The water levels in lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai have risen following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the combined stock in the seven reservoirs that provide water to the city now stands at 10.19 per cent. As per BMC records on Wednesday (June 18), the collective water stock in these reservoirs is 1,47,488 million litres, which amounts to 10.19 per cent of their total capacity. The BMC supplies drinking water daily from Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes. Of these, Tansa has 9.99 per cent water stock, Modak Sagar 27.20 per cent, Middle Vaitarna 11.54 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 9.07 per cent, Bhatsa 5.90 per cent, Vihar 35.64 per cent, and Tulsi 34.83 per cent. Lower (Modak Sagar), Middle and Upper Vaitarna lakes, along with Tansa, supply water to the western suburbs from Dahisar Check Naka to Bandra and to the western parts of the city from Mahim to Malabar Hill. Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi together form the Bhatsa system. Water from this system is treated at the Panjarpur Water Treatment Plant and distributed to the eastern parts of Mumbai, covering the eastern suburbs from Mulund Check Naka to Sion and further to Mazagaon. Meanwhile, Powai Lake, one of Mumbai’s prominent artificial lakes managed by the BMC, began overflowing early Tuesday morning after continuous heavy rain over the past two days. According to civic officials, Powai Lake started to overflow around 6 am on Tuesday due to increased water inflow from its catchment area. With a storage capacity of 545 crore litres (5.45 billion litres), Powai Lake mainly serves industrial and non-potable needs, including supplying water to Aarey Milk Colony and nearby establishments. Officials noted that the lake’s water level has reached approximately 195.10 feet, marking its full supply level.
18 June,2025 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPowai Lake, one of Mumbai’s prominent artificial lakes managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began overflowing early this morning following intense rainfall over the last couple of days. According to civic officials, the lake started to overflow around 6 am on Tuesday after continuous downpours caused its catchment area to receive significant water inflow. 🔹Powai Lake, one of the main artificial lakes under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began overflowing around 6 am today.🔹With a storage capacity of 545 crore litres (5.45 billion litres), the lake’s water is non-potable and is primarily used… pic.twitter.com/wCWX20cZQ6 — माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) June 18, 2025 With a storage capacity of 545 crore litres (5.45 billion litres), the Powai Lake is mainly used for industrial activities and non-potable purposes, particularly to meet the needs of the Aarey Milk Colony and surrounding establishments. Officials reported that the lake’s water level has reached approximately 195.10 feet, which is its full supply level. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) supplies 3950 million litres of drinking water to the city every day, from Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes. According to information from the BMC, the Lower (Modak Sagar), Middle and Upper Vaitarna lakes, along with the Tansa Lake supply water to the western suburbs, from Dahisar Check Naka to Bandra, and to the western part of the city from Mahim to Malabar Hill. Bhatsa, Vihar and Tulsi lakes constitute the Bhatsa system. Its water is purified at the Panjarpur Water Treatment Plant and supplied to the eastern parts of the city and the eastern suburbs, ranging from Mulund Check Naka to Sion, and from Sion to Mazagaon. Meanwhile, the water levels in lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai have risen following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the combined stock in the seven reservoirs that provide water to the city now stands at 10.19 per cent. As per BMC records on Wednesday (June 18), the collective water stock in these reservoirs is 1,47,488 million litres, which amounts to 10.19 per cent of their total capacity. The BMC supplies drinking water daily from Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes. Of these, Tansa has 9.99 per cent water stock, Modak Sagar 27.20 per cent, Middle Vaitarna 11.54 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 9.07 per cent, Bhatsa 5.90 per cent, Vihar 35.64 per cent, and Tulsi 34.83 per cent.
18 June,2025 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Versova police have arrested a nurse for allegedly duping a 51-year-old woman of Rs 45 lakh by falsely promising an MBBS seat for her daughter under the management quota. The accused posed as part of a well-connected group linked to a reputable medical college in Sindhudurg, luring the victim with forged documents and false assurances. The accused has been identified as Meghna Santosh Satpute, a nurse residing in Andheri East. She is married and has two children. Police suspect she may have defrauded several other families using similar tactics. According to police sources, the complainant, a medical assistant working with a local doctor in Versova, has lived in the area for over 25 years. Her 23-year-old daughter, pursuing a BHMS degree in Bengaluru, had scored 315 marks in NEET 2020. Hoping to secure an MBBS seat, the mother was introduced to Satpute, who claimed she could arrange admission through her contacts at SSPM Medical College and Lifetime Hospital in Kudal, Sindhudurg. In March 2021, Satpute arranged a meeting at her residence, where the victim met Nitesh Pawar and Rakesh Gawde Pawar, who posed as trustees of the college. They assured her of a confirmed seat under the management quota for R15 lakh. Trusting Satpute and her associates, the woman transferred R15 lakh via RTGS and NEFT to bank accounts provided by the accused. Later, citing “COVID-era policy changes,” the accused claimed the fee had increased to Rs 45 lakh. Desperate to secure her daughter’s future, the woman borrowed money from friends and relatives, eventually paying Rs 38.65 lakh via bank transfers and R6.35 lakh in cash. To make the process appear genuine, the accused provided fake merit lists, forged admission letters on official-looking letterheads, and used stamps and seals resembling those of the college. They also warned the complainant that repeated follow-ups could result in cancellation of the admission and a 50 per cent deduction in the refund. When the supposed joining date in December 2021 passed without any official communication, the complainant grew suspicious. Her calls to Satpute and the others went unanswered, and eventually, her number was blocked. She then contacted SSPM Medical College directly and discovered that no admission had ever been granted in her daughter’s name. Realising she had been conned, she approached the Versova police station, where a case was registered under charges of cheating, forgery, and impersonation. Under the guidance of senior officials, API Sajjan Landge and PSI Patil led the investigation and recently arrested Satpute. A manhunt has been launched for the remaining accused. “Preliminary investigations suggest Satpute may have similarly duped multiple people. We urge other potential victims to come forward and report the crime,” an officer said. Satpute is currently in custody, and further investigation is underway to trace other victims and accomplices involved in the medical admission racket.
18 June,2025 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanFollowing the Air India AI-171 crash on June 12, which led to the rescheduling of all Air India flights, the airline had planned to operate its first post-crash international flight — AI-159 — from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick Airport at 1.10 pm yesterday. However, the flight was cancelled due to the unavailability of aircraft, according to Air India officials. Around 200 passengers, who had planned their journey over a month in advance, were left stranded at Ahmedabad airport. The flight was initially scheduled to depart at 1.10 pm, but passengers began receiving messages from Air India stating that it was delayed to 2.55 pm. Later, another message informed them that the flight had been cancelled. Subsequently, Air India rescheduled flights for affected passengers and also provided refunds. Hotel accommodations were arranged for those awaiting alternate flights. Passengers frustrated Passenger and advocate, Aniruddh Singh Jhala said, “I had booked a ticket to attend a very important legal conference in London. The flight was suddenly cancelled. I haven’t received any accommodation or a new booking yet. I’ve been waiting at the airport for a solution. Initially, they told us the flight was delayed by two hours, and later, it was cancelled.” Another passenger, Vishal Patel from Ahmedabad, who was travelling with his parents Nandubhai and Gitaben, said, “This was the first time I was taking my parents on a trip to London. I booked the flight a month ago and planned everything. But the flight was cancelled. We’ve now been rescheduled to fly on Wednesday. I hadn’t even told my parents about the surprise London trip; this cancellation completely ruined the moment.” Babubhai and Krishnaben Patel were also heading to London to take care of their daughter, Shweta Patel, who is nine months pregnant. Babubhai said, “We had originally booked a flight for June 14. After the crash, it was rescheduled to June 17, but that too got cancelled. Air India is now rescheduling us again.” Falguni Soni, a resident of Vadodara, said, “I had booked this flight to meet my son in London, but it was cancelled. I’m waiting to be accommodated on another flight.” Official Speak An Air India spokesperson stated: “Flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick was cancelled due to the unavailability of an aircraft. This resulted from airspace restrictions and additional precautionary checks, which led to longer than usual aircraft turnaround times. It was not due to a technical snag, as claimed. We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. We have made alternative arrangements, including hotel accommodations, and are offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling.”
18 June,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania | Nimesh DaveEarly on Tuesday morning, the Jalvayu Vihar society in Powai sank into a pall of gloom as the last rites of AI-171 Flight Captain Sumeet Sabharwal were performed. Relatives, friends, acquaintances and colleagues gathered to show their support for the grieving family. Capt. Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with 8200 flying hours, was known to be a gentle and kindhearted man. “We met him almost every day while he walked with his father in the society complex. It is hard to believe that we won’t be seeing him anymore,” said a neighbour requesting anonymity. Captain Sabharwal father bids him adieu. Pics/Atul Kamble Sabharwal’s mortal remains had been identified through DNA matching and were brought into the society complex around 8.45 am. Those present paid their respects and placed flowers on the coffin, while the family silently but tearfully mourned their loss. “He cared about his father so much. He would always tell me to take care of his father when he would go for his flights. I did not meet him before he left this time. What has happened is very sad,” said Rupali Patil, a housemaid who has been working at the Sabharwal home for three years. In fact, all the individuals working in the building shared the same sentiment as Patil. Though having not met the captain for more than a few minutes sometimes, they say he had left a lasting impression. Captain Krishnamurty, a retired helicopter pilot and resident of Jalvayu, said, “The incident was sad. Knowing him makes it feel like a personal loss, but it will be a sadder outcome if the investigation into the accident doesn’t result in a proper report.” Capt. Krishnamurty added that at the moment, many blame the pilots, “but no one knows what happened in the cockpit and what both the pilots faced with 240 lives in their hands”. The grief-filled funeral service proceeded to the Chakala electric cremation ground around 9.30 am, with neighbours and those close to the family in attendance.
18 June,2025 09:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday expressed confidence in his Shiv Sena faction's prospects in the upcoming local body elections, emphasising the party's commitment to development and its growing support base across the state, reported news agency ANI. Speaking on the ongoing preparations for the polls, Shinde said, "The elections are not just announced because we formed the government; this process has been ongoing since 2022. People now know that Shiv Sena is a party that promotes development and keeps its promises. Many people from Nashik and Maharashtra have joined the party. Municipal servants, sarpanches, and even individuals from Rajasthan have joined. All these joinings will benefit the upcoming local Swaraj elections," reported ANI. On June 11, stressing that the state leadership will decide on the alliance in the local body elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that they will contest the polls under the Mahayuti alliance. "Our state president, working president, and election committee have the right to decide on the alliance in the local body elections. No one else. Our role is to contest the elections under the Mahayuti. In some places, where it is not possible, there is a friendly fight," CM Fadnavis said, reported ANI. On June 10, the Maharashtra government issued orders to initiate the drafting of ward boundaries for 29 municipal corporations, including key urban centres such as Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kalyan-Dombivli. This move follows the Supreme Court's directive on May 6, 2025, which mandated the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) to notify local body elections within four weeks. This paved the way for polls that have been delayed for over five years due to issues surrounding OBC reservations. The upcoming elections for local bodies, including municipal corporations, councils, and panchayats, are seen as a critical battleground for political parties in Maharashtra. Eknath Shinde also announced that under his leadership, the Shiv Sena is gearing up to celebrate its anniversary on June 19 with grandeur. Speaking at the conference, Shinde said, "Our workers are preparing to celebrate on June 19th with great pomp and show. Operation Tiger is going on every day. Funds will continue to be received, and work will continue to be done," reported ANI. On Operation Sindoor, Shinde stated that the Operation was launched as a strong response to Pakistan for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which he described as an assault on Indian women, symbolised by the wiping off of their 'Sindoor.' He criticised the Congress party for merely engaging in vote-bank politics during similar past attacks when they were in power. He said, "Operation Sindoor was launched as a befitting reply to Pakistan for wiping off the 'Sindoor' of our sisters in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Several attacks took place in the country, but Congress gave a reaction to this action when they were in power. They only did the politics of vote, but this time, PM Modi has done what the people of the country wanted him to do... Seven all-party delegations went to 34 different countries to keep India's stand to the world... Several countries of the world are supporting Operation Sindoor." (With inputs from ANI)
18 June,2025 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe tail section of the crashed Boeing 787 Dreamliner, weighing approximately 4000 kg, was successfully removed from a height of 25 feet from the BJ Medical College hostel building in Ahmedabad. This challenging operation was carried out under the supervision of Mohammad Soyeb Vhora, an official from the solid waste management department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), with crane operators Om Prakash and Rohit Yadav, both of whom have been working in the field for the past 12 years. Chief Supervisor Vhora told mid-day, “I’ve been working with AMC for many years, but this was the first time I was appointed to supervise the lifting of such a massive aircraft part.” He added, “It was extremely challenging for our team, not only because of the weight of the tail section, but also due to the instructions from Air India. They told us that the tail section had to be retrieved intact. Whatever cranes we used, the part must not fall or be damaged,” Vhora explained. “To ensure maximum safety, we used 50-tonne and 60-tonne crane machines, each capable of lifting up to 50,000 kg. We also used 20-metre-long nylon ropes. First, we lifted the front side of the tail section using one crane. Once it was partially lifted, we used a second crane to lift the rear with another rope. By distributing the weight between both cranes, we safely lowered the tail section to the ground,” he added. “Before beginning the operation, we had a meeting with Air India officials to confirm the weight of the tail section. Later, we conducted a joint planning session with AMC staff. This was the first time in my career that we lifted such a massive aircraft part. These cranes were previously used for heavy road construction projects but had never been employed for something of this scale,” said Vhora.
18 June,2025 09:04 AM IST | Ahmedabad | Shirish Vaktania | Nimesh DaveSix other key Mumbai stations and the Matheran Light Railway will also host similar events. “The Ministry of Railways has decided to celebrate the centenary of heritage stations across Indian Railways based on their respective dates of inception. A total of 143 stations have been identified across various zones and states for organising station mahotsavs,” a spokesperson said. Out of these, 15 stations are located in Maharashtra, most of which are part of the Central Railway. These include Mumbai CSMT, Byculla, Reay Road, Asangaon, Vasind, Kasara, Igatpuri, Murtizapur, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Wathar, Devlali, and all stations along the Neral–Matheran line. “Station Mahotsav events, designed to engage the community, highlight the historical significance of railway stations. They often coincide with milestones such as station inaugurations or the opening of new rail lines. These events aim to educate the public about the railway’s heritage — from station buildings to vintage equipment — and their vital role in India’s development,” the spokesperson added.
18 June,2025 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarHealth experts, especially dermatologists, have expressed concern about citizens coming in contact with sewage water, which contains a dangerous mix of pathogens, bacteria, viruses and harmful chemicals, during the monsoon season. Regular exposure — whether through direct contact, inhalation of odours, or accidental ingestion — can lead to a wide range of health complications, many of which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Dermatologists explain From skin rashes to severe infections, doctors state that constant exposure to sewage water can lead to multiple health issues. Dr Jisha Pillai, dermatologist at Lilavati Hospital, said, “Regular exposure to sewage water can be harmful to the skin. It can impact the skin in various ways. The water is filled with harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that induce skin problems in people of all ages. The most common problems include contact dermatitis, where the skin becomes red, itchy, and inflamed due to irritants or allergens in the dirty water. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm are also common, especially when the feet stay wet for long periods. There will be concerning signs such as redness, irritation, stinging, and burning sensations.” Dr Jisha Pillai, dermatologist According to Dr Sonali Kohli, senior consultant, dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, if someone has any open wounds or cuts, pathogens present in the sewage water can cause deep-rooted and severe skin infections, which can be fungal, bacterial or pathogenic. “The problem with fungal infections is that they generally appear seven to 14 days after the exposure, and they begin as small circular patches which are red and itchy. Peracetic infections are the most severe ones and will show systemic symptoms beginning with recurrent itching and development of hives, which can look like urticarial rashes [raised, itchy welts on the skin]. To prevent any such health issues, wash the exposed body parts thoroughly with anti-bacterial body washes and application of antibacterial lotions,” she said. Another common problem seen is the maceration of body parts. “Especially of the toes and in between the fingers of the feet. This causes repeated peeling of the sole’s skin, which then exposes the feet to various infections and pus,” said Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, consultant, dermatology and cosmetology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
18 June,2025 08:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarSewage has been seeping into Swastik Chambers in Chembur, which houses corporate offices, for over a month, attracting mosquitoes. Despite efforts from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and those working on the premises, the situation has not improved due to an underlying issue stemming from Metro work in the area. Indrajeet Powar, who works as a senior associate architect at Design Cooperative, a firm located at Swastik Chambers, said, “I was diagnosed with malaria around mid-May. Though I had caught it from where I live, I fear that it will relapse as I have to come to work every day. The mosquito menace is unbearable, and if the authorities are unable to find a permanent solution soon, many are bound to fall sick as the rainfall is not continuous, and water gets stagnated every time the rain stops.” Sewage on the premises of the complex, which is located along the Metro 2B alignment, on Monday. Pics/Shadab Khan Though the BMC and employees themselves have been trying to drain the water and keep the premises dry, the problem is far from solved. “While the BMC has been helpful in pumping the water whenever we ring them up, these efforts go in vain as water accumulates as soon as it rains. It’s like wiping the floor when the tap is on. Even yesterday [Monday] evening, the drain was de-clogged and huge quantities of sludge were removed. And when the rain stopped today [Tuesday] morning, our premises started drying up. But, water in the drain is still to the brim, indicating that the drainage system is not completely clean as yet. The water level should have been five feet lower than it was, and water from Monday’s rainfall should have already been carried forward by now, since it has not rained today [Tuesday]. But, because the drain is filled with so much debris and sludge, even after removing large quantities of waste, the water stayed put. After one heavy shower, all that has been removed from the drains will be back inside and more, which will undoubtedly create more problems,” said Jaya Goyal, a social scientist who has a PhD degree and runs two firms in Swastik Chambers. Employees of firms located at Swastik Chambers on the premises of the corporate complex Another Design Cooperative architect, Vaibhavi Shirsat, said, “Since our office is on the first floor, we are forced to shut our windows throughout the day, cutting off fresh air and ventilation.” Sandeep Chindaliya, who works as a driver for one of the firms at Swastik Chambers, said that he sits inside the car all day due to the prevalence of mosquitoes. “Every day, all drivers who work here apply a lot of mosquito repellent creams and come to work, risking our lives. We do not have any option other than sitting inside the car for the entire day with windows and doors shut. Some offices allow us to use the AC, but some drivers are only allowed to do this for some time. Then it gets very difficult,” he said. BMC Speak Manish Pawar, the M ward officer, said, “The opening of the drain was filled with debris from the Metro construction. So, with the help of the contractor’s people, we cleaned the drain yesterday [Monday] evening and today [Tuesday] morning. But since it has rained heavily all of Monday, it will take time for all the water to drain. We do not think the problem will continue now that the drain is clean.” A drain on the premises that was still filled to the brim with rainwater on Tuesday. Pic/JAYA GOYAL Efforts in vain When mid-day visited the location on Monday afternoon, the premises were waterlogged. Also, photos shared by employees on Tuesday showed that despite rigorous efforts, the drain was still filled with Monday’s rainwater, owing to the large amount of sludge choking the drain. “This has been a problem for many months now. We do not know when there will be a permanent solution. The sewage water flows back again once it starts raining heavily because even when the BMC pumps out the water and cleans some part of the drain, it’s not enough. The entire drain needs to be thoroughly cleaned for the rainwater to pass through immediately once it starts raining. Such knee-jerk efforts are of no use and there has to be some permanent solution to this problem — and it needs to be sought soon,” said Goyal.
18 June,2025 08:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAs many of the Marathi-speaking families would not opt for Gujarati, Bengali or any southern state languages, Hindi would remain the preferred third language in most of the schools. This means Hindi will be the most preferred language for Standard 1 to 5 across all schools in Maharashtra. On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government came out with orders which state that if anyone wants to have an alternative language to Hindi, they can opt for the same, but it would require a minimum of 20 students in the class. “If the requirement is not met, the education for the opted language will be offered through online studies,” a revised Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state government on June 17 mentioned. Earlier, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray had objected to making Hindi a compulsory subject for students from Standard 1 to 5 in schools across the state. Thackeray’s objection came a day after the state government approved the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing Hindi as a mandatory third language for students from Standards 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. The MNS chief had reiterated that Hindi is not the national language and every state has its own mother tongue, and Hindi is just one of them. “Use of Marathi, Hindi and English (three languages) should be limited to government and official work. Hindi cannot be made mandatory and one cannot and should not force students to learn it. MNS strongly opposes any such policy and will not tolerate the same,” Raj Thackeray had warned through a social media post (handle X). In fact, estranged nephew of late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, Raj, had mentioned, “We are Hindu, not Hindi. Hence, request the government to keep this in mind before taking the decision ahead for implementation." In April, the government issued a Government Resolution which stated that instead of the existing practice of studying two languages, the state made it mandatory to study Hindi as a third language, as part of implementing the new curriculum under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. However, following stiff protest, especially from the MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Marathi study circle, within a few days of issuing the GR, State Education Minister Dada Bhuse clarified that Hindi would be optional and not a compulsory language. But, now that schools have started, there was confusion among parents, teachers and educational institutes, as leaders from political parties in some places visited educational institute premises asking not to teach Hindi. To clear the ambiguity, the state government on late Tuesday night came out with a revised GR which mentions that the three-language education policy will continue, leaving many people with no choice but to opt for Hindi as the third language.
18 June,2025 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
