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Pune scorches under 43 degrees Celsius, heatwave to continue till April 22
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) records, Pune’s heatwave will continue till next week. IMD has also issued a heatwave alert for Pune. The warning was issued for soaring temperatures over the coming days. From April 17 to April 22, temperatures in Pune will cross 43°C at Lohegaon. On April 16, Pune recorded the highest temperature of 43°C in the Lohegaon area. According to IMD records, the highest temperatures recorded in Pune were 43.3°C on April 30, 1897, and May 7, 1889. Additionally, the city recorded 40.8°C, the second highest, on March 30, 2019, and it was the second-highest temperature recorded in 127 years. S D Sanap, IMD scientist, told mid-day, “Pune City’s Lohegaon area continues to record the highest temperature of the season, followed by Koregaon Park. The military observatory is located in the Lohegaon area. Another reason for the maximum temperature recorded there is the concrete structures and urbanisation. In Koregaon Park, urbanisation is one of the key factors responsible for the temperature surge.” The entire Pune region witnessed unrelenting heat, with clear skies and barely any respite, signalling the peak of pre-monsoon heat. According to IMD data, the city itself recorded maximum temperatures ranging from 41.2°C to 42.1°C, while areas like Pashan, Magarpatta, and Koregaon Park hovered around the 41°C mark. Suburban locations like Chinchwad and Lavale remained marginally cooler, with highs of around 39.5°C to 40.8°C. In sharp contrast, the National Defence Academy (NDA) campus near Khadakwasla continued to be the city’s coolest zone, with daytime highs not exceeding 40.6°C, and nighttime lows dipping to 19.5°C on April 16. Experts believe the thick green cover, open land, and proximity to the water body play a role in regulating NDA’s microclimate. Environmentalists warn that the expanding concrete jungle and declining green spaces are exacerbating the heat island effect in areas like Lohegaon and Magarpatta. The local municipal corporations, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), alerted people to take proper precautions. The soaring temperatures also raise red flags about water consumption, energy demands for cooling, and public health as the city heads into peak summer. To beat the heat, a surge in demand for ACs and coolers has been reported. Sagar Karnik, a resident of Camp, said, “It was difficult to purchase an AC as my job keeps shifting. So I preferred renting an AC at R4,000 per month, including installation, transport, etc.” Sharmila Katkar, a student, residing in Karve Nagar, said, “We are a group of five girls who live in a rental flat. The portable AC was not affordable for us. So we had purchased an air cooler. At night, we pour ice water in it to get cool air.”
18 April,2025 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana Dahiwal
Maharashtra: Locals oppose tree felling for road-widening project in Satara
Residents and environmentalists of Wai town in Satara district are up in arms against the proposed felling of trees for a road-widening project in their area. The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) is executing a road-widening project on the Surur-Wai and Wai-Mahabaleshwar-Poladpur routes. Locals claim that several indigenous trees will be axed for the 10-km stretch. “The MSIDC began work in March, widening the road by seven metres on both sides. Markings have already been made on trees, many of which are indigenous. We have been opposing this and are holding agitations,” said Prashant Dongare, a local. He claimed that the MSIDC has not secured clearance from the forest department. The MSIDC had initially proposed felling 444 trees but reportedly scaled down the number to 41 after resistance, stating that these would be transplanted. However, Dongare said most of the 41 trees marked for transplantation have large girths and are unlikely to survive the move. After locals raised the issue, Wai Sub-Divisional Officer Rajendra Kachare convened a meeting of stakeholders, including the MSIDC and forest officials. “We sought the mitigation plan and asked the MSIDC to inform citizens in writing about the tree replantation strategy. We also directed them not to proceed without the forest department's approval,” Kachare said. The MSIDC officials said they reduced the number of trees to be felled from 444 to 41 following discussions with the concerned ministry. Wai Forest Division Range Forest Officer Mahadev Hajare said they were yet to receive any application from the MSIDC about the 41 trees seeking permission to fell the trees. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 April,2025 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
IIT-B scientists finds new host protein that can kill germs
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have discovered a host protein that uses tiny tweezer-like machines to kill germs before they harm the human body. The study to discover the new arsenal of the human immune system was conducted by a group of researchers led by IIT Bombay Prof Anirban Banerjee, said the institute on Thursday. The study found a host protein, which works like an elite special operation unit that detects the threats and neutralises them before they can cause harm to the body, it said. When bacteria attack the cells and steal nutrients from them, human cells recognise this as a hazard and tag them as a ‘red flag’ using a special protein called ‘ubiquitin.’ That is when human cells get to work like tiny plucking machines, targeting the flagged bacteria and pulling out these hair-like projections from bacterial membranes (surface proteins) to tear them apart, said the institute, citing the study conducted recently. This prevents the germs from spreading or making us sick. The findings could lead to new ways to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are becoming a burgeoning problem globally, according to the researchers. “The study highlights that as pathogens evolve, our cells also learn to fight back more efficiently, offering hope for better and more effective treatment in this battle against infection,” Prof Banerjee noted.
18 April,2025 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
Maharashtra: Gargai Dam, a step closer to reality?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has granted approval for the wildlife and environmental clearances required for the Gargai Dam project. Now the forest department will submit a proposal to the National Wildlife Board. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to construct Gargai Dam at Wada in Palghar district to the north of Mumbai, at an estimated cost of Rs 5000 crore. The 24th meeting of the Maharashtra State Wildlife Board was held under the chairmanship of CM Fadnavis at the state secretariat on Thursday. On April 10, mid-day reported about a delay in the implementation of the Gargai Dam project, which can supply 440 million litres of water to the city daily. Fadnavis said the project is crucial for the growing population of Mumbai. With the approval of the 844,879 hectare land diversion proposal, additional drinking water will be available for Mumbaikars. Fadnavis directed the forest department to issue the required wildlife and environmental permits in compliance with the conditions, ensuring the timely completion of the Gargai Dam project. He also asked forest department officials to submit a “flawless” proposal to the National Wildlife Board and obtain necessary wildlife and environmental clearances quickly to accelerate the project. As per an official statement issued, the meeting was attended by Minister of Forests Ganesh Naik, MLA Ashish Jaiswal, and MLA Pankaj Bhoyar, among other officials. According to the civic records, the Gargai project first came into discussions in the BMC in 2012, but no further steps were taken till 2018, when the BMC started preparations for the first time. The BMC is yet to obtain clearance from the environment department. Around 844 hectares of land will be affected by the dam, and the BMC needs to purchase 426 hectares of land. Additionally, 619 families will be affected by the project. “After obtaining all the approvals, construction of the dam will take four years to complete,” said an official. The current daily water requirement of the city is 4550 million litres, while it receives only 3950 million litres, facing a daily water shortage of 600 million litres. The Middle Vaitarna Dam was the last water supply project, commissioned in 2014.
18 April,2025 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Mumbai: Court denies bail to trio accused of assaulting lawyer
The Borivli Metropolitan Magistrate court has rejected the bail applications of the three accused arrested for allegedly assaulting a lawyer at Dahisar railway station. The Borivli Advocate Bar Association stood firmly in support of the victim lawyer. Senior counsel Raju Desai, representing the victim, strongly opposed the bail plea and highlighted the seriousness of the case during the hearing. Taking cognisance of the arguments and the nature of the offence, the court denied bail to all three accused. According to the police, on March 30, the 37-year-old lawyer, Suraj Chauhan, was allegedly assaulted at Dahisar railway station while on his way to Mira Road. The altercation reportedly began when he had a minor dispute with a fellow passenger who was alighting at Dahisar. Soon after, the man, along with his companions, allegedly attacked the lawyer and fled the scene. The victim initially approached the Borivli government railway police (GRP) to lodge a complaint. Though a medical examination was conducted at Shatabdi Hospital, the GRP only registered a non-cognizable (NC) complaint and allowed the matter to rest. Damaged rib and eardrum After experiencing intense pain in his chest and ear, the victim sought treatment at a private hospital. The medical report revealed a fractured rib and a damaged eardrum. Following this, he revisited the police station with the new medical report. Acting on fresh evidence, the police conducted another medical examination and subsequently registered an FIR on April 6 under relevant sections of the law. On April 8, the Borivli GRP arrested three accused from Dahisar, later identified as Akash Dhabade, 21, Bala Ingudti, 40, and Rohit Kotian, 32. Victim speaks Speaking to mid-day, the victim, Advocate Chauhan, said, "Till today, I haven’t been able to understand why those people beat me up — I had no argument or exchange with them that could have provoked such anger.” “I was travelling from Bandra to Mira Road, when one of the accused asked me if I was getting down at Dahisar and whether I wasn’t headed to Mira Road. I told him that I would be getting down at Dahisar, and I did exactly that,” he added. “As soon as the train stopped, I stepped off, and others also got off right behind me, including the accused. I started walking towards another compartment to board the train again when suddenly, one of them grabbed me from behind and began assaulting me. Soon, the rest of them joined in,” Chauhan said. “They were targeting sensitive parts of my body, hitting me on my head, face, and stomach. One man, who had a bracelet on his wrist, struck me hard in the ribs, and I felt dizzy. I collapsed and sat down. “No one came forward to help except an elderly lady who stepped in and scolded them, and later few people rushed to assist. As the attackers started to flee, I tried to record them on my mobile phone. But they saw me and once again attacked me," Chauhan said. “Although I was attacked by eight to nine people, the police named only three individuals as accused.” A case under Section 118(2) and 3(5) of BNS was registered, and the accused were arrested on April 8.
18 April,2025 08:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Maharashtra: We are Hindu, not Hindi, says Raj Thackeray
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has strongly opposed the state government’s decision to make Hindi a compulsory subject for students from Std 1 to 5 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Thackeray’s objection came a day after the state approved the implementation of NEP, mandating Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English medium schools. “Hindi is not the national language. Every state has its own mother tongue, and Hindi is just one of them. Marathi, Hindi, and English should be used for government and official work only—one cannot and should not force students to learn Hindi,” Thackeray said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “MNS strongly opposes this policy and will not tolerate it,” he warned. The MNS chief, estranged nephew of the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, added, “We are Hindu, not Hindi. The government must keep this in mind before proceeding with such a decision.” What the GR says According to the Government Resolution (GR), the current two-language format in schools will be replaced by a three-language structure under NEP, with Hindi made mandatory in addition to English and Marathi. The NEP 2020 reaffirms the three-language formula, with emphasis on multilingualism and flexibility. It states that students must learn three languages—at least two of which must be native to India. The medium of instruction until at least Grade 5 (preferably Grade 8) should be the child’s mother tongue or regional language wherever possible. While the policy doesn’t mandate Hindi explicitly, several states, including Maharashtra, have interpreted it as Hindi + English + regional language—leading to friction in non-Hindi-speaking states. Southern resistance Southern states, especially Tamil Nadu, have historically opposed the three-language formula. Since the 1960s, Tamil Nadu has followed a two-language policy—Tamil and English. The ruling DMK sees the NEP as a covert push for Hindi imposition. CM M.K. Stalin has been vocal against the centralised approach to language policy. Fadnavis defends Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the state’s decision, stating it is aligned with NEP 2020 and not a new development. “Everyone in Maharashtra must know Marathi. The Union government believes there should be a common language for communication across India. Hindi has been introduced in that spirit,” Fadnavis told reporters. However, Opposition to the three-language policy has existed since the NEP's draft release in 2019. Following public backlash, the Union HRD Ministry had revised the draft to remove the impression of compulsory Hindi. Yet, concerns about language imposition have persisted. Minority institutions The stricter enforcement of Marathi and Hindi in schools, including CBSE, ICSE, IB, and minority institutions, has sparked worries among educators. “In many schools, students learn Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, or other mother tongues. If English, Hindi, and Marathi are all mandatory, where’s the room for linguistic diversity?” asked an educationist on condition of anonymity. “Optional languages like Sanskrit or Tamil may get sidelined unless students take up a fourth language—which is unrealistic in most school timetables.” Background Maharashtra has traditionally followed a three-language system—Marathi (compulsory), Hindi, and English. Under NEP, this structure is being strictly enforced across all school boards, including minority-run and non-state institutions. Ghatkopar food row ignites Marathi vs non-Marathi tensions The MNS has also responded sharply to a Marathi versus non-Marathi controversy in Ghatkopar, where a Gujarati community member allegedly shamed a Marathi family for eating non-vegetarian food. Videos of the incident circulated online prompted MNS leaders to visit the society and issue a warning. “MNS will not tolerate any diktat from other communities, especially Gujaratis, on the eating habits of Marathi people,” said MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut weighed in, claiming this was another flashpoint in the Marathi vs non-Marathi identity clash. He recalled that a few months ago, an RSS leader had stated that people migrating to Mumbai don’t learn Marathi because the city lacks a unified language—using Ghatkopar as an example. After the backlash, the RSS leader issued a clarification, stating his comments were misinterpreted.
18 April,2025 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar | Dipti Singh
Maharashtra: Anupam Kher, Kajol among top honourees at State’s cultural awards
In a grand tribute to cultural excellence, Maharashtra’s minister of Cultural Affairs, Adv Ashish Shelar announced the recipients of the state’s highest honours to be presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs. The five major awards include the Chitrapati V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, Chitrapati V Shantaram Special Contribution Award, Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award and the Ganasamragni Lata Mangeshkar Award. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at Mantralaya on Thursday. This year, the Chitrapati V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award has been announced for renowned actor, director and producer Mahesh Manjrekar. The honour comprises a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, along with a memento, citation and a commemorative silver medal. The Chitrapati V Shantaram Special Contribution Award will be presented to acclaimed actor Mukta Barve. This award comprises Rs 6 lakh in cash, a memento, a citation and a commemorative silver medal. Also, veteran actor Anupam Kher will be honoured with the prestigious Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, while the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award will be presented to versatile actor Kajol Devgan. The awards carry cash prizes of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 6 lakh respectively. This year, the Ganasamragni Lata Mangeshkar Award, instituted in 1993, will be conferred upon veteran Marathi ghazal singer Bhimrao Panchale. The honour includes a cash prize of R10 lakh, along with a memento, citation and shawl. The awards will be presented during a grand ceremony on April 25, at the NSCI Dome, Mumbai. In addition to the award ceremony, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, will host a special musical tribute on April 20, 2025, at 6.30 pm at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, to commemorate the Amrit Mahotsav of the Constitution and the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Renowned artists, including Suresh Wadkar, Adarsh Shinde, Vaishali Samant, Urmila Dhangar, and Nandesh Umap, will grace the stage, with Subodh Bhave anchoring the event. The event will showcase musical renditions, theatrical presentations, and dance performances inspired by the life of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The event is open to all, and complimentary passes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at Shivaji Natya Mandir and Ravindra Natya Mandir, informed Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar during the press conference.
18 April,2025 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Mumbai: Shaina NC’s mother Munira Chudasama passes away
Munira Chudasama, the wife of late Sheriff of Mumbai Nana Chudasama and mother of Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, passed away on Thursday. The news of Munira’s death at 88, was announced by Shaina NC on X. “Our beloved mother has passed away peacefully. Request you to pray for her as we cremate her at Banganga Crematorium at 11 am,” she wrote. Munira also leaves behind her son Akshay. Meanwhile, publisher Farzana Behram Contractor recalled the good times she had with her friend. “We shared a special bond. When she came to Panchgani to spend a few days with me at my home, we had loads of fun. Eating bhutta at Sydney Point with a light drizzle on our faces and the clouds, the same, hanging low over our heads, which she playfully tried to touch,” Contractor wrote on Facebook.
18 April,2025 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Mulund dumping ground
MLA bats for golf course; locals demand hospital, green space
While Mulund MLA Mihir Kotecha has suggested that land reclaimed from the dumping ground in his constituency be used to set up a golf course, residents of Hari Om Nagar have demanded that it should be repurposed for the benefit of common citizens. Kotecha made the suggestion in a recent meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Mumbai North East MP Sanjay Patil, of the Shiv Sena (UBT), meanwhile, told mid-day that he had requested the state government to create a park or build a hospital or playhouse on the land. Mohan Menon, a member of the Hari Om Nagar Residents’ Association, said, “We don’t have any issue with a golf course, but a major chunk of the land should be used in the interest of the common people. Mumbai needs an AIMS [All India Institute of Medical Sciences] hospital. The authorities should consider growing a mini forest on this land.” Jagdish Baliga, a senior citizen and member of Ratnashree Co-operative Housing Society, said, “We have had to endure the stench of garbage for years. It’s time we citizens and future generations were compensated for our troubles. The authorities should develop a green space akin to Central Park or set up a zoo on this land.” Sachin Joshi, a local, said, “The authorities should create something like the Maharashtra Nature Park in Mahim East. We need to maintain the balance of nature. After clearing all waste, citizens can breathe easily at the spot.” (From left) Sachin Joshi, who highlighted the need to preserve the natural balance, Vijaya Menon, who was in favour of developing a mini forest or hospital on the land, Jagdish Baliga, member, Ratnashree Co-operative Housing Society Vijaya Menon, another resident, said, “If a forest is developed on the land, residents will benefit. Setting up an AIIMS hospital would prove beneficial for those residing in the city as well as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.” These sentiments were echoed by other Hari Om Nagar residents such as Shailesh Dedhia and Varsha Dadwani. Processing delays Spread over 24 hectares, the dumping ground came into being in 1968 and was closed in 2018 as it had reached maximum capacity. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) subsequently appointed a contractor to reclaim the land by processing 70 lakh tonnes of waste on the dumping ground. The project was supposed to be completed by 2022, but the work began in 2021. BMC officials cited various permissions and the pandemic for the delay. Despite the last deadline for processing waste being extended from October 2024 to June 2025, only 66 per cent of the trash—46 lakh tonnes—has been processed. “By June, 75 per cent of waste will have been cleared from the dumping ground. Another year is needed to complete this project. The deadline is likely to be extended,” an official said. Last year, the state government demanded part of the Mulund dumping ground land for the rehabilitation of people affected by the Dharavi redevelopment project. In reply, the BMC said that land could be used only after the reclamation was completed.
18 April,2025 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
Mumbai: City completes rare underground metro crossover
In a feat of precise engineering, Mumbai on Thursday successfully completed a rare underground Metro tunnel overlap, with just 1.2 metres separating two major lines. The Mumbai Metro Red Line 7A tunnel passed over the operational Aqua Line 3, marking a milestone in the city’s expanding Metro network. The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Disha, working on the Metro 7A corridor, pierced through final segment, completing its underground section. The breakthrough event was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (in a maroon jacket) and other dignitaries. Pic/by special arrangement Once complete, Red Lines 9 and 7 will connect seamlessly to Terminal 2 (T2) of Mumbai airport, allowing commuters from Mira-Bhayandar to travel directly to CSMIA. While Disha has completed the Down line, its twin TBM Dhruv, which is working on the Up line, is expected to achieve a breakthrough soon. Currently, Metro Line 7A is 59 per cent complete. The Mumbai Metro Line 7 corridor extensions are also progressing steadily. Red Line 9—connecting Dahisar (East) to Mira-Bhayandar—is 96 per cent complete. Phase 1 of this line, the 4.5-km Dahisar–Kashigaon stretch with four stations, is expected to open by December 2025. Phase 2, a 4.6-km stretch from Kashigaon to Mira-Bhayandar with four more stations, will open by December 2026. Of the total 3.42 km alignment from Gundavali to T2, 2.49 km (in yellow) is underground Work on the 13.5-km Red Line 7A from Andheri (East) to CSMIA is currently 59 per cent complete. The tunnel is constructed in 1.5 years and the deadline is June 2027. Tunnel alignment details: Of the total 3.42 km alignment from Gundavali to T2, 2.49 km is underground. The twin tunnels run parallel to the Western Express Highway, go underground just before the Sahar Elevated Road’s vehicular subway, and join the Aqua Line’s underground CSMIA Metro station near Terminal T2. Official comment: “April 17 marks a monumental milestone as the TBM for Metro Line 7A achieves its breakthrough, completing the first underground tunnel in Mumbai’s Metro network by MMRDA. This 1.647-km engineering marvel connects Andheri (East) to CSMIA with a finished diameter of 6.35 metres,” said MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee. The breakthrough event was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other dignitaries. Key highlights Project length: 3.42 km (0.94 km elevated, 2.49 km underground) Stations: Airport Colony (elevated) and CSMIA (underground) Major challenges overcome: Passing over the operational Aqua Line 3 tunnel, diverting key utilities, tunnelling through shallow depths, and operating beneath the Sahar Elevated Road Fast track record: TBM Disha was launched 30m underground on Sep 1, 2023, and completed the breakthrough on April 17, 2025
18 April,2025 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Mumbai: SGNP leopard to shoot videos via radio collar
If all goes to plan, then in the coming months, for the first time a leopard from Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) will be fitted with a radio collar equipped with a video camera that will tell Mumbaikars how the big cat navigates urban landscapes. The collaring will be done by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) as part of a project to study the impact of the Thane-Borivli underground tunnel that will pass beneath SGNP. Senior scientist Dr Bilal Habib from WII told mid-day that the preconstruction survey along the alignment of the tunnel project has already started. “We have started the preconstruction ground survey in SGNP for the Thane-Borivli underground tunnel project. We have given certain suggestions to the agency implementing the project that should be followed while starting the construction work near the entry and exit points,” said Dr Habib. DR Habib also told mid-day that for the first time, a leopard from SGNP will be fitted with a radio-collar capable of recording video footage, through a high-definition camera fitted in the collar, which would shed light on the hidden world of urban leopards and how they navigate. “We will be radio collaring leopards, spotted deer and sambar deer to study the pre and post impact of the tunnel construction activity on wildlife, if any, and one of the radio collars capable of taking videos will be fitted on one leopard. The intention is to understand how the leopards of SGNP use the landscape. SGNP is a unique landscape and so we expect to get video data that will give us interesting insights into the lives of leopards from Mumbai, including how they cross the road, at what time they are most active, how they respond when they see humans, etc,” added Dr Habib. The scientists can program the collar as per their requirement, like how many seconds of video are being recorded and at what time and interval. The video from the collars will be accessible once the collar is procured and the video footage is transferred. It is said that the collar can work for seven to nine months and record videos at regular intervals. The scientist told mid-day that the process for obtaining permission from the Maharashtra Forest Department has begun and an approval is expected soon. The collars will be procured soon after, and if things go as per the plan, radio collaring will begin in the coming months or within this year. mid-day had reported last year about how a total of 15 animals—five leopards, five spotted deer and five sambar deer—will be radio collared during the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) construction activity, and another 15 animals will be tagged after the twin tunnel work is completed. The twin tube tunnel between Thane and Borivli will be constructed at a cost of over R14,400 crore. It seeks to reduce travel time between Thane and Borivli and decongest Ghodbunder Road. The route will feature an 11.8-km-long connecting road and two 10.25-km-long three-lane tunnels built beneath SGNP, from Tikuji-ni-Wadi in Thane to the Western Express Highway in Borivli. Considering the tunnel will pass through SGNP, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will take precautions to avoid causing harm to the park’s biodiversity, including the use of a tunnel boring machine to avoid upsetting flora and fauna. The tunnel is expected to take five and a half years to be completed from the day the tender is awarded. There will be cross-tunnels every 300 metres, and the design will allow vehicles to travel at a top speed of 80 kmph. The new route is expected to shave off 40-45 minutes of travel time and reduce the need for 10.5 lakh metric tonnes of fuel per year. The initiative will contribute to an annual 36 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The Pune operation Earlier, Dr Bilal Habib fitted a GPS-enabled radio collar capable of recording video footage in a first-of-its-kind study at Junnar in Pune district. The researchers were able to capture 1000 videos of 30 seconds each from the radio collar.
18 April,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav