The Worli Residents Association has objected to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposal to construct a helipad at the Worli jetty along the Mumbai Coastal Road. The association has sent a complaint by email to the BMC Commissioner, the Maharashtra urban development department, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In its letter, the association said the proposed helipad would cause severe noise pollution, disturb residential life, and worsen traffic congestion in the area. Residents also raised concerns about coastal security and frequent VVIP helicopter movements, which they said would disrupt daily life. “Such movements will fundamentally compromise residential peace, mental well-being, and the quality of life of thousands of citizens living along this stretch,” the letter stated. The Worli Residents Association said there was no transparent public consultation before the decision to develop the helipad was taken. The group urged the civic body to withdraw the proposal and identify alternative locations away from residential areas for the helipad. Noise levels far above permissible limits The residents warned that helicopter operations produce extremely high noise levels. According to the letter, helicopter take-offs and landings can generate noise between 100 and 120 decibels, which is much higher than the limits set under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The permissible limit in residential areas is 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. Impact on health and daily life The association pointed out that Worli is a densely populated residential area. It said the noise would seriously affect senior citizens, children and patients in nearby hospitals and medical facilities. Even short helicopter movements could lead to sleep disturbance, stress and long-term health problems. The letter also referred to international studies showing that urban heliports often exceed noise limits and negatively affect nearby homes. Background of the helipad proposal Last month, the BMC invited bids to develop the Worli Jetty into a helipad. The jetty was built during the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road and was earlier used to transport construction materials. The helipad proposal was first made by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in March last year. In May, government-owned Pawan Hans Ltd cleared the feasibility of setting up a medium-sized helipad at the site.
08 February,2026 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSThe Shiv Sena women’s wing on Sunday announced that maha aarti and special prayers will be organised on February 9 at major temples across Maharashtra for the good health and long life of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on his birthday on February 9. Following the untimely demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra continues to mourn the loss. In view of the prevailing grief, Shiv Sena chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has appealed that no celebrations or public events be organised on the occasion of his birthday. In line with this appeal, no birthday-related programmes will be held across the state. Shinde has also stated that he will not celebrate his birthday this year. Against this backdrop, the Shiv Sena women’s wing has decided to avoid any celebratory events and instead organise maha aarti and prayers at temples across the state for the well-being of Eknath Shinde, who is often referred to as the ‘beloved brother of the state’s beloved sisters’, according to an official statement. Local office-bearers and women workers of the Shiv Sena women’s wing will participate in the prayer gatherings, according to a statement issued by the organisation, it said. Shinde cancels his birthday celebrations Eknath Shinde had earlier stated that he has decided not to celebrate his birthday on February 9 as a mark of tribute to the late NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, an official release said on Friday. In a statement issued by his office, Shinde said Maharashtra is still grieving and has not yet recovered from the shock of Ajit Pawar’s untimely death. Shinde also posted on his X handle stating that he will not celebrate his birthday this year. He said that Ajit Pawar’s passing was a personal loss, as he had lost not just a political colleague but also a close friend. Shinde appealed to his supporters, party workers and well-wishers to refrain from organising any celebrations on his birthday. He also urged them not to bring bouquets, flowers or gifts, and requested that no hoardings or banners be put up to greet him. राज्याचे उपमुख्यमंत्री अजितदादा पवार यांच्या दुर्दैवी अपघाती निधनामुळे साऱ्या महाराष्ट्रावर दु:खाचा डोंगर कोसळला आहे. त्यामुळे यंदा ९ फेब्रुवारी रोजी मी वाढदिवस साजरा करणार नाही. या दिवशी कार्यकर्ते, पक्षनेते, पदाधिकारी आणि नागरिकांनी पुष्पगुच्छ, भेटी आणू नयेत, तसेच… — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) February 6, 2026 “We share the grief of the Pawar family,” Shinde said. Ajit Pawar, who was serving as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, died along with four others when their aircraft crashed at Baramati in Pune district on January 28.
08 February,2026 06:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Milind Narvekar has demanded the construction of a helipad and the creation of emergency facilities on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link - Atal Setu, which connects Mumbai with Raigad district in Maharashtra. He cited the recent 33-hour traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as a warning sign highlighting the need for better emergency planning. In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Narvekar referred to the chaos caused after a tanker carrying highly flammable propylene gas overturned in the Khandala Ghat section earlier this week, reported the PTI. The accident led to massive traffic congestion on the high-speed expressway between Mumbai and Pune. Narvekar said that he himself was stuck in the traffic jam while travelling to Pune to meet the family of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on January 28. He said the incident underlined serious gaps in emergency preparedness on major transport routes. Need for review of emergency arrangements The MLC stressed the need for an urgent review of emergency arrangements on the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). He pointed out that travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai has been reduced to just 20 minutes because of the bridge, leading to a sharp rise in vehicle movement, according to the PTI. Over 83 lakh vehicles used Atal Setu in one year According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), more than 83 lakh vehicles have used the Atal Setu over the past year. Narvekar said such heavy usage makes it essential to have a strong emergency response system in place. Calling for immediate action, Narvekar said a detailed emergency plan should be prepared to deal with accidents or natural disasters. “There should be an emergency plan and a helipad on the Atal Setu on an urgent basis,” he said, the news agency reported. The Atal Setu, which connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, was opened to the public in January 2024. Of its total length of 21.8 km, 16.5 km stretches over the sea. Earlier, an industrialist had said he was forced to take a helicopter to reach Pune after being stuck for eight hours in the traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. (with PTI inputs)
08 February,2026 05:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actress Urmila Matondkar on Sunday attended Mumbai Regional Transport Office's (RTO) 'Fun Run - Walk for Safety' event, an initiative aimed to promote road safety and curb accidents in the city. She appealed to Mumbaikars to strictly follow road safety rules to protect their own lives as well as the lives of others. Urmila was speaking at the “Fun Run – Walk for Safety” programme organised by the (RTO), Mumbai East, under the Road Safety Awareness Campaign 2026. The event was organised to spread awareness about road safety and was attended by around 600 participants. People from the age group of 5 to 80 years, including senior citizens, school students and women runners, took part enthusiastically. Senior officials attend event The programme was attended by Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Department Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Dr Avinash Dhakane, and Regional Transport Officer Pallavi Kothawade. Other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said road safety is a shared responsibility. “Road safety is our primary duty. Let us ensure safe use of motor vehicles and work towards an accident-free Mumbai,” he said. Mumbai must set an example for the nation: Dr Dhakane BMC Additional Commissioner Dr Avinash Dhakane highlighted the city’s global importance and the need for high standards of traffic safety. “Mumbai has global significance and must set an example in road traffic safety,” he said. Senior citizens, school students and women runners who participated in the programme were specially felicitated with road safety mascots. Officials and staff of the Motor Vehicles Department and Traffic Police, along with runners from across Mumbai, participated in large numbers, making the event a success. The programme was organised and managed in a disciplined and well-planned manner by the RTO Mumbai East office.
08 February,2026 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe University of Mumbai has directed all affiliated, recognised, and autonomous colleges to generate Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) IDs for every student and link them with the e-Samarth system by 15 February 2026, citing mandatory implementation under the National Education Policy 2020. Colleges failing to comply will face punitive action under University regulations. The University issued a circular on 29 January 2026, reminding institutions of the requirement to submit student ABC ID details. Despite multiple circulars, workshops, and meetings, several colleges have yet to complete the process, a lapse the University has termed a serious administrative concern. Officials warned that students without ABC IDs will face disruptions in academic credit updates, which could affect their academic progress. Their mark sheets and degree certificates will be withheld, and credit awards will not be updated on the National Academic Depository (NAD) portal, preventing students from receiving official credit recognition. The Director of Examinations and the Evaluation Board has instructed all colleges to urgently complete ABC ID generation and integration with the e-Samarth system by the 15 February deadline. The University emphasised that non-compliant colleges will face strict punitive action. The University of Mumbai appealed to all institutions to adhere to the directives, ensuring students’ academic interests are protected, the National Education Policy is implemented effectively, and discipline is maintained in academic administration.
08 February,2026 03:08 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to introduce new buses. The 3-by-2 seating arrangement ensures passengers no longer have to travel standing on crowded routes. Transport Minister and ST Chairman Pratap Sarnaik said the buses have been named after Rajmata Jijau, the mother of Hindavi Swarajya. The saffron-and-white buses will gradually hit roads across the state from March, serving as moving symbols of Maharashtra’s pride and tradition. Sarnaik said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered figure in Maharashtra, and the inspiration behind his Swarajya vision comes from Rajmata Jijau. These buses honour her legacy.” He noted that ST has previously named buses Shivneri, Shivshahi, Shivai, Yashwanti, and Hirkani. New MSRTC bus fleet 3/2 seats arrangement with 55 seater. “The name ‘Rajmata Jijau’ is more than a label; it reflects Maharashtra’s values, maternal inspiration, and our commitment to passenger comfort,” Sarnaik added. Equipped with modern amenities and decorated with historical motifs, the buses are expected to redefine travel on the state’s roads. EV charging stations to be mandatory at MSRTC fuel outlets, says state Transport Minister Sarnaik Soon, Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be made mandatory at MSRTC fuel outlets in the state, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, earlier in January. The Maharashtra minister asked officials to give priority to setting up EV charging stations at all proposed retail fuel outlets on MSRTC land in the state. According to the PTI, he said a phased shift to electric buses is already in progress. The directions were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister, who also heads the MSRTC. Senior officials and representatives of various fuel companies attended the meeting, according to an official release. Sarnaik said India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 must be supported by a sustainable and eco-friendly transport system. “Future travel will be based on electric energy, and the ST Corporation is committed to building the required infrastructure from today itself,” he said, reported PTI. Acknowledging that nearly 90 per cent of the existing ST fleet currently runs on diesel, Sarnaik said a phased transition to electric buses is underway and that e-buses will be prioritised in future procurements.
08 February,2026 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Thane court on Saturday acquitted all eight accused in the 2015 murder case of a property dealer, citing the prosecution’s failure to prove charges, mainly due to eyewitnesses being unable to identify the assailants. Another accused had died during the trial. Principal District and Sessions Judge S B Agrawal noted that the core of the case, the identification of the killers, was fundamentally flawed, reported news agency PTI. According to the prosecution, Bunty Pradhan, a local property dealer, was exiting a bar on Mira-Bhayander Road with his friends in Maharashtra’s Thane district on April 13, 2015, when some unidentified persons opened fire on them. Pradhan succumbed to multiple bullet wounds, while his friend, Sachin Manohar Vijaykar, sustained serious injuries, reported PTI. The police had initially claimed the attack resulted from a property rivalry and arrested the accused, charging them under Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Arms Act. The judge, however, noted that the informant did not identify the accused persons in court, stating he could not recognise the true assailants. Regarding the testimony of the injured witness, Sachin Vijaykar, who gave a version involving six attackers instead of the two mentioned in the original First Information Report (FIR), the court said this was entirely contradictory to what was stated in the FIR and by the informant in his evidence. The identification described by the witness was “quite cryptic,” and his court identification after ten years held no value, the judgment stated. The court further noted that other eyewitnesses, including Julekha Shaikh, who mistook the gunshots for firecrackers, were also unable to identify the accused. While the prosecution examined witnesses to establish a land dispute as the motive, the court found this insufficient without direct evidence of the shooting itself.“In the absence of substantive evidence regarding the incident, their evidence pertaining to the motive is also of no consequence,” it said. The court acquitted Jiten Jwala, Rajesh Chauhan, Ravindra Arya, Jatashankar Pande, Mukesh Shetty, Yashodip Naik, Ajay Singh, and Rahul Sharma. Another accused, Mayank Gala, died during the trial. While seven of the accused were already out on bail, the court ordered the immediate release of Rahul Sharma, who was still in custody. (With PTI inputs)
08 February,2026 01:23 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentRSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the Sangh had requested him to continue his work despite his age, while emphasising that he would resign whenever the organisation asks him to. According to the news agency PTI, He made the comments during an interactive session at a programme celebrating the RSS’s centenary. "There is no election to the post of RSS chief. Regional and divisional heads appoint the chief. Generally, it is said that after turning 75, one should work without holding any post," Bhagwat said. "I have completed 75 years and informed the RSS, but the organisation asked me to continue working. Whenever the RSS asks me to step down, I will do so, but retirement from work will never happen," he added, reported news agency PTI. Mohan Bhagwat urges not to overthink challenges or advantages The RSS chief further said situations could be supportive or adverse, and there was no need to dwell excessively on them. "What we need to think about is finding solutions rather than focusing on problems. As long as truth does not come forward, illusion remains effective," he said. In a lighter remark, Bhagwat said the organisation "extracts work till the last drop of blood from its volunteers" and maintained that there had not yet been a situation in the RSS's history where someone had to be retired. Bhagwat said the Sangh's work was about inculcating "sanskar" (values) and not about campaigning. "We have lagged behind in promoting ourselves. Excessive campaigning leads to publicity and then arrogance. One needs to protect oneself from it. Publicity should be like rainfall, adequate in timing and quantity," he added, noting that the RSS was carrying out outreach initiatives. He further stated that English would never be the primary medium of communication in RSS functioning, as it is not an Indian language. "We want to work with Indians. Wherever English is necessary, we use it. We are not averse to it," he said. Bhagwat added that people should be able to speak English in such a manner that native English speakers would be willing to listen. "We should master English, but that does not mean we forget our mother tongue," he said, reported PTI. Recalling a similar interaction in Bengaluru, he said representatives from several southern states could not understand Hindi, and he had responded to their queries in English. He added that while interacting with the Indian diaspora abroad, communication was done either in Hindi or the mother tongue, depending on whether they were from English-speaking or non-English-speaking countries. (With PTI inputs)
08 February,2026 01:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the BJP had no choice but to select a Marathi mayor for Mumbai, citing strong support from Marathi voters for his party and the MNS in the BMC elections. According to the news agency PTI, Raut also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after actor Salman Khan was seen meeting its chief, Mohan Bhagwat, on Saturday at an event celebrating the RSS’s centenary. "Was it a welcome for Bollywood star Salman Khan or a message that Muslims are also welcome in the Sangh and its shakhas?" the Rajya Sabha member asked. He added that Bhagwat should have clarified, given the way Hindu-Muslim hatred and vindictive propaganda are being spread, and accused the Sangh of being part of it. On the BJP fielding Ritu Tawde (53) for Mumbai mayor, Raut said she is originally from the Congress and claimed that the BJP “does not have anything original of its own.” Marathi voter influence led BJP to select Mumbai mayor, claims Raut "The way Marathi people overwhelmingly voted for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, the BJP had to make a Marathi mayor in Mumbai," he stated, reported PTI. Tawde is set to become Mumbai's mayor and the BJP’s first in four decades after Sena (UBT) decided against fielding a challenger, making the contest unopposed and ending the Thackeray family’s 25-year dominance over the city’s richest civic body. The Mumbai mayoral election is scheduled for February 11, which is the last day to withdraw nominations. As per PTI, the Sena (UBT) had raised the emotive “Marathi identity” plank in last month’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, where the party had allied with the MNS. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 227-member BMC by winning 89 seats, while its ally Shiv Sena secured 29 seats. In the Opposition camp, the Sena (UBT) won 65 seats, while its allies—the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—won six and one seat, respectively. Sanjay Raut targets Praful Patel, accuses him of being ‘closer to BJP than NCP’ Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on NCP working president Praful Patel, accusing him of being more aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) than with his own party, reported the PTI. Raut said Patel must act only in a manner acceptable to Maharashtra and the Marathi manoos. Addressing reporters, Raut said the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was founded and led by the Pawar family, not by Patel. “Praful Patel should do only what is acceptable to Maharashtra and the Marathi manoos. The NCP is a party of Pawars, not Patels. He is a bigger devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah than a leader of his own party,” Raut alleged, according to the PTI. He also claimed that NCP state president Sunil Tatkare was leaning towards the BJP. (With PTI inputs)
08 February,2026 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHazy conditions are expected during morning hours, with skies clearing by afternoon and evening, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 35 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. According to the SAMEER app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 122 on Sunday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Such air quality may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disorders, asthma and heart ailments. AQI across Mumbai Borivali East – 114Byculla – 119Andheri East – 145Chembur – 105Deonar – 134Ghatkopar – 129Kandivali East – 109Kandivali West – 126Bandra East – 162Bhandup West – 112Kurla – 105Malad West – 148Mazgaon – 109Mulund West – 76Powai – 68Sewri – 122 Air quality in Delhi shows marginal improvement, AQI at 196 The air quality in the national capital showed slight improvement on Sunday, with the AQI recorded at 196 in the ‘moderate’ category at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks an improvement from Saturday, when the AQI stood at 227 at 4 pm, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Among city locations, Mundka recorded the highest AQI at 266, followed by Pusa (257), Narela (247), Rohini (247), Ashok Vihar (243), Jahangirpuri (242), Wazirpur (239), Nehru Nagar (237), Shadipur (236), Bawana (231), Vivek Vihar (231), Sirifort (222) and Chandni Chowk (220), all in the ‘poor’ category. Sri Aurobindo Marg recorded the lowest AQI at 126, followed by IGI Airport (131), Aya Nagar (136), Lodhi Road (139), Major Dhyan Chand Stadium (140), IIT Delhi (141) and Mandir Marg (145), all in the ‘moderate’ category. Despite the improvement, a thin layer of smog persisted in parts of the city, and overall air quality remained poor. AQI readings on Sunday were similar to Saturday’s levels. On Saturday, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 260 and RK Puram 237, both in the ‘poor’ category. Delhi’s ITO witnessed a busy morning with an AQI of 223, while Chandni Chowk recorded 232, both categorised as ‘poor’. Meanwhile, Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 151, IGI Airport (T3) 138 and Pusa 157, all in the ‘moderate’ category. As per AQI classification, readings between 0–50 are ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’ and 401–500 ‘severe’. The IMD has forecast a maximum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius, with mist expected in the air today. (With ANI inputs)
08 February,2026 10:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeven months after a 22-year-old employee at a call centre filed a rape complaint against her 25-year-old colleague at the Oshiwara police station, the police have concluded that the allegations were false and contradictory. A B-summary report has been filed and the case will now be closed. The plaintiff had said that after she rejected his marriage proposal, he drugged her and raped her at her house on July 18, 2025. A senior Oshiwara police officer said, “Investigation has revealed clear evidence that the allegations are false. At the time and date of the alleged assault, the accused was at a pub inside a BKC hotel. CCTV footage and mobile records confirm this.” When these findings were placed before the court, the judge observed that appropriate action should be taken against the complainant if the case was found to be false.
08 February,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
