In a major relief for pet owners, the Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of paid crematoriums for deceased pets across the state. Responding to persistent efforts by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the Urban Development Department has issued a government resolution (GR) directing local self-governing bodies to allocate land for pet cremation facilities next to solid waste management centres. Until now, the improper disposal of dead pets has often led to foul odours and raised the risk of disease outbreaks, posing a public health concern. Recognising the urgency of the issue, Minister Sarnaik had raised it during the legislature's session in July 2023, emphasizing the need for dignified and sanitary facilities for the cremation of pets such as dogs, cats, and white mice. He also cautioned that unregulated cremations near human crematoriums could create unnecessary religious and social tensions. According to the guidelines issued by the Urban Development Department, local bodies must allocate space near solid waste management facilities, construct protective walls, and ensure adequate security. They are also required to take proper precautions during cremation to avoid foul smells and prevent the spread of disease. Citizens will be permitted to use these facilities for a specified fee. The guidelines strictly prohibit the disposal of dead pets elsewhere. The initiative will first be implemented as a pilot project in the Thane and Mira-Bhayandar municipal areas. Equipment for gas-based incineration has already been installed on reserved land near existing human crematoriums in these regions. The inauguration of these facilities is scheduled to take place soon. Thanks to the efforts of the then Chief Minister and now Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Urban Development Department has decided to expand this initiative across all municipal corporations and councils in the state. This move has been widely welcomed by more than 12,000 pet owners in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Moving forward, all local self-governing bodies in Maharashtra will be required to allocate space for pet crematoriums near solid waste management centres, ensuring a cleaner and more responsible approach to pet aftercare.
26 April,2025 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSecurity has been significantly intensified across the city in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left several others injured. “All DCPs and Senior PIs have been instructed to remain on high alert and maintain increased vigilance within their respective jurisdictions,” said Akbar Pathan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations). Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the police have stepped up patrolling efforts across the city. “All zones are on high alert. Patrolling has been increased and bandobast arrangements are being tightened. We are fully alert,” a police official stated. Security has also been beefed up near key public spaces. “Bandobast has been intensified at major locations such as CSMT, Bandra, and Marine Drive,” the official added. Police forces are maintaining heightened vigilance citywide, particularly at popular tourist spots, bus stands, and other crowded public areas. “Officers have been deployed at all major points and instructed to remain vigilant at all times,” said the official. Tragically, at least four individuals from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have been confirmed dead in the Pahalgam terror attack. “Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi, and Sanjay Lele—all residents of Dombivli—have been declared dead by hospitals in Kashmir,” a senior police officer confirmed to Mid-Day. Another victim, identified as Dilip Disale, a 64-year-old resident of Khanda Colony, has also been confirmed dead. “Dilip Disale, who had travelled to Kashmir, succumbed to his injuries as confirmed by hospitals in the region,” the officer said. Fadnavis speaks to kin of Maharashtra victims of Pahalgam terror attack, assures all help Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has spoken to the families of people from the state who were targeted by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and assured all help to them. Also, the Maharashtra government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to arrange a special flight to bring back the bodies of five persons from the state killed in the terror attack, a release from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's office said on Wednesday. Terrorists struck a prime tourist location at Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 persons and injuring several others, according to officials.The deceased included two foreigners -- from the UAE and Nepal -- and two locals, officials said. Fadnavis in a post on X on Tuesday night said he had spoken to the families of some tourists from Nagpur and Pune who were injured in the terror attack and assured them of all help. Deputy CM Shinde had a telephonic conversation with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, requesting to arrange for a special flight to bring back the deceased and facilitate the return of their relatives to Maharashtra.
26 April,2025 02:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheAs many as 55 Pakistani nationals living in Maharashtra on short-term visas have been asked to leave the country by the Central government's deadline of April 27, an official from the state home department told PTI on Saturday. Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 persons, most of them tourists, lost their lives earlier this week. The External Affairs and Home ministries have issued instructions that Pakistani nationals leave India by April 27, the official told PTI. The official told PTI that there are 18 Pakistani nationals on short-term visas in Nagpur, 19 in Thane city, 12 in Jalgaon and three in Pune city, while Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and Raigad have one each. He said unit commanders (commissioners and superintendents of police) have been instructed to ensure their exit by April 27. Meanwhile, authorities in Nashik confirmed that six Pakistani women lived in the city, but they haven't received official communication about their deportation. The commissionerate has not received any written instruction from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) till late Friday night, an official said. "The administration is on alert. Though we have not received an authorised copy of the order yet, we have started collecting the necessary information," district collector Jalaj Sharma told PTI. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that all existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27, while medical visas issued to them will be valid only till April 29. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said police stations in the state have been asked to ensure that Pakistani nationals do not stay on in the country with their visas cancelled. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the visas of Pakistani citizens have been cancelled and they have been asked to leave the country in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. "A list of all Pakistani nationals present in the state is ready and we are monitoring them. All police stations have been asked to ensure that Pakistani nationals leave the country within the stipulated time. If there is a delay and overstay, necessary action will be taken against the concerned persons. Under no circumstances the Pakistani nationals whose visas have been cancelled will stay back in Maharashtra," he said. He has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the issue, the chief minister added. (With inputs from PTI)
26 April,2025 02:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn official said that a fireman sustained injuries in a blaze that erupted a plywood factory-cum-godown in Maharashtra's Thane district in the wee hours of Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The fire erupted in the three-storey structure at Rahnal village in Bhiwandi around 3.30 am, and the firefighting operation was still underway, the official said, reported PTI. Rajesh Pawar, chief fire officer of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC), said the injured firefighter has been admitted to a hospital with leg fractures, and his condition is stable, reported PTI. He said the fire quickly engulfed the structure due to the highly combustible stock of plywood stored inside, and local fire teams, along with the disaster management cell, rushed to the scene after receiving the alert. Four fire engines are at the site to douse the flames. Pawar said, "This is a difficult operation. The fire cannot be fully contained for at least another day, as the godown is packed with plywood. The fire load is massive," reported PTI. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he said, adding that people have been asked to avoid the area. One dead, six suffer from suffocation in fire at residential building in Mumbai A 34-year-old woman died, while six others, among them two children, suffered from suffocation as a fire erupted in an apartment at a residential complex in Andheri on Saturday, officials said. The blaze broke out in a flat on the first floor of the eight-storey Broke Land building in the Lokhandwala Complex area around 2.40 am, they said. A civic official said one of the residents, Abhina Sanjanwala, died due to suffocation, and doctors declared her dead at Kokilaben Hospital. He said other affected persons, including a 10-day-old infant and a three-year-old child, were rushed to the hospital, where the baby is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit. Two male victims were admitted to Cooper and Trauma Care hospitals, the official said. The official said the blaze was confined to household items, including electrical wiring, furniture, documents, etc. Four fire brigade vehicles were involved in dousing the flames, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
26 April,2025 01:12 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentHours after residents staged rasta rokos protesting the planned demolition of the Elphinstone Bridge without their rehabilitation demands being addressed, local MLA Kalidas Kolambakar assured them that he had spoken with the Chief Minister. He confirmed that the bridge would not be shut down until the authorities address their concerns on Monday. As a result, the bridge may remain open until then. High Tension at Elphinstone Bridge Emotions ran high on Friday evening at the Elphinstone Bridge—also known as Karol Bridge—as agitated locals blocked traffic by staging multiple rasta rokos. Authorities, who had initially planned to shut the bridge at 9 PM, were forced to delay the closure until midnight due to mounting pressure from the protestors. Traffic Chaos on Alternate Routes Alternate east-west routes like the Currey Road Bridge, Delisle Road Bridge in Lower Parel, and the Tilak Bridge in Dadar are witnessing increased congestion. Traffic authorities anticipate the situation will worsen on Monday, the first full working day following the closure. Phased Shutdown Begins The shutdown began in phases at 6 PM on Friday. Authorities first diverted private vehicles, followed by ambulances, and eventually public transport and two-wheelers. The closure is expected to significantly impact access to key hospitals in the area, including K.E.M., Wadia, and Tata Memorial. Demolition and Reconstruction Plans The bridge’s demolition will proceed in phases. The MMRDA is responsible for dismantling the non-railway section, while the railway portion will be handled by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MahaRail or MRIDC). While MMRDA has already submitted its dismantling plan, MahaRail admitted that its demolition blueprint for the railway portion is still being finalised. Railways Yet to Finalise Demolition Plan In a surprising revelation, MahaRail acknowledged that it has not yet finalised a demolition strategy in consultation with the zonal railways, even though the bridge closure commenced on Friday night. Foot Overbridge Still Incomplete Despite traffic diversion plans being rolled out, a crucial pedestrian foot overbridge between Parel and Prabhadevi remains incomplete. As reported by mid-day earlier this month, the bridge ends abruptly mid-air, continuing to pose a major inconvenience for pedestrians.
26 April,2025 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDevendra Fadnavis is the best Chief Minister Maharashtra has ever had and he will remain in the top post till 2034, said senior cabinet member and state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday, reported news agency PTI. Bawankule noted that Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader who is serving his third term as CM, is the architect of a roadmap to make Maharashtra a developed state and he needs to be at the helm for the next nine years to achieve that goal. "Devendra Fadnavis will remain the Chief Minister till 2034 because he has formulated the 'Viksit Maharashtra' resolution, and it will be accomplished under his leadership. He is the best Chief Minister Maharashtra has ever had," Bawankule emphasised, reported PTI. Speaking at a function in Mumbai, state Revenue Minister Bawankule emphasised that Fadnavis's continued leadership is essential for achieving development goals outlined in the state's long-term vision. "To achieve the Viksit Maharashtra resolution, we need Fadnavis as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra," he maintained, reported PTI. Reiterating the BJP's commitment to a "double engine" government (party in power at the Centre and in state) Bawankule said, that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Fadnavis at the helm in Mumbai, this double engine administration will transform Maharashtra into a better state. Calling for unity and support within the party and the state, the BJP minister declared, "We all should firmly stand behind Fadnavis to ensure this vision becomes a reality," reported PTI. When asked by reporters about Bawankule's comments on Fadnavis remaining the CM till 2034, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cryptically remarked "best wishes." Shinde heads the Shiv Sena, which is a constituent of the BJP-led ruling alliance Mahayuti. He was the CM from June 2022 to November 24 and was succeeded by Fadnavis when the Mahayuti swept last year's assembly polls. Reacting to Bawankule's comments on Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam remarked, "We have no issues even if he is the CM till 2080. Our good wishes are with him. Our best wishes are with Bawankule, Devendra Fadnavis and even Eknath Shinde. We are together. If anyone tries to create rift between us that will not yield any result," reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
26 April,2025 12:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTravelling on the Dahisar flyover has become life-threatening due to a hanging electric cable on the end of the bridge at Anand Nagar. Locals have demanded that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) take immediate action and remove the cable, as it could lead to serious accidents. Shiranj Parmar, a student and resident of Anand Nagar, said that the cable has been hanging for the past 3-4 months, and even after complaints, no action has been taken to remove it. “I stay next to the flyover. It creates a hurdle during the ride. This cable is life-threatening.” Varsha Shah, a senior citizen, said that mostly pedestrians cross the road from here. “And this cable is creating hurdles.” Arthur Menezes, a local who rides daily on this route, said that the hanging wire is a cause of concern and a threat to the motorists. “It could be deadly for the riders during the nighttime as vehicles pass through at speed and the wire is not visible.” “The possibility of accidents due to this cable during the rainy season cannot be ruled out,” said another motorist. The Anand Nagar flyover in Dahisar, which connects the east and west, was opened for traffic in 2011. The bridge was constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, but now it is under BMC’s possession. The cable hangs on the end of the bridge at Anand Nagar Rajesh Pandya, a local civic activist, said, “I will write to the BMC about this issue. I don't know how the authorities don't know about this. The cable comes out on the landing point; it is more dangerous as vehicles come to one side to take a turn. Riders get confused due to this cable. Are the authorities waiting for an accident to happen?” Nainish Vengurlekar, assistant municipal commissioner, R North ward, said, “I will immediately take action.”
26 April,2025 11:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveOne 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. 10-year-old girl, woman killed after fire breaks out in Mankhurd area A 10-year-old girl and 25-year-old woman were killed after a fire broke out in Mankhurd’s Mandala area on Monday, civic authorities said on Tuesday. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire broke out around 8:20 PM in Janta Nagar, behind the Hanuman Temple in the Mandala locality. Emergency response teams rushed to the spot to douse the flames and rescue those injured. Among the victims was 25-year-old Farah Khan, who sustained 70 per cent burn injuries. She was initially admitted to Shatabdi Hospital in Govandi but was later shifted to Sion Hospital due to the severity of her condition. She was declared dead at 11:30 PM on April 21. The second victim, 10-year-old Khushi Khan, was declared dead on arrival. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
26 April,2025 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe city continued experiencing hot and humid weather on Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 34.3 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a partly cloudy sky on Saturday, April 26. Temperatures will range from a cool 24 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 34 degrees Celsius during the day. The sun rose at 06:15 AM and will set at 06:59 PM. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.3 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26.4 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26.4 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "partly cloudy sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'good' category On April 26, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'good' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 67 at 10:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'good' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 68. Sewri, Malad and Borivali recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 62, 62 and 59, respectively. Byculla, Ghatkopar and Worli recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 67, 62 and 83, respectively. Meanwhile, Kurla recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 107. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'good' category with an AQI of 88, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 62. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'.
26 April,2025 10:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Navy has successfully completed a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen Indigenous defence capabilities with the latest guided missile destroyer, INS Surat. The warship carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target, showcasing the Navy's advanced technological expertise and operational readiness. This achievement highlights India’s growing capabilities in the design, development, and deployment of Indigenous warships, underscoring the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The success also marks a significant step toward enhancing the Navy’s ability to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests. The accomplishment aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving self-sufficiency in defence, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
26 April,2025 10:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonTo support the survivors and those injured in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the BMC has issued a circular announcing emergency mental health services at four major civic hospitals: Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital (Sion Hospital), and Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and R N Cooper Hospital. Psychiatrists and psychologists will be available daily from 9 am to 4 pm. However, in serious cases of extreme insomnia, flashbacks or restlessness, doctors will be available after 4 pm as well, stated the circular. “It is very important that the survivors get proper psychological and psychiatric treatment to come out of this trauma. And thus, as soon as over 500 surviving and injured tourists were brought back, the state government gave the directive to provide mental health to them and we accordingly informed all the major four civic hospitals to provide the much-needed help to them,” said Dr Neelam Andrade, director medical education and hospitals, BMC. She further mentioned that the services will include counselling, assessment of acute stress, screening for post-traumatic stress disorder and also provide medication depending on each case. Survivors welcome move Those who had a close shave welcomed the corporation’s effort. “Such services are now a must for those who saw things happening in front of their eyes, especially the children. Such treatments are usually quite expensive. But now the BMC hospitals will provide these treatments free of cost,” said Ronav Patil, a resident of Mulund who cut short his trip and returned on Thursday night by the special flight arranged by the state government. Dr Kirti Tandel, a psychiatrist formerly associated with Nair Hospital On the other hand, some opine that it would be better if these services were given at the traumatised persons’ homes. “This decision to extend mental health treatment is good. But the authorities should understand that the trauma that these women and children have faced by seeing their men, fathers, brothers being shot in front of them is of a very high level. At present, they are not at all in a situation to step out of their houses. It would be better if the doctors visit their residence and take note of their mental needs,” said 43-year-old Geeta Jagdade. But no response as of now “The doctors have been asked to prioritise any survivors of the attack over our regular cases. But we haven’t received any walk-ins or calls from such people on the first day. Mental health treatments are still seen as taboo, and we also understand that those suffering from this trauma won’t be in a situation to assess their mental state. Thus, we urge their relatives and family members to take initiative and take them to the nearest hospital,” said Dr Mohan Joshi, dean, Sion hospital. Echoing the same, Dr Sangeeta Rawat, dean, KEM Hospital, said, “I think as more people become aware of such services being offered, people will start coming after a few days. They definitely need time to first come to terms with their current situation. Only after that will they realise that they need help. I am sure our services will be of use and our doctors are well-trained to handle these cases,” she said. Handling such cases Dr Kirti Tandel, a psychiatrist formerly associated with Nair Hospital, “When there is any kind of disaster situation, we segregate the patients into emergency and regular patients, and into emergency OPD and regular OPD. Then, under emergency cases also, most preference is given to those who show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or have panic attacks. Immediate treatment is started for such patients. If the patient inflow is huge, depending on the severity of the situation, then we jot down a disaster management plan where a committee is formed that check the resource availability of each hospital and directs the medical force accordingly about which patient should be taken to which hospital so that one centre does not have to face all the load. Also, in extreme cases, additional staff are called for, and NGOs or private hospitals are asked to chip in.” Those in need can contact the following: Nair hospitalDr Henal Shah (in-charge): 9323193505Dr Janhavi Kedare (unit head): 9322239997Dr Alka Subramaniam: 9820143245 KEM hospitalDr Ajit Nayak (department head): 9870314844Dr Neena Sawant (unit head): 9930583713Dr Kranti Kadam: 9920969088Dr Shilpa Adarkar: 9820139158 Sion hospitalDr Nilesh Shah (department head): 8879564532Dr Heena Merchant: 9930395679 Cooper hospitalDr Deoraj Sinha (in-charge): 9869989894 9 am to 4 pmTime of the service daily
26 April,2025 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarADVERTISEMENT
