shot-button
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Articles

Read Mumbai News

Road concretisation works in Mumbai should be completed by May 31: Civic chief

Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani conducted a review of the cement concrete road works in Mumbai on Tuesday. During the review meeting, held at the civic body headquarters, Gagrani directed the engineers to complete the works on a timely basis. The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar, Deputy Commissioner (Infrastructure) Ulhas Mahale, Chief Engineer (Roads and Transport) Girish Nikam, and senior officials from the Roads and Transport Department. "The cement concrete road works in various parts of Mumbai are progressing well. Approximately 1,333 kilometers of roads have already been concreted. The remaining roads are being concreted in two phases. The concretisation works should be completed as per the target by May 31, 2025, before the start of this year's monsoon. Prior to starting the concretisation works, priority for road development should be determined, and all the coordination with the departments concerned should be undertaken for maintaining utility services. Proper planning should be done to ensure that concreting works are completed quickly," Gagrani told the officials. He also emphasised that no compromise should be made on the quality and standards of the concretisation works. In the first phase of the works, orders have been issued to concrete 324 kilometers (698 roads), and in the second phase, 377 kilometers (1,420 roads) will be concreted across the city. The plan is to complete 75 per cent of the work in Phase 1 and 50 per cent in Phase 2 by May 31, the civic body informed. Gagrani stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken the work of concreting all tar and paver block roads and accordingly, excavation work has been done at most places. "While developing roads, engineers should ensure that excavation work does not cause inconvenience to citizens, and unnecessary digging should not delay the works. Engineers, especially secondary and assistant engineers, should visit the worksite every day. Information boards and traffic barricades should be put up for public convenience. Before starting new works, the existing concreting works should be completed before the monsoon," the civic commissioner added. He further mentioned that instructions have been given to various departments, including the Water Engineering Department, Rainwater Drainage Department,ee Water Supply Project, Sewerage Operations, and Sewerage Project, to complete the utility service works. Electric companies, gas distribution companies, and telephone companies have also been informed about the road development works. "Once the concreting work is done, no institution will be permitted to dig the roads. Engineers must plan from now on to complete road works by May 31, 2025," said Gagrani, while making it clear that no concreting work will be left incomplete after June 1. Meanwhile, Bangar stated that the time frame for road excavation to completion of cement concrete roads is approximately 30 to 45 days, while the work of utility pipelines takes about 75 days. "Secondary and assistant engineers should prepare a detailed schedule for the concretisation works in both phases and ensure proper follow-up. The priority for road development should be fixed, and roads that are incomplete should be prioritised for completion. New works should be taken up only after completing the incomplete roads. Contractors should undertake multiple works at a time and complete them quickly. Engineers, along with the Quality Monitoring Agency (QMA), should ensure that the quality of the cement concrete roads remains high. Supervision should be maintained from the concrete plant to curing on the roads," he said, adding that the corporation follows a 'Zero Tolerance' policy for the concretisation works.

11 February,2025 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Pic/File/iStock

Maharashtra HSC exams: Mumbai records no copying case

The Std XII (HSC) exams began on Tuesday in Maharashtra and the day one of the exams witnessed several cases of copying, the officials said, adding that Mumbai recorded no copying case and with 26 cases, the highest cases were reported from Chatrapati Samabhaji Nagar.  The officials said that across Maharashtra a total number of 42 cases were reported. "As of February 11, 2025, a total of 42 cases of malpractice have been reported in the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams (12th Grade) in Maharashtra," the officials said. The details of the malpractice cases across various regions are as follows: Pune: 8 cases Nagpur: 2 cases Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : 26 cases Mumbai: 0 cases Kolhapur: 0 cases Amravati: 2 cases Nashik: 3 cases Latur: 1 case Konkan: 0 cases The Maharashtra government and the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has ramped up security measures to ensure a completely copying-free examination process. The board is implementing several strict protocols to prevent malpractices and uphold the integrity of the board exams, scheduled between February and March. The Std XII (HSC) exams will be held from February 11 to March 18, while the Std X (SSC) exams are scheduled from February 21 to March 28.  In a bid to curb any form of cheating, all photocopy shops within a 500-metre radius of examination centres will remain closed on exam days and sensitive exam centres will be under drone surveillance, and video monitoring will be conducted outside examination venues to ensure compliance with strict guidelines. The district administration has been instructed to ensure that all necessary facilities at exam centres are in place at least a day before the exams. The officials have also decided to deploy mobile and static squads at examination centres. Officers and employees from various government departments will be assigned specific responsibilities to maintain a fair and disciplined examination environment. Centres that reported incidents of copying between 2018 and 2024 will see a complete overhaul in personnel/ staff assigned on duty. These centres will be staffed with new centre heads and supervisors to prevent any recurrence of malpractice.

11 February,2025 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Pic/File/iStock

Fire breaks out at Navi Mumbai's Turbhe dumping ground

A massive fire broke out at Turbhe dumping ground in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai on Tuesday, the civic officials said, adding that the firefighting operation was launched following the information regarding the blaze. According to the civic body, the blaze was reported at around 1:55 pm. The officials said that a fire broke out at the Turbhe Dumping Ground located in Navi Mumbai. The fire was reported in the waste at the dumping ground. Firefighters from the Navi Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and launched a firefighting operation. "As many as 6 fire vehicles were on the spot but the fire brigade officials were facing a challenge in the operations due to heavy smoke," said an official. The official said that no injuries have been reported so far in the incident. The fire department officials are making every effort to extinguish the fire, the official said. Further details are awaited.  

11 February,2025 05:56 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Representational Pic

Maharashtra launches statewide campaign for Safer Internet Day

On the occasion of Safer Internet Day, the Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), launched a statewide awareness campaign on February 11, 2025, under the ISEA project. The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage children, women, and youth to use the internet safely and responsibly. Centered around the global theme “Together for a Better Internet,” the campaign included workshops at the state, district, taluka, and gram panchayat levels. These workshops aimed to raise awareness about cyber safety, avoiding online fraud, data privacy, and the responsible use of social media. NIC's district information officers provided guidance at the workshops across Maharashtra, focusing on crucial topics such as cyber security, tips to avoid online scams, safeguarding personal data, and promoting responsible social media usage. The workshops were organized with support from the Department of Information Technology, district administrations, police cyber cells, educational institutions, and voluntary organizations. Through these workshops, the campaign underscored the importance of using the internet safely and responsibly. Special attention was given to raising awareness about protecting oneself from cybercrime, being cautious during online transactions, and maintaining privacy when sharing personal information. The Department of Information Technology also urged citizens to adopt necessary precautions when it comes to cyber security and follow safe internet practices.

11 February,2025 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai
The Maghi Ganeshotsav began on February 1

Maghi Ganeshotsav: BMC provides additional facilities for smooth immersion

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday said that it provided additional facilities for the smooth immersion of Lord Ganesh idols during the Maghi Ganeshotsav 2025. In an official statement, the BMC said that it deepened artificial lakes at various locations. The routes for the immersion processions were planned in coordination with the police administration. The BMC has requested all public Ganeshotsav mandals and devotees to immerse the idols in the artificial lakes provided by the corporation, following the directions from the High Court and the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board. It said that for the Maghi Ganeshotsav, the BMC made several arrangements, keeping in mind the demands of local public organisations and citizens. The scope of these services and facilities has been expanded accordingly. Ahead of the festival, the BMC had on January 6, 2025, issued a circular regarding the Maghi Ganeshotsav. The circular made it clear that public Ganesh mandals must not install idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP). It stated that all home Ganesh idols should be made from eco-friendly materials. The circular instructed that all idols should be immersed either in the home premises or in the artificial lakes provided by the BMC. The Maghi Ganeshotsav began on February 1, 2025. Following the Bombay High Court’s orders, the public Ganesh mandals gave an assurance to the BMC that they would adhere to the guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board. Based on this, the BMC granted permission for the installation of the idols after thorough examination of the applications. However, some public Ganesh mandals raised concerns about immersing the idols in artificial lakes, arguing that the idols were too large, and the capacity of the artificial lakes would not be sufficient for proper immersion. In response, the BMC enhanced the facilities, particularly increasing the number and depth of artificial lakes at various locations to accommodate the large idols, statement said. The BMC said that the following arrangements were made: - At the artificial lake in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, idols up to 15 feet tall could be immersed. - At Dahisar Sports Foundation, idols up to 6 feet tall can be immersed. - In Kandivali (East), at Maharana Pratap Udyan, idols up to 6 feet tall could be immersed. - At Kadamwadi Ground, an artificial lake has been made for idols up to 19 feet tall.

11 February,2025 05:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
File Pic

Maharashtra cabinet approves key irrigation and disaster management projects

In a significant decision, the Maharashtra cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the revised administrative sanction of ₹2,599.15 crore for the Deharji Medium Irrigation Project in Palghar district. The project, located in Mouje Suksale, Vikramgad taluka, is being developed as a water supply initiative, with financial backing from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). An agreement between MMRDA and the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation was signed on 23rd September 2022 to execute the project. The Deharji Dam, with a capacity of 95.60 million cubic meters, is a composite dam structure incorporating earthen and masonry elements. It is designed to allocate 69.42 million cubic meters of water for drinking purposes in the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation area. Additionally, the project will cater to other areas under MMRDA, benefitting approximately 4 million residents. The initial administrative sanction for this project was granted in 2019 for ₹1,443.72 crore. However, considering increased costs and infrastructure needs, the cabinet has now approved a second administrative revision, raising the budget to ₹2,599.15 crore. The additional funding and completion of the project within the next three years will be MMRDA’s responsibility. The Maharashtra cabinet has sanctioned ₹438.47 crore for converting the open canals of the Janai-Shirsai Lift Irrigation Scheme into a closed pipeline distribution system. This scheme, benefiting farmers in the drought-prone talukas of Daund, Baramati, and Purandar in Pune district, is managed by the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation. The scheme currently draws water from the Khadakwasla project, but its open canals suffer from significant water loss due to seepage in the hilly, porous terrain. These canals, constructed over 25 years ago, have deteriorated due to lack of sufficient water flow. Consequently, more than 40 villages in the region face acute water shortages, prompting farmers and local representatives to demand a transition to a closed pipeline system. The initial plan required the acquisition of 415.505 hectares of land for canal and distribution infrastructure. However, with the adoption of a closed pipeline system, land acquisition will no longer be necessary. Additionally, this transformation will prevent the evaporation and leakage of 1.06 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water. Once completed, the Janai Lift Irrigation Scheme will provide irrigation for 8,350 hectares in Daund, Baramati, and Purandar, while the Shirsai Lift Irrigation Scheme will supply water to 5,730 hectares in Baramati and Purandar. Considering these benefits, the cabinet has granted financial approval of ₹438.47 crore for implementing the closed pipeline system. Amendments to Maharashtra Disaster Management Authority Rules 2019 The Maharashtra cabinet has approved amendments to the Maharashtra Disaster Management Authority Rules, 2019, revising the structure of the authority. As per the amendments, the Chief Minister will serve as the ex-officio Chairperson, while the Deputy Chief Minister will be an ex-officio member. The authority will now consist of nine members, including ministers nominated by the Chief Minister. Additionally, experts with experience in disaster risk reduction will be appointed as non-official members. Previously, the authority’s composition included the Chief Minister as the ex-officio Chairperson, with the ministers of Revenue, Finance, Home, Relief and Rehabilitation, and Public Health serving as ex-officio members. The authority also included three non-official members with expertise in disaster risk management, nominated by the Chairperson. Furthermore, the Chairperson of the State Executive Committee also held an ex-officio position as Chief Executive Officer. With these amendments, the authority aims to enhance disaster preparedness and risk management by incorporating domain experts and refining administrative oversight.

11 February,2025 04:56 PM IST | Mumbai
File Pic

Mumbai Police visit Ranveer Allahbadia's residence over crass remarks

A team of Mumbai Police has arrived at the residence of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding his remarks on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent, ANI reports. The visit by law enforcement follows a formal complaint lodged against Allahbadia and other individuals associated with the show. The controversy has ignited significant backlash, with growing calls for legal action and demands for a complete ban on the programme. On Monday, a lawyer officially filed a complaint against Allahbadia, comedian and show host Samay Raina, influencer Apoorva Makhija, and the organisers of India’s Got Latent. According to Mumbai Police sources, the complaint alleges that inappropriate and offensive language was used during an episode, sparking outrage among viewers. The controversy erupted when Allahbadia, widely known for his YouTube channel BeerBiceps, made what has been described as offensive remarks during a recent episode. ANI reports that his comments drew widespread criticism, prompting a strong response from various industry bodies, including the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA). In a strongly worded statement, AICWA condemned Allahbadia’s remarks, branding them "abhorrent" and "disrespectful" to societal and family values. The association demanded immediate and stringent action against those involved in the show. As per ANI, AICWA’s official statement read: "The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) vehemently condemns the reprehensible and offensive remarks made on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent. Such disgraceful content is utterly unacceptable and poses a significant threat to the moral fabric of our society." The organisation further called for a complete ban on the show and urged the film and entertainment industry to sever ties with those associated with it. "We call upon all actors, filmmakers, directors, and technicians to immediately cease any collaboration with individuals involved in this show, including host Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia," AICWA added. Following the growing outrage, Allahbadia issued a public apology via a video shared on his X account. ANI reports that he acknowledged the inappropriateness of his comments, admitting they were neither appropriate nor humorous. "My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry," Allahbadia stated in his apology. The YouTuber also addressed concerns about his influence on younger audiences, vowing to exercise greater responsibility when using his platform. "Family is the last thing that I would ever disrespect," he added. Furthermore, Allahbadia revealed that he had requested the producers of India’s Got Latent to remove the contentious sections from the episode in which his remarks were made. "I have asked the makers of the video to remove the insensitive sections from the video. All I can say in the end is sorry, I hope you can forgive me as a human being," he concluded. In addition to AICWA’s condemnation, a formal complaint has been submitted to the Mumbai Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission. The complaint alleges that the show deliberately used abusive language and made obscene remarks about women to garner viewership and financial gain through online broadcasts. (With inputs from ANI) 

11 February,2025 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational pic

HC permits Adani Group to cut 209 mangroves for powerline construction in Mumbai

The Bombay High Court has allowed the Adani Group to cut 209 mangroves for the construction of a high-voltage transmission line proposed to increase electricity supply in Mumbai on the grounds that it was a project of public importance, news agency PTI reported.The electricity transmission line construction project is critical for Mumbai as the existing capacity of the transmission corridor is not sufficient to carry any further power into the city, a division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre said in its order on February 6.The court allowed a petition filed by Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Limited, seeking permission to cut the 209 mangroves located near Vasai creek for setting up a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link between two of its transmission substations, PTI reported.The project involves an 80-kilometre stretch, of which 30 km would be overhead transmission lines while the remaining 50 km would be underground cable in the mangrove area. The HVDC lines would pass through Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts.As per the petitioner company, only one kilometre of the HVDC passes through the mangrove areas, PTI reported.The bench stated in its order that a balance must be struck between the need for sustainable development and the requirement to maintain the environment."The HVDC project would enable additional power to be supplied to Mumbai and suburbs and shall meet the ever increasing energy demands of the city," the court said."Considering the public importance of the proposed project, which shall benefit the electricity consumers in the city of Mumbai and its suburbs and which will lead to a potential growth, we deem it appropriate to confer the desired permission," it further observed.As per a 2018 order of the high court, there exists a "total freeze" on the destruction of mangroves across the state. As per the order, it is mandatory to seek permission from the HC each time an authority wishes to fell mangroves for any public project.The court noted that as per the transmission license, Adani was required to commission the project by March, and has received all necessary statutory permissions to cut the mangroves.  (With PTI inputs)

11 February,2025 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dhananjay Munde. File Pic

Munde skips cabinet meeting due to medical reasons

Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde remained absent from the cabinet meeting on Tuesday due to medical reasons following eye surgery, reported the PTI. As per an official statement, doctors have advised Munde to avoid exposure to sunlight and bright lights for 10 days after the surgery. Dhananjay Munde, the minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, is facing the heat over the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in an extortion case related to the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Sources said the minister underwent surgery on both eyes under the supervision of senior ophthalmologist Dr T P Lahane. It has been six days since the procedure, and he continues to follow medical advice. Officials confirmed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were informed about his inability to attend the cabinet meeting, according to the PTI. "There is no other reason behind his absence from the cabinet meeting," the statement read. Last week, Dhananjay Munde had said that he underwent an eye surgery and was advised to take rest for the next four to five days, hence he will not be able to meet anyone, the PTI reported. He had earlier said that he was likely to resume work on February 10. Munde had said that he underwent surgery at noted ophthalmologist Tatyarao Lahane's private hospital in Maharashtra's Mumbai city, PTI reported. Meanwhile, last week, social activist Anjali Damania had alleged a Rs 88 crore scam in the agriculture department when Dhananjay Munde held the portfolio in the previous Mahayuti government in the state. The minister has termed the allegations as "baseless" and claimed that he will file a defamation suit against her. In a statement, Damania accused Munde of attempting to bypass the DBT system by authorising the procurement of agricultural items without the necessary approval from a committee comprising the chief secretary, finance secretary, and planning secretary. These items, including nano urea, nano DAP, battery sprayers, metaldehyde, and cotton bags, were allegedly purchased at inflated rates, resulting in significant losses to the state exchequer, the PTI had earlier reported. (with PTI inputs)

11 February,2025 04:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
X/ File Pic

Marathi writer Ra. Ra. Borade passes away, leaving a literary void

The fast-paced urbanisation of Maharashtra has often distanced people from their rural roots, but one literary figure continually reminded them of their origins—Ra. Ra. Borade. A leading writer known for his evocative portrayal of rural life, Borade’s passing marks a significant loss to Marathi literature. His departure has severed the vital connection between urban and rural literary traditions, said Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, in his condolence message. Borade was recently announced as the recipient of the prestigious Vinda Karandikar Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contributions to Marathi literature, conferred by the state’s language department. A grand felicitation ceremony had been planned in his honour. However, fate had other plans, and his untimely demise has left the literary community, his admirers, and students who revered him in profound shock, Shinde expressed. Born into a humble farming family, Ra. Ra. Borade was a literary embodiment of Maharashtra’s rich rural culture. His writings vividly captured the transformation of villages, the struggles of agrarian life, and the evolving socio-economic conditions of rural Maharashtra. Despite his immense success, he led a simple life, dedicating himself to storytelling through novels, short stories, and children's literature. His works included acclaimed novels such as 'Pachola', 'Aamdar Saubhagyawati', and 'Charapani', along with renowned short story collections like 'Kansaan Ani Kadba', 'Perani', 'Taalmel', 'Malni', 'Naatigoti', and 'Kholamba'. His children's novel 'Shika Tumhi Ho Shika' and works like 'Rahat Palna' further cemented his legacy. Beyond his literary contributions, Borade played an instrumental role in Maharashtra’s cultural and literary landscape. He served as Chairman of the Maharashtra State Literature and Culture Board, President of the Gramin Sahitya Parishad, and presided over the 1989 Marathwada Literary Conference in Hingoli. His demise is an irreplaceable loss to the world of Marathi literature, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde remarked, adding that Maharashtra has lost a distinguished literary stalwart whose influence will be felt for generations.

11 February,2025 02:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
File Pic

Maha Vikas Aghadi MPs protest to extend soybean purchase limit

A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition staged a protest within the premises of Parliament on Tuesday, calling for an extension of the time limit for soybean purchases. The protest was led by Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule, both of whom voiced their concerns regarding the challenges faced by soybean farmers in Maharashtra. The protesting MPs were seen raising slogans demanding that the time limit for soybean procurement be increased, with chants of "Soyabean khareed ki samay seema badhayi jaaye" (Increase the time limit for soybean purchases). Their demonstration comes amid mounting pressure on the government to ensure that farmers in Maharashtra, a key producer of soybeans, receive fair treatment and support in selling their crops. This protest follows an earlier initiative by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who in January 2025 directed the state’s marketing department to establish a permanent mechanism to streamline soybean procurement. Fadnavis's move was aimed at addressing the issues surrounding the procurement process and stabilising the soybean market, ensuring that farmers could sell their crops in a hassle-free manner. As per ANI, Fadnavis has advocated for the creation of an agro hub along the Samriddhi Highway under the Magnet Project. He has instructed that all preparations be completed by October so that the procurement process, scheduled to begin in November, proceeds without any complications. In line with this, the registration of farmers should be completed by October to ensure smooth operations. The establishment of agro-logistics hubs in all four divisions of the state has also been suggested, with the Onion Chawl being considered as a potential option for onion storage. Soybean, a kharif crop, is typically harvested between October and November, depending on its maturity, and Maharashtra plays a pivotal role in soybean cultivation within India. The state's government, through procurement agencies such as NAFED and NCCF, purchases various agricultural commodities at an assured Minimum Support Price (MSP). The aim of these procurement agencies is to safeguard the interests of farmers and provide them with a reliable market to sell their produce. In the backdrop of this protest and ongoing discussions, the government is under pressure to ensure that these efforts translate into tangible benefits for farmers and that the soybean procurement process operates smoothly, especially as Maharashtra's farmers continue to face challenges in the agricultural sector. (With inputs from ANI) 

11 February,2025 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK