Mumbaikars can now tell the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) what they think about the new regulations for the development of ‘Iconic Buildings’ such as the Art Deco structures along Marine Drive. Starting Tuesday, citizens have a month to send in suggestions and objections to the civic body, as it is set to incorporate a new policy for the development of Iconic Buildings in the city, which will help enhance Mumbai’s identity as a metropolis with unique architecture. Once the policy is approved, proposals for the development of Iconic Buildings will be approved by a six-member committee, headed by the municipal commissioner, and inclusive of a renowned personality from the world of global architecture, visual arts and the industry. At present, Mumbai's skyline is dominated by a unique mix of buildings of the Victorian Gothic style such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters; streamlined Art Deco designs with rounded corners; and Indo-Saracenic designs such as the Gateway of India; alongside modern and contemporary buildings. Iconic buildings In March, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that a new policy would be introduced in the city to encourage the construction of ‘Iconic Buildings’. To permit the development of Iconic Buildings in Mumbai, the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2024 need to be modified. The DCPR is part of the Development Plan (DP) of Mumbai, acting as a blueprint for development in the city, which is formulated by the government once every 20 years. The state government’s department of urban development has proposed adding a new chapter to the DCPR 2034 to facilitate the development of Iconic Buildings. This is what qualifies as a new policy. This decision is a move to help Mumbai develop ‘world-class architecture and enhance its beauty’ by retaining its unique identity that comes from iconic buildings built during the British era. This would require amendments under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP). An Iconic Building has been categorised as “any building or space having a unique or distinctive characteristic, shape, size, aesthetic, look, concept, theme, urban design, architectural design, structural design, etc”. To develop an iconic building, developers or architects must have experience in developing an area of approximately 1,000,000 square metres, or the size of 140 standard football fields, or a minimum turnover of Rs 5,000 crore per year. An Iconic Building cannot be purely residential in nature, and at least 40 per cent of the building should be utilised for a public amenity where a ticket can be purchased by common people, like a public plaza. The building should be accessible to the public for watching, viewing, or other tourist attractions. It needs to have an adjoining road that is 18 metres in width. The policy After the announcement was made by the state government in March, a notification was issued by the urban development department the same month. Subsequently, the BMC received approvals from the improvement committee resolution and the corporation resolution in May, as it is presently under the administrator’s rule due to no elected body at its helm pending elections. It has invited suggestions and objections from Mumbaikars as part of the process to finalise the policy. Once the policy is finalised, the committee will meet once in four months and will be able to approve only up to five projects a year. These projects will be specially announced by the civic body on January 26 (Republic Day), May 1 (Maharashtra Day) and August 15 (Independence Day). Only fresh development of redevelopment proposals will qualify for Iconic Buildings, and no existing project can be taken up under this policy. Expert speak Bharat Gothoskar, Mumbai heritage chronicler and founder of KHAKI Heritage Foundation, told mid-day.com, “Before independence, Mumbai had a long tradition of taking inspiration from the past to create iconic buildings in South Mumbai. Though initial inspiration was taken from western architectural styles like Classical and Gothic, they later turned their gaze towards Indian architecture to create the Indo-Saracenic Style. You can see a similar attempt in West Asia and China to have modern architecture rooted in local traditions. Hopefully, these ‘iconic’ developers attempt something similar and not create new urban follies.” Shirish Sukhatme, architect, urban planner and former president of Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA), said, “It is noticed that in comparison to world-class infrastructure, Mumbai’s skyline is very unimpressive. We can take a look at other megacities in the world, such as Dubai, which has the Burj Khalifa, for example. When we host international summits, such as G20, what does Mumbai have to show in terms of contemporary architecture? So, this is a great idea. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani held talks with PEATA in April this year for this issue and explained to concept to all architects, and we welcome it. Without a policy, many builders use such features as part of the sale component, and utilise FDI to that effect. The clause that iconic features can be free of FSI will be beneficial.” He cautioned, “However, the downside is that care must be taken so that the project does not get stuck in bureaucratic red tape. A special cell can be made for the approval of proposals. The qualifying criteria for architects working on such projects need to be relaxed. Else, questions can be raised about whether this is meant only to fill the coffers of a few beneficiaries.” Vikas Dilawari, a heritage conservationist, said, “This can be interesting if it is contextual and if we talk of a standalone iconic building in newer areas of the city to showcase contemporary architecture. Having said this, it certainly should not be competing with the iconic heritage landmarks or settings or precincts which we have in Mumbai. These heritage landmarks deserve respect and care, and sensitive development.” Have suggestions for the BMC’s policy? You can express yourself on this email ID: che.dp@mcgm.gov.in by July 24.
24 June,2025 11:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSMumbaikars can now tell the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) what they think about the new regulations for the development of ‘Iconic Buildings’ such as the Art Deco structures along Marine Drive. Starting Tuesday, citizens have a month to send in suggestions and objections to the civic body, as it is set to incorporate a new policy for the development of Iconic Buildings in the city, which will help enhance Mumbai’s identity as a metropolis with unique architecture. Once the policy is approved, proposals for the development of Iconic Buildings will be approved by a six-member committee, headed by the municipal commissioner, and inclusive of a renowned personality from the world of global architecture, visual arts and the industry. At present, Mumbai's skyline is dominated by a unique mix of buildings of the Victorian Gothic style such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters; streamlined Art Deco designs with rounded corners; and Indo-Saracenic designs such as the Gateway of India; alongside modern and contemporary buildings. Iconic buildings In March, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that a new policy would be introduced in the city to encourage the construction of ‘Iconic Buildings’. To permit the development of Iconic Buildings in Mumbai, the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2024 need to be modified. The DCPR is part of the Development Plan (DP) of Mumbai, acting as a blueprint for development in the city, which is formulated by the government once every 20 years. The state government’s department of urban development has proposed adding a new chapter to the DCPR 2034 to facilitate the development of Iconic Buildings. This is what qualifies as a new policy. This decision is a move to help Mumbai develop ‘world-class architecture and enhance its beauty’ by retaining its unique identity that comes from iconic buildings built during the British era. This would require amendments under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP). An Iconic Building has been categorised as “any building or space having a unique or distinctive characteristic, shape, size, aesthetic, look, concept, theme, urban design, architectural design, structural design, etc”. To develop an iconic building, developers or architects must have experience in developing an area of approximately 1,000,000 square metres, or the size of 140 standard football fields, or a minimum turnover of Rs 5,000 crore per year. An Iconic Building cannot be purely residential in nature, and at least 40 per cent of the building should be utilised for a public amenity where a ticket can be purchased by common people, like a public plaza. The building should be accessible to the public for watching, viewing, or other tourist attractions. It needs to have an adjoining road that is 18 metres in width. The policy After the announcement was made by the state government in March, a notification was issued by the urban development department the same month. Subsequently, the BMC received approvals from the improvement committee resolution and the corporation resolution in May, as it is presently under the administrator’s rule due to no elected body at its helm pending elections. It has invited suggestions and objections from Mumbaikars as part of the process to finalise the policy. Once the policy is finalised, the committee will meet once in four months and will be able to approve only up to five projects a year. These projects will be specially announced by the civic body on January 26 (Republic Day), May 1 (Maharashtra Day) and August 15 (Independence Day). Only fresh development of redevelopment proposals will qualify for Iconic Buildings, and no existing project can be taken up under this policy. Expert speak Bharat Gothoskar, Mumbai heritage chronicler and founder of KHAKI Heritage Foundation, told mid-day.com, “Before independence, Mumbai had a long tradition of taking inspiration from the past to create iconic buildings in South Mumbai. Though initial inspiration was taken from western architectural styles like Classical and Gothic, they later turned their gaze towards Indian architecture to create the Indo-Saracenic Style. You can see a similar attempt in West Asia and China to have modern architecture rooted in local traditions. Hopefully, these ‘iconic’ developers attempt something similar and not create new urban follies.” Shirish Sukhatme, architect, urban planner and former president of Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA), said, “It is noticed that in comparison to world-class infrastructure, Mumbai’s skyline is very unimpressive. We can take a look at other megacities in the world, such as Dubai, which has the Burj Khalifa, for example. When we host international summits, such as G20, what does Mumbai have to show in terms of contemporary architecture? So, this is a great idea. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani held talks with PEATA in April this year for this issue and explained to concept to all architects, and we welcome it. Without a policy, many builders use such features as part of the sale component, and utilise FDI to that effect. The clause that iconic features can be free of FSI will be beneficial.” He cautioned, “However, the downside is that care must be taken so that the project does not get stuck in bureaucratic red tape. A special cell can be made for the approval of proposals. The qualifying criteria for architects working on such projects need to be relaxed. Else, questions can be raised about whether this is meant only to fill the coffers of a few beneficiaries.” Vikas Dilawari, a heritage conservationist, said, “This can be interesting if it is contextual and if we talk of a standalone iconic building in newer areas of the city to showcase contemporary architecture. Having said this, it certainly should not be competing with the iconic heritage landmarks or settings or precincts which we have in Mumbai. These heritage landmarks deserve respect and care, and sensitive development.” Have suggestions for the BMC’s policy? You can express yourself on this email ID: che.dp@mcgm.gov.in by July 24.
24 June,2025 11:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday said that it has set the work completion deadline for Sion and Belasis flyover in Mumbai. BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), Abhijit Bangar, stressed the need to timely complete the works of the two important bridges in the city and inspected the ongoing works on the projects, an official said. Bangar has set the work completion deadline for Sion flyover as May 31, 2026, and the Belasis flyover's work shall be completed by December 15, 2025, within the stipulated deadlines, the official said. A joint meeting was held at the BMC Headquarters on June 24 and it was also attended by Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare, engineers from the BMC and Railways, including Uttam Shrote, Rajesh Mule, Rohit Mehla, and V. V. Satishan were also present at the meeting, officials said. They reviewed the progress of the flyovers, both of which span railway lines. The Belasis flyover is located between Mumbai Central and Grant Road. It connects Nagpada and Tardeo areas in the city. While Sion flyover is located in the central Mumbai. The Sion flyover links eastern and western parts of the city. Its south-side pedestrian overpass (FOB) is being built by the Railways and is expected to be complete by August 31, 2025. Major works on the main bridge will begin thereafter, with girders installed in the north in November and the south in January. The western approach road via Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg is nearing completion, with the second underpass to start from October 1. All railway-related works are scheduled to finish by May 15, 2026, and the flyover is expected to open by May 31, 2026, an official statement said. It said that the Belasis flyover, connecting Tardeo and Nagpada to Mumbai Central station, was planned for completion in April 2026. However, officials are accelerating the schedule, aiming to open it by December 2025. Thirteen obstructing structures have already been cleared and alternative housing provided. Girder launches (12 spans of 36 metres each) are expected to be completed by August 10, 2025, with all adjacent work and approach roads finished by December 15, 2025.
24 June,2025 10:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved the allocation of Rs 20,787 crore for the ambitious 'Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Expressway' which will pass through 12 districts, linking eastern Maharashtra with southern Konkan, reported the PTI. The 802-km expressway will link Pavnar in Wardha district with Patradevi on Maharashtra-Goa border in Sindhudurg district, and is expected to cut the travel time between Nagpur and Goa from current 18 hours to eight hours, officials said. The cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. The high-speed corridor will pass through the districts of Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg. Wherever there is opposition to the project for fear of land acquisition, talks should be held with the local farmers, the chief minister said at the meeting. According to officials, the expressway aims to connect key pilgrimage sites such as Mahur, Tuljapur, Kolhapur and Pandharpur in addition to prominent spiritual and historical places like Ambajogai, two 'Jyotirlings' of Aundha Nagnath and Parli Vaijnath; Karanja- Lad, Akkalkot, Audumber and Narsobachi Wadi, reported the PTI. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will implement the project, and HUDCO has sanctioned a loan of Rs 12,000 crore for the acquisition of nearly 7,500 hectares of land, officials said, as per the PTI. The expressway aims to link all 'Shaktipeeths' in the state and develop rural areas through tourism and connectivity, they added. In another decision, the cabinet approved a long-pending revision of the allowances provided to Scheduled Tribes students living in hostels. Monthly living allowances were nearly doubled across categories. Divisional-level hostels will now provide Rs 1,400 per month (against Rs 800 at present), district-level hostels Rs 1,300 (up from Rs 600), and rural hostels Rs 1,000 (up from Rs 500). The special allowance for girl students has been raised from Rs 100 to Rs 150. Annual education material allowances too have been hiked, with students in classes 8 to10 now eligible for Rs 4,500 (from Rs 3,200), and medical or engineering students will get Rs 8,000 (up from Rs 6,000). Monthly food allowances have been increased to Rs 5,000 in city hostels and Rs 4,500 in district-level hostels. Currently, there are 490 tribal hostels in the state, catering to 57,700 students. The cabinet also cleared draft amendments to the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017, aligning it with the Centre's 2025 Finance Act and decisions of the 55th GST Council meeting, according to the PTI. It also approved amendments to a law dealing with the settlement of tax arrears of public sector undertakings, extending the definition of eligible applicants to include non-Companies Act entities like public sector banks and statutory bodies. A land parcel in Bandra East was officially transferred to the Public Works Department for the construction of a new High Court complex. The government also waived Rs 31.75 crore in slum rehabilitation dues, paving the way for clearing encroachments on the site, the news agency reported on Tuesday. The cabinet also approved the allocation of 7,000 sq mt of reserved land at Chikhli in Pimpri Chichwad for a sewage treatment plant. To support urban development, the Cabinet decided to offer a state guarantee and waive off guarantee fees for a Rs 2,000 crore HUDCO loan to local bodies. It will help projects including water supply lines in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Mira-Bhayander, and a sewage treatment plant in Nagpur, officials said, according to the PTI. (with PTI inputs)
24 June,2025 09:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Metro services between DN Nagar and Versova were hit on Tuesday after a plastic sheet from a nearby construction site got entangled with the Overhead Equipment (OHE), officials said. According to Mumbai Metro officials, the plastic sheet caused a temporary disruption in power supply to the trains in that section. Technical teams were immediately sent to the site to remove the obstruction and restore normal operations. Metro services between DN Nagar and Versova are currently delayed after a plastic sheet from a nearby construction site got entangled with the Overhead Equipment (OHE). Restoration efforts are underway.Via: @rajtoday VC: Special arrangement#mumbaimetro #metro #mumbainews… pic.twitter.com/SJArB8aCDS — Mid Day (@mid_day) June 24, 2025 In a post on X, Mumbai Metro said, “Our teams are working to restore full service at the earliest. We regret the inconvenience caused to commuters.” SERVICE UPDATE | Metro services are experiencing slight delays between DN Nagar and Versova due to a plastic sheet from a nearby construction site getting entangled with the Overhead Equipment (OHE). Our teams are working to restore normal operations at the earliest. We regret… pic.twitter.com/2HqCnaWan1 — Mumbai Metro (@MumbaiMetro01) June 24, 2025 Passengers travelling on Metro Line 1 experienced minor delays but services on other sections remained unaffected. In an another post, about an hour later, Mumbai Metro said, "Train services are now running as per schedule. We thank you for your patience and continued support." SERVICE UPDATE | Train services are now running as per schedule. We thank you for your patience and continued support. — Mumbai Metro (@MumbaiMetro01) June 24, 2025
24 June,2025 08:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarInformers who take risks to provide credible information to authorities, based on which tax evaders are brought to book, ought to be rewarded fairly in accordance with the government scheme, the Bombay High Court (HC) stated on Tuesday. According to news agency PTI, a bench comprising Justices MS Sonak and Jitendra Jain directed the Maharashtra government to pay an interim reward of Rs 19 lakh to a 76-year-old man who has been providing information about sales tax evaders since 1992. The court ordered the government to determine the exact reward payable to the petitioner, Darshan Singh Parmar, within six months. Parmar submitted that he had been supplying valuable information to the state and the sales tax department since 1992, on the basis of which recoveries had been made from tax evaders, reported PTI. The bench criticised the authorities for wasting both the petitioner’s and the court’s time by failing to clearly communicate the amount payable as a reward and the recoveries made based on Parmar’s information. Once a government reward scheme is put in place, it must be administered “fairly and squarely”, the bench observed. "Informers, based on whose information tax evaders are brought to book and taxes recovered, should not be made to run from pillar to post or otherwise suffer frustration," it held. The court emphasised that informers who take risks and invest their time should not be left to struggle to secure what is rightfully theirs, reported PTI. It further stated that there must be no unreasonable delay in disbursing the reward amounts once determined, and that raising frivolous or delayed objections merely to avoid legitimate payments must be avoided. Parmar asserted in his plea that, without justification, he had not received the rewards due to him. The bench noted that in 2015, the authorities had assessed a certain sum payable to Parmar as a reward. However, as it exceeded Rs 5 lakh, the state government’s sanction was required for disbursement. The judges remarked that, despite several earlier orders issued by the HC, the authorities had shown little seriousness in recovering dues from tax evaders or in determining the reward amount owed to Parmar. "The respondents have consistently been uncooperative in providing the necessary details, solely to delay the payment indefinitely," the court said. In 2024, the Joint Commissioner of Sales Tax acknowledged that Rs 19 lakh was payable to Parmar as a reward. Parmar, however, contended that the amount was insufficient and that he was entitled to more. The bench stated that it was not in a position to ascertain the exact reward amount at this stage. It ordered the government to pay the Rs 19 lakh within six weeks, and to determine the full amount payable to Parmar within six months. Additionally, the court directed that the Sales Tax Commissioner and the State Finance Secretary must, within six months, determine the precise reward amount due to the petitioner and disburse the same within two months thereafter. (With PTI inputs)
24 June,2025 08:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra on Tuesday reported 25 new Covid-19 cases, with eight of them in Mumbai alone, a public health department's bulletin said, adding that the state now has an active tally of 256 patients. With addition of the fresh cases, Maharashtra has reported 2,395 positive patients since January 2025. The recovery rate currently in state is at 86.11 per cent. According to the state health department bulletin, all patients so far have reported only mild symptoms. Since January 2025, a total number of 33 deaths have been reported in the state, out of which 32 were with comorbidities and one with other disease, officials said. Of these, 32 patients had serious underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, or stroke and one patient had symptoms of fever and shortness of breath, the health department's bulletin stated. With addition of new cases reported on June 24, the total number of positive patients in Mumbai since January 2025 now stands at 965, the bulletin stated. According to the bulletin, on Tuesday, Mumbai reported eight Covid-19 cases, Thane Municipal Corporation-1, Navi Mumbai-1, Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation-1, Pune-1, Pune Municipal Corporation-1, Kolhapur Municipal Corporation-1, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation-2, Akola Municipal Corporation-1, Nagpur Municipal Corporation-5 and Chandrapur reported three new Covid-19 case on June 24. The bulletin said that the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has been actively monitoring patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). "Covid-19 is a viral disease. Currently, ILI /SARI surveillance is being done in Maharashtra. During the survey, such patients are tested for Covid. These Covid patients are being treated regularly after positive report. There is gradual but definite increase in Covid patients in Maharashtra. Covid patients are showing mild symptoms. Covid testing and treatment facilities are available through the Public Health Department. The public is appealed not to panic," the health department bulletin said. As per recent state-level review instructions: - Regular ILI/SARI surveillance must continue in all districts. - 5 per cent of ILI patients and 100 per cent of SARI patients must be tested for Covid-19. - All positive samples should be sent for Whole Genome Sequencing to track variants. - Public hospitals and medical colleges must stay updated with testing and treatment facilities.
24 June,2025 07:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCity And Industrial Development Corporation Of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) on Tuesday said that under its 12.5 per cent land allotment scheme, 319 eligible beneficiaries from the Dronagiri node were handed over intent letters (Irada Patras) for plots at an event held in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. An official statement said that the decision to conduct the land allotment draw was taken in a CIDCO board meeting held on June 11, 2025. It marks a historic moment, as the last allotment in Dronagiri for project-affected persons (PAPs) was done back in 2007. During the event, CIDCO Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal and other senior state officials were present apart from many of the beneficiaries of the scheme. The statement said that the decision was taken by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to benefit PAPs from the Dronagiri node in Uran taluka in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Following which a symbolic handover ceremony was held at Mantralaya, where 24 beneficiaries received intention letters directly from deputy CM Shinde. Deputy CM Shinde wrote on X, "A decision was taken by CM Devendra Fadnavis to issue letters to the beneficiaries whose land allotments, pending for 40 years under the 12.5% scheme, are in Dronagiri Node of Uran taluka in Raigad district. Accordingly, it has been decided to allocate a land area of 1 lakh 90 thousand square meters to 319 beneficiaries in Uran taluka. Out of these 319, letters of intent were handed over to 24 eligible beneficiaries by me today". He further stated on X that on the occasion, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal, CIDCO Managing Director Vijay Singhal, Principal Secretary of the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office Naveen Sona, Joint Managing Director Ganesh Deshmukh, Chief Land Officer Sandeep Nichit, and Shri Akade were present. "Land acquisition had been carried out across 95 villages in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Uran talukas under the 12.5 per cent scheme. Of the total land to be distributed, 94 per cent had already been allotted, with only 5.59 per cent remaining. It aims to distribute around 1.90 lakh square metres of land to the remaining 319 eligible beneficiaries," officials said.
24 June,2025 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn unlikely passenger boarded the Mumbai local train on Tuesday at Bandra leaving many Mumbaikars excited at the new passenger, who was a stray dog. Entering the 4:55 pm double fast train at Bandra, the stray dog entered the first class compartment but was soon left confused as he was surrounded by more people than he expected, and let out a few barks before calming down. While many young couples and college students giggled and got happy at the sight, several others including a family, and an old man, were caught off-guard. As the dog tried to navigate its way in the crowd, they were a little nervous around the animal. However, the dog soon found comfort in a college boy who comforted him, before letting him go on his way to the next door. Seeing an opportunity, he tried to get off the moving train but was stopped by concerned on-lookers. While the dog attempted to get off at Andheri, he was met with a huge crowd. However, the passengers soon made way for it to safely get off in time before the train started again towards Virar. While many onlookers took videos, college students wanted to video call their friends to show them the surprise visitor.
24 June,2025 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoNature lovers visiting Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has now got an additional roar hear as three tiger cubs born to the tigress Srivalli, also known as T24-C2, were released into the park’s captive safari enclosure, officials said. The tiger and lion safari at SGNP is one of the most popular attractions in the park. It was started in the 1990s and continues to draw large numbers of visitors every year. During the safari, tourists are taken in mini buses through a special area fenced from all sides. This lets people view tigers and lions up close in a safe and controlled environment. Visitors to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s popular captive tiger safari are in for a treat, as three tiger cubs born to tigress Srivalli (also known as T24-C2) have now been introduced into the safari enclosure. The release took place on Tuesday, marking an exciting… pic.twitter.com/BGEtQbugCs — Mid Day (@mid_day) June 24, 2025 Park officials stated that the cubs are healthy and are adjusting well to their new surroundings. This is seen as a positive step for wildlife awareness and conservation, as it gives visitors a chance to see these majestic wild animals.
24 June,2025 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a rare conservation effort in Mumbai, 22 Indian Rock Python eggs were incubated and successfully hatched in a controlled environment through the joint efforts of the Maharashtra Forest Department and RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare), with a team of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation experts from the nonprofit leading the initiative. Last month, wildlife rescue experts recovered the 22 eggs along with a nine-foot female python from a drain along the Eastern Express Highway during pre-monsoon maintenence work. Ritik Jaiswal and Bhushan Salve from RAWW undertook the rescue operation in coordination with the Forest Department as the python and the eggs could not be left at the drain owing to the nature of the pre-monsoon work as well as to avoid a potential human-wildlife conflict. RAWW President and Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane, Pawan Sharma, said, "The female python was examined by Dr Priti Sathe following the rescue and was declared fit to be released back to the wild, under the Forest Department's supervision. The eggs were handed over to us for artificial incubtion as they could not be left in the wild. Their responsibility was taken over by Zoologist Chinmay Joshi from RAWW. " The eggs were placed in an artificial set up under favourable conditions and were constantly monitored at RAWW's wildlife rehabilitation facility. In the early hours of Monday, the young ones began emerging from their shells. "The young ones appear to be normal and active. They will undergo a medical examination and then be released back to their natural habitat," said Sharma The Indian Rock Pythons are among the top-protected species in India. They are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act,1972, and are classified as 'Near Threatened' according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making them endangered globally owing to habitat loss, hunting and poaching.
24 June,2025 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
