If Mumbaikars are happy about anything right now, it is the weather that finally feels like winter season. If not during the day, at least the mornings and nights that are cooler, amid the constantly fluctuating AQI and worsening air pollution. However, this good feeling often makes us take our health for granted, as you may look for comfort in steaming street food, but it may not always do well for you, apart from the fact that you may not be consuming enough water due to lack of thirst, say city dieticians. After irregular spells of rain and sunshine leading up to these cooler months, Mumbaikars deserve nothing more than a healthy winter season. Amreen Sheikh, chief dietician at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, and Jinal Patel, dietician at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar West, share the whats and whys of winter food and how to stay healthy as the mercury drops. Amreen Sheikh, chief dietician, KIMS Hospitals Winter foods to say yes to Seasonal fruits such as oranges, sweet lime, strawberries, custard apples, guava, apples, amla, and pomegranate, which are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre, as well as spinach, methi (fenugreek), sarson (mustard), beetroot, carrots, cabbage, green peas, cauliflower, and sweet potato. Healthy habits and home remedies Simple habits make a big difference: warm water instead of cold, a teaspoon of chawanprash or jaggery after meals, ginger-tulsi tea, steam inhalation, and adding pepper, ajwain, and cinnamon to food. A spoon of ginger juice mixed with honey helps soothe the throat, reduce cough, and enhance immunity. Consuming turmeric milk at night keeps the body warm, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent colds and throat infections. What to avoid Ignore the myth that one must eat more in winter. Warmth comes from balanced meals, hydration, and staying active. Overeating only causes sluggishness and weight gain. Fried foods, such as pakoras, don’t boost immunity but can increase inflammation. Avoid heavy, oily foods, which only add excess calories and tend to slow digestion. Why take precautions? Winter naturally slows digestion, increases cravings, and makes us drink less water. At the same time, infections, dry skin, joint stiffness, and fatigue are more frequent. A balanced seasonal diet helps regulate immunity, keeps energy steady, and prevents the winter slump that many people experience. Immunity boosters Children need warm, nutrient-dense meals with enough protein, healthy fats, and seasonal fruits. Adults should focus on balanced meals with whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and hydration to maintain energy and prevent fatigue. Jinal Patel, dietician, Zynova Shalby Hospital Senior citizens need softer, easy-to-digest foods, adequate protein, calcium, and warm fluids to support immunity, digestion, and joint health. Adding spices like ginger and turmeric helps improve digestion and immunity.
11 December,2025 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoMore than 24 hours after a leopard entered Nagaon village near Alibag, the search for the animal continued on Wednesday. Dense coconut and supari plantations, many barricaded, posed major challenges for the forest department. The search was called off in the evening, as officials believe the leopard may have left the area. On Tuesday morning, two people walking along a road in Nagaon were attacked by the leopard in an unprovoked confrontation, causing panic in the area Nagaon sarpanch Harshada Mayeker said the incident began around 10.30 am on Tuesday when two people walking along a road were attacked. “Everyone was shocked; nothing like this has ever happened here. We alerted the forest department and police, who arrived within half an hour to locate and rescue the leopard,” she said. Students were safely sent home via school buses or picked up by parents A resident told mid-day that the village, home to roughly 12,000 people and nine schools, acted quickly once news spread. About 700-800 students were safely sent home via school buses or picked up by parents. An extensive search using thermal drones failed to locate the big cat The leopard, possibly agitated by the crowd, later injured five more people, including a forest department officer. All were treated for minor wounds. Pune-based NGO, RESQ CT, joined efforts in the evening to tranquilise the leopard. Forest department officials and the police arrived to locate and rescue the animal within half and hour of being alerted by locals But thick plantations and fencing made tracking difficult, and thermal drones were of no use. Over 150 personnel from the forest department, police, and NGOs continued the search overnight and resumed operations on Wednesday morning. Nagaon sarpanch Harshada Mayeker and local police review safety measures. Pics/By Special Arrangement Expert Speak Neha Panchamia, RESQ founder “Our Pune team reached Nagaon in three-and-a-half hours. Thick vegetation, numerous hiding spots, and large crowds kept disturbing the leopard. Thermal drones couldn’t penetrate dense plantations or structures. Despite night-long searches, it appears the leopard has left the area.” Leopard spotted in Nagaon village Kedar GoreThe Corbett Foundation “Leopards venturing into cities doesn’t always mean they are man-eaters. These incidents often reflect habitat fragmentation, lack of wild prey, and mismanaged waste, attracting stray dogs. People need awareness of safety measures. Releasing goats in forests can worsen conflicts by spreading invasive species and affecting forest quality.” Dos and Don’ts: If a wild animal enters your area Pune-based NGO RESQ reaches Nagaon village on Tuesday evening Dos:>> Stay calm and immediately inform the forest department or police>> Keep a safe distance; keep pets and children indoors>> Close doors, windows, and gates>> Follow instructions from authorities; avoid crowding the area Don’ts:>> Don’t chase or corner the animal>> Avoid loud noises that may disturb it>> Never block its escape routes Emergency contactMaharashtra forest department: 022-25445459 10K-12KPeople in the villages, and nine schools, acted swiftly after the initial attack 7No of people injured by the leopard
11 December,2025 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a fresh push to strengthen child safety, nearly 21 schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have conducted awareness sessions on child rights, POCSO guidelines, the role of Sakhi Savitri Committees, and the steps students can take to keep themselves safe. Organised by Vidhayak Bharati, a non-profit working in the field of child rights, the sessions have so far reached more than 3500 students, over 750 parents, and 550 teachers. The organisation plans to cover 20 more schools over the next nine days. “Simply asking your child to identify what alarms them as they walk from home to school and back can make all the difference. Open communication with students is key,” said Santosh Shinde, child rights defender and director of Vidhayak Bharati. Second phase of CCTV installations Ahead of next year’s budget, the BMC school education department is propsing to activate the second phase of CCTV installations across civic-run schools in the suburbs, sources said. In the first phase, 123 schools across wards A to F received CCTV surveillance. The second phase, proposed to roll out in the upcoming year, will cover 110 schools 65 in the eastern suburbs and 45 in the western suburbs. After phase two, the third phase plans to extend CCTV coverage to all remaining schools. Phase 1Wards covered: A to F NorthNumber of schools: 123Cameras per school: 20-50Locations: Lobbies, main gates, corridorsBudget used: Approx Rs 18 crore Phase 2 (2026–27)Areas: Eastern and Western suburbsNumber of schools: 110Proposed budget: Approx Rs 25 crore Phase 3Coverage: All remaining civic-run schools Pocso session What kind of topics do these sessions tackle? Children1.5-hour sessionDiscussions:>> How to call emergency services>> What to do in times of trouble>> Should you trust Google and AI completely? Parents1-hour sessionDiscussions:>> How to get your children to open up>> Communicating beyond academics and play>> Being proactive about child safety Teachers1-hour sessionDiscussions:>> Understanding Sakhi Savitri Committees and other support systems>> Preparing for prevention and response>> Increasing student involvement
11 December,2025 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarThe city witnessed its season’s lowest temperature on December 10, Wednesday, with Shivajinagar recording 8.1 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted further dips on Thursday. SD Sanap, senior scientist at IMD Pune, told mid-day, “North-north winds bring cold, dry air from northern India, causing winter chills in Maharashtra. December and January are typically the coldest months, with January often reporting the lowest temperatures.” In recent years, Pune’s December nights have remained cool to cold, with minimum temperatures ranging between six degrees C and 12 degrees C. The coldest recorded December night in this period was 5.9 degrees C in 2018, while 2024 saw a near-record low of 6.1 degrees C at the National Defence Academy (NDA) station on December 16. Shivajinagar and NDA stations often report these lows, with slight variations depending on local microclimates. Cold wave Maharashtra continues to reel under a sharp cold wave, with IMD issuing warnings for several regions. Pune and western Maharashtra are expected to get colder, with minimums dropping to 7-8 degrees C over the next two days. A yellow alert has been issued for Pune and Solapur. North Maharashtra will also experience significant temperature dips, with Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, and Ahmednagar among the coldest districts. Nashik may touch 7 degrees C, while Jalgaon could fall to 6 degrees C. Dr Simon Grant, physician and trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic In Marathwada, chilly mornings and nights persist despite sunny days. A yellow alert has been issued for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, and Parbhani on December 10. In Vidarbha, the cold wave eased after Yavatmal, Gondia, and Nagpur recorded lower temperatures on December 9. On December 10, no cold wave is expected across the region. Nagpur may record a minimum of 9 degrees C, while Amravati is likely to see 11 degrees C. With warnings active until December 11, authorities have urged residents, especially senior citizens, children, and vulnerable groups, to stay warm and limit exposure during early mornings and late nights. Expert speaks According to Dr Simon Grant, physician and Trustee, Ruby Hall Clinic, when temperatures fall, the body strains to stay warm, worsening asthma, heart issues, joint pain, and infections. Precautions can help. What to do Layer up, cover ears and hands, stay hydrated, eat warm meals, and keep rooms ventilated. If you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension, take medicines on time, stick to light daily exercise, and get proper sleep because poor sleep weakens immune function and increases susceptibility to infections. What not to do Avoid sudden cold exposure, don’t overuse heaters or have alcohol before stepping out — it gives a false sense of warmth while actually dropping core body temperature, skip heavy early-morning workouts, and don’t ignore breathlessness, chest pain, or persistent cough. Min temperature recorded in pune in past Decembers2018: 5.9°C2015: 6.6°C2014: 7.8°C2013: 6.8°C Coldest December minimum in recent years:5.9°C in 2018 Last five years:2024: 6.1°C, National Defence Academy, Pune, 16 Dec2023: 12.3°C, Shivajinagar2022: 8.9°C, Shivajinagar, last week of Dec2021: 12.0°C, Shivajinagar, mid-Dec2020: 8.1°C, Shivajinagar, 21 Dec
11 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalA 50-year-old Goregaon businessman was allegedly extorted of about Rs 1.20 lakh after befriending an unknown woman on Facebook and sharing his phone number with her. During a WhatsApp video call, the woman allegedly undressed, prompting the man to disconnect the call immediately. A few days later, she sent him a screen recording showing both of them on the call and threatened to leak the clip unless he paid. He then began receiving intimidating calls from multiple people, including a woman posing as a Delhi police officer, who continued demanding money. Fearing humiliation, the victim initially transferred around Rs 15,000 and, over the next few weeks, ended up paying a total of Rs 1.20 lakh. When the extortion did not stop, he approached the Bangur Nagar police. Police said the complainant, who is involved in the chemical industry, accepted the friend request, believing the woman belonged to the same professional circle. The extortion began in November while he was in Nashik for work. A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. Investigators said the money was withdrawn in Rajasthan and are tracing the accused through bank account details and mobile numbers.
11 December,2025 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanAn auto driver has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 17-year-old college student in his vehicle while it was in motion, causing her to jump out, injuring herself. The incident took place in Malad West on Monday. Under the guidance of Zone XI DCP Sandeep Jadhav, ACP Parkash Bagal, Goregaon division, and Senior Inspector Dushyant Chauhan began the investigation with the help of API Deepak Raiwade, along with PSI Tushar Sukhdev and other detection officers. “We scanned and examined CCTV footage from the Milap petrol pump route. Through the autorickshaw number, we found an address and a mobile number, but later found that the former was false and the latter was registered in an acquaintance’s name,” said an officer from Malad police station. Police then checked the route further and learnt from a rickshaw union that the accused was residing in Laljipada, Kandivli West. “However, he had no home as such and lived and slept inside his auto,” said an officer. Following surveillance in Laljipada, the accused was detained on Tuesday evening. He was identified as Keshav Prasad Yadav, 54, originally from Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh. Yadav was booked and arrested under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 12 of the POCSO Act, which deals with sexual harassment of a child. He was produced before the court on Tuesday and remanded in police custody. The assault and escape >> According to the teen, she hailed an auto from SV Road, Malad West, at 4.15 pm on Monday. The driver could reach her destination by taking a right turn from the Marve signal, but he took a U-turn and went towards Shankar Lane via the Milap petrol pump route. >> The auto driver allegedly asked the girl, who was seated at one side, to sit in the centre and started staring at her through the rear-view mirror while making obscene gestures. >> She then told him to stop the auto, but instead of complying, he pulled down a side curtain and, while the vehicle was still moving, reached behind him and touched her inappropriately. >> The teen told him to stop again, but the driver allegedly increased the speed of the auto. >> Around 4.18 pm, the girl jumped from the moving auto and rolled on the road for some distance. >> Passers-by helped the injured teen get up, and she also called her friend for help. >> The friend arrived and took her home. They later went to Shatabdi Hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries. After this, they went to the police station and registered a case. Steps to take Senior inspector Dushyant Chauhan of Malad police station said the moment women sense they are in such a situation, they must dial the special women’s helpline number, 103, or the Mumbai Police helpline number 100.
11 December,2025 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanAfter approving a bird park, Mulund may now get a golf course. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani is understood to have cleared a proposal to conduct a feasibility study for another golf course in Mumbai. In a veiled attack on the Shiv Sena (UBT), BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha said those who previously ruled the civic body often projected themselves as nature and animal lovers but “did nothing for the city”. Speaking during the state legislature’s winter session in Nagpur, he said, “After nearly 100 years, Mulund will get a bird park, a new tourist destination in Mumbai. I have also learnt that the BMC commissioner has approved a feasibility study for a golf course in Mulund.” Kotecha’s emphasis on new civic projects in the eastern suburbs, and his pointed remarks at Sena (UBT), are being seen as a sign that the ruling party is sharpening its focus on Mumbai ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections. The previous BMC polls were held in 2017. Although the term ended in 2022, the next elections were delayed due to a reservation case before the Supreme Court. The apex court has now directed that all pending local body elections in Maharashtra, including the BMC polls, be completed before January 31, 2026. Until 2017, the undivided Shiv Sena and BJP shared power in the civic body. In 2017, they contested separately, with Sena winning 84 seats and the BJP close behind with 82 of the total 227 wards. The BJP has long aimed to secure the BMC on its own, and the split in the Sena has given the party its strongest opening yet. During the session, Kotecha also raised Mumbai’s rising water demand, saying the government would need to consider constructing additional dams. NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad highlighted several civic concerns. He said the new Development Control Regulations have allowed taller buildings while the city’s roads remain unchanged. “The population is rising, but the roads are the same. I don’t see a solution to this. What are we going to do in the future?” he asked, pointing to growing traffic at Ghodbunder, Kalwa, and Mumbra. Awhad also said the service road at Ghodbunder Road has “vanished”, alleging that MMRDA erected pillars on it. “The court has also questioned the authority, as 22 people have died due to traffic on this road in the last year,” he said. ‘We’d keep our promises’ Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said financial assistance under the Ladki Bahin Yojana would be increased to Rs 2100 at the appropriate time. Responding to Congress leader Nana Patole’s question about when the promise of raising the benefit to Rs 5000 per month would be fulfilled, Shinde said, “We are committed to the promises made during the Assembly polls. At the right time, the right decision will be taken.” NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil said the government should file cases against ineligible people who received benefits under the scheme and also hold accountable officials who failed to verify beneficiaries.
11 December,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe state government is looking at two important steps in connection with traffic fines. First, it is considering an amnesty scheme to help recover old pending challans. Second, it is examining whether traffic fines can be collected directly through FASTag. Shiv Sena (UBT) member of the Legislative Council Sunil Shinde raised the question of whether local police are authorised to levy fines or issue e-challans using personal mobile phones. During this discussion, members stated that fines levied are not recovered for long. In fact, Congress leader Satej Patil suggested the government introduce an amnesty scheme to recover traffic fines and provide relief to vehicle owners. In his reply, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the ideas suggested by Patil. “We will certainly consider introducing an amnesty scheme for the recovery of pending traffic fines from the vehicle owners. But, concurrently, we will need to think of a mechanism to eliminate the delay in payment or recovery of e-challans,” Fadnavis added. Further participating in the discussion, Patil said, “The government should link fines with the FASTag. This will help reduce the delay in recovery of fines and case pendency, too.” Fadnavis replied that the government was upgrading the system and mechanism when it comes to levying and recovering traffic fines. “While working on new methods, we will certainly explore whether traffic fines can be linked with the FASTag,” the CM said. New system to issue e-challans The state government has reiterated that police cannot use their personal mobile phones to issue e-challans. Instead, the government will introduce a step-by-step system where only police officers who are equipped with official body cameras will be allowed to issue e-challans. The chief minister stated that it had often been observed that heated arguments would break out between police personnel and vehicle drivers and owners regarding the levying of traffic fines. The CM further stated that neighbouring states, such as Goa, had introduced a system where only police personnel equipped with official body cameras are allowed to issue e-challans. “As part of the modernisation of our system, the Maharashtra government will adopt a similar system. It will be done in a phased manner in Maharashtra,” Fadnavis added. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, mentioned that local police were not authorised to levy fines or e-challans with their personal phones. “Only authorised policemen can impose fines. The order about this communication has already been issued. We will communicate with the department concerned again to ensure effective implementation of the directives,” Kadam added.
11 December,2025 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIf the state government’s plans move forward, developers of new buildings and redevelopment projects will soon be required to provide dedicated two-wheeler parking spaces. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that two-wheeler parking has long spilt onto streets and lanes because the Development Control Regulations (DCR) never accounted for it. Speaking in the state legislative council on Wednesday, he said the gap became evident during the redevelopment of the BDD chawls. “I will ask the Urban Development Department and the BMC to examine how this issue can be incorporated into the DCR,” Fadnavis said. The DCR sets rules for urban development, ensuring planned growth and public welfare. It already mandates a minimum number of parking spaces in new constructions, but these primarily cover four-wheelers. During a discussion on traffic police imposing fines on two-wheelers parked on roads, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab urged the government to find a solution for residents who face chronic parking shortages in their neighbourhoods and buildings. Responding to concerns raised by Sena UBT members, Fadnavis admitted the scale of the problem and said the government would work towards a practical solution.
11 December,2025 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarHo Ho Ho... Mee Mumbaikar An inflated Santa Claus balloon at a divider on Hill Road, Bandra West is a reminder that Christmas is around the corner When Queen Marians assemble The Tata Theatre at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Nariman Point will see an assemblage of well-established women from The Queen Marian Association of ex-students today (December 11), who will gather to celebrate 150 years of their alma mater, Queen Mary School, located in Girgaon. Persis Madon, Pravina Mecklai and Brinda Miller Pravina Mecklai, veteran gallerist, convener of the event, and a school alumna, was excited about the big celebration. “The idea for this get-together stemmed from the desire to tap into the abilities and accomplishments of our alumni,” she informed us. Geeta Kantawala in a rehearsal. Pic courtesy/Manasi Sheth (right) Shaina NC. File pic/Shadab Khan “The evening begins with an Art Walk on the upper foyer of NCPA’s Tata Theatre by Queen Marian artists, Ayesha Taleyarkhan and Brinda Miller, among others. The Alumni Choir will perform hymns, followed by a chat with authors Shobhaa De and Bhawana Somaya.” Shabana Azmi. Pic/Getty Images (right) Shobhaa De Mecklai herself will have a natter alongside Dr Shirin Irani, a women’s health specialist, ace swimmer Persis Madon, corporate law expert Rea Zaiwala, and entrepreneur Devita Saraf. “Eminent fashion designer and politician Shaina NC will also attend; her outfits will be showcased in a fashion show by Queen Marians (alumnae) of all ages, the eldest being 80-year-old Geeta Kantawala. “The finale will witness actor Shabana Azmi in her acclaimed play, Broken Images,” Mecklai revealed. Now that’s what we call a queen-sized gathering. Parkinson’s can’t bother Border Allan Border. Pic/Getty Images What happens when old foes like legendary England all-rounder Ian Botham and iconic Australian captain Allan Border (both 70) meet? Nostalgia flows, of course with leg-pulling thrown in and some talk about the not-so-good present times. Border was recently invited as a guest on the Beefy & Beaumont Old Boys New Balls! podcast. Bill Beaumont is an English rugby stalwart. Botham was also Border’s teammate at Queensland in 1987-88. Border has been battling Parkinson’s since 2016, and typical of the gritty former captain, he isn’t complaining. “It’s very hard to control as a result of the problem of parts. I call it living with Parkinson’s rather than suffering from it,” says Border. “It’s not a bad life cycle. People still play a game of golf.” That Border is a commentator for the ongoing Ashes series is proof that he isn’t allowing Parkinson’s to affect his life too much, slight slurring notwithstanding. And that’s no surprise, considering Border is the captain, who in the words of celebrated cricket writer Mike Coward, gave “Australian cricket the kiss of life.” The magic of Mahakali Caves Dr Suraj A Pandit (centre) addresses participants during the walk. Pic courtesy/Department of AIC and Archaeology, Sathaye College It is imperative that citizens know and learn more about [the richness] of our cultural heritage in this city,” this diarist was told by Dr Suraj A Pandit, Vice Principal of Parle Tilak Vidyalaya Association’s (PTVA) Sathaye College, Vile Parle. The academician conducted a heritage walk at Mahakali Caves, Andheri East last week. Recounting the visit, Dr Pandit shared, “It was part of the Archaeology Fortnight Celebration, held in honour of renowned Indian archaeologist, Professor HD Sankalia’s 117th birth anniversary. I introduced participants to the site’s archaeological history, highlighting its significance in the context of ancient Indian art, and how the architecture within reflects the evolution of Buddhism.” Words that spark change Safeena Husain, Nandita Das and Inakshi Sobti. File pics It was a busy Wednesday in Worli as the Asia Society India Centre and Dalberg launched Re: Orient, a series of six episodes featuring 26 experts across diverse fields to discuss the developmental challenges facing South Asia. The first session witnessed filmmaker Nandita Das joining Apar Gupta, founder director Internet Freedom Foundation, and Safeena Husain, founder of Educate Girls in a riveting conversation. “Each episode brings together voices that do not often share a platform and invites them to think across their own fields,” Inakshi Sobti, CEO, Asia Society India Centre, told this diarist.
11 December,2025 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayWith only 15 days left for the Navi Mumbai International Airport to begin operations and welcome flyers from across the country, a mid-day walkthrough of the access routes revealed a major safety lapse. An 800-metre stretch on the road officially named Navi Mumbai International Airport Road, towards Panvel, has no street light infrastructure at all. Approach road left in dark The unlit section begins after motorists exit Amra Marg, also known as the Sion Panvel Highway (NH 348A), and take the first proper left onto the Navi Mumbai International Airport Road. This road runs along the boundary of the airport and leads towards Panvel. The unlit stretch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport Road near Panvel, where street lights have not worked since the airport inauguration While part of the road suffers from the absence of street light poles, another stretch beneath the Sion Panvel Highway does have bulbs installed. According to locals, these were put up around the time of the airport’s inauguration ceremony, but have not been switched on since the day after the event. Locals raise safety concerns Auto driver Pawan Singh says the pitch-black airport road is dangerous once the sun sets. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur Auto drivers and pedestrians who use the road say the stretch becomes extremely unsafe after sunset. Pawan Singh, an auto driver who plies the route daily, said, “Truck drivers often can’t see who is ahead of them when it gets dark. Our headlights are not strong enough to light up the entire road.” He added, “Once the airport starts full operations, traffic here will increase. Many people also walk along this road to catch rickshaws, which will make it even more dangerous.” Worked on inauguration day Sudesh More, who runs a vada pav and tea stall under the bridge along with his wife, said the area has been neglected. “The lights worked only on the day of the inauguration. After that, we have been in complete darkness. We work here every day, and even we feel unsafe,” he said. ‘Unsafe for everyone’ Sudesh and Nanda More at their tea and vada pav stall under the bridge, where they say the unlit stretch feels unsafe His wife, Nanda More, said the atmosphere changes drastically after dusk. “Once it gets dark, truck drivers stop nearby and start drinking. It becomes very unsafe for everyone. Walking here alone in the evening is not something one should even consider,” she said. The area witnesses heavy truck movement, increasing the risk for pedestrians and light vehicle users. The Mores, who have operated their stall for over two years, said they never stay after 7 pm because of the unsafe conditions once darkness sets in. Authority speaks mid-day contacted the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to inquire about the installation of street lights, but did not receive a response by press time. 800 mtsLength of the unlit road
11 December,2025 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturADVERTISEMENT
