Two persons were injured after an autorickshaw and a car collided head-on on the Swargiya Dharmveer Anand Dighe flyover in the Kharegaon area of Kalwa, Thane, early on Monday, leading to an oil spill on the road. The Disaster Management Cell of Thane Municipal Corporation received a call about the incident from a police constable around 5.42 am. The accident involved an autorickshaw driven by a 43-year-old driver and a Hyundai Verna plying from Thane towards Kalwa East. The rickshaw driver, identified as Govind Pawar, sustained serious head and body injuries and was rushed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, where he is currently undergoing treatment. One of the passengers in the rickshaw, Prathmesh Chavan (32), a resident of Gholai Nagar, Kalwa, also suffered injuries and is being treated at the same hospital. The driver of the car was travelling alone at the time of the accident. Oil spill on flyover after collision Following the crash, oil spilled onto the road, posing a hazard to motorists. Personnel from the disaster management cell, along with police officials, reached the spot and spread soil to prevent further accidents. Traffic on the stretch slowed down for some time due to the incident. The damaged vehicles were later moved to the side of the road, and the route was cleared for traffic.
06 April,2026 10:24 AM IST | ThaneMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that the Women’s Reservation Bill is a matter of pride and that Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has taken this step to empower women. “Prime Minister Modi is advancing the country and bringing glory to the nation. Our country’s economy is strengthening. In such a situation, our women and sisters should gain self-respect and become self-reliant. This is a matter of pride for women. PM Modi has taken this step for their empowerment,” Shinde told ANI. PM Modi also said that the government has called a special session of Parliament on April 16, 17, and 18 to ensure that the benefits of women’s reservation come into force from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. He added that states that have performed well in population control will not face any loss in terms of seats. PM highlights BJP’s push for women’s empowerment Addressing a campaign rally, PM Modi referred to the BJP government’s efforts to empower women and noted that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed during the NDA government’s tenure. “So far, the BJP government at the Centre has ensured access to basic facilities for our sisters. We have made 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis, but it is equally important that women play a greater role in decision-making for the country. Therefore, our government has enacted a law to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Efforts are now being made to ensure that women across the country, including West Bengal, benefit from this starting from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections,” he said. Increase in Lok Sabha seats set to boost women’s representation PM Modi added that an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats would benefit women and all states. “Therefore, the government has scheduled a special session of Parliament on April 16, 17, and 18. This right of our mothers and sisters has been pending for 40 years, and any further delay is not right. From Cooch Behar, I once again assure all states that those which have performed well in population control will not face any loss in seats,” he said. The Lok Sabha currently has 543 seats, and a proposed 50 per cent increase would take the total to 816, with around 273 seats (about one-third) reserved for women. (With ANI inputs)
06 April,2026 10:19 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is expected to witness partly cloudy skies in the city and suburbs, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 31 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Meanwhile, the city’s air quality remained in the satisfactory category on Monday. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52, indicating minimal impact, though sensitive individuals may experience minor breathing discomfort. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 80Borivali East: 62Byculla: 38Andheri East: 70Chembur: 44Colaba: 59Deonar: 103Ghatkopar: 59Kandivali: 50 Maharashtra weather update: Cooler-than-normal temperatures across state; humidity high along coast Maharashtra continued to experience relatively cooler conditions on Monday, with most regions recording temperatures below normal levels, according to the latest meteorological data reported at 8.30 am. Konkan coast sees humid conditions Coastal regions remained warm and humid. Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 32.2 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 31.3 degrees Celsius at Santacruz, both slightly below normal. Minimum temperatures hovered around 23-24 degrees Celsius, with high morning humidity levels of up to 84 per cent. Ratnagiri recorded a slightly above-normal maximum temperature of 33.0 degrees Celsius, while Dahanu and Harnai remained milder at 31.8 degrees Celsius and 30.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, with humidity levels ranging between 60 per cent and 73 per cent. Western Maharashtra records moderate temperatures Cities like Kolhapur (35.0 degrees Celsius), Sangli (36.4 degrees Celsius), and Satara (34.6 degrees Celsius) reported below-normal maximum temperatures. Mahabaleshwar remained the coolest in the region at 27.5 degrees Celsius, nearly 4.4 degrees below normal, with a minimum of 13.9 degrees Celsius. Marathwada stays relatively warm but below normal Aurangabad (35.0 degrees Celsius), Beed (35.5 degrees Celsius), and Parbhani (36.6 degrees Celsius) recorded maximum temperatures below seasonal averages. Minimum temperatures in the region ranged between 19 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, also slightly below normal. North Maharashtra and interior regions see cooler trends Nashik recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal by 5.3 degrees, with a minimum of 17.9 degrees Celsius. Jalgaon reported a minimum temperature of 21.7 degrees Celsius. Vidarbha-like heat in parts of central Maharashtra Sholapur (37.9 degrees Celsius) and Malegaon (37.0 degrees Celsius) were among the hotter locations, though still marginally below normal. Jeur recorded 36.5 degrees Celsius, marking a notable drop of 4.3 degrees from usual levels. Across Maharashtra, maximum temperatures largely remained below normal, indicating a mild phase for early April. Coastal humidity remained high, while interior regions experienced relatively cooler mornings and nights.
06 April,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 21-year-old student has filed a writ petition against his college and the university after being denied a hall ticket for not having a Permanent Registration Number (PRN). The third-year BA student at a South Mumbai college, enrolled in 2022-23 and now in his final year (2025-26), claims the lapse has blocked his exams. Late registration According to the petition, the college failed to submit his details to the university at the time of admission. The student admitted he did not provide the required documents due to “personal emergencies” and “confusion about the deadlines.” Now in his final semester, the student finds himself without a hall ticket for exams. A Rs 2 lakh fine has allegedly been imposed on the college, while he has been asked to pay Rs 5000. He claims the college has refused to pay, and the university’s grievance cell has not resolved the issue. Fine dispute A senior college official said, “We reminded students about registrations; however, this student had low attendance. We have asked the university to apply fines from 2026-27, not retrospectively.” mid-day tried reaching out to the Mumbai University; however, no response was shared in time for print. Meanwhile, the petitioner refused to comment before the hearing. Penalty row In his petition, the student has also sought that the university’s fines be declared “illegal” and “arbitrary.” The fines were introduced by the Mumbai University in January 2026. As per a circular attached to the petition, colleges are fined Rs 2 lakh if one to five students default on registration, Rs 5 lakh for six to 20 students, and Rs 10 lakh for 21 to 50 students, along with an additional amount based on tuition fees. Students, meanwhile, are charged Rs 5000 for delays. Activist Speak “These fines by the university are exaggerated, and no college or student will be able to bear such costs. As a result, it is the students and academics that ultimately bear the brunt, making them resort to legal recourse,” said Milan Patil, a student activist.
06 April,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarIs the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) operating unfit buses on Mumbai’s roads? An internal inspection report has flagged a worrying pattern of unresolved safety defects in wet-lease buses, raising serious commuter safety concerns. BEST Chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao told mid-day she has called an urgent meeting of officials on Monday, April 6, to address the issue. Report findings The report, based on cross-checks by BEST staff of previously flagged defects, reveals that several buses continued to operate despite serious mechanical faults. Key issues include defects in drag link assemblies, brake liners, steering systems, and damaged gearbox components — all of which directly affect control and braking. Four people were killed and nine others injured when a BEST bus reversed into passengers standing nearby in Bhandup. Pics/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI In multiple cases, faults identified in January and February 2026 were still marked “not attended” during follow-up inspections in March. The report warns such lapses could lead to loss of control and potentially fatal accidents. Repeated mentions of steering and brake failures highlight the risk, with remarks noting drivers “may lose control” or that vehicles may be “unable to stop.” Safety concerns The findings come as Mumbai’s bus network remains a lifeline for lakhs of commuters. Running buses with unresolved defects is likely to invite scrutiny from authorities and passenger groups. BEST Committee Member Nitin Nandgaokar alleged drivers are forced to operate such buses under pressure, calling it a “systemic failure” that endangers lives and undermines public trust. Seven people were killed and 42 others injured after a BEST bus ploughed into vehicles on SG Barve Marg in Kurla West Official response BEST is yet to issue a detailed response, but the report has triggered calls for stricter audits and real-time monitoring. Fleet expansion Vishwasrao said that efforts are on to expand the fleet, seeking Rs 3000 crore additional funds from the BMC over the R1000 crore already allocated. While BEST is rapidly shifting to electric buses, the total fleet remains significantly lower than the nearly 3800 buses it had 15-20 years ago. She added that negligence will not be tolerated. “We will not allow such buses to run and endanger commuters,” she Vishwasrao, confirming a review meeting with officials. Key demands made in the petition >> Independent, high-level inquiry>> Action against contractors and officials>> Immediate safety audit of all contract buses>> No bus to run without engineering clearance>> Strict monitoring to prevent recurrence>> Authorities have been warned that failure to act could make them liable for future accidents. Past accidents Kurla West (Dec 9, 2024): BEST electric bus rammed pedestrians, killing six and injuring 49; human error suspectedBhandup West (Dec 29-30, 2025): BEST midi bus ran over pedestrians near the station, killing four and injuring nine April 6Day BEST chairperson will hold a review meeting
06 April,2026 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe iconic ‘Van Rani’ — the mini toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) — has resumed its services on Sunday after a two-week maintenance halt. It was formally inaugurated on March 14 by MP Piyush Goyal but had stopped operations on March 23 due to a few mechanical issues. The train has been in service since its resumption on January 6 this year. Excited visitors at Krishnagiri station shared their experience with mid-day, reviewing their train rides. Official Speak Visitors seen having fun on board Van Rani (jungle queen) Kiran Patil, Deputy Director (South), SGNP, said, “Over the last week RITES [the project management agency] has overseen all the repairs and upgrades, aiming to solve the issues from their roots. We have done multiple trials to ensure that the issues don’t repeat. One train has resumed service for the tourists on Sunday, and the other one is also expected to be back on track within the next 2-3 days.” Timings, cost The toy train is operational from 9 am to 1 pm and from 1.30 pm until 5 pm on all days except Monday, which is the park’s weekly day off. Visitors can book the ticket from inside the SGNP and board the train from Krishnagiri station, located inside the SGNP. The train ticket is R98 for an adult and R37 for a child, which gets coupled with the park’s entry fee of Rs 113 for one adult and Rs 61 for one child. Hitesh Jain (right) with family at Sanjay Gandhi National Park Voices Anil Dhuri, Malad East resident “It was a great experience; we enjoyed it a lot, especially our kid. The ride offers key visuals like greenery and deer.” Hitesh Jain, Borivali East resident“Bachpan ke din yaad aagye... Along with our kids, we also enjoyed it like we had become kids again. We spotted deer and the tribal residents of the park. The ride is unique and fully ‘paisa vasool’.” Sachin Jaipuri, Tourist from Jalna“Firstly, the buses were scarce, so we had to take a long walk to reach the train spot. Why can’t the train be operational throughout the day? They should increase the trains or the staff in order to cut down on the afternoon halt with the help of rotational shifts.” March 14Day train was inaugurated
06 April,2026 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaSpecial appearance Workers operate on a scaffolding beside a large screen on a buidling in Bandra Summit superstar Manvendr Singh Shekhawat against the Khutta pinnacle near Ratangad fort. Pics courtesy/HikeX Manvendr Singh Shekhawat has completed the 2,000-kilometre Epic Sahyadri Trail (EST), marking a significant milestone in his long-distance trekking journey. The total distance covered in the trek on the map In the January 23 edition of mid-day, his inspiring journey was featured in The Guide, ‘Making of an epic trail.’ At the time, he was on day six of the trek. He reflected on completing the milestone, “This was phase one; there is much more,” hinting at bigger plans. Art by any other name A child scribbles on the wall Loam, a platform blending art and childhood, ended its debut at Method Kala Ghoda today, with Woke Up A Dinosaur by Vinayak Sarwankar and Scribble on the Wall by Loam, where children drew freely on walls. The final doodles created by children at the gallery. Pics courtesy/Loam Founders Anica Mann and Gayeti Singh explained, “Much of what fills children’s rooms today is disposable, but instead why not surround kids with tactile art pieces that inspire them?” Mangrove mission People protest against the felling of mangroves. Pic/Satej shinde The first weekend of Sundays for Mangroves kicked off at Turzon Point in Charkop yesterday. “As youth, we hold the power to get people listening,” shared a young member, Zidaan Castellino. Those keen to join with their self-made posters and placards, can log on to @savemumbaimangroves. There’s only one condition, and we love it: No AI-generated posters allowed! Running out of support Vishak Krishnaswamy at the Chandigargh Ulta Marathon in 2020. Pic courtesy/Vishak Krishnaswamy Vishak Krishnaswamy, a runner from Dombivali, is attempting to set a world record by running 42 kilometres every day for 370 days. Despite the scale of this endurance feat, he plans to stop after completing it due to a lack of resources and funding, highlighting the challenges faced by athletes. Speaking to this diarist, he said, “Running is my passion, but in order for me to continue this, I will require resources and sponsors. Running 42 kilometres every day isn’t easy, but unfortunately sports and athletics are often overlooked in this country.”
06 April,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe last span of the century-old Elphinstone Bridge was brought down on Sunday to pave the way for a double-deck connector, but the old structure’s plaques will be embedded in its replacement. Quietly working behind the scenes with a push from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee — who helped get funds sanctioned for the endeavour— Sanjay Adhav of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Heritage Cell coordinated with MMRDA and Railways to save all the basalt stones and arches of the bridge. These were documented and numbered by a team of conservationists led by Rahul Chemburkar. A plaque from the old structure. FILE PIC mid-day has been following upon the journey of the plaque and the stones, which are in safe hands. The earlier example of such restoration is the use of pillars from the old Reay Road bridge, which are now living a second life in the August Kranti Maidan entry gate wall. Adhav, executive engineer of the civic body’s heritage conservation department, said, “Stones and arches saved from Elphinstone bridge will be used appropriately for heritage conservation of old buildings and city infrastructure, while the plaques will be embedded in the new design of the bridge, and conservation architects are working on this.” Preservation efforts To preserve the two engraved foundation stones on Elphinstone Bridge, several discussions were held in various meetings between BMC and MMRDA officials, along with officers from STUP Consultants Pvt Ltd. A specialised expert agency was appointed for the dismantling and safe removal of these heritage stones. The stones were successfully retrieved and returned in safe condition to the senior division engineer of the Environment and Housekeeping Management Office of Central Railway (CR). The spot in Parel over which the historic Elphinstone Bridge used to hang, on Sunday. Pic/Ashish Raje Factoid Elphinstone Bridge was named after Lord John Elphinstone, the nephew of the more famous Lord Mountstuart Elphinstone, the man after whom Elphinstone College in South Mumbai is named. Both Elphinstones served as Governors of Bombay in the 1800s, three decades apart. ‘These small acts of continuity matter’ Deepak Rao, city historian‘Elphinstone Bridge was built at a time when Mumbai was growing. See how it stood the test of time. The stone-carved plaques are still in a good state. It’s good to know that they have been saved’ Railway heritageCR Mumbai’s Divisional Railway Manager Hiresh Mina helped save the engraved plaque by directing officials to take possession of it from the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd team that dismantled the bridge. Conservation Speak Rahul Chemburkar, conservation architect‘We at VaastuVidhan undertook the documentation of this bridge, conducting a thorough study in collaboration with the heritage cell of BMC. Subsequently, we created documentation drawings of the stone masonry and meticulously marked every stone prior to the bridge’s dismantling. With built heritage vanishing from the city, documentation and studies help to build an archive and understanding of an era when Mumbai’s infrastructure was first being built.’ Bharat Gothoskar, city chronicler and founder, KHAKI‘The bridge was undeniably an important part of the Girangaon or mill land in Central Mumbai. The approach ramps were made in stone while the central span above the railway lines was prefabricated in Glasgow, Scotland, and assembled here using rivets. It is heartening to know that the plaques are being conserved thanks to the requests by heritage activists’ R Ventakesh, researcher and historian‘With the bridge gone, multigenerational memories are lost; a familiar sight of grounding of over a hundred years of collective consciousness is lost. The new double-deck bridge is at best for only personal car movement. End of an era!’ Kunal Tripathi, who runs social media account Mumbai Heritage‘For generations, Elphinstone Bridge was more than just a crossing; it was part of the city’s daily rhythm, connecting neighbourhoods, people, and memories. While redevelopment is necessary for a growing city, it is reassuring that its plaque has been preserved. These small acts of continuity matter because they ensure that even as Mumbai changes its skyline, it does not completely lose sight of the stories that built it’
06 April,2026 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe 112-year-old Elphinstone Bridge was consigned to the history books at 7.14 am on Sunday, with the structure’s last spans removed during a block executed by Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail) on Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday. As exclusively highlighted by mid-day last week, the new bridge is ready at Noida and will be transported to the city in parts and assembled like Lego pieces. A plaque from the old structure In a finely choreographed overnight operation earlier this week, the Railways began executing the final removal of the remaining Elphinstone Road road overbridge (ROB) panels above the busy Parel-Currey Road section — while keeping the 25 kV overhead equipment (OHE) perfectly stable using beams as the support systems. Central Railway (CR) had, on Wednesday, announced special traffic and power blocks to facilitate the dismantling of panels of the Elphinstone ROB. The stretch in Parel where the work took place, on Sunday. PIC/ASHISH RAJE The dismantling work by the authorities was being carried out between Parel railway station and Currey Road railway station. As per a statement, the blocks were carried out over two consecutive nights, April 2/3 and April 3/4, primarily during midnight hours on the section between Byculla railway station (excluding crossovers) and Dadar railway station (excluding platforms). The new bridge >> Double-deck bridge: upper for elevated corridor, lower for local traffic>> Four lanes on each deck; pedestrian path on lower deck>> Open-web steel girder design over rail tracks>> Completion target: 2027>> Executing agency: MRIDC Train disruptions There were train disruptions and crowding on Sunday. The Elphinstone/Prabhadevi block was accompanied by another ongoing special traffic and power block for the extension of platforms at Thane and Dombivli stations to accommodate 15-car trains. Suburban services between Thane and Dombivli remained intermittently cancelled amid the block, leading to fewer trains running and crowded platform on Sunday . As the Dombivli and Thane blocks ended, the pressure was eased, though disruptions continued through the day. The over-century-old Elphinstone bridge is dismantled between Saturday night and Sunday morning. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The new Prabhadevi bridge The structure will comprise two levels. The lower deck will cater to regular east-west traffic with two lanes on each side and pedestrian footpaths, while the upper one will form part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, linking to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the upcoming coastal and eastern freeway corridors. The portion spanning the rail lines will use open-web steel girders to allow wider spans and reduce interference with rail operations below. The bridge is expected to ease congestion in the Parel-Prabhadevi belt. Key challenges >> Presence of high-rises, restricting crane movement and lifting operations>> Narrow approach on the western side of the abutment>> Heavily corroded and dust-filled bearings, making cutting difficult>> Cutting at critical locations took approximately an hour and 15 minutes>> Handling an aged structure with uncertain residual strength Dismantling strategy The dismantling was executed in a phased manner due to the complexity of the structure and operational constraints. The following elements were removed:>> Deck slab>> Brackets>> Pipelines and cables>> Footpath parapets and accessories Execution plan for major blocks>> 6 major traffic and power blocks were planned>> Coordination with MRIDCL to reduce block duration Phased execution>> For the first five days, four-hour blocks were taken daily>> Removal of one panel per day >> Shifting of OHE using beams and hangers placed over girder tops Mega block execution (April 4/5)>> The final mega block included the following critical activities:>> Removal of 8 longitudinal beams used for temporary OHE shifting>> Dismantling of two main girders (37 m span, ~25 MT each)>> Using 800 MT capacity crane positioned outside railway boundary Machinery and resources deployed>> 800 MT telescopic crane (main lifting)>> 700 MT crane (standby)>> 500 MT crane (support operations)>> Hydra machines for material shifting>> 4 vehicles for staff movement (SM Dadar & CSMT coordination)>> 4 railway tower wagons for OHE work>> 60 contractor labourers>> 10 OHE staff per tower wagon>> 10-15 gas cutters and welding machines Elphinstone bridge’s last bow Year the bridge was built 1913Span 37.00 m (in CR section) Total width: 13.53 m
06 April,2026 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMid-Day has introduced a new initiative: DEAR GOVERNMENT. In this your favourite newspaper will print your questions to BMC, Police and State Government every Monday, and will get answers on your behalf. Be it roads, water crime, government policy, whatever your query, write to us at mailbag@mid-day.com or tweet to us at @mid-day and we will try and get responses to your problems. Problems Food vendor nuisance How are residents to know who the licensed hawkers are? Hawkers and their stalls are only increasing every day in Dadar. The footpath in the area where I have been living for the past 65 years has vanished. The morning darshans these days are dirty umbrellas used by these hawkers.. Afternoons are miserable for senior citizens in the area right up to midnight. Complaints have been made to the police as well but it’s the same story the next day. We are paying tax and enjoyed by these hawkers. Who can help us?Usha Jeyakumar Dead signal For decades the signal at the crossroads off Bandra Reclamation going to the highway, with Mahim on the right and Bandra on the left was functioning well. Over a month or so, this main signal has suddenly been non-operational post-midnight. The traffic at this junction is chaotic even at this late hour besides being dangerous. I have complained to the traffic police and even sent him a video of the vehicles and bikes crisscrossing at full speed. I received an immediate response saying “we have informed Bandra traffic division for necessary action”. Till date no action has been taken. To add to our woes, a number of streetlights on the Mahim causeway have not been working for months and the road is in complete darkness. It is a disaster waiting to happen!Meldan D’Cunha Cancelled trains The Central Railway should explain why these two locals 97316 (6.28 am) and 97730 (8:36 am) Thane -VT are perennially cancelled over the last year and what steps are being taken to restart them. A reply is eagerly awaited from the authorities concerned. Joseph D’Silva Stray dog menace Stray dogs are increasing rapidly in every lane, road and path in Mhatre Wadi, west of Dahisar railway station. Due to their terror, the residents of the area have to travel with their lives in their hands even during the day and at night for two-wheeler riders too. As the municipal corporation is failing to control them, it has left no option for residents but to invite ‘ leopards ‘ from the nearby national park for a ‘ dogs feast’Kiran P Chaudhari Responses After Mumbaikars sent in their questions and woes to mid-day last Monday, some of the authorities concerned responded. We haven’t given up on the rest. We shall continue to hold authorities accountable for the state of the city. Kabutarkhana nuisance Bapsy Framji PatelResponse: A senior civic official of the D ward said, “The ward has been taking action against all those who feed pigeons at public places.” Stating that the administration is aware of the situation at Forjett Street, the official said, “Those who feed pigeons here have found ways to evade the flying squad that inspects the area twice a day. The feeders will arrive just after the squad has left, and leave food at the location. Several cleaning rounds prove inadequate.” The official stated that action is going on and work is done every day to discourage feeding pigeons at the Forjett Street location. Landline not working Menino GomesResponse: “We will pass on the message to the exchange concerned” said an MTNL official. “Both MTNL and BSNL have become orphans, as their existence is in question. There is nobody to maintain these dying lines, as they have no staff, and the vendors to whom the work has been outsourced do not have technically qualified personnel to handle it. The cables are being stolen, and the moot issue is: who will fix the problem?” said MP Arvind Sawant, senior leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), who once headed the MTNL employees’ union. Garbage on road Shilpa NayakResponse: A BMC official said action will be taken against those who dump garbage at public places. But, if the land is privately owned, it cannot be cleaned by the Solid Waste Management staff. Citizens can complain on BMC website or on social media. The link is...complaint: https://portal.mcgm.gov.in/irj/portal/anonymous/qlcomplaintreg?guest_user=english Illegal stall on footpath Jayesh Doshi, Satish Bokadia, Haresh DoshiResponse: “We will have to inspect the stall, before making any comment,” said an official from Aarey requesting anonymity.
06 April,2026 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayOn March 28, mid-day reported about how Matheran, the automobile-free hill station, has no veterinarian for over 450 horses. Pictures showed an apology of a clinic, which is in shambles. No veterinary care, combined with poor infrastructure, has imperilled the equines, which are the lifeblood of the popular tourist getaway. In our report, we focused on a horse called Dayavaan. The horse was ill, but with no immediate care available, it passed away after a trip to Pune to be looked at by a vet. Upon reading the report, a distinguished veterinarian, Dr Prashant Wandhare, made a trip to Matheran this weekend. The doctor said, “The mid-day report made me visit Matheran, and I examined several horses owned by ghodawallahs. They earn their living through joyrides for visitors. There are also some ponies that carry construction material to different places in the hill station.” The vet brings his expertise to the hill station Dr Wandhare who has more than 38 years of experience as a horse specialist, stated that he is going to make more trips to Matheran to look at the horses, and he will “also brainstorm with locals/authorities if we can help start a clinic with medicines for the horses, by approaching industrialists who may be able to help with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. I have devoted my life to the welfare of these animals. Horses should not suffer.” Doctor Speak To make sure the horses are well cared for, ensure… Water: Access to clean and fresh water at all times; horses drink water equivalent to 5-10 per cent of their body weight daily Shelter/environment: Shelter from wind, rain, sun Social/mental health: Horses are social animals and need interaction with other horses; this prevents stress Movement/turnout: Routine checkups, dental checkups, vaccinations, parasite control, hoof trimming/shoeing, and immediate attention to treat injuries and signs of lameness Rest: Need to be rested when injured and require compulsory stall rest to prevent more injuries Decades ‘n’ more >> Dr Prashant Wandhare is a former senior veterinary officer with the Royal Western India Turf Club, Mumbai/Pune>> Horse vet experience of over 38 years>> Practices as a visiting veterinarian for different racing centres in India and abroad, and also stud farms
06 April,2026 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharADVERTISEMENT
