Amid growing speculation of a rapprochement between Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS have noted that while the prospect is promising, challenges related to personal relations and organisational alignment remain to be addressed. The Thackeray cousins have stirred speculation of a possible reunion, suggesting they might set aside "trivial issues" nearly two decades after their split, according to PTI. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has stated that unity for the cause of the Marathi manoos is achievable, while former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray expressed willingness to move past minor disputes, stressing that those opposing the state's interests must not be accommodated. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Saturday put up a cryptic post on its social media handles, saying, "Time has come to unite for the sake of Mumbai and Maharashtra. Shivsainiks are ready for the protection of Marathi asmita (pride)." The cousins are currently abroad, PTI reported. Raj Thackeray is expected to return in the last week of April, and Uddhav Thackeray in the first week of May. The reunion buzz has also come at a time when both the parties have reached a nadir about their electoral performance and are going through their toughest political phase. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, while the MNS drew a blank in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections. Leaders of both the parties have, however, said that though Uddhav Thackeray's response to Raj Thackeray's call may have sparked speculation, it is easier said than done. A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said both cousins are of different temperaments. The past baggage over more than two decades has resulted in mistrust towards each other. Raj Thackeray had quit the Shiv Sena in 2005 and blamed Uddhav Thackeray for it. He has made it clear several times that he could work under no one but under the late supremo Bal Thackeray. Last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said family relations are not severed because of politics. But personal ties are not just restricted to two individuals, it is also about their immediate families, especially the sons of both the cousins, Aaditya (Uddhav Thackeray) and Amit (Raj Thackeray), who are being groomed to helm the organisation eventually. This will be different, unlike the alliance between the undivided Shiv Sena, Congress and the undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2019, said Prakash Akolkar, the author of 'Jai Maharashtra', a book on the history of Shiv Sena. "The fight between Uddhav and Raj is personal and a family feud, where both brothers are vying for the family assets. The assets are not always monetary. Here, the asset is Bal Thackeray's legacy," Akolkar stated, according to PTI. He said Bal Thackeray's wife, Meena, was the family's matriarch and played a critical role in the party behind the scenes. "Now, the spouses [of Uddhav and Raj] are matriarchs of their respective parties and will play a similar role if there is any possibility of reconciliation," Akolkar added, according to PTI. Maharashtra Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitesh Rane had last week questioned if Uddhav Thackeray had consulted his wife Rashmi before responding to Raj Thackeray's statement that triggered speculation of an alliance. A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader acknowledged that the coming together of the two parties is more difficult than it appears. The prospect of the two cousins coming together has enthused supporters of both parties, but it might not be the case with a section of cadres and party leaders. "When we discuss seat-sharing agreements in Mumbai, how will the seats be divided? How will the winnable and non-winnable seats be divided? What about areas like Dadar and Worli, where both parties have a strong base? What about other cities where Sena (UBT) and MNS have their strength," an MNS leader stated, according to PTI. The leader also raised question over the ideologies. While Raj Thackeray is fashioning himself into a Marathi-Hindutva leader, Uddhav Thackeray has focused on making his party more inclusive, especially warming up to the Muslim community. "If Uddhav has asked us to sever ties with the BJP, will he do the same with the Congress?" asked the MNS leader. Last week, MNS spokesperson and party's Mumbai President Sandeep Deshpande asked if Uddhav Thackeray would apologise to the 17,000 MNS activists who were slapped with police cases for protesting against loudspeakers outside mosques when he was the chief minister. (With PTI inputs)
27 April,2025 03:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Navi Mumbai has arrested two engineers of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 1.84 lakh from a contractor, an official said on Sunday. Based on a complaint, the ACB laid a trap on Friday and caught Sandeep Daware (45), deputy executive engineer, MSEDCL, Binghari division, Panvel, and Pratamesh Chowgle (35), a junior engineer, while accepting the bribe amount, the official stated, reported PTI. He said the complainant had undertaken maintenance work for the MSEDCL and received payment. However, two accused officials allegedly demanded a bribe, insisting on a "commission" for processing the payment and conducting a site visit. The duo allegedly demanded Rs 92,000 each from the contractor, totalling Rs 1.84 lakh, the official said, reported news agency PTI. He said the accused officials have been booked under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and a probe is underway to determine if more officials were involved in the case. Teen detained for killing 12-year-old girl in Navi Mumbai The police have detained a minor boy in connection with the death of a 12-year-old girl in Navi Mumbai, an official said on Sunday. The girl was found in a severely injured state at the base of a hill late on Friday night and was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead, senior inspector Abasaheb Patil of the Turbhe police station said. He said the girl's family had reported her missing from their home in the Shiravane MIDC area earlier in the day, and the police registered a case of kidnapping and launched a probe. They added section 103(2) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita in the first information report following the child's death, the official said. Based on a tip-off, the police detained a 17-year-old boy last seen with the victim, and during interrogation, he confessed to the crime, he said. According to the police, the accused teen allegedly lured the girl to an isolated spot at the foot of the hills on the pretext of taking a selfie, but driven by anger stemming from a previous quarrel with her, the boy reportedly assaulted her and attacked her with a large stone. (With PTI inputs)
27 April,2025 02:15 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentWalmik Karad, a close aide of former Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde and accused in the kidnapping and murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, suffered a panic attack in jail and is currently receiving treatment, an official said on Sunday. Karad, who is lodged at Beed prison, complained of some health issues on Friday evening, an official stated, reported PTI. The official stated that the doctors at the prison examined him as his sugar level dropped on Saturday, and he suffered a panic attack and was paralysed with fear. Karad is undergoing treatment inside the prison and can be shifted to a government-run hospital if needed, the official further added, reported PTI. Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9 last year, allegedly for attempting to stop an extortion bid targeting an energy company. Seven persons, including Karad, have been arrested and booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The others arrested included Sudarshan Ghule, Vishnu Chate, Jairam Chate, Mahesh Kedar, Sudhir Sangale and Prateek Ghule. One Krishna Andhale is a wanted accused in the case. Suspended cop reiterates Walmik Karad encounter claim; fails to provide evidence Suspended Beed police sub-inspector Ranjit Kasle reaffirmed on Thursday that he was presented with a contract to eliminate Walmik Karad, the principal accused in the case involving Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, through an encounter. When questioned about proof for his claim, Kasle said such offers are made privately, with no evidence or trail left behind, reported PTI. Kasle also stated that he rejected the offer because the law must punish Karad if the latter is guilty in the case. According to news agency PTI, the suspended policeman also claimed he was "kidnapped and taken to Barshi in Kolhapur" and that his duty schedule was "changed on polling day". Kasle claimed Rs 10 lakh was transferred into his account from a company linked to a former minister. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2025 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA massive fire broke out at the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office building at Ballard Estate in south Mumbai during the early hours of Sunday. Firefighting operations have continued for over six hours, according to officials. The fire, reported at approximately 2.31 am at the Kaiser-I-Hind building, involved a fire that was initially confined to wooden furniture and office materials located on the fourth floor of the building. The structure, a basement-plus-ground-plus-upper-four-floors building with an attic, faced significant challenges due to smoke logging on the fourth floor. Firefighters struggled to access certain areas because of obstructing furniture stock that was kept in common passages and balconies. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) initially declared it a Level I fire at 2.46 am, escalating it to Level II by 3.30 am, and subsequently upgrading it to Level III – indicating a major fire – at 4.17 am. A team of fire personnel, including 12 fire engines, seven jumbo tankers, two water tankers, an ALP (Aerial Ladder Platform), and various other rescue and firefighting vehicles, were deployed to the site. The team included fire officers from MFB, along with senior officers and other administrative staff. By 1147 hours, the fire was successfully contained and brought under control. No injuries have been reported, and the firefighting efforts are credited for preventing the blaze from spreading further. Major firefighting units involved in the operation: 12 FE, 7 JT, 2 AWTT, 1 ALP, 1 TTL, 2 BAV, 1 CP, 1 RV, 1 WQRV, 108 ambulances, along with senior officers from MFB. Mumbai: One dead, six hospitalised after fire breaks out in Andheri building One person died and six others were hospitalised after a fire broke out in a residential building in Andheri on Saturday, according to officials from the Mumbai Fire Brigade. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the fire started in the early hours of Saturday at the Broke Land Building near Ashok Academy Lane in Lokhandwala, Andheri (West). The incident was reported at 2:39 AM and was declared a Level-I fire at 3:13 AM. The Andheri building fire was confined to Room No. 104 on the first floor of the ground-plus-eight-storey building. It damaged electric wiring, installations, split and window AC units, wooden furniture, documents, mattresses, clothes, and other household items. The Andheri building fire was brought under control and fully extinguished by 5:30 AM. Seven residents suffered from smoke inhalation and were rescued by fire brigade personnel. They were rushed to Kokilaben Hospital, Cooper Hospital, and Trauma Hospital for treatment. One of the victims, Abhina Kartik Sanjanvalia (34), was declared dead before admission at Kokilaben Hospital by doctors Dr Siddharth and Dr Akasha. Kartik Sanjanvalia (40) was admitted to the ICU at Cooper Hospital and is currently under observation. Other individuals admitted to Kokilaben Hospital include Aparna Gupta (41), Daya Gupta (21), Rihan Gupta (3), and a 10-day-old infant, Pradumna. All are being treated in the ICU under the supervision of Dr Siddharth. Polam Gupta (40), who was also affected by the smoke, was treated at Trauma Hospital’s casualty ward and discharged after initial care provided by Dr Moin. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2025 12:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has begun planning the launch of a water metro service in Mumbai, with assistance from Kochi Water Metro officials, according to PTI. Ports Minister Nitesh Rane stated that Kochi, home to India's first water metro system, has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for Mumbai. The DPR is expected to be submitted by the end of the month. As per PTI, Rane revealed that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be established to implement the project, in partnership with the Union government on a 50:50 equity basis. He noted that while Mumbai is a city made up of seven islands, its waterways have remained vastly underused. The proposed water metro aims to ease the strain on Mumbai’s congested roads and suburban railway network, while also offering a boost to tourism. "The water metro will enhance urban transport and offer scenic, eco-friendly commuting options across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)," Rane said, as per PTI. The system will operate using battery-powered ferries to connect various key locations, much like Kochi's model launched in December 2023. PTI reports that several routes have already been proposed, including Narangi-Kharwadeswari, Vasai-Mira Bhayander, Fountain Jetty-Gaimukh-Nagale, Kolset-Kalher-Mumbra-Kalyan, and Vashi-Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) also known as Bhaucha Dhakka. Other routes are expected to link locations such as the Gateway of India, Airoli, Mulund, Mandwa, and Nariman Point. According to Rane, 21 station locations have been identified along the Vaitarna River, Vasai, Thane, Manori and Panvel creeks, as well as Mumbai Port Trust waters. The initial phase will see the launch of the water metro, while a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) service will follow in the second phase. The system will be designed to handle tidal variations of 3 to 3.5 metres. Highlighting the project's broader ambitions, Rane mentioned that a multi-modal integration approach would be implemented, with improved access roads being part of the development plan. He pointed out that many of the proposed routes currently lack a formal passenger transport system. In addition to easing commutes, the initiative is expected to strengthen the tourism sector. A tourism circuit connecting forts, bird-watching centres, religious sites, and water-themed parks may also be developed. "We will have to regularly clean the water bodies to maintain the service," Rane added, according to PTI. The ports minister also referred to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, stating that it would be the first in India to feature a water taxi service. A terminal for the water metro will be built nearby, he said. A meeting involving CIDCO, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), and the state ports ministry is scheduled soon to finalise plans and prepare the DPR. (With inputs from PTI)
27 April,2025 11:03 AM IST | MumbaiWhat lies beneath A young woman gets a closer view of the water off the Gateway of India. Dowe shalt not forget Stacky! Keith Stackpole at Lord’s in 1972. Pic/Getty Images Along with on-field performances and heroics, it’s the humorous incidents that make sport a pleasure to follow. Keith Stackpole, the Australian opening batsman, who passed away in Victoria at the age of 74 earlier this week, caused one of the most popular stories to emerge from the Caribbean. Australia undertook a tour of the West Indies in 1973 and Stackpole was typically aggressive while facing a West Indies pace bowler called Uton Dowe (who had made his debut against India in 1971), in the first Test at Jamaica. As Dowe was being hit regularly by Stackpole, a smart spectator at Sabina Park yelled out to Rohan Kanhai, the West Indies captain. “Kanhai,” he asked, “haven’t you heard of the 11th commandment? Dowe shall not bowl.” Stackpole scored 44 and 142 in that Test match. Cricket pundits believe that only a West Indian spectator could come up with such a witty remark. And not many would contest that. A special hangout indeed Find out what is neurodivergence, at the event If you want to share some warmth and love this morning, head on over to the NCPA. The Special Hangout collective that works with neurodivergent children is showing up on the road opposite the NCPA to spread awareness about everything that comes under the umbrella of neurodivergence such as autism, dyslexia, and many more. Ritu Vig, one of the parents who founded the collective for children and parents with children who are divergent, says, “It’s basically to inform and to generate awareness.” The collective will hold a pop quiz for those who attend, to gauge what they know about neurodivergence. “We can fill in the gaps in knowledge about things that neurotypical people may not know about. It’s a fun and interactive hangout even for our kids who love socialising with new people,” Vig adds. It’s called the Happy Street Autism Awareness Event—so for anyone who might want to know more, get there between 8 am and 10 am, and make new friends with kids who have a special place in our hearts already! Ritu Vig Waxing poetic The WAXED collection is now on display at Aequo Gallery, Colaba When French designer Frédéric Imbert first came to India to learn the art of Dhokra, the lost-wax technique of bronze sculpting, it wasn’t just the gleaming metallic final product that fascinated him—it was the black wax oozing out of the cast, to be discarded as waste with its job done. This “cast-off” became the inspiration and one of the primary materials in Imbert’s new collection, WAXED, now on display at Aequo Gallery in Colaba. We learnt about the exhibit during the second edition of Soho House’s new Art Brunch series, where the club invites international talents to build immersive creative experiences for members. Speaking to us at the event on Saturday, Imbert tells us, “The bronze casting process is mesmerising—raw, powerful, and incredibly beautiful. Since I sculpt the furniture I produce, it felt particularly well-suited to me.” Frédéric Imbert A new experience of Sindh Raju Khetwani After a decade-long wait, the Sunhri Sindh 2.0, organised by the Federation of Associations of Sindhis Thane, is making a return. Scheduled from May 1-4 at Upvan Lake, Thane, the fair will run daily from 5 pm to 10 pm. “The celebration highlights Sindhi traditions and cultural diversity, connecting the community globally and showcasing our social and cultural aspirations,” says Raju Khetwani, the event’s organiser. The event promises a deep dive into Sindh’s glorious past and vibrant present. Included will be a life-size recreation of Mohenjo-Daro, and a haunting 3D train structure that captures the anguish of Partition. The festival offers iconic Sindhi cuisine such as Sai Bhaji, Dal Pakwan and Sindhi Kadhi. Authentic crafts like Ajrakh prints, Sindhi topis, mirror-embroidered garments and handcrafted artefacts will also be available. Log(o) kya kahenge? Former BG president Ashok Rao (L) with president Sanjiv Saran Mehra With the Bombay Gymkhana Club at Fort marking 150 years, events celebrating the landmark are on through the year. Yet what is a milestone without a marker? The club got the new landmark logo on its door at the entrance facing Fashion Street. Decoding the logo, the club’s spokesman said, “The classic ‘BG’ monogram anchors the identity, while the addition of ‘150 years’ framed by laurel leaves symbolises excellence and triumph. The use of gold is about prestige and success, while the circular emblem and ribbon tie the design to its timeless roots.” Profound and deep as the pockets you need today to become a BG member, or in fact, of any elite clubs in Mumbai. Meanwhile, nifty 150, BG!
27 April,2025 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayIn an effort to mitigate the loss of life and property resulting from frequent blazes being witnessed across Mumbai, Mumbai Police organised specialised firefighting training for its personnel at Mulund police station yesterday. The initiative was started upon recognising that police personnel are often the first responders at the scene. The sessions are meant for not only immediate action to control fires, but also to prevent further escalation. The session was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 7) Vijaykant Sagar and conducted by Bharati Fire Engineers. Additionally, fire extinguisher cylinders were provided to be placed in police vehicles as well as the premises of the Mulund Police Station as well.
27 April,2025 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to open up land for schools to be developed by private parties—a proposal rejected thrice earlier. This time, it’s serious: EOIs (Expressions of Interest) are being invited after the state government greenlit the proposal in 2023. The plan, which was previously rejected in 2012 and then in 2017-18, is to hand over some of its municipal school properties to private organisations under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Vacant land at Kumbharwada, Marine Lines Why is a plan rejected three times across party lines being brought back now? To understand this policy revival and to dive deeper into what it could mean for public education in Mumbai, Sunday mid-day spoke to civic officials, educationists, and other key stakeholders. What’s happening This time the BMC decided to give reserved plots to private parties who are working in the education field, to build and run the school. However, education experts claim this is a move towards making the education system a paid one. A former officer of the civic education department said that the earlier proposals were for running the BMC school building, and faced opposition. But now the education department has decided to give land reserved for schools to private parties. “This reservation can’t change,” he added. Multiple rejections The PPP model for civic schools was first tabled in 2012 but faced strong opposition from elected corporators across political parties. The proposal was tabled again in 2017, and at that time the aim was to restart 35 municipal schools, most of them vernacular medium, which had been shut down due to dwindling enrolment. The idea was to revive these as English-medium schools, entirely managed by private entities. However, the education committee rejected the plan. “There were serious concerns about exclusion,” a former corporator told this reporter, requesting anonymity. “One of the criteria required private organisations to have an annual turnover of R 5 crore. This was seen as shutting the door on smaller NGOs and trusts which had experience but not financial muscle.” Other corporators then, including former Shiv Sena leaders Sheetal Mhatre and Snehal Ambekar, demanded more transparency and oversight. A major sticking point was the absence of a scrutiny committee, which the then councillors demanded, comprising the Mayor and Standing Committee Chairperson. Despite some support from within the civic body, such as then-NCP corporator Dr Saeeda Khan and Rajpati Yadav of the Congress, the proposal was shelved after its third rejection in June 2018. Sushil Shejule; Heramb Kulkarni, educationist and Dr Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner Why now? While the state government policy of 2023 mentions adoption of the school, the BMC has decided to give seven land parcels which are reserved for education purposes, and which will be used only for school. These schools will be run by private parties for 30 years. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Amit Saini says, “We are giving school land, not school buildings, to the private parties. These parties will run a school for 30 years, with 25 per cent of seats reserved for RTE admission.” According to the proposal, the selected party can run any medium and any boarding school like HSC, CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, or IB, and the BMC will not put any restrictions on the fees, although the school administration will be expected to follow government norms about fees. The BMC is expected to earn revenue from the scheme, with minor revenue sharing of 3 to 10 per cent every year. However, critics point out that if this were simply about outcomes, the BMC would invest in training, infrastructure, and governance reform—areas that remain underfunded. Concerns resurface The planned revival of the project has drawn sharp responses from educationists and rights activists. Many argue that introducing private players into civic education could deepen inequalities. Although some educationists argue that this may improve infrastructure and pedagogy in BMC schools, many of which suffer from low enrolment and poor learning outcomes, they also fear that privatisation would lead to high fees and kill the free education that civic-run schools provided. Activists, on the other hand, fear this could be the back door to full privatisation and exclusion of underprivileged children. Teachers’ unions have also expressed concern about job security and the fate of non-teaching staff, while parent groups worry that access to free, quality education could be compromised in the name of efficiency. Activists, parents worried Basanti Roy, former Division Secretary of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Education, Mumbai division, said, “I can see this as a move towards paid education. If the BMC is not ready to give free education, then who will give it? If the BMC takes this step because they are not getting students, then how can private schools get students? The BMC should question why, if Zilla Parishad schools are getting students, why not BMC schools?” Arundhati Chavan, President of the Parent-Teacher Association United Forum, said, “What about free education? If a private party runs these schools, they will decide fees—there will be no control over the fees. It will be the opposite of free education. While BMC-run CBSE Board English medium schools are getting good responses from the parents, then why does BMC need private parties to run schools on public land,” Chavan added. “The first thing to understand here is the BMC’s motive behind the school privatisation plan,” said Heramb Kulkarni, a well-known activist and educationist. “Is it being done simply to save money from the civic coffers? If so, that would be a misguided move. The BMC should not withdraw funding from these schools and hand over complete control to private entities, whether by granting them land parcels or operational rights.” Moreover, Kulkarni added, the timeline for implementing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model should be strictly limited to five years. “Extending it to 30 years risks creating monopolies. Renewals, if necessary, can be considered after five years,” he said. Marathi Study Centre member Sushil Shejule said, “The BMC needs to ensure that these private administrations don’t turn education into a lucrative business. Marathi schools should be given priority and it is recommended that education in the mother tongue should be given priority in the new education policy as well.” BMC’s defence Sources in the BMC argue that the PPP model is a practical response to the crisis faced by civic education. A senior BMC education officer said, “We are not giving school buildings, we are giving land to private parties, which have excellent and bright experience in the field.” The BMC is expected to shortlist eligible private organisations by mid-2025. Construction of the schoold buildings is expected to take two to three years, and the schools will start functioning only after that. How many? The numbers tell the story 1129Schools run by BMC 7398Number of teachers 3,28,348 Total students Rs 60,000Cost to the BMC per student per year
27 April,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve | Dipti SinghA 21-year-old delivery man tragically lost his life after being run over by a BEST bus near the Standard Mill bus stop in Prabhadevi on Thursday night. According to eyewitness Milind Ramesh Ambukar, 50, the accident occurred around 8.50 pm. Ambukar, who was waiting for a bus near the Decathlon building, saw a BEST AC bus operating on Route No. 171 (Chunabhatti to Worli) passing and heard a loud noise. Moments later, bystanders saw a scooter lying on Appasaheb Marathe Marg and a young man lying beside it. The man, identified as Sarthak Suryakant Jangam, had been run over by the bus and suffered fatal head injuries. “His skull was fractured,” Ambukar stated. The Prabhadevi police registered a case against the unknown driver under Sections 281 (rash driving) and 106 (death caused by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
27 April,2025 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe BMC removed exposed cables at the Dahisar Anand Nagar flyover within hours of mid-day’s report on the potential safety threat yesterday. While officials claim these are not electricity supply cables, they were situated near an electrical box and caused a scare among motorists. “We immediately alerted the concerned authority and ensured that all cables were removed,” said Nainish Vengurlekar, assistant municipal commissioner, R North ward. Sources claim the cables are not electric supply wires and were kept there during road repair works. “Still, they posed a potential risk to motorists as they were hanging at a spot two-wheelers make U-turns. They have been hanging there for two to three months. After mid-day’s report, action was taken immediately,” said local resident Rajesh Pandya.
27 April,2025 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentElphinstone Bridge will remain open till further notice after instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following the intervention of local MLA Kalidas Kolambkar. This was preceded by a protest by residents at the demolition site on Friday night. “After our sustained protests there last night, our local MLA Kalidas Kolambkar came to the site and called up Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has instructed officials to stop the demolition and keep the bridge open till further notice. On Monday, we will be meeting Fadnavis and presenting our demands, followed by a meeting with MMRDA officials on Wednesday or so. The dates and timings are yet to be finalised, but the categorical instruction from the Chief Minister’s office is to keep the bridge open till that date,” local resident Sriram Pawar told Sunday mid-day. The bridge is to be replaced with a double-decker bridge, with the upper deck being built by MMRDA and the lower deck by BMC and MahaRail. It will affect 19 buildings in the vicinity. Though authorities said only two buildings—Haji Noorani and Laxmi Niwas—are directly affected, residents said that it was not the case as per notices received by locals. “Two buildings are affected for the upper-deck foundations which are being done by the MMRDA. They are the ones who have come to demolish the bridge. Once their work is over, they will go away and the construction of the lower deck will affect the rest of the buildings which is not being discussed now. Many of us have been issued notices by MHADA suddenly, stating that our buildings are dilapidated. We want clarity on the matter and proper compensation and rehabilitation,” Pawar said. Kolambkar called up the CM from the site on Friday night and explained the problem. They will soon be meeting to discuss it. Speaking with Sunday Mid-Day, Kolambkar confirmed the development and said that the Chief Minister will discuss the issue and that they shall review the rehabilitation plan of the residents of 19 affected buildings. “I am of the opinion that the issues of the affected residents should be resolved first and then the authorities can begin their planned project work,” he said. The demolition of the bridge, however, would not be carried out immediately, but in phases in a planned manner. While the demolition of the non-railway portion would be carried out by MMRDA, the dismantling of the railway portion would be done by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail or MRIDC).
27 April,2025 07:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
