The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)on Friday announced that it has planned a major cleanliness drive at the city’s religious sites from April 28 to May 9, the officials said. The drive will take place daily (April 28 to May 9) from 11 am to 1 pm and will be carried out with the joint efforts of volunteers, citizens, and BMC’s solid waste management (SWM) department, they said. An official statement said that the initiative is part of BMC’s cleanliness campaign in the city, which has already covered smaller streets, alleyways, government and private hospitals, highways, schools, and playgrounds. The BMC is now focusing on cleaning religious places across Mumbai, it said. The cleanliness drive will include cleaning the areas around religious sites, parking lots, waste collection points, and footpaths. It will be executed using mechanical cleaning equipment as well as manual labour. The process will also involve removing obstructions, collecting garbage, and washing the entire area with water, it said. BMC’s solid waste management department has been regularly maintaining cleanliness in Mumbai, but the special campaign aims to ensure a deeper and more thorough cleaning of religious places, with coordination from trustees and relevant authorities at each site, the statement said. The drive will be conducted under the guidance of BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Dr. Ashwini Joshi. It will be overseen by Kiran Dighevkar, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management). Dighevkar, speaking about the campaign, encouraged voluntary organisations and citizens to actively participate in the cleanliness drive. He said that the drive’s success will depend on collective efforts and invited local ward offices to ensure active participation. The aim of the initiative is to keep Mumbai clean and beautiful, in line with the ongoing mission of promoting a clean environment across the city. BMC launches special waste collection service for used sanitary pads, diapers and expired medicines in Mumbai Meanwhile, the BMC has introduced a new service for the collection of household sanitary and special care waste in Mumbai, an official statement said on Tuesday. The introduction of the new service aims to ensure safe and proper disposal of items like used sanitary pads, diapers, expired medicines, and waste from beauty parlours and women’s hostels, the officials said. "Starting from April 22, 2025, housing societies, beauty salons, women’s hostels, and also educational institutions can register to get this service from the civic body in Mumbai," an official said. The civic body's new initiative has been named as 'Domestic Sanitary & Special Care Waste Collection Service' which will be launched by the BMC's Solid Waste Management Department, the official statement said. The BMC will begin the actual collection from 1st May 2025.
25 April,2025 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTraffic movements on Ghodbunder Road in Thane district of Maharashtra will be hit as the road repair works scheduled on April 26 will begin on Saturday, the officials said. In a traffic notification, the Thane Traffic Police said the road repair works at the Gaimukh Ghat section on the Thane-Ghodbunder Road (State Highway No. 84), is being undertaken from April 26, 2025 to April 27, 2025. The notification was issued by Pankaj Shirsat, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Thane. It said that it is essential to ensure smooth and uninterrupted traffic flow for the convenience of the general public and to avoid congestion in the affected area. The notification further said, the repair work, which will be done using Cement Grouted Penetration Macadam (CGPM) and Cement Base (CB) methods, is scheduled from 12:01 am on 26th April 2025 until 11:55 pm on 29th April 2025. It said that the heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering specific parts of the Ghodbunder Road during this period and several alternate routes have been provided for vehicles. The Thane traffic police also shared the details of the diversions and alternate routes- Road Closures and Diversions: - Thane to Ghodbunder Direction: From Mumbai/Thane towards Ghodbunder Road: All heavy vehicles will be prohibited from entering at Y-Junction and Kapurbawdi Junction. Alternate Routes: - Vehicles from Y-Junction shall proceed straight on Nashik Road via Kharegaon Toll Naka, Mankoli, and Anjur Phata to reach their destination. - Vehicles near Kapurbawdi Junction shall take a right turn via Kasheli and Anjur Phata to reach their destination. - From Mumbra/Kalwa towards Ghodbunder Road: Entry for heavy vehicles will be restricted at Kharegaon Toll Naka. - Vehicles from Mumbra/Kalwa should proceed under Kharegaon Creek Bridge, via Kharegaon Toll Naka, Mankoli, and Anjur Phata to their destination. From Nashik towards Ghodbunder Road: Entry will be prohibited at Mankoli Naka for all heavy vehicles. - Vehicles should proceed under the Mankoli Bridge, take a right turn, and continue via Anjur Phata to their destination. Ghodbunder to Thane Direction: From Gujarat towards Ghodbunder Road the entry will be prohibited at Chinchoti Naka for all heavy vehicles. From Mumbai/Virar/Vasai towards Ghodbunder Road: Entry will be restricted near Fountain Hotel for all heavy vehicles. Vehicles from Gujarat, Mumbai, Virar, and Vasai should take a diversion via Chinchoti Naka, Kaman, Anjur Phata, Mankoli, and Bhiwandi to reach their destination. "The traffic restrictions will not apply to essential and emergency service vehicles including police vehicles, fire brigades, ambulances, green corridor services, etc."
25 April,2025 05:36 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentFour municipal hospitals in Mumbai will provide mental health services to those injured in the Pahalgam terror attack and their kin to tide over trauma, an official said on Thursday. At least 26 people were killed and several injured when terrorists opened fire at a meadow near Pahalgam town in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday afternoon. "The hospitals are Nair, KEM, Sion and Cooper. Services will be provided from 9am to 4pm. It will include counselling, assessment of acute stress, screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It will provide medication and hospitalization if required," an official release from the Mumbai civic body said. "Emergency counselling and medication for stress, insomnia, restlessness, and flashbacks of the incident will also be available from 4pm to 9pm. Suicide prevention helpline HITGUJ (022-24131212) will be operational from 9am to 4pm. Trained counsellors will assess mental health symptoms and refer patients to the hospital if needed," the statement added. 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.
25 April,2025 05:25 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIMumbaikars are likely to witness major disruptions this weekend as the city faces a combination of train cancellations, road closures, and a planned water cut in parts of the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), traffic police and the railways in city has planned civic works, traffic diversions and mega block on some suburban train routes. Here are the complete details of the planned works in city as Mumbai braces for major disruptions this weekend. Train Services: Western Railway has announced a major block on April 26 and 27. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that it will carry out the re-girdering work of Bridge No. 61 between Kandivali and Borivali stations for which a major block of 35 hours from 13:00 hrs of April 26, 2025 (Saturday) to 00:00 hrs of April 27th/28th, 2025 (Sunday/Monday) will be undertaken on the 5th line, the Carshed line and Kandivali Traffic Yard line. Impact: 35-hour mega block due to maintenance between Mumbai Central and Borivali. Check complete details here Cancelled Services: 163 local train services, including slow and fast locals. Advice: Avoid non-essential travel via Western Railway lines; check updates on mid-day Elphinstone Bridge Closure: The Mumbai Traffic Police has officially given the green light for the bridge to be shut down from tonight. The closure is set to last two years and is expected to significantly impact travel routes, emergency access, and the lives of local residents and businesses. Date: April 25 (Friday onwards) Reason: Structural work and demolition. Impact: Major traffic disruptions near Lower Parel; key link for north-south Mumbai commute. Check complete details here Advice: Use alternative east-west connectors like Delisle Road or Currey Road. Water Supply Disruption: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed various water supply works in Ghatkopar (West). These works will be undertaken from 10 am on Saturday for a 24-hour period. As a result, the water supply in some parts of the N and L Wards will be suspended during this period Dates: April 26–27 Reason: Pipeline maintenance work by BMC. Impact: Complete water cut for 24–48 hours in Ghatkopar (East and West) and possibly neighboring areas. Check full details here Advice: Store water in advance; minimise water usage. Traffic to be affected in Thane Apart from Mumbai, Traffic movements on Ghodbunder Road in Thane district of Maharashtra will be hit as the road repair works scheduled on April 26 will begin on Saturday, the officials said. In a traffic notification, the Thane Traffic Police said the road repair works at the Gaimukh Ghat section on the Thane-Ghodbunder Road (State Highway No. 84), is being undertaken from April 26, 2025 to April 27, 2025. The notification further said, the repair work, which will be done using Cement Grouted Penetration Macadam (CGPM) and Cement Base (CB) methods, is scheduled to begin this weekend. Check complete traffic restrictions and diversions here.
25 April,2025 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday remarked that the tragic death of a pregnant woman in Pune has cast a harsh spotlight on the deep-rooted flaws and lack of empathy within the public healthcare system. According to PTI, the woman was allegedly denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to an upfront demand for a deposit of Rs 10 lakh. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the State Family Welfare Building and Training Centre in Pune and the inauguration of 43 new 'Aapla Dawakhana' clinics, Pawar described the incident as "heart-wrenching" and one that has left an indelible scar on the conscience of society. The deceased, Tanisha Bhise, was the wife of BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe’s private secretary. In the last week of March, she was refused emergency admission by the hospital owing to the non-payment of the hefty deposit. Bhise was later taken to another medical facility, where she gave birth to twin daughters before succumbing to complications. "The state government has taken serious cognisance of the incident. An inquiry is already underway, and we have received the initial findings. Those responsible will face stringent action," Pawar assured. He reiterated that the objective was not only to hold the guilty accountable but also to prevent such occurrences in future. Pawar acknowledged the pressing need to overhaul emergency response mechanisms and insisted on the implementation of a 'no denial policy' that would prevent hospitals from refusing patients requiring urgent care, irrespective of their financial situation. "We are committed to improving healthcare services across the state," he said, adding that comprehensive changes would be made to rules governing private hospitals. Pawar revealed that the government is also developing a 'healthcare response tracker' aimed at ensuring swift and efficient medical attention. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated emergency helpline and deploy rapid response teams to assist patients in distress. Pawar affirmed that the Chief Minister, the Health Minister, the Medical Education Minister and he himself are aligned in the belief that healthcare is more than a profession—it is a service and a social responsibility. (With inputs from ANI)
25 April,2025 02:02 PM IST | MumbaiWestern Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Thursday said that it will operate a major block on Sunday and Monday due to which several trains will be cancelled. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that it will carry out the re-girdering work of Bridge No. 61 between Kandivali and Borivali stations for which a major block of 35 hours from 13:00 hrs of April 26, 2025 (Saturday) to 00:00 hrs of April 27th/28th, 2025 (Sunday/Monday) will be undertaken on the 5th line, the Carshed line and Kandivali Traffic Yard line. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, during the block period, the suburban services and Mail/ Express trains running on the 5th line will be run on Fast lines. It said that a few Mail/ Express trains will be affected while some suburban services will remain cancelled. On Saturday, i.e 26th April, 2025 around 73 suburban services will remain cancelled while on Sunday, 27th April, 2025 around 90 suburban services will remain cancelled. Repercussions on Mail / Express Trains are as under: - - Train No. 19418 Ahmedabad – Borivali Express of 25th & 26th April, 2025 will be short terminated at Vasai Road and remain partially cancelled between Vasai Road and Borivali. - Train No. 19417 Borivali - Ahmedabad Express of 27th April, 2025 will short originate from Vasai Road and remain partially cancelled between Vasai Road and Borivali. - Train No. 19425 Borivali – Nandurbar Express of 26th & 27th April, 2025 will short originate from Bhayander and remain partially cancelled between Bhayander and Borivali. - Train No. 19426 Nandurbar – Borivali Express of 26th April, 2025 will be short terminated at Vasai Road and remain partially cancelled between Vasai Road and Borivali. Meanwhile, in an another statement, Western Railway said that for the convenience of passengers and with a view to meet the travel demand especially during the summer season, Western Railway has extended the trips of 4 pairs of special trains on special fare. The details of the trains are as under: - Train No. 09001/09002 Mumbai Central – Khatipura Superfast (Tri-Weekly) Special Train No. 09001 Mumbai Central – Khatipura Special has been extended up to 26th May, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09002 Khatipura – Mumbai Central Special has been extended up to 27th May, 2025. - Train No. 09003/09004 Mumbai Central – Delhi Superfast (Bi-Weekly) Special Train No. 09003 Mumbai Central – Delhi Special has been extended up to 27th June, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09004 Delhi – Mumbai Central Special has been extended up to 28th June, 2025. - Train No. 09007/09008 Valsad – Khatipura (Weekly) Special Train No. 09007 Valsad – Khatipura Special has been extended up to 22nd May, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09008 Khatipura – Valsad Special has been extended up to 23rd May, 2025. - Train No. 09425/09426 Sabarmati – Haridwar (Bi-Weekly) Special Train No. 09425 Sabarmati – Haridwar Special has been extended up to 29th June, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09426 Haridwar – Sabarmati Special has been extended up to 30th June, 2025.
25 April,2025 01:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentScores of tourists returned safely to Mumbai on April 24 after a terror attack in Kashmir claimed over two dozen lives, most of them from Maharashtra. The returning tourists were greeted with white roses and chocolates by local politicians at the Mumbai international airport. Passengers, visibly relieved, told mid-day they breathed easy only after boarding the special flights on Thursday. In the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, 26 people were killed. Following the incident, the Indian government arranged special flights to evacuate stranded tourists, who were advised to remain indoors. Not all hotels were provided with armed security, adding to their anxiety. Most of the tourists were headed to Pahalgam from Srinagar, but while checking options for adventure activities, they came across news of the attack and quickly returned to their hotels. Videos and images of the scene spread rapidly on social media and WhatsApp. Rakesh, Sayee, and Aaradhya Jadhav arrive safely in Mumbai post the attack Sayee Jadhav, who was travelling with her husband Rakesh and their 13-year-old son Aaradhya, said, “We reached Jammu & Kashmir on April 19. On the day of the attack, we were in Srinagar and planning to go to Pahalgam. But when we searched for Pahalgam, we saw reports of the terror attack and decided to return to our hotel. Armed forces were deployed outside.” She added, “The army told us to stay inside. They assured us of our safety. Though we were stuck in the hotel for two days and all flights were cancelled, we felt safer thanks to the army. Even travelling to the airport was scary. We thank the government for bringing us back safely.” ‘Relieved to be back’ Ashok Mahindra“We arrived in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22. Hotel staff informed us about the Pahalgam incident. We didn’t step out at all. In the evening, the hotel held a moment of silence for the victims. Though we were afraid, the army’s presence was reassuring.” Tourist Ishwara Dagawho had gone for the Morari Bapu Ramkatha event in Srinagar, said, “We reached on April 18. On the fifth day, the attack happened and we were told to stay indoors.” Shashikala Pachangewho also attended the event, returned to Mumbai on Thursday. Kamal and Lalita Maniyafrom Kharghar shared a similar experience. “We reached Srinagar on April 18 for the Ramkatha event. After news of the attack broke, the event was cancelled and we were told to remain in the hotel. We were terrified, but the army outside was a huge relief,” they said. Anshika Singhwho was in Gulmarg with her husband and two-year-old child, said, “We were nervous till we boarded the flight. Only once inside, we felt at ease. The news spread like wildfire. Our taxi drivers rushed us back to the hotel and asked us not to step out. The state as well as the Central government, helped us come back safely to Mumbai”Her husband Manish added, “We were to return on April 27, but had to change our travel plans. I’m just glad my wife and child are safe.” Nidhi ChitreA teacher from Mumbai says, “Due to the attack, I had to return early. I’ll definitely go back again someday”
25 April,2025 12:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania | Diwakar SharmaA special traffic block will be in effect on the Thane-Ghodbunder Road from April 25 to April 29 to facilitate essential patchwork repairs at Gaimukh Ghat and Majivada Bridge. The work aims to prevent potholes from forming during the upcoming monsoon season and ensure smoother traffic flow. Civic commissioner Saurabh Rao on Thursday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing road repair works across the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) area, along with the officials from TMC, Public Works Department, Metro authorities, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). He directed officials to ensure that the works currently underway on Ghodbunder Road are completed and the road opened to traffic by May 20. Rao also stated that any project unlikely to be completed before the monsoon should commence only after the rainy season. As part of the monsoon preparedness, Rao inspected the works at Eastern Express Highway, Kapurbawdi Junction, Ghodbunder Road, service roads, and Gaimukh Ghat on Thursday. Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, City Engineer Prashant Sonagra, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat, Metro Superintendent Engineer Abhijeet Disikar, and other officials were present with him. Rao mentioned that inspections of works on Ghodbunder Road are being conducted every four weeks to ensure preparedness for the monsoon. All the involved departments – TMC, PWD, Metro, MMRDA, MSEDCL, and the traffic police – are coordinating the works in a time-bound and monitored manner. The primary goal is to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on Ghodbunder Road before the monsoon begins. He noted that the stretch from Cadbury Junction to Gaimukh had already been inspected a few days ago, and the works underway are progressing rapidly. These works include road concretisation, sewer-cleaning, laying of water pipelines, and replacement of sewage lines – all of which are to be completed by 20 May. The civic commissioner also directed the officials to remove unnecessary barricades, pipelines, debris, and other leftover materials from Metro works that have been completed. He also undertook inspections of the ongoing water pipeline works near the service road adjacent to Jupiter Hospital on the Eastern Express Highway, the Metro works at Kapurbawdi Junction, and both Metro and water pipeline projects from the petrol pump near CineWonder Mall to Nalpada Junction. Deep cleaning of culverts to begin To prevent waterlogging caused by drains and sewers during the monsoon, the civic body will undertake the deep cleaning of culverts. The executive engineer has been directed to monitor this work. As the old drainage lines are being replaced on Ghodbunder Road, care must be taken to ensure that the new lines are properly connected to the existing system to prevent blockages, the civic commissioner stated. Kasarvadavali-Bhayanderpada work to be completed by May 20 The ongoing flyover construction at Kasarvadavali and Bhayanderpada is progressing steadily. Once open, these flyovers are expected to significantly ease traffic flow. Civic commissioner Rao directed officials that all the remaining works on these flyovers be completed by 20 May. Additionally, he instructed that the MSEDCL utilities located next to the Kasarvadavali flyover be relocated swiftly. Gaimukh Ghat works to commence The patchwork at Gaimukh Ghat, including patching on the Majivada Bridge, is scheduled between April 25 and 28. The work will be undertaken to ensure prevention of potholes during the monsoon. Attention has also been paid to prevent traffic congestion at Gaimukh Ghat, as it directly impacts traffic along the entire Ghodbunder Road. The traffic department has made arrangements to undertake the work, and a special four-day traffic block will be implemented to complete it efficiently, Rao stated. Rao has appealed to citizens to cooperate with the authorities during the ongoing works and avoid driving on the wrong side.
25 April,2025 12:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Mumbai undergoes one of its largest infrastructure overhauls in recent history, persons with disabilities (PwDs) are struggling to cope with dug-up roads and broken footpaths. Despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016—mandating accessible infrastructure—Mumbai’s streets and public spaces remain largely non-compliant. The needs of over four lakh disabled citizens are being sidelined amid chaotic civic work. Resident Rajesh Ashar at Shimpoli Road, where ongoing work has turned Kastur Park in Borivli West into a one-way route, causing major disruption. Pic/Satej Shinde Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, citizens have the right to safe mobility. Yet, the concreting of roads across the city, especially in South Mumbai, has only made life harder for persons with disabilities. Northern suburbs (Borivli, Malad, Dahisar) Dev Nagar Derasar Road dug up for drainage work in Borivli West. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE; (inset) barricades haphazardly set up around a dug-up road at Eksar Road, Borivli West. PIC/DWEEP BANE In Shimpoli, Borivli West, ongoing work has turned Kastur Marg into a one-way road, creating chaos and long detours. Resident Rajesh Ashar said, “Senior citizens and PwDs are facing the brunt. Traffic snarls and dust pollution are rampant, yet workers don’t sprinkle water to control it. We hope the work finishes before monsoon, but that seems unlikely.” #MumbairmpsUp Disability rights activist and model Virali Modi, with civil platform Jhatkaa.org, has launched #MumbaiRampsUp, demanding inclusion for PwDs. Backed by 4300+ citizens, the campaign urges the BMC and state authorities to make accessibility non-negotiable. “You can make parks accessible, but what about roads and footpaths?” asks Modi. “This is not just an inconvenience—it’s a violation of our basic rights.” Modi said, “No more patchwork. No more excuses. Every space under construction must be made accessible before it’s marked complete. Mumbai must be rebuilt for everyone.” Western suburbs (Bandra, Andheri) Ongoing cement concreting (CC) work has left residents in Bandra West and Andheri West—especially the elderly and disabled—virtually trapped in their homes. Icelina and Anita Fernandes Icelina, 75, a Bandra West resident, said, “The roads have been dug up since October 2024. Though we allowed BMC to carry out work even at night for quicker completion, progress is painfully slow. Damaged pipelines and electricity lines have added to our troubles. Many senior citizens haven’t stepped out in months.” Senior citizens point out to the dug-up stretch outside John Baptist Road in Bandra West. Pics/Shadab Khan Locals reported multiple power cuts, lasting 6-8 hours, and a lack of coordination among BMC departments. They also flagged severe dust pollution, putting children and the elderly at risk. Anita Fernandes, another Bandra West resident, added, “The BMC didn’t even remove loose mud after digging. They complain about bakery smoke, but won’t sprinkle water to control dust. Most buildings here house senior citizens over 75. Many haven’t been able to visit the hospital, church, or market.” Robert Sequeira, 93, has been homebound for over two months due to inaccessible roads in Bandra West. Pic/Shadab Khan Wheelchair-bound Robert Sequeira, 93, has been homebound for over two months due to the civic mess. Senior citizen and Bandra West resident Jessie Gracias said, “I have walking difficulties post an accident. With the road outside my building being dug up for over two-and-a-half months, I was unable to go out of the house as we could not take the car out nor get a rickshaw in. The condition of the roads under construction outside my place also made it impossible for me to walk to the main road. I was thus stuck at home for almost 3 months.” South Mumbai (Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Charni Road) Roadwork in progress at Sukhatwala Lane, Fort, Mumbai, on April 5. Pic/ATUL KAMBLE Raju Waghmare, 46, a visually impaired activist from Airoli who commutes daily to JJ Hospital, said, “Navigating the city is a nightmare during roadwork. There are no signs or physical indicators for us. Something as simple as poles tied with rope at dug-up patches would help. Sound indicators would be ideal, but they require resources.” A senior citizen walks along 1st Pasta Lane, which is under construction, in Colaba Jayshree Jadhav, 64, who uses a wheelchair and runs a phone booth in Gamdevi, said, “When the road outside my shop was dug up, I had to wait 30 minutes until a stranger helped me cross. My son had to accompany me daily. It shouldn’t be this hard.” Raju Waghmare Eastern suburbs (Mulund, Ghatkopar, Chembur) Over 3000 residents of Yogi Hills, Mulund, rely on a single access road now narrowed due to civic work; (inset) Bharat Soni, Secretary of the Hillside Residents Welfare Association, Mulund In Yogi Hills, Mulund, over 3000 residents rely on a single access road—now halved due to CC work. With footpaths dug up and heavy construction vehicles passing, even schoolchildren and senior citizens are at risk. Footpaths and roads in Yogi Hills, Mulund, have been dug up, putting schoolchildren and seniors at risk. Pics/Bharat Soni “This stretch is used by BEST buses, school vans, and construction vehicles. A mishap is just waiting to happen,” said Bharat J Soni, secretary of the Hillside Residents Welfare Association. The only access road to Yogi Hills, Mulund, has been partially blocked due to ongoing concreting work The campaign calls for £Accessible design standards in all road and footpath projects £Universal access in public buildings and transit hubs £Barrier-free transport options £Inclusion of PwDs in planning processes £Regular audits and time-bound implementation
25 April,2025 11:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayA 50-year-old woman was seriously injured while trying to protect her 25-year-old son during a brutal knife attack at the Bheem Nagar area of Borivli West late on Wednesday night. The accused, a 28-year-old BEST bus driver, was enraged after spotting the woman’s son speaking with his sister. The accused often saw 50-year-old Sunita Salve’s 25-year-old son sitting in front of his house and occasionally talking to his sister In a fit of anger, the accused, who lives in the same locality as the woman and her son, stormed over to the victim’s house, knocked on the door and allegedly began hurling abuses. When the youth and his mother, identified as Sunita Salve, stepped outside, the accused launched into a knife attack, seeking to stab the man’s stomach. Enraged about this, he warned the woman and her son a few days ago, and a heated argument ensued In a desperate attempt to protect her son, Salve intervened and tried to grab the weapon. The knife slashed her palm, severing a vein between her thumb and index finger. Bleeding profusely, she was rushed to Nair Hospital by her son and neighbours, where she is undergoing treatment. On Wednesday, the accused once again saw the youth talking to his sister and lost his temper once again. He went to Salve’s house and began banging on the door and repeatedly kicking it as well. Salve and her son came out of the house An officer from Borivli police station confirmed that a case had been registered under the attempt-to-murder charge based on Salve’s complaint. “The accused had warned the 25-year-old and his mother after noticing the former talking to his sister on several occasions. A verbal altercation had taken place a few days ago,” said the officer. In a fit of rage, the accused attacked the man with a knife. As he was about to stab him in the stomach, the woman put out her hand to stop him and the knife slashed her palm. Illustrations/Uday Mohite After the Borivli police were informed about the violence, Assistant Police Inspector Devidas Gajre and others, including PSI Indrajeet Patil, along with his detection team, reached the scene soon after the incident. The accused, who had fled after the confrontation, was tracked down and arrested in the early hours of Thursday. “The arrested accused was produced before the Borivli metropolitan magistrate court. He was remanded in police custody for two days,” said Senior Inspector Maloji Shinde of the Borivli police station.
25 April,2025 11:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThey forced us to remove our bindis and recite ‘Azaan’ yet fired at us,” recounted the widows, describing the horrifying incident in Pahalgam. Shocked and moved by their story, relatives, friends, political leaders, and citizens of Pune gathered in large numbers for the final rites. Among the 26 deceased in the Pahalgam carnage were two men from Pune—Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale. A brutal terror attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, including six from Maharashtra. Among the deceased were two men from Pune—Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale. Their sudden and tragic deaths have sparked widespread grief and outrage, with survivors painting a chilling picture of the attack and demanding answers from the government. Santosh Jagdale’s wife Pragati clings to her husband’s coffin “There was no security at all,” said Pragati Jagdale, the wife of Santosh Jagdale. “Our people were lying in pools of blood. The terrorists came armed and began firing indiscriminately. They didn’t check who we were—they just shot straight in our heads, eyes, and chests,” said Pragati. She recalled how the attackers—six or seven in number—wreaked havoc in less than thirty minutes. “They destroyed our lives in half an hour,” she said with deep sorrow and rage. Kaustubh Ganbote's, wife, Sangeeta Gantobe, shared similar horrors. “They asked if we could recite the Azaan. In desperation, we began chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’. Still, they gunned down our husbands. Even a Muslim horseman who tried to help was stripped and shot in cold blood.” She described their desperate escape: barefoot, through knee-deep mud. “We were terrified. But our Muslim horsemen came back for us. They were good people,” she added. “One of them even questioned the terrorists—why kill innocent people? He was shot as well.” The bodies of Ganbote and Jagdale arrived at Pune Airport around 4.30 am on Thursday, informed police. They were taken to their respective homes. Jagadale’s casket was taken to his home located at Dnyandeep Colony, Karvenagar, while Ganbote’s casket was taken to his home located at Sai Nagar, Kondhwa, where citizens and local leaders gathered to pay their last respects. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar visited the grieving families. “Blow off the terrorists’ heads. Shoot them and show us their flesh,” Pragati demanded emotionally. Kaustubh Ganbote’s body being brought home to Sai Nagar, Kondhva in Pune Kaustubh Ganbote, a well-known entrepreneur from Kondhwa, had successfully run his snack business, ‘Ganbote Farsan’, for 15 years. Neighbours remembered how proud he was when he recently installed a new signboard for the shop. He often told a friend, “Now I’ve become an ajoba (grandfather); all that’s left is to see the world.” At his residence in Sainagar during the final rites, his wife Sangeeta broke down in tears. Speaking to a family friend, she said, “You and they are both Muslims, then how can there be such a difference between you?” Santosh Jagdale had promised his 86-year-old mother that he would bring her a special gift from Kashmir. Instead, she was left grieving over his dead body. Santosh and Kaustubh had been childhood friends. Both were cremated together at Vaikunth crematorium, surrounded by a large crowd of mourners. The attack has sparked outrage across Maharashtra. People are angry over the lack of security in such a sensitive area, especially during the tourist season. Social media has been flooded with criticism of the central government and defence authorities. Citizens and experts alike are demanding accountability and strong retaliatory measures. A show of support A torch march (Mashaal Andolan) was held on Wednesday night at Bhakti Shakti Chowk, Nigdi, organised by the Hindu Sakal Samaj. A large number of citizens gathered to denounce the cowardly terrorist attack and show solidarity with the victims’ families.
25 April,2025 11:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalADVERTISEMENT
