In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared 134 buildings in Mumbai as dilapidated this year, a notable decrease compared to previous years. Of these 134 unsafe structures, 57 have already been vacated, while 77 remain occupied. Civic officials noted that around 56 of these buildings are currently involved in ongoing legal proceedings. In 2023, 387 buildings were deemed dilapidated, while the number dropped to 188 in 2024. Civic officials credit the decline to more buildings being vacated and demolished over recent years. In its 2025 survey, the BMC has identified a total of 134 C1 category buildings across Mumbai that are deemed unsafe and unfit for habitation. The highest number of such dilapidated structures—15 each—have been reported in H/West ward (Bandra, Khar West) and P/South ward (Goregaon). These are followed by 11 buildings each in K/E ward (Andheri East) and N ward (Ghatkopar), 10 in K/West (Andheri West), and 7 buildings each in H/E (Chembur) and P/North (Malad). Other wards like R/South (Kandivali West) have 8 buildings, while G/N (Dadar-Matunga) and L ward (Kurla) have 6 each. Wards such as A, B, D, F/N, M/W, and S report between 3 to 6 unsafe buildings, whereas C, E, M/E, and T wards have only 1 to 2 such structures. Notably, F/S (F South) and R/C (R Central) wards have no buildings marked under the C1 category this year. To prevent casualties and injuries ahead of the monsoon, BMC identifies and lists C1 category buildings, those deemed unfit for habitation and requiring immediate evacuation and demolition. Most of these structures are over 30 years old. Once declared C1, the civic body issues notices, giving residents 15 days to vacate. Despite the civic body calling for the immediate evacuation of the unsafe structures, many residents continue to reside in the dilapidated structures owing to a lack of alternate means of habitation and provisions offering them protection. Several inhabitants also question the categorisation of ‘ C1 dilapidated’, calling for another survey of the structure, which is conducted by BMC’s empanelled structural auditors. Mumbai weather updates: Rain lashes several parts of city, brings respite from humidity Rainfall hit several parts of Mumbai on Saturday morning, bringing much-needed relief to the residents from prevailing humid conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light showers throughout the day. According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is expected across the city. Mumbai has been experiencing pre-monsoon showers over the past few days. Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted continued rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several regions of the country over the next five days.
17 May,2025 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has approved a shipbuilding policy to develop the state's maritime infrastructure and promote ship repair and recycling activities, an official said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The Maharashtra Shipbuilding, Ship Repair, and Ship Recycling Facility Development Policy 2025 was approved in the last cabinet meeting, and a Government Resolution (GR) was issued on Friday, he said. The decision is expected to boost the shipbuilding, repair, and recycling industries and attract new projects. The move will also help the central government earn valuable foreign exchange. Recognising the significant importance of the maritime sector in driving economic and industrial growth, the state has identified the need to develop foundational infrastructure in this domain. While the government has the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy 2023 to regulate and develop small ports along the state's coastline, the new policy now has provisions specifically for shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, reported PTI. Maharashtra's strategic location on India's west coast presents a substantial opportunity for the construction of new vessels, maintenance of existing ships, and organised recycling of decommissioned ships. According to the GR, the state aims to encourage private sector participation in building the necessary infrastructure. The initiative will also help generate new employment opportunities, as there is a need to develop a skilled workforce at various levels, increase cargo handling capacity, and attract investments in the port sector, reported PTI. The Central government's ambitious programmes, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 have outlined goals for shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, with Maharashtra targeting a one-third share of the national effort, reported PTI. To achieve this, the state aims to encourage small and medium enterprises, create jobs, promote innovation through R&D investments, and enable collaboration. The new policy outlines three development models, including maritime shipyard clusters, under which clusters of shipyards will be built to promote industry growth and efficiency, standalone shipyards to encourage individual shipyards to operate and provide specialised services, and developing shipyard projects at ports, reported PTI. Private sector participation will be encouraged under all three models. These projects will enable the construction and repair of Indian vessels, enhancing the country's presence in maritime transport and reducing foreign exchange outflow, the GR stated. As per the policy, private entrepreneurs will receive capital subsidies of 15 per cent of the project cost, and it will be disbursed in four equal instalments during the construction phase, each after 25 per cent of the work is completed and the final instalment once commercial operations commence, reported PTI. Developers or private entities setting up skill development facilities for shipbuilding, repair, or recycling will receive 60 per cent of the project cost or Rs 5 crore, whichever is lower, the GR stated, reported PTI. Apart from this, an annual financial aid of 50 per cent of the incurred cost or Rs 1 crore, whichever is lower, will be provided for employee skill development or upskilling. The state has also approved capital assistance up to 60 per cent of the facility cost or Rs 5 crore, whichever is lower, for developers or private institutions setting up shipbuilding, repair, or recycling facilities, it was stated. (With inputs from PTI)
17 May,2025 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two fugitives linked to a sleeper cell of the banned terrorist outfit ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). The arrests are connected to a 2023 case involving the fabrication and testing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Pune, Maharashtra. Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh, also known as Diaperwala, and Talha Khan were intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai’s International Airport T2 while attempting to return from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they had been in hiding. Following their interception, the NIA took them into custody and placed them under arrest. The two accused had been on the run for the past over two years and also had non-bailable warrants issued against them by the NIA Special Court, Mumbai. NIA had also declared a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh each for information on the two accused. The May 5, 2023, case relates to a criminal conspiracy by these men, along with eight other ISIS Pune sleeper module members already arrested and in judicial custody. They had conspired to commit terrorist acts to disturb India’s peace and communal harmony by waging a war against the Government of India in furtherance of the ISIS agenda to establish Islamic rule in the country through violence and terror. These two men, already chargesheet along with the other arrested accused, had been engaged in assembling IEDs from a house rented by Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh in Kondhwa, Pune. During the 2022-2023 period, they had also organised and participated in a bomb making and training workshop, besides carrying out a controlled explosion to test an IED fabricated by them, at these premises. NIA, which has been actively investigating the activities of ISIS in India in a bid to foil its violent and nefarious anti-India terrorist plans, had previously chargesheeted all the 10 accused in the case under various sections of UA (P) Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and IPC. Besides Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, the others arrested in the case are identified as Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan and Shahnawaz Alam. Investigations in the case are ongoing.
17 May,2025 12:14 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRainfall hit several parts of Mumbai on Saturday morning, bringing much-needed relief to the residents from prevailing humid conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light showers throughout the day. According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is expected across the city. Mumbai has been experiencing pre-monsoon showers over the past few days. Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted continued rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several regions of the country over the next five days. Speaking to ANI on Friday, IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava pointed out that southern India, especially the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, will experience persistent rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds for the next five days. Similar weather conditions are expected to prevail over Central India. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of a light rain on Saturday, May 17. Temperatures will range from a cool 27 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 33 degrees Celsius during the day. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 27.9 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "partly cloudy sky with possibility of light rain" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'good' category On May 17, 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 80 at 9:05 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 75. Byculla, Malad and Kandivali recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 34, 84 and 36, respectively. Colaba, Ghatkopar and Worli recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 26, 78 and 73, respectively. Meanwhile, Sion recorded 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 207. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'good' category with an AQI of 61, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 68. 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'.
17 May,2025 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway among rail fans and officials will be celebrating the 53rd birthday of the Rajdhani Express, a luxury train service, launched in India 1972. The inaugural run of the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express took place on May 17. This train, connecting Mumbai (then Bombay) to New Delhi, was notable for its speed and the luxurious amenities. It has been touted as the fastest Rajdhani Express among all the 25 operating in India. Widely regarded as one of the most premium trains on the Indian Railway network and is given the highest priority in terms of clearance, it was the second Rajdhani Express train in India to be introduced after the Howrah Rajdhani Express which came in 1969. Inaugurated at Mumbai Central station by the then minister of railways K Hanumanthaiya, the train was hauled by a specially retrofitted WDM2 class diesel locomotive and numbered as 151 DN/152 UP Bombay Central-New Delhi Rajdhani. The first-ever service comprised four air-conditioned chair car coaches (ACC), two air-conditioned sleeper car coaches (AC Sleeper), one air-conditioned first-class coach (AC First Class), one pantry car (PC), and two power cars. It was on May 15, 1992, that the train got three-tier AC coaches. Until 1974, the Bombay Rajdhani operated as a weekly service, but due to its increasing popularity and passenger demand, its frequency was increased to thrice a week in 1975 and subsequently, the number of coaches increased to 18 from October 2, 1981. In 1982, the train began operating four days a week based on the continuously increasing demand. By 1989, it became six days a week and renumbered from 151 DN/152 UP to 2951 UP/2952 DN. And from October 2, 2000, it began daily services. The increased rake length also brought to the picture twin diesel locomotives, with it getting the name ‘double-headed’ Rajdhani. The red and cream livery train was upgraded from ICF coaches to LHB ones in 2003. It was on July 9, 2021, that the train got upgraded to Tejas Rajdhani Express and was upgraded with yellow livery. 25No. of Rajdhani trains operating across India
17 May,2025 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarTwo BJP leaders, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, who is also the Maharashtra BJP president, took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut over controversial references he made about the central BJP leadership in his book ‘Heaven in Hell’ (Narkatla Swarg). Asked by the media to react to the contents of the book, Fadnavis replied sarcastically, “I am at an age where I do not read children’s literature.” On Saturday, May 17, the book penned by Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, which deals with the time he spent in jail following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on allegations of money laundering, will be released in Mumbai. The book mentions the late Shiv Sena (undivided) supremo Balasaheb Thackeray coming to the rescue of the BJP leadership of Gujarat following the 2002 riots, including then chief minister Narendra Modi and state minister Amit Shah. It also has an anecdote about how then Union minister Sharad Pawar stood firmly behind then Modi, who, along with Shah, faced a lot of flak following the riots. Taking a dig at Raut and his book, Bawankule, speaking to the media, demanded a detailed inquiry into the contents of the book. “The book contains a controversial statement on the judiciary. Hence, it needs to be investigated,” the Maharashtra revenue minister demanded. Bawankule also suggested that the title of the book should be changed from Narkatla Swarg to Narkatla Raut (Raut in Hell). Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, Sharad Pawar (NCP), Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale will be present as guests for the book launch. In 2022, Raut was arrested by the ED for his alleged links to a case involving the development of Patra Chawl in Goregaon West. A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, however, later termed Raut’s arrest ‘illegal’, following which the Sena leader was released on bail. Raut had spent over three months in jail.
17 May,2025 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIn an effort to tackle the growing threat of hypertension, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a city-wide ‘Salt and Sugar Awareness’ campaign as part of World Hypertension Day, observed globally on May 17. This year’s theme, ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’, emphasises the importance of regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices to prevent this often symptomless condition. Dubbed as ‘silent killer’, hypertension damages the body gradually and can lead to life-threatening conditions like stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and vision problems. However, experts stress that with timely diagnosis, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, the condition can be effectively managed. BMC, through its extensive outreach programme, surveyed over 2.5 million residents aged 30 and above through home visits in the last two years. Of these, 140,000 individuals were identified as hypertensive and are now under treatment. Furthermore, since 2022, more than 492,000 citizens have been screened for hypertension at 25 dedicated testing centres across Mumbai. Currently, 116,000 patients are being treated at BMC hospitals and clinics. “Hypertension is a major public health concern, but it is preventable and manageable. Early detection through regular blood pressure checks and healthy lifestyle choices is key,” said a senior BMC health official. As part of its month-long campaign, the civic body is focusing on educating citizens about the dangers of excessive salt and sugar intake — two major dietary contributors to high blood pressure. A 2021 survey revealed that the average Mumbaikar consumes about nine grams of salt daily, which is nearly double than what the World Health Organisation has recommended. To address this issue from an early age, the campaign will also encourage parents to monitor children’s diets. Research shows that lower salt consumption in childhood significantly reduces the risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases later in life. The ‘Salt and Sugar Awareness’ campaign — branded with the slogan ‘Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, Happy Living’ — features a specially produced awareness video with popular Marathi film celebrities. Social media platforms are abuzz with the campaign, and educational institutions are actively participating by organising documentaries, panel discussions, competitions, and interactive sessions. 17 MayWorld Hypertension Day BMC’s guidelines. Regularly check blood pressure at clinics. Take prescribed medications. Reduce salt and sugar in daily diet. Engage in regular physical activity and yoga. Make informed food choices by reading product labels. Minimise processed food consumption
17 May,2025 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMumbai-based naturalist and wildlife photographer Mahesh Yadav was fortunate to spot a Shaheen falcon, a subspecies of the Peregrine falcon, in Mumbai’s Aarey forest. These birds, also known as raptors or birds of prey, are apex predators and are often accompanied by scavenger species. The Shaheen falcon, also known as the Indian peregrine or black Shaheen, is a non-migratory subspecies of the peregrine falcon found in South Asia in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, most states of India and in Sri Lanka, On Thursday, Mahesh Yadav — who has been documenting the bird diversity in Aarey Forest — was roaming around Aarey Milk Colony when he noticed a bird perched on the shed of a cattle farm. Using his binoculars and camera, Yadav moved closer and was surprised to discover that the bird was a Shaheen falcon, a subspecies of the Peregrine falcon. The Shaheen falcon perched on the shed of a cattle farm in Aarey Milk Colony. Pic/Mahesh Yadav Speaking to mid-day, Mahesh Yadav said, “Just as other urban birds have adapted, the increasing loss of their natural habitats is driving birds of prey into city environments. “This powerful predator, usually accustomed to rugged landscapes, stood out in stark contrast against the city's skyline. Its sharp eyes and formidable presence hinted at its efficiency as a hunter. The abundance of pigeons in Mumbai likely provides an easily accessible food source for this magnificent bird of prey that might find the city a surprisingly easy hunting ground. Although the Peregrine falcon has an IUCN status of Least Concern, this glimpse of it is a potent reminder of nature's ability to adapt even in a bustling metropolis,” Yadav said. Yadav had earlier spotted another rare bird, the brown hawk owl, near a housing society in Gokuldham, Goregaon East, close to Aarey Milk Colony. Yadav, who has been documenting bird biodiversity in the area, confirmed the sighting after responding to residents who heard an unfamiliar bird call at night. Aarey Milk Colony is home to 13 species of amphibians, 46 species of reptiles, 76 species of avifauna, 16 species of mammals, 86 species of butterflies, five species of scorpions, 19 families of spiders, and 35 species of ants.
17 May,2025 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMarathi-medium schools in Mumbai are witnessing a troubling decline, with the number of schools dropping from 461 in 2019–20 to just 421 in 2024–25, a reduction of 40 schools, or 8.7 per cent, in just six years. More alarmingly is the student enrolment, which has fallen by a staggering 35 per cent that is from 1.32 lakh to 85,500, a drop of nearly 47,000 students. ‘Highest decline’ Data from the school education department has revealed that South Mumbai has witnessed the highest decline, with the steepest percentage drop both in the number of schools (from 110 to 90) and students (from 24,219 to 14,924). The area alone has seen the closure of 20 Marathi-medium schools in the past six years. The possible closure of Nabar Guruji Vidyalaya in Dadar — a largely Marathi-speaking area—reported by mid-day earlier this month, has drawn attention to a deeper, ongoing issue. “The data shows a steady decline not just in student enrolment, but in the overall presence of Marathi-medium schools across Mumbai and its neighbouring districts,” said Girish Samant, trustee of AB Goregaonkar School, managed by the Goregaon-based Shikshan Mandal Trust. Since 2019, a total of 40 Marathi-medium schools have shut down. Data shows that over 50,000 students affected by these closures have shifted to other mediums and school boards, mainly English-medium institutions. “I understand that parents too are choosing to move away from Marathi-medium schools, but we need a think tank—an expert panel — to study the issue and explore ways to address this growing problem,” said Srimantini Jadhav-Rao. Action necessary Sushil Shejule from Marathi Abhyas Kendra, a group advocating for the preservation of Marathi education, said, “This decline has been visible for years. Yet, neither the ruling party nor the opposition nor even those who champion the Marathi language politically have taken serious steps to address the crisis. It is not too late, but immediate action is necessary,” he said. “One of the key reasons behind the shift away from Marathi-medium schools, experts believe, is the stark difference in infrastructure. While English-medium and private board schools may also suffer from under qualified staff, they attract parents with modern facilities, air conditioned classrooms, updated laboratories, and tech-enabled campuses that Marathi schools often lack. We demand urgent government investment to upgrade Marathi schools’ infrastructure,” On the other hand West Mumbai showed some fluctuation in school numbers, with a brief increase in 2023-24. However, the overall trend remains one of steady and consistent decline across all regions of the city. “The data shows how the state is grappling with these figures, many of us in the education sector believe that preserving Marathi-medium education is not just about language but about cultural heritage and equitable access to quality schooling for all communities,” added Samant. On one hand, data from the education department has clearly highlighted the alarming decline in the number of Marathi-medium schools across the city. On the other hand, several educational organisations, language experts and organisations advocating for the preservation of Marathi education have united to oppose the Maharashtra government’s recent decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language for Std I to V as part of their New Education Policy implementation. 35%Percentage drop of student enrolment in Marathi medium schools in last 6 years Declining number of Marathi schools in Mumbai Total schools declined from 461 to 421, a drop of 40 schools in 6 years (decline by 8.7%).Total students declined from 1.32 lakh to 85,000, a drop of 46,798 students (decline by 35%).South Mumbai saw the steepest percentage drop in both schools (from 110 to 90) and students (from 24,219 to 14,924).Western Mumbai had the most fluctuation in school numbers (a brief rise in 2023-24)
17 May,2025 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghAfter questions were raised about temporary studios being built in the No Development (ND) Zone and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the BMC has decided to revise its 2019 policy. As per the new modification, permission for setting up temporary studios and sets in CRZ or ND zones will now only be granted after getting approval from the competent authority. A civic official said, “The BMC had been issuing shooting permits and permissions to build temporary studios based on its 2019 circular. However, it was later found that many of these permits were being granted for open plots in the ND and CRZ areas. After identifying this loophole, the BMC recently formed a committee to recommend changes to prevent such temporary constructions in these zones.” The committee reviewed Regulation No 57 of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, which allows temporary permissions for construction for various purposes. “In this DCPR, there was no mention of temporary permission for studios,” the official said. Since there was no specific provision for temporary studios, the committee recommended updating the DCPR 2023 accordingly. Officials pointed out that earlier, several temporary studio permissions were granted in ND and CRZ zones without the approval of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). Based on the committee’s recommendation, a new point was added to DCPR. It states: “Temporary studio/set for shooting of ilm/TVseries/drama/advertisement/documentaries and such allied use in particular zones with the approval of respective competent authority.” Following the administrator’s approval, BMC’s Development Planning Department has invited suggestions and objections regarding the modification within a month. Citizens can send their feedback to: Chief Engineer (Development Plan), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, 5th Floor, Municipal Head Office, Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai 400001.
17 May,2025 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentHigh-footfall Masjid Bunder station on Central Railway’s Mumbai network is finally set to go one floor up. The Railways have drawn up a plan to build an elevated deck covering all platforms at the station, which sees massive crowds during workdays due to its proximity to a major business district. As per the latest budget document released this week, Rs 9.14 crore has been sanctioned for constructing the deck, complete with escalators and lifts. Located in the heart of a busy commercial area, Masjid Bunder station has long struggled with narrow platforms that get severely crowded during morning and evening rush hours. While multiple bridges have been added over the years, the main concern, the tapering, roofless north-end platforms, has remained unresolved. Masjid Bunder is one of the oldest stations on the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, having opened on September 20, 1875. According to railway officials, adding a roof at the north end is nearly impossible due to platform constraints and safety standards defined under the Schedule of Dimensions (SOD), regulations that govern minimum safety clearances for railway operations. Installing a roof there would encroach on the space required for running trains, creating serious safety risks. The proposed elevated deck will span across all platforms, not only solving the roof issue but also creating an additional floor to ease passenger movement and reduce crowding. “The problem at Masjid Bunder has existed for years, and we welcome the move to build a deck. It will solve the roof issue and provide more circulating space for passengers,” said Subhash Gupta of Yatri Sangh Mumbai. Another commuter, JR Gupta, said the trouble began when the platforms were extended from nine-car to 12-car lengths over a decade ago. “The extended platforms never got a roof, and the issue persisted despite repeated complaints. Hopefully, this plan finally brings a solution and makes commuting smoother,” he added. 1875Year Masjid Bunder railway station opened
17 May,2025 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
