Vessaokar plays his trumpet by a street in Bandra. Pic Courtesy/Minaz Ansari Residents around the area of Bazaar Road in Bandra would definitely be familiar with the notes of musician Joe Vessaokar. We are pleased to learn that, after decades of sharing his music with Mumbaikars, the trumpeter has been felicitated for his work with The Pillar of Hindustaanee Society award.“I was in attendance at an event for the Trans Asian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indo-Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held at Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Colaba on February 24. I was suddenly called on stage for this award (given to distinguished personalities), for my contribution to music,” Vessaokar recalled in conversation with this diarist. He added with a chuckle, “I played the trumpet even afterwards, in front of many foreign guests. All I can say is, I love sharing my music with others.”
28 February,2026 08:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayMumbai's crackdown on street vendors is no longer just about clearing pavements. With FIRs increasingly replacing fines and eviction notices, the city’s enforcement drive is now pushing thousands of informal workers into the criminal justice system, raising fears of lasting consequences for livelihoods, mobility and identity. Data from North Mumbai zones alone shows hundreds of cases already registered under criminal provisions, even as hawker unions allege the action is being driven by political pressure and identity targeting, while the city’s long-pending hawker policy remains stuck in legal and administrative limbo. 2014Year Street Vendors Act was passed Crackdown snapshot Zone XI enforcement2025 and 2026 combined9858 vendors fined511 cases registered 2026 alone2459 vendors fined293 cases registered Highest actionBorivli recorded 241 cases across the two years Zone XII enforcement2025 and 2026 combined7496 vendors fined133 cases registered2026 alone589 vendors fined60 cases registered Highest actionSamta Nagar and Dahisar among the most active stations Legal provisions invoked Section 285 BNS. Danger or obstruction in public way. Punishable by fine up to Rs 5000 Section 287 BNS. Negligent handling of hazardous materials. Up to 6 months imprisonment or fine NatureCognizable and bailable offences What the data shows . Cases rising sharply in 2026. More FIR-based enforcement compared to earlier drives. Concentration. North Mumbai zones seeing bulk of cases. Shift observed. From administrative fines to criminal registration Residents’ concerns . Footpath blockage. Traffic congestion. Safety risks near schools and hospitals. “Blanket permissions in crowded areas are not acceptable,” said a residents’ group member. Political dimension . Hawkers form a large voter base. Analysts note a cycle. Protection before elections. Crackdowns after elections. No permanent solution Hawker Union leader speaks Jai Shankar Dayashankar Singh, General Secretary, Azad Hawkers Union“If the municipal survey recognised nearly one lakh hawkers, how can they suddenly be labelled as Bangladeshi? Criminal cases will not just remove livelihoods, they will damage futures,” he said. He added the crackdown also disrupts agricultural supply chains dependent on street retail. Voices from the vendors Shantaram Shinde, 65, Borivli“For over a year, our business has been shut. We are ready to follow rules, but we need space to earn.” Pawan Tandel, Dahisar“My father sold here for 40 years. If we are eligible, how do we survive without work?” Parveen Kumar Pathak, Kandivli“I’ve run this stall for over two decades. Don’t label genuine vendors without proof.” Shyam Sundar Jha, Kandivli West“For two years, we’ve had no income. Without work, how do we educate our children?”
28 February,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
