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Mumbai's air quality persistently in 'moderate' category, AQI at 136
Mumbai, on Tuesday morning, was enveloped in a light haze while the city's air quality continued to remain in the 'moderate' category. According to the SAMEER App, Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) was 136 at 10 am. However, the major pollutant found in the air was PM10, according to SAMEER App. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's SAMEER App, Borivali, Worli and Mulund areas reported satisfactory air quality with their AQI at 93, 93 and 89 respectively. Meanwhile, Colaba and Sewri along with Shivaji Nagar recorded 'poor' air quality. While Shivaji Nagar's AQI stood at 217, Sewri reported an AQI of 250 and Colaba recorded an AQI of 251. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe', while the AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory' and 101 and 200 'moderate'. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in their daily forecast for the city and surrounding areas, said that there is a possibility of mist during morning hours and that the city and suburbs will see mainly clear sky. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 35 degrees Celsius. While the minimum temperature is likely to be around 21 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the IMD's prediction of light rainfall has brought much relief to Tamil Nadu. The forecast of reduced rainfall was reliving since Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc across Chennai and adjoining districts. Several areas were inundated and the normal life of people was disrupted. The torrential rainfall caused internet disruptions as well. Additionally, five persons lost their lives in rain-related injuries. According to the reports, residents in parts of Chennai reported no rain since the early hours of Tuesday and said power services have been restored. However, train services remained suspended. According to the latest IMD bulletin, the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh will continue to receive light to moderate rainfall in most places. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at a few places with extremely heavy falls at isolated places in the region and Yanam on Tuesday. The IMD bulletin added that exceptionally heavy rainfall at one or two places is likely over north-coastal and adjoining south-coastal Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. The cyclone is likely to move nearly northwards parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during the forenoon of Tuesday as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph, the bulletin stated. With PTI inputs
05 December,2023 10:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai: BMC floats tenders for Rs 3,520 crore desalination plant project
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) floated tenders on Monday to set up a desalination plant at Manori with a capacity of producing 200 million litres of potable water from salt water per day. The estimated cost of the project is R3,520 crore, including operation and maintenance costs for 20 years. The project is expected to be ready in four years. The 200 MLD (million litres per day) water generated initially through the plant will be supplied to Kandivli and Borivli nearby. The BMC invited e-tenders on December 4 and submissions will be accepted until 4 pm on January 4, 2024. On October 28, mid-day reported that after much delay, the BMC was in the last stages of inviting tenders for the ambitious project to get potable water from the sea. The idea was initiated by former chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray, and the project was put on the fast track. Initial project evaluation The BMC had appointed IDE Water Technologies Ltd., an Israeli company, in February 2021 to prepare a detailed proposal. Later, in January 2022, the civic body engaged M/s SMEC India to evaluate the study and designs prepared by the Israeli firm. The BMC had set aside Rs 200 crore for the project in its budget for 2022-23 with the bids supposed to be initiated by August 2022 via a global tendering system. The report, which was supposed to be ready by June 2022, was submitted in the third week of November 2022. Then BMC took its own time to evaluate the report and issue a tender notice. Finally, after a year, the corporation floated the same. The desalination project at Manori was initially favoured over the proposed Gargai dam, thereby preventing the axing of four lakh trees in the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. The project, however, did not take off and the BMC once again allocated Rs 200 crore in its 2023-24 budget but did not set a deadline. Currently, the city receives 3,850 MLD water from seven lakes. The desalination project’s 200 MLD capacity can be later expanded to 400 MLD. Apart from construction, it would incur heavy expenses for electricity, maintenance and asset replacement for the next 20 years. A civic official told mid-day, “As per initial estimates, the total cost of the 200 MLD desalination plant would be Rs 1,600 crore for construction. Factoring in the operation and maintenance cost of Rs 1,920 crore for 20 years, the total would come up to Rs 3,520 crore. The project cost includes the construction of inbound and outbound channels (sea works) suitable for a 400 MLD plant to take water from the sea. It is estimated that over 20 years, the project would cost Rs 8,500 crore, including electricity consumption.” The official added that since the project would have infrastructure for a 400 MLD capacity plant, the cost of expansion would be reduced. The 200 MLD water from the plant will be transferred to the Mahavir Nagar pumping station and supplied to nearby areas. Project’s cost components Rs 1,600crConstruction Rs 1,920crOperation and maintenance for 20 years Rs 8,500crCost including electricity consumption Rs 42.50Cost per litre of water (200 MLD capacity) Rs 32.20Cost per litre of water (400 MLD capacity) Rs 30Cost per litre of water using traditional sources
05 December,2023 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta Kasale
Mumbai: Over 74,000 families displaced by civic work need houses
Demand for tenements for Project Affected People (PAP) resulting from civic projects has doubled in the past four years. According to a 2019 estimate by the civic body, around 35,000 families displaced by civic projects needed relocation. However, according to an estimate this year, the number of such families has risen to 74,752, even as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has only a few thousand houses available. The rise is attributed to new projects and the state government’s decision to extend rehabilitation for structures that came into existence after 2000 and until 2011.Joint Municipal Commissioner Ramesh Pawar told mid-day, “The number of estimated families has risen due to BMC’s planned civic projects. The projects displacing people include the widening of the Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road in the eastern suburbs. There are also development projects like the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR).” Another official said that projects like the ongoing Mithi river widening, the removal of encroachment present along the main water pipeline, and the proposed Versova Dahisar Link Road will impact many houses. The state government’s decision to extend rehabilitation to structures built after 2000 and until 2011 was in relation to the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. Residents of such houses seeking rehabilitation have to pay a minimum of Rs 2.5 lakh. Structures built before 2000 get free-of-cost rehabilitation. “Based on this decision, the BMC, too, decided to rehabilitate PAP residing in structures that came up until 2011. Apart from the minimum payment of Rs 2.5 lakh, the BMC also limited the rehabilitation only to vital, major civic projects,” a civic official said. This extension alone increased the estimated demand for tenements by 15,000-16,000. Available tenements Even as the number of PAP needing rehabilitation rises, the official added, “The BMC has received only 2,113 tenements from various authorities like the SRA and the Shiv Shahi Rehabilitation project. Tenements built by BMC come up to only 3,019. There are also around 11,000 homes for PAP lying vacant due to a stay order by the court. On the other hand, many families are reluctant to leave areas of their original residence.” To accommodate this demand, the BMC has decided to build 35,000 houses for PAP in Mumbai. Each of the seven administrative zones would have at least 6,000 homes for PAP. Recently, the civic body also approved a proposal to change the reservation of a 20-acre plot in Andheri West to build 10,000 homes for PAP. In Kanjurmarg, a project to build 4,000 houses has been approved, while in Mulund East, 8,000 houses would come under another project. In Chandivli, however, the BMC recently cancelled a project for 4,000 homes as the contractors failed to start construction despite a one-and-a-half-year delay. The projects are allotted under a policy wherein the BMC gives Transferable Development Rights (TDR) or credit notes to contractors. The BMC pays Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh for each tenement of 300 square feet area. 35k2019 estimate of PAP needing houses 74,7522023 estimate of PAP needing houses
05 December,2023 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
Navi Mumbai: Uran strays hit by brutal acid attack
More than a dozen stray dogs have been attacked by individuals using acid around Veshvi village in Uran in the past 10 days. As of Monday, 13 wounded dogs have been rescued, but animal lovers fear the number is likely to increase as 12 strays whom they regularly feed are nowhere to be seen. A police complaint will soon be filed against the miscreants. On November 21, animal lover Sunil Madhavi observed that a dog he fed regularly had a burn injury. The next day, his wife Rashmi, saw more canines whose skin had been badly burned. The couple and other feeders then came across even more wounded dogs. Feeders say the miscreants responsible had been bike-borne. Representation Pic/Satej Shinde “The injured dogs were so scared, they didn’t even come towards us, which they usually do after anticipating our arrival,” said Madhavi. “My wife and I literally had to search for the dogs and take them to our home as some of them had sustained severe injuries,” he added. After temporarily treating the canines, the couple sent them to an NGO. ‘Couldn’t believe it’ “The first time Rashmi called me and told me about the acid attack, I didn’t believe her. I wondered how one could do this to so many dogs. Then she sent pictures, followed by the actual dogs, I couldn’t believe it. We had to wash the wounds and the flesh was coming off. It’s really painful to see them,” said Anamika Chowdhury, founder of the NGO Hands That Heal Animal Care Foundation. “The feeders anticipate there will be more such dogs. If they aren’t treated early, they will develop maggots,” she added. According to feeders, the miscreants responsible had been bike-borne. “The area where the dogs have been found is accessible only by bikes. The person must have come on a two-wheeler, flung acid on dogs and fled. We suspect this happened on the night of November 21,” Madhavi said. As the feeders and other animal lovers are busy searching for injured dogs, no police complaint has been filed yet. “We simply haven’t got any time to file a police complaint, as we are busy treating and searching for victims. Once we are done, we will do it,” said Chowdhury. 13No. of dogs that have been found so far with acid wounds 12No. of strays that haven’t been found
05 December,2023 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Anurag Kamble
Three hundred Maharashtra security personnel roped in to help traffic cops
Struggling with a 34 per cent vacancy rate, the Mumbai Traffic police have sought assistance from the Maharashtra Security Forces (MSF) to help maintain order on the roads. Many critical intersections and roadways have been left unmanned due to the staff crunch. Responding to the traffic police’s plea, the state government has deployed 300 MSF personnel to manage traffic in key areas across Mumbai. However, the MSF personnel have limitations in terms of powers — the personnel do not have enforcement powers, such as imposing fines (challans) or confiscating vehicles in cases of traffic violations. Their primary role is to regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians throughout the city. Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) M Ramkumar told mid-day, “A total of 300 personnel have been brought in to ensure the free flow of traffic across the city, relieving the burden on the understaffed traffic police department.” “Their main purpose is to ensure free traffic flow across the city. No additional powers have been granted to the MSF personnel,” Ramkumar said. Confirming the development, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) Pravinkumar Padwal said, “The MSF personnel will be deployed in areas with maximum traffic congestions and at entry points to highways, which tend to be congested. The personnel were trained for a week on managing traffic in Mumbai.” The temporary measure is expected to alleviate the strain on the traffic police. Their letter to the state government underscored the urgency of the situation and emphasised the need for a long-term solution to ensure smooth traffic management in the city. ‘Noticed many violations’ A deployed MSF personnel told mid-day, “The situation is dire. I have observed many bikers without helmets. Many motorists go in the wrong direction, making it challenging to control traffic. Moreover, we have witnessed numerous traffic violations, complicating our tasks as we lack the authority to impose fines on offenders.” While MSF personnel are providing essential support, concerns persist about the sustainability of this arrangement and its potential impact on overall law enforcement. ‘Boosted our morale’ Senior Police Inspector Vikas Lokre from the traffic division said, “The MSF personnel have contributed significantly to traffic control. They have also bolstered the department’s morale by easing our burden.” Another officer from the traffic division, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Traffic constables at various locations are relieved thanks to the deployment. This allows them to focus on law enforcement and order, instead of juggling them with traffic control.” mid-day shed light on the vacancies in the police department in a report titled, ‘Mumbai: 30% vacant police posts, mantralaya overstaffed’, on November 30. 7Days of training in traffic mgmt for MSF personnel
05 December,2023 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun Choudhari
Indian Navy demonstrates operational prowess, capabilities at Sindhudurg
In a spectacular display of its prowess, the special forces of the Indian Navy displayed their capabilities as they carried out an operational demonstration and showcased the Navy's state-of-the-art vessels and aircraft to the general public at the Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg on Monday. The Indian Navy's Special Forces showcased a drill for destroying an enemy oil rig on the high seas at the operational demonstration on Navy Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance as the chief guest. The Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy also showcased an extraction operation at the operational demo in a Sea King helicopter at the event. The centrepieces of the event included warships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, along with many other naval assets. Addressing the Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "With the emotion of feeling pride in our heritage, I am proud to announce that the ranks in the Indian Navy would be renamed as per the Indian culture. We are also working on increasing women's power in our defence forces. I want to congratulate the Navy for appointing the country's first woman commanding officer on a naval ship." Prime Minister added that the Sindhudurg Fort, situated in Maharashtra, instills a feeling of pride in every citizen of India "It is indeed a moment of unprecedented pride to celebrate Navy Day from the victorious land of Sindhudurg. The Sindhudurg Fort instills a feeling of pride in every citizen of India," he said. This is that period of Indian history that will write the future of the country not just for 5-10 years but for the coming centuries, PM Modi stated further while attending the Navy Day celebrations. Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said the Navy was working hard to make India a developed nation until 2047. "We are moving forward. December 4, 1971, gives us inspiration when our missile boats destroyed the Karachi harbour in an operation. The Navy is committed to national security and fulfilling the expectations of the nation," the Navy chief said. Indian Navy Day, celebrated on December 4 each year, recognises the role and achievements of the Indian Navy. The date holds historical significance as it commemorates 'Operation Trident' during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. 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
05 December,2023 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Why pipe repairs in Mumbai's western suburbs took so long to fix
After four days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finished repairing the large pipeline that supplies water to lakhs of residents in Andheri, Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar, Ghatkopar and Kurla. The supply of water resumed late on Monday evening but water pressure is expected to be low for at least a week. Residents have demanded action against those responsible for damaging the pipe. On Thursday, the 1,800-mm-diameter water line near Seepz Gate No. 3 and Indian Oil Petrol Pump at Andheri East was damaged at multiple points while drilling work of the Metro 6 line was in progress. After temporary repair work was carried out, the BMC began fixing the line on Saturday morning and the work was expected to be completed by 8.30 am on Sunday. However, the work was completed by 1 pm on Monday. The water supply to some spots was supposed to resume by 6 pm but Andheri and Khar were the first to receive water about an hour later. Challenges According to officials from the BMC’s hydraulic and special engineering department, the pipeline runs about six meters below ground level. “The recent construction work and land filling make the geological grip relatively loose so soil was sliding into the pit. Water was being pumped out at the point of leakage. The challenge was pumping out water from the pipeline and at the same time preventing landslides at the spot excavated for the repair work,” an official said. Workers carry out repairs on the 1,800-mm-diameter pipeline at Andheri East The water line also was leaking at multiple spots and all these holes had to be closed after entering the empty water pipe. However, as removing all the water was impossible, it was not possible to carry out repairs from the inside. Therefore, two manholes were created in the water channel for external repairs and thus the work was completed externally. Tankers used Meanwhile, the civic body supplied water using its tankers, which made 37 rounds, as well as private ones, which made 81 rounds, in the affected areas. The administration faced constraints in view of the time required to fill the tankers and reach the citizens. “After the repair of the aqueduct is completed, the process of filling the service reservoir will be started by creating sufficient water pressure in the aqueduct. By filling up the service reservoir, water will be supplied to K East, K West, H West, N and L sections in the evening in a phased manner. It may take some time for the water supply to start with adequate daily pressure. Therefore, citizens are kindly requested to exercise patience,” a civic official told mid-day early on Monday.In some areas, the BMC tankers made 69 rounds while private tankers made 177. But all proved inadequate as the affected areas were too large. Notice to be issued to contractor A civic official said, “The priority was to complete the repair work on the weekend. After the completion of leak repair work on Monday, the process of issuing a notice to the contractor concerned will be initiated. The total amount for damaging the water channel, cost incurred by all the systems for repairs, amount of wasted water and penalty as per rules will be calculated and the same will be recovered from the contractor concerned.” ‘Where’s the accountability?’ Bharat Shah, a Juhu resident, said, “The pipeline work was caused due to the contractor’s negligence. Has anyone been penalised for the suffering of lakhs of residents for days? Is there any accountability or punishment? The BMC has to find the culprits, which include its staff. All Mumbaikars quietly suffered for days without water. The BMC is supposed to provide water to the people as everyone is paying water tax.” Madhu Vannier, secretary of Evershine Cosmic opposite Infinity Mall, Andheri, said, “We received 50 per cent water on Thursday and Friday but since Saturday, we haven’t received a drop of water. We are paying R4,800 for a single tanker’s water, which is higher than a market price of around R3,500. And of Monday, even tanker water was not available. People are waiting for the water supply to be restored.” Residents’ woes K P Singh, a resident of Maladhari Compound in Andheri, said, “Till now [9 pm on Monday], the water supply hasn't resumed and we haven't received any information from the BMC on when we will get water. We haven't received water since Friday and all the water in our small tanks has already been used up. I managed to get two gallons of water from my office. Our neighbours moved to their relatives as there isn't even bottled drinking water in nearby shops.” Poonam Gurnani, a resident of Gangotri Building in Khar West, said her building, which has 25 flats, somehow managed till Sunday evening with whatever stock was available in the main tank and buckets in houses. She said, “Tankers are either not available or they are asking for an exorbitant amount like R10,000. We bought bottled water for drinking but there is an issue regarding toilets as we do not have a bore well and cannot use non-potable water in our regular tanks. A few families managed to go to their relatives’ houses nearby but others were facing a terrible situation. Our water timings are in the early morning. We are hoping it will resume by Tuesday; otherwise, we cannot stay here anymore.” Raj Gupta, a resident of Koldongri in Andheri East, said residents received water on Saturday and managed to buy 20-litre cans on Sunday morning. He added that not a single municipal tanker came to their area. “Residents didn’t wash their clothes for two days and managed their kitchens with bottled water. I had to go to a wholesale distributor in Vile Parle to buy bottled water,” he said. The Metro spokesperson did not reply to mid-day’s messages and calls by press time. 1pmTime on Monday when work was completed 13No. of dogs that have been found so far with acid wounds
05 December,2023 07:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta Kasale
Mumbai’s oldest Metro line hits ridership of 90 crore!
Mumbai's oldest Metro line—Blue Line 1—achieved a total ridership of 90 crore on Saturday, since its launch in 2014. It is officially the most densely populated Metro in India. Commuters said that it was now time to extend the coaches and make it into a six-car train. “Surpassing one million commuters annually, Mumbai Metro One reached an impressive ridership of 900 million on December 2, 2023, within a span of a remarkable 8.9 years of operation. It took only 282 days for Mumbai Metro One to achieve a rapid 100 million ridership increase from 800 million to 900 million,” a spokesperson said. “Currently, Mumbai Metro One carries more than 4.6 lakh commuters on weekdays by operating 408 trips daily, with service frequency at approximately 3.5 minutes during peak hours and 8 minutes during off-peak hours,” she added. Regular commuters welcomed the move but also said that Metro One should try and increase coaches of existing trains from four to six so that the overall capacity can be increased. In fact, the Andheri Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen’s Association has filed even an online petition in the public domain on Change.org demanding increasing coaches from four to six. “Lakhs of commuters who are using the Mumbai Metro Line 1 are badly impacted by the overcrowding and poor travel experience due to decades-old capacity which hasn’t been upgraded. If things don’t change soon this can lead to personal injuries and a stampede like situation for commuters. Line 1 is the only Metro line connecting East and West Mumbai. As Line 2A and 7 from the surrounding areas of North Mumbai Dahisar to Andheri are feeding more commuters into Line 1 now, there is a need for urgent action as the ridership has crossed four lakh and it would be prudent to increase coaches to six,” Dhaval Shah, co-founder of Andheri Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen’s Association, who started the petition said. Key achievements of Mumbai Metro One . Shortening the link to Andheri Railway Station, boosting Andheri Metro Station ridership by 20%.. Launching Mobile QR ticketing on Nov 17, 2017, enhancing commuter convenience.. Installing 2.30 MW capacity solar panels across all 12 Metro stations and 2,000 rooftop panels at the Metro Depot.. Developing a metro-specific CRM system for improved commuter convenience. . Introducing the innovative Paper QR Ticket on Jan 16, 2020, in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.
05 December,2023 07:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
MSRDC to place fake boulders along Samruddhi E'way to break highway hypnosis
As accidents on the Nagpur-Mumbai stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg continue to grab the headlines, the authorities have started placing huge artificial boulders and tall fake flowers on the stretch to prevent highway hypnosis. A Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) official said, “We have initiated the placement of colourful artificial boulders and flowers along the median of the Samruddhi Expressway between Vaijapur and Sindkhed Raja to mitigate highway hypnosis and enhance motorists’ attention.” Apart from these measures, more reflectors have been installed and rumbler strips have been placed at several spots on the expressway, officially known as the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, to prevent highway hypnosis. Gigantic artificial boulders are stacked up on the Samruddhi Mahamarg for the benefit of motorists From July 2023, in a bid to reduce mishaps, the MSRDC started installing crash barriers and rumblers every 25 kilometres. Reflective tapes, solar blinkers, precautionary signage and standing boards have also been set up. The MSRDC also makes public announcement systems at all toll plazas to urge drivers to exercise caution. All these efforts are being taken as it has come to light that most accidents occur due to human error, overspeeding, rash driving, lane cutting, loss of control, bad tyres and overtaking from the wrong side. A total of 1,285 accidents have taken place on the expressway from the time it was inaugurated in December 2022 till date. The number of deaths that occurred in the same period is 125. 125No. of deaths on the Mahamarg since inauguration in Dec 2022 1,285No. of mishaps on road since its inauguration
05 December,2023 07:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Mumbai: Tilak Nagar housing society redvpt success story is national role model
The classic case of Safalya cooperative housing society in Tilak Nagar, which won its case in the Supreme Court against the errant developer and pursuing self-redevelopment, is being looked upon as a role model to encourage self-development and will be introduced in the training modules for the entire nation. With an urge to make affordable housing a reality the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), an apex cooperative organisation in the country, has introduced the concept of self-development / self-redevelopment in its latest training module on housing cooperatives. According to Shreeprasad Parab, expert director, State Housing Federation, “Impressed with the successful cooperative movement of Safalya CHS, the NCUI sought all the audit and court papers of Safalya CHS which they intend to introduce as a training module for cooperative societies across the country, as a part of the training program.” mid-day in its news report dated April 29, 2022 titled, “Housing society wins battle against errant developer” had highlighted the Safalya CHS which emerged victorious after decade-long legal battle and is pursuing self-redevelopment. Safalya CHS in Tilak Nagar has now gone for self-redevelopment “The primary responsibility of the National Cooperative Resource Centre (NCRC) established by the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), is to function as a national resource for all cooperative education and training (CET) institutions. The NCRC offers need-based information and knowledge to improve and build multi-faceted capacities of cooperatives so as to develop them as competitive business enterprises and sustainable self-regulatory institutions, said Sagar Wadkar, adviser (Research & Study), NCUI, Delhi. Stakeholders Shruti Kulkarni, research officer, NCUI, said, “The development of this training module included a series of stakeholders’ consultations. These consultations were instrumental in shaping the content of the module by providing us with a better understanding of sector requirements and gaps at the field and operational levels, especially NCUI recognizing the guidance of N S Mehara, chief executive, National Cooperative Housing Federation of India (NCHFI), New Delhi. The leaders and officials from the district and state housing federations of Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal also contributed significantly and provided practical insights in finalising this first-of-its-kind standardised training module.” Sustainable urban devpt According to Parab, “India is no exception to the global affordable housing crisis. Millions of people in India are struggling to afford the skyrocketing house prices, which is forcing them to leave their communities. The concept of affordable housing in India involves providing reasonably priced residential units to the public at large. This is achieved through government initiatives, private sector involvement, price controls, policy reforms, infrastructure development, financial inclusion and a focus on sustainable urban development.” Alarming study According to a study by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements in 2011, India’s urban landscape has changed significantly over the years. In 1951, there were only five cities with more than a million people and 41 cities with over 0.1 million people. However, by 2011, there were three cities with populations exceeding 10 million and 53 cities with more than a million residents. This trend of urbanization is expected to continue and by 2030, nearly 70 percent of new jobs will be in urban areas. This will lead to over 40 per cent of India’s population living in cities,” he said. Self development needed As there is little scope of horizontal development in urban cities due to limited land availability, the only way to cater to the growing demand for housing is through vertical developments of the existing structures that are through redevelopment of the housing societies. Thus to achieve the dual goals of development along with affordability, the concept of self redevelopment is the need of the hour. The housing module consists of various topics such as introduction to housing co-operatives, legal framework, administration and management, operational aspects, financing strategies and the important topics of self-redevelopment and LEED certified development. The housing module will be circulated throughout the country and also in the international markets enabling people to participate in the growth of the co-operative movement and make housing which the basic need of the people to be affordable and environmentally friendly developed. Thus in real sense manifesting Shaker Se Samrudhi,” said advocate Parab. Safalya CHS has become a role model for self development as each member will be getting two adjacent flats— a 2-BHK of 531 sq ft and 1- BHK of 300 sq ft in the new 14-storeyed tower. The members earlier resided in a 200 sq ft tenement in a ground plus two storied structure. When asked the reason for the same, Parab said, “This is done deliberately, as smaller the family, smaller the requirement of space. Those who cannot afford society maintenance can rent out the adjacent flat. Moreover the entire building will be constructed with the concept of Green building (Eco-friendly) and also have LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental design) Certification,” said Parab. Affordable housing The NCUI was earlier of the view that the concept of affordable housing should be focusing on people from the lower income group who should move into an affordable house of approximately 25 square metres, in lieu of benefits that the developer could avail under PMAY. However, the concept of self-development, has brought a different twist into the concept of affordable housing, where in by going for self-redevelopment – two goals could be achieved, first is getting additional flat area and also to create additional flat stocks, at a price lower than the existing market rate, thereby making it a cooperative development, in its true sense, said Parab. 2 FlatsOf 531 sq ft and 300 sq ft area for each member of Safalya CHS
05 December,2023 06:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
Mumbai Diary: Tuesday Dossier
Old MacDonald has a friend... A man scrolls through his phone beside a fsat food chain’s mascot in Goregaon West. It’s drippin’ in the city Curious case of LV features an expensive Louis Vuitton bag in the ’80s; (right) Paise Ki Ameeri Vichaar Ki Gareebi by Abhay Sehgal As hip-hop culture continues to spread its wings across the city’s gullies and neighbourhoods, with many taking to high-end sneakers and oversized clothes as a form of self-expression, artist Abhay Sehgal kicked off in streetwear style a solo exhibition Add to Cart at the art gallery Method Kala Ghoda last week. “The hype culture is about seeking validation, both from the society and yourself,” said Sehgal, explaining how his art pieces, which will be on display till December 31, are both an irony and a reality check about the choices the current generation makes. “This is the first time I have blended pop-art with surrealism to portray the never-ending hype,” the 25-year-old revealed. Abhay Sehgal Keeping history intact Sandeep Dahisarkar Shilahara Heritage Services, a community for imparting knowledge on Indian culture, announced last Sunday that it will now help people learn more about the past by offering professional research service on family and community history. “Many heritage enthusiasts are documenting stories in books with half-baked information. It disrupts history,” explained founder, director, historian and author Sandeep Dahisarkar. He added, “So, if anyone is willing to document their family history and heritage [through biographies or coffee table books], we will get it done professionally.” Those interested can head to @shilahara_mumbai. Time to jam with the Puppies Purbayan Chatterjee (third from left) with Snarky Puppy at Mazgaon The American jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy’s visit to Mumbai last weekend marked nine years since their last India tour. While they are known for their fusion style that blends rhythms and genres, few expected them to bring on stage a very Indian sound to add to the ensemble. So, Purbayan Chatterjee’s electric sitar on the band’s rendition of Lingus was a pleasant surprise. “I have been friends with Michael League ever since he collaborated with me on my album, Unbound (Abaad),” said Chatterjee. With the band making a visit to India after a long hiatus, the sitarist reached out to ask if they’d like to collaborate. League, he said, was gracious enough to let him make the choice. “The choice was between Lingus and Shofukan. I chose the former because it is an anthem for fans. It also works well for the raga scale. You can play it in a Bhairavi or a raga Jaunpuri,” he added. Art has no boundaries Siddhant Shah (centre) guides visitors through the exhibition Last week, Access for All, an Andheri-based inclusivity-oriented platform, conducted an insightful two-day session at Bihar Museum in Patna as part of their Biennale 2023. This was to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disability that was observed on December 3. “The idea behind this was to include persons with disabilities, and make the space more inclusive and accessible for them,” said founder and disability expert Siddhant Shah. While on the first day, students from government schools and an NGO explored tactile and Madhubani art, the second day had a workshop for educators that stressed on sensory learning. “We wanted to show them how art can be integrated into the daily life [of specially-abled people] and can become a medium of inclusive learning,” Shah revealed. He and the team will next head to Kolkata’s tactile art gallery, Sparsh Drishti to explore the topic further. Sari jahaan se achcha Sari jahaan se achcha You know it is marathon season when you need to put your best foot forward, that is even if you are dressed in the whole nine yards, or six yards, for that matter. Mumbai will host a sari walkathon of two-km distance at the MMRDA Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex on December 10. The website shows a ticking clock defining how much time is left for the Mumbai event. Yet, when this diarist called the contact persons for the event, all of them said they were not the ‘right’ persons to give details but did not quite know who we should talk to. So, going by what we know about this walkathon, this is a walkie-talkie (less talkie, more walkie) showcase of the rich cultural heritage of India and is organised by the Ministry of Textiles. Some other places like Surat have already held sari walkathons and now it is Mumbai’s turn to dignify and even deify the drape. Oh, ladeez who want to go the extra mile for the textile, log on to sariwalkathon.in to register yourselves and for other details.
05 December,2023 01:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day