Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday expressed deep grief over the passing of eminent environmental scientist and Padma Bhushan awardee Madhav Gadgil, describing his demise as a major loss to environmental conservation in the country. Fadnavis recalls Gadgil as principled champion of ecology In his condolence message, Fadnavis said Dr. Gadgil was a committed and principled champion of environmental protection who devoted his entire life to maintaining ecological balance. He noted that the veteran ecologist would be remembered for his lifelong dedication to environmental causes and for creating widespread public awareness about conservation. Focus on Western Ghats and global recognition The Chief Minister highlighted Dr. Gadgil’s sustained efforts to sensitise society to environmental challenges and his tireless work to preserve and promote awareness of the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, he was honoured in 2024 with the United Nations Environment Programme’s ‘Champion of the Earth’ award, one of the highest global honours in the field of environmental protection. Referring to Dr. Gadgil’s six-decade-long scientific career, Fadnavis said that despite holding several prestigious positions, he always regarded himself as a “scientist of the people”. His work brought international recognition not only to himself but also to Maharashtra, the Chief Minister added. CM expresses solidarity with Gadgil family “His demise is a significant loss to the field of environmental conservation and protection. With his passing, we have lost a sage-like guide, and the Gadgil family has suffered an irreparable loss,” Fadnavis said, expressing solidarity with Dr. Gadgil’s family, admirers and students. Ajit Pawar calls death a setback to green movement Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in a separate condolence message, said the environmental protection movement has suffered a severe setback with the passing of Dr. Gadgil. Paying tribute, Pawar said, “We have lost a dedicated personality who successfully linked environmental protection with science and people’s participation.” He added that Dr. Gadgil set a lasting example of how development and environmental conservation can be balanced. Pawar noted that Dr. Gadgil firmly believed nature was not merely an object of observation, but the very foundation of human existence. His work had a deep impact on environmental policymaking, and he consistently advocated sustainable development as the only viable path forward, the Deputy Chief Minister said. Voice for community-led conservation Highlighting his contribution to the conservation of the Western Ghats, Pawar said Dr. Gadgil worked tirelessly to integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern science and strongly believed that local communities must play an active role in conservation. He consistently asserted that people should have rights over natural resources such as water, forests and land. “With his passing, we have lost a powerful and fearless voice that spoke out against threats such as mining, indiscriminate large-scale construction and climate change,” Pawar said. Demise in Pune after brief illness Dr. Gadgil passed away late Wednesday night at a hospital in Pune after a brief illness. He was 83. A pioneer of ecological research and conservation policy in India, Dr. Gadgil was the founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, popularly known as the Gadgil Commission. Appointed in 2010, the panel submitted a landmark report recommending that a significant portion of the Western Ghats be designated as ecologically sensitive. Though the report sparked intense debate, it is widely regarded as a milestone in India’s environmental discourse. Academic roots and global education Born in Pune on May 24, 1942, Dr. Gadgil hailed from an illustrious academic family. His father, Dhananjay Ramchandra Gadgil, was a noted economist and former director of the Gokhale Institute. Dr. Gadgil graduated in biology from Fergusson College in 1963 and completed his master’s degree in zoology from the University of Mumbai in 1965. He went on to earn a PhD from Harvard University in 1969, specialising in mathematical ecology and animal behaviour. Building modern ecological research in India After returning to India in 1971, he joined the Indian Institute of Science in 1973, where he established key institutions, including the Centre for Ecological Sciences and the Centre for Theoretical Studies, laying the foundation for modern ecological research in the country. He retired from IISc in 2004 and later continued his academic work with the Agharkar Research Institute in Pune and the University of Goa. Dr. Gadgil served on several high-level national and international bodies, including the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, the National Advisory Council and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
08 January,2026 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwelve newly elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for aligning with the BJP after the polls, have formally joined the saffron party, reported news agency PTI. BJP leadership says move driven by development agenda Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Ravindra Chavan announced the development at the BJP office here late Wednesday night, asserting the move was not motivated by power but driven by a shared commitment to development. "The people elected these councillors and they had promised development to the citizens. They have come with us because the government is working in a dynamic manner and is capable of delivering justice and development to the people," he said, reported PTI. Post-poll alliance sidelined Shiv Sena in Ambernath Following the local polls held on December 20, the BJP joined hands with its arch-rival, Congress, under the banner of 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi' (AVA) to form the Ambernath Municipal Council (in Thane district) leadership, sidelining ally Shiv Sena, which emerged as the single largest party. The Aghadi also includes Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Seat tally gives AVA majority in 60-member council The AVA secured a majority of 31 seats in the 60-member local body. In recent elections, Shiv Sena won 27 seats, falling just four short of a majority. The BJP secured 14 seats, Congress 12, NCP 4, while 2 independents were also elected, reported PTI. With the support of one independent, the three-party coalition's strength has risen to 32 councillors, crossing the majority mark of 30. Congress suspends councillors after political embarrassment Left red-faced with the awkward arrangement, the Congress on Wednesday suspended its 12 newly elected councillors along with the block president. The move by the 12 suspended councillors to join the BJP has significantly altered the political equations in the municipality. BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena are partners in the ruling Mahayuti. BJP claims growing confidence in its governance Chavan maintained that the councillors' move reflected growing confidence in the BJP-led government. "They believe that only through the BJP can the promises made to the people be fulfilled effectively," he said, adding that the party would continue to focus on governance and development at the local body level, reported PTI. Mahayuti ally Shiv Sena has called the development a betrayal of "coalition dharma" as the arrangement in Ambernath was aimed at keeping the Eknath Shinde-led party from holding reins of the local body. BJP-AIMIM tie-up in Akot draws notice On the BJP joining hands with the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district, Chavan said a show-cause notice has been issued to their Akot MLA, Prakash Bharsakhale. CM Fadnavis expresses displeasure over local alliances Chavan noted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed strong displeasure over the role of local BJP leaders in the matter and made it clear that the party would not tolerate actions that go against its stated policies, reported PTI. Party leadership warns against ideological compromises Frowning upon the alliances between ideological rivals, CM Fadnavis on Wednesday said such arrangements were not approved by the BJP leadership and violated discipline, reported PTI. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has said the arrangements reflect the BJP's double standards and its readiness to do anything to grab power. (With inputs from PTI)
08 January,2026 11:09 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentHaze is expected during the morning hours, with a partly cloudy sky towards the afternoon and evening across the city and suburbs. City temperatures on Thursday saw a minimum of 20.5 degrees Celsius at Colaba, with no rainfall recorded. Santacruz reported a minimum of 16.4 degrees Celsius, also with dry conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai. As per the sameer app, the air quality index (AQI) of Mumbai on Thursday is 130, which falls in the moderate category. This may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, or heart diseases. Delhi's air quality remains 'poor' with overall AQI of 277 as thick smog blankets the capital Meanwhile, the national capital is experiencing cold weather, with a thick blanket of smog continuing to envelop the city on Thursday. Air quality remained in the 'poor' category across several parts of Delhi, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to CPCB readings, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 277, placing it in the 'poor' category. However, several areas in the city witnessed a further decline in air quality. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 324, slipping into the 'very poor' category. Other areas, including Chandni Chowk (320), Jahangirpuri (327), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (306), and Nehru Nagar (343), also recorded worsening air quality. In contrast, some locations recorded slightly improved air quality compared to other regions in the city. For instance, Asok Nagar recorded an AQI of 296, which falls into the 'poor' category. Other areas like IGI Airport (207), ITO (270), and Burari (231) also recorded similar results. According to AQI categorisation: 0–50 is 'good', 51–100 'satisfactory', 101–200 'moderate', 201–300 'poor', 301–400 'very poor', and 401–500 'severe'. On 6 January, the national capital experienced cold weather and recorded its first 'cold day' of the season. Maximum temperatures in areas such as Palam and Lodi Road were recorded within a narrow range of 13 degrees Celsius to 16 degrees Celsius. It marks the onset of a winter spell, as it is the first day of such conditions. The IMD has forecast that these cold-day conditions are likely to persist through tomorrow, indicating no immediate relief for residents. According to the IMD, a 'cold day' is defined as a day when the maximum temperature is between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm. If temperatures fall 6.5 degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm, it is classified as a severe cold day. Meanwhile, Republic Day rehearsals continued at India Gate, with security personnel and parade participants carrying on preparations for the upcoming national celebrations.
08 January,2026 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on the BJP, alleging that those seeking to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra are in power at the Centre and in the state, and warned that if they control the municipal corporations, "Marathi manoos" will be rendered powerless. In the first part of a joint interview of Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, published in the latter's party mouthpiece Saamana on Thursday, the Maharashtra Nanirman Sena (MNS) chief said he and his cousin have come together not for their existence but for that of "Marathi manoos" in the state. Interview conducted by Sanjay Raut and Mahesh Manjrekar The Thackeray cousins were interviewed by Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member and Saamana's Executive Editor Sanjay Raut and noted director Mahesh Manjrekar. Last month, the cousins announced the alliance of their parties for the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Raj Thackeray flags growing political influence of outsiders In the interview, Raj Thackeray said those from outside the state are not just coming for livelihood, but they are forming their own constituencies. "It is an old wound...efforts are on to realise the dream of separating Mumbai from Maharashtra," he claimed. Comparison with Samyukta Maharashtra movement Today, the atmosphere is similar to what it was during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement when Gujarat wanted Mumbai to be its part, he said. "Those who want to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra are in power in the Centre as well as the state," Raj Thackeray said, targeting the BJP. Warning over BJP control of municipal corporations "Marathi manoos will not be able to do anything if they (BJP) control the municipal corporations," he claimed. It is necessary to control the civic bodies if boundaries have to be set on this, especially in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nashik, Mira-Bhayander, Kalyan-Dombivali and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the MNS chief said. Uddhav Thackeray attacks state government’s development claims Targeting the state government, Uddhav Thackeray said the BJP publicises development, but it leads to destruction rather than progress. It is "development without planning," he claimed. Allegation of governance disconnect "The government does not know what it wants," the former state chief minister added. He said that, unfortunately, those in power are Marathi or from Maharashtra, but they have nothing to do with the people of Mumbai. "They only work for contractors," the Sena (UBT) chief charged. Drug menace raised as major concern Raj Thackeray also targeted the state government over the increasing drug menace. It is necessary to link the use of money in politics and drugs, which are available easily, he said. He claimed that raids against drugs have stopped, and there is no control over drug peddling in the state. (With inputs from Agencies)
08 January,2026 10:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmong the youngest wards in Mumbai, the P East ward, comprising Goregaon and Malad, was formed just two years ago by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), by dividing the densely populated P North ward into two. It was also decided to rename the P North ward to P West, once the P East ward office became fully operational. A view of Manori, which falls under the P East ward. File pic The P North ward then had a population of approximately 12 lakh people, and was the largest administrative ward in the city. Despite the split of P North ward, this area continues to remain the most populated area in Mumbai, along with the areas of Andheri and Vile Parle, with a high demand for residential spaces in new and upcoming high-rise buildings. An aerial view of Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon East, a large part of which falls under the P South ward. File pic/Rane Ashish P North also records a large number of floating population per day due to the business centres of NESCO and Nirlon Knowledge Park along the Western Express Highway, leading to traffic snarls during peak hours, apart from the notorious waterlogging spot of the Malad Subway that falls in the P North ward. While there are a few open spaces in the area, part of Aarey Milk Colony falls under P South ward, offering respite to Mumbaikars in terms of clean air. About P North ward Areas under ward: Versova, Andheri WestCharacterised by: AwaitedPopulation of ward: 9,41,366Density of ward: 202 Chronic waterlogging spots: 10, including Malad subway Vulnerable populations: Settlements: 7 Population: 55,000 Open spaces: 81Road concreting statusPartially completed 51Completed 77Not started 19 Electoral ward 32 Manori Island, Aakashwani, Jankalyan Nagar, Bafira Nagar Demographic details Total population - 53,970SC Population - 2,144ST population - 224 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Yogiraj Narayanrao Dabhadkar (BJP)Votes received - 6,908Total votes cast - 17,987Winning margin - 38%Ward reservation (2017) - OpenWard reservation (2025) - WomenTentative voters (2025): 44,576Male: 22,119Female: 22,457Others: 0 Electoral ward 33 Rathodi, Aazad Nagar, Valnai Gaon, Aazmi Nagar Demographic details Total population - 52,414SC Population - 1,407ST population - 460 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) - Virendra Tukaram Choudhari (Cong)Votes received - 5,232Total votes cast - 14,133Winning margin - 37%Ward reservation (2017) - OBCWard reservation (2025) – OBC WomenTentative voters (2025): 50,106Male: 29,181Female: 20,925Others: 0 Electoral ward 34 BMC Colony, Old Collector Compound, Malwani police stationDemographic detailsTotal population - 58,910SC Population - 2,297ST population - 214 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Qumarjahan Siddiqui (Cong)Votes received - 10,500Total votes cast - 22,917Winning margin - 46%Ward reservation (2017) – WomenWard reservation (2025) - OpenTentative voters (2025): 52,834Male: 29,265Female: 23,569Others: 0 Electoral ward 35 Aadarsh Dugdhalay, Domnic Colony, Meeth Chowky, Goraswadi Demographic details Total population - 55,428SC Population - 1,051ST population - 416 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Sejal Prashant Desai (BJP)Votes received - 13,751Total votes cast - 26,282Winning margin - 52%Ward reservation (2017) - WomenWard reservation (2025) - OpenTentative voters (2025): 45,862Male: 24,431Female: 21,431Others: 0 About P South ward Areas under ward: Parts of Goregaon and MaladCharacterised by: Proximity to natural areas like Aarey, traffic snarls due to the Western Express HighwayPopulation of ward: 4,63,507Density of ward: 183 Chronic waterlogging spots: 4, including Oberoi Mall (Goregaon) Vulnerable populations: Settlements: 2 landslide-prone locations Open spaces: 9Road concreting statusPartially completed 51Completed 77Not started 19 Electoral ward 50 Motilal Nagar 2 & 3, Jijamata Nagar, Nutan Vidya Mandir Demographic details Total population - 56,231SC Population - 1,625ST population - 633 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Deepak Jayprakash Thakur (BJP)Votes received - 10,645Total votes cast - 22,945Winning margin - 46%Ward reservation (2017) - OpenWard reservation (2025) - OBC Electoral ward 51 Jayprakash Nagar, Hanuman Tekdi, Pahadi School, Virwani Industrial Estate Demographic details Total population - 45,814SC Population - 1,019ST population - 415 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Swapnil Mohan Tembvalkar (Shiv Sena)Votes received - 7,802Total votes cast - 21,014Winning margin - 37%Ward reservation (2017) - OpenWard reservation (2025) - Women Electoral ward 52 Yashodham Vidyalaya, Gokul Dham, Mali Nagar, Ram Nagar Demographic details Total population - 47,793SC Population - 3,934ST population - 1,289 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Priti Manoj Satam (BJP)Votes received - 6,696Total votes cast - 18,302Winning margin - 37%Ward reservation (2017) - OBC WomenWard reservation (2025) - OBC Women Electoral ward 53 Aarey Colony, Film City, Royal Palm, Unit No.22, Aarey Dairy, Mahanand Dairy, SRPF Demographic details Total population - 53,970SC Population - 2,144ST population - 224 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Rekha Dadasaheb Ramvanshi (Shiv Sena)Votes received - 6,088Total votes cast - 16,393Winning margin - 37%Ward reservation (2017) - WomenWard reservation (2025) - ST Electoral ward 54 Pandurang Wadi, Sonawala Industry, Kama Industry, Churi Wadi, Goregaon railway station Demographic details Total population - 45,845SC Population - 2,304ST population - 584 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Sadhana Sadashiv Mane (Shiv Sena)Votes received - 8,363Total votes cast - 21,718Winning margin - 39%Ward reservation (2017) - WomenWard reservation (2025) - Open Electoral ward 55 Jawahar Nagar, Mitha Nagar, Unnat Nagar, Piramal Nagar, Shree Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Siddharth Nagar Demographic details Total population - 54,319SC Population - 1,953ST population - 240 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Harsh Bhargav Patel (BJP)Votes received - 14,256Total votes cast - 28,038Winning margin - 51%Ward reservation (2017) - OBCWard reservation (2025) - Open Electoral ward 56 Motilal Nagar 2 & 3, Jijamata Nagar, Nutan Vidya Mandir Demographic details Total population - 57,083SC Population - 2,689ST population - 942 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Rajul Sameer Desai (BJP)Votes received - 10,219Total votes cast - 25,710Winning margin - 40%Ward reservation (2017) - WomenWard reservation (2025) - Women Electoral ward 57 Bhagatsingh Nagar, Laxmi Nagar Demographic details Total population - 57,477SC Population - 5,454ST population - 385 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Shrikala Ramchandran Pillai (BJP)Votes received - 10,444Total votes cast - 22,324Winning margin - 47%Ward reservation (2017) - WomenWard reservation (2025) - Open Electoral ward 58 Oshiwara Bus Depot, Goregaon Bus Depot, BEST Nagar, Motilal Nagar, Siddharth Nagar Demographic details Total population - 56,189SC Population - 3,260ST population - 365 Political details Municipal councillor’s name (2017) Sandeep Dilip Patel (BJP)Votes received - 7,153Total votes cast - 23,336Winning margin - 31%Ward reservation (2017) - OpenWard reservation (2025) - Open
08 January,2026 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSRaj Thackeray visits the campaign office of MNS–Shiv Sena (UBT)–NCP (SP) alliance candidate Sonali Mishra at Dahanukarwadi, Kandivli West. Pic/Satej Shinde A family poses with a ‘Will vote in BMC elections’ board near CSMT. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Shopkeepers in Lalbaug sell caps sporting political party symbols. Pic/Shadab Khan Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS–NCP (SP) alliance candidate Shivani Shailesh Parab campaigns with party members at Meghwadi, Jogeshwari East. Pic/Satej Shinde Mumbai police conduct flag march ahead of the BMC elections at Dhobitalao. Pic/Atul Kamble BJP supporters attend the inauguration of Ganesh Dattaram Khankar’s campaign office at Navagaon, Dahisar. Pic/Satej Shinde Political party symbols being printed at Lalbaug ahead of the BMC elections. Pic/Shadab Khan
08 January,2026 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party’s local units forming alliances with ideologically opposite parties in two Maharashtra towns has triggered political ripples and drawn sharp disapproval from the party’s top leadership. In Thane district’s Ambernath, the BJP joined hands with the Congress and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party in a post-poll development to keep the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena out of power in the municipal council. Meanwhile, in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district, the local BJP unit reportedly aligned with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. Within hours of the developments coming to light, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis publicly expressed his displeasure, stating that he does not approve of alliances with parties that follow completely opposing ideologies. The move is said to have upset Eknath Shinde and leaders of the Shiv Sena, which is an ally of the BJP in the Maharashtra government. State-level BJP leaders maintained that the decisions were taken by local units without the party leadership’s approval and reiterated that the BJP does not endorse such alliances. The developments have also caused embarrassment to the alliance partners. The Indian National Congress issued show-cause notices to its corporators in Ambernath, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen claimed it had not entered into any alliance with the BJP in Akot. The BJP’s tie-ups with the Congress and AIMIM drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the BJP’s ideological consistency, targeting the party over what he called opportunistic politics. Colaba candidate cries foul Independent candidate Tejal Pawar has alleged that she was forced to withdraw her nomination from a municipal ward in Colaba. Pawar claimed that local MLA Rahul Narwekar threatened her to pull out of the contest. Narwekar, who is also the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, denied the allegations. Speaking to television reporters, he said, “I have never met or even seen this candidate. There is no question of threatening her. The allegations are completely baseless.” mid-day reached out to Narwekar on the allegations. “It is clearly visible that while allegations are levelled, the Sena UBT MP was on the dais with the person making allegations. The allegations are motivated, staged and with the intention to malign my image,” the Colaba MLA said. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info here https://www.mid-day.com/bmc-election/ https://www.mid-day.com/bmc-election/know-your-ward
08 January,2026 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarFlat Fit Gym, a local fitness centre, has been booked for cheating after allegedly closing its doors abruptly despite collecting over Rs 20 lakh in annual fees from more than 200 members. According to Navghar police, the gym had attracted members with promises of modern facilities and long-term fitness plans, charging Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000 each, often via digital payments. Operations ran normally for a short period, giving members confidence. However, on August 9, the gym was found closed with shutters down and locks in place, without any prior notice. Members arriving for their workouts discovered the sudden shutdown. “Despite repeated attempts to contact the management, phones went unanswered, and no refunds were issued,” said member Nilesh Nandre. Police investigations revealed that 205 members had paid annual fees, totalling around Rs 20.05 lakh. Members said the gym continued selling long-term memberships even as disputes over the premises were ongoing, raising questions about the management’s conduct. Several members lodged complaints with the police, who registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating. Navghar police are investigating the accused, Swapnil Nigote and Harshal Salunke, who ran the gym. “They will be sent notices to appear for investigation. If they fail to comply, they will be arrested,” said Senior Police Inspector Parag Sonawane. Efforts are also underway to trace the money and check for similar complaints elsewhere. Rs 20.05LTotal amount collected from members
08 January,2026 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerAfter mid-day highlighted the issue, residents of Bageshri Society have finally begun receiving better-quality water from Wednesday, bringing relief after days of complaints about a foul-smelling supply. The improvement follows repeated concerns raised by residents over an unusual odour in their tap water, which had triggered fears of contamination and health risks. “The water samples collected from the society were tested and found to be clear. The test report [a copy of which is with mid-day], rules out chemical contamination or sewage mixing,” said Pravin Dudhwadkar, engineer, BMC water department. However, officials said the foul smell may have been linked to the recent laying of new water pipelines in the area. “The smell could have been the result of the new water pipelines, which we have laid. However, that too is just a speculation because we have not installed the new pipelines yet; they are just laid beside the older ones as of now,” added Dudhwadkar. BMC officials said precautionary flushing of the water lines was carried out to restore normal supply. The department has assured residents that water quality will continue to be monitored over the next few days to ensure the problem does not recur. Residents confirmed a noticeable improvement in water quality since Wednesday. “The foul smell has reduced significantly, and the water looks much better now,” said Sanjay Patkar, a resident, expressing relief after weeks of uncertainty. Several residents said that while the issue may not have posed an immediate health threat, the persistent stench had made daily use of water difficult and distressing, particularly for cooking and drinking. Members of the society thanked mid-day for highlighting the problem, saying swift civic action followed only after media intervention. “Without the issue being reported, this might have dragged on much longer. We are grateful that the matter was taken seriously,” said Mahendra Chheda, secretary of Bageshri Society.
08 January,2026 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarThe waiting game Commuters are captured in different moods as they wait for a local train to arrive at Dadar railway station. Making the right moves Viswanathan Anand. File pic/Atul Kamble India's Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has a lot in store in his new book, Lightning Kid (Hachette India), set to release on January 13. Articulating the player’s wins and losses, it features 64 short lessons for enthusiasts of the game. “[The] lessons do help on the board, but they often also [help] in the bigger game called Life,” Anand reflects. If you’re headed to the Jaipur Literature Festival, The Hindu Lit For Life in Chennai, or the Kolkata Literary Meet, listen to him in person, as he presents the book. City rewind A print from the album. Pic Courtesy/Prinseps While all eyes are on the future of the Bombay High Court’s new complex in Bandra East, a blast from the past is on the cards elsewhere. Photographic Views Of Public Buildings In Bombay (circa 1870) by DF Davur & Co is part of the From the Archives to Auction sale by Prinseps. The album includes 12 plates of albumen prints of key public buildings of erstwhile Bombay, from High Court and Victoria Terminus (today’s CSMT), to the iconic Watson’s Esplanade Hotel, which is currently being restored. The auction also has works by British officer-artists Captain Stephen Peacocke, and Captain George Powell Thomas. Bombayphiles have till 7 pm today to place their bids on auction.prinseps.com. Vote wisely, Mumbai Water is sprayed around a construction site in Sion to allow dust to settle. file pic/rane ashish; Pics Courtesy/Mission Green Mumbai With power comes responsibility. This can be applied to the need for Mumbaikars to exercise their voting rights, as emphasised by Subhajit Mukherjee, founder of non-governmental organisation, Mission Green Mumbai. In light of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on January 15, the environmentalist has begun a campaign under the tagline ‘Vote For Clean Air’, urging citizens to vote for those serious about improving the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI). “I’ve drafted and sent a letter to various election contestants, requesting them to address this problem,” he revealed, adding, “As individuals, we need to change our ways, and stop littering and burning waste. Construction sites must also improve dust management.” Subhajit Mukherjee; (right) An AQI meter installed in Mukherjee’s home, which shows a high PM 2.5 of 123+ Padding up for hygiene The girls who attended the JC Goveas Foundation-organised Menstrual Hygiene Camp in Talasari, Maharashtra with Bruno and Reena Goveas. Pic/By Special Arrangement Ever thought about how village girls go about exercising menstrual hygiene, a lack of it opening up possibilities of serious health hazards? The JC Goveas Foundation certainly thought about it, and last week, educated and provided 540 girls across 18 schools in Talasari, Maharashtra, on ways to go about things at their Menstrual Hygiene Camp. Renowned gynaecologist Dr Kiran Shinde of Ashirwad Maternity Hospital, Dahisar East and Dr Sunita Shinde counselled and advised the girls on the subject. The girls were provided with a year’s supply of sanitary pads, besides iron supplements. There was a sense of satisfaction among those present and the smiles got wider when some of the girls performed the traditional Tarpa dance. The Foundation extends a big thank you to the generous people who donated towards the purchase of sanitary pads and supplements, and looks forward to more support; the number of benefactors sure to increase, nevertheless. Best foot forward on the Metro The footprint signs on the platform. File pic Life in a... Metro was the name of Anurag Basu’s film centred on living in Mumbai. But there is also strife in a Metro which means Mumbai. There is little to no strife in the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3. This diarist follows the rapidly evolving Metro Aqua Line 3 scenario, even while saying props to the easy-breezy transport facility. We like their fairly recent intervention at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) station, where footprints have been painted on the platform. This is to indicate that people should enter from two sides while letting commuters alight from the middle. Follow these feet as this would mean smoother entrance/exit. We say these feet are neat.
08 January,2026 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayA major contest is unfolding in electoral ward no. 12 in Borivali East’s R Central ward, where residents of Ariana Residency at Devipada have collectively decided that the party which resolves their long-standing water crisis will receive 1300 votes from the housing society. The residents allege that they have been receiving insufficient and horrible-smelling water from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the past four years, compelling them to spend nearly R16,000 per day on water from private tankers. At the housing society’s gates, posters have also been put up, stating, “We are paying taxes, but we are begging for water. First solve our water issue, and then ask for votes.” Mukesh Ashar, resident, Ariana Residency Ariana Residency houses nearly 1300 residents across 325 flats in A, B, and C wings. The society was redeveloped in 2021, and it has been facing low-water pressure ever since. Residents allege that despite repeatedly approaching the BMC, the local MLA, and MP, no solution has been provided so far.According to locals, civic officials blamed a major slope for the society’s water pressure woes. Residents speak Resident Akshay Parab said, “We receive insufficient water from the BMC every day. We order four water tankers daily. We pay taxes to the government. If we do not get sufficient water, we will not vote. Whoever helps us solve this water crisis will get our votes.” Ariana Residency in Borivali East, whose residents depend on tanker water daily due to water pressure issue. Pics/Nimesh Dave Another resident, Mukesh Ashar, said, “We receive only 50 per cent of our required amount of water from the BMC, while the tanker water we buy is not potable. Purchasing drinking water bottles from shops is an additional expense.” Shraddha Subhash Aroskar, yet another resident, said, “We boil water daily for drinking. Even for cooking, we are forced to use dirty water. The water supplied by the BMC smells terrible. No one comes back after being voted to power. We want a permanent solution, and we will vote only for those who help us.” Shraddha Subhash Aroskar, resident, Ariana Residency Ashok Jadhav, a provisional committee member of Ariana Residency, said, “The water we receive from the BMC is dirty, foul-smelling, and unfit for drinking. Our children’s health is being affected. We have written several letters to the R Central ward of the BMC, but no solution has been provided.” mid-day tried to contact Praful Tambe, the assistant commissioner of R Central ward, but he was unavailable for comment. A senior BMC official said on the condition of anonymity, “We will look into this matter and solve it.” CANDIDATES SAY THEY CAN DO IT Electoral ward No. 12 is reserved for OBC women candidates, and every aspirant mid-day spoke to express confidence about decisively resolving the issue ‘The previous MLA and MP did not help this society, which is why they are facing low water pressure. We will hold a meeting with the society very soon. Once I win the election, I will definitely help them and resolve the issue’Priti Dandekar, Independent candidate ‘I am aware of this issue. Within the next two to three days, I will hold a meeting with the society members and resolve the problem. Water is a basic necessity, and every society member has the right to receive it’Vandana Shinde, Independent candidate ‘I have met the society members. If I win this election, I will first meet [party chief] Uddhav Thackeray and ensure this issue is resolved. I promise that I will not abandon my party like others have done in the past’ Sarika Zore, Shiv Sena (UBT) ‘I will meet the society members very soon and resolve the issue. While other political parties are busy campaigning, I can assure everyone that if I win, I will meet [party chief] Eknath Shinde and MLA Prakash Surve on the very first day and ensure a permanent solution’Survana Gavas, Shiv Sena
08 January,2026 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaADVERTISEMENT
