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MID-DAY IMPACT: PWD starts rectification work on Aarey’s faulty CC roads
Taking serious note of a mid-day report, the public works department (PWD) has identified several locations on internal roads in Aarey Milk Colony where newly constructed cement concrete (CC) roads have developed cracks or where the upper layer has started coming off. Rectification work has already begun. PWD officials confirmed they have identified multiple spots that require repairs. A PWD official said, “We have already started rectification work on the newly made CC road where cracks have appeared on the upper surface. We have identified problem patches, and since the road is still under the defect liability period (DLP), the contractor will complete the repairs at the earliest.” Locals also confirmed that repair work has begun near the Aarey Market junction, where the PWD-built CC road had developed cracks and an uneven surface. PWD sources further revealed that samples of the CC road will be collected and sent to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) to verify whether the contractor adhered to all required standards. On March 25, mid-day highlighted how not only CC roads built by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation but also those constructed by the PWD less than six months ago were already developing cracks. Spread over 16 sq km, the colony is home to more than 60,000 residents, including 27 tribal hamlets, slum pockets, cattle farms and the Royal Palms area. In March 2024, news reports revealed that the Bombay High Court had directed the agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy development, and fisheries departments to expedite the repair of 45 km of internal roads in Aarey Milk Colony.
26 March,2025 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Mulund's rumble trouble ends after Mid-day's nudge
Following mid-day’s report, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed the rumble strips near the MHADA signal in Mulund East, which had been causing sleepless nights for residents. “Following complaints from citizens, the rumble strips have been removed. The work began on Saturday and was completed within a short period. Laborers were instructed to carry out the work at night,” a BMC official said. The rumble strips near the MHADA signal in Mulund East The paper had earlier reported that five rumble strips installed along a 200-metre stretch near the MHADA signal were disturbing residents. Despite multiple complaints from 20 societies to various authorities, no action was taken. However, after mid-day’s report, four of the five rumble strips were removed within three days. Mulund East residents strike a pose on the rumble strip that had been robbing them of sleep for months. Pics/Rajesh Gupta The BMC had initially ignored the response from the Kanjurmarg Traffic Police. On March 3, the Kanjurmarg Traffic Division informed the BMC that the area was not accident-prone and recommended appropriate action against the rumble strips. Yet, the BMC failed to act until mid-day highlighted the issue. ‘Slept peacefully after months’Mansi Gore, Resident of Manali housing society “We felt helpless when the BMC ignored our complaints and refused to take our calls. But on the night of March 22, the civic body suddenly started removing the rumble strips. The impact was immediate—there is no more noise pollution, and we can finally sleep peacefully. I thank mid-day for bringing attention to this issue,” said Mansi Gore, a homemaker and resident of Mansi Co-operative Society. Was municipal corporation waiting for report?Prashant Kadam, Retired government official “We wrote letters to our MLA, the BMC, MMRDA, traffic police and other authorities. The worst experience was with the BMC—they never answered calls and gave vague responses when questioned about the removal. The rumble strips had no significant impact on traffic, yet they remained. But after just one report by mid-day, the BMC worked overnight to remove them. Now, the area is finally peaceful,” said Prashant Kadam, 61, a retired government official. ‘Nights have turned peaceful again’ Ravi Naik, A Mulund resident “When BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha received complaints from residents, he instructed the BMC to take action. Instead of removing the strips, officials merely filled the gaps between them, which made no difference. The vibrations continued to shake our windows at night, disrupting our sleep. Even after the patchwork failed, the BMC ignored further complaints. Now that the rumble strips are finally gone, we can rest easy again,” said Ravi Naik, a Mulund resident.
26 March,2025 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva Agashe
Mumbai Weather Update: Humidity soars as city braces for a warm day
Mumbai is experiencing a surge in humidity levels, with early morning reports indicating figures close to 100 per cent. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted mainly clear skies for the city on Tuesday, 26th March. The weather pattern suggests a humid start to the day, with temperatures gradually rising as the hours progress. Mumbai woke up to exceptionally high humidity levels, nearing 100 per cent in the early morning hours in the early morning hours, the highest recorded so far this season. The city’s weather, known for its coastal influence, is seeing a notable increase in moisture content, making conditions warmer and more uncomfortable for residents. As of 9 AM, the temperature stood at 28 degrees Celsius, with a light breeze of 5 kmph offering minimal respite. The forecast suggests that humidity will remain on the higher side throughout the day, though it is expected to subside as the week progresses. Mumbaikars can expect a steady climb in temperature, with the maximum set to reach 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum remains at a comfortable 23 degrees Celsius. 🚨 Mumbai witnessed near 100% humidity this morning, creating a humid start to the day.💧 pic.twitter.com/fptxT8oBL9 — Mumbai Rains (@rushikesh_agre_) March 26, 2025 According to the IMD, Mumbai will continue to witness clear skies throughout the day, with temperatures fluctuating between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius. The city is expected to maintain these conditions for the remainder of the month, with a slight dip in humidity anticipated as summer sets in fully. Although the past week saw fluctuations in temperature, the overall climate remains within the expected range for March. Despite the warmth, meteorologists indicate that the absence of cloud cover will allow for a more predictable weather pattern, reducing the likelihood of sudden showers or temperature drops. However, the combination of high humidity and rising temperatures may lead to discomfort, urging residents to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions. After months of battling poor air quality, Mumbai is finally seeing an improvement in its Air Quality Index (AQI). Today’s AQI stands at 95, categorised as ‘Satisfactory’ under the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) guidelines. For months, the city has endured AQI levels ranging from ‘Moderate’ to ‘Poor’, particularly between November and February. The improvement is a welcome change, although experts suggest air quality could fluctuate due to localised pollution sources and changing weather conditions. Mumbai’s current AQI of 95 suggests a relatively healthier environment compared to previous months. While conditions are not perfect, residents can breathe a little easier as the city moves into the hotter months.
26 March,2025 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai
Action against Kunal Kamra will follow the law, says Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already clarified the government’s stance on the controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, affirming that any action taken will be in accordance with the law. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Pawar said, "Our CM Devendra Fadnavis has already responded to this issue on behalf of the government. He has made it clear that action will be taken as per the law." The row erupted following Kamra’s remarks targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy performance. CM Fadnavis took a strong position on the matter, emphasising that while humour and political satire are acceptable, freedom of expression should not be misused to justify offensive or derogatory content. According to ANI, while speaking in the state Assembly on Monday, CM Fadnavis remarked, "We appreciate humour and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny." He further criticised Kamra’s comedy, describing it as "low-quality." "This artist makes statements against the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice. He seeks attention by generating controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde and delivered a substandard performance," Fadnavis added. The Chief Minister also defended Shinde, portraying him as the rightful successor to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy. He further questioned the opposition’s involvement in the incident, asking, "Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy rests with Eknath Shinde. Those in the opposition who are supporting this, have you given a supari? This Kamra posted an image of the Constitution. If he had actually read it, he would not have committed such atrocities." Fadnavis also stated that while creative expression is welcome, personal attacks and insults would not be tolerated. "No one has the right to insult anyone. He can write poetry or satire about us, but if he resorts to outright insult, action will be taken. Let it be clear—such things will not be tolerated in Maharashtra." Shiv Sena has strongly condemned Kamra’s remarks, while the opposition alliance in Maharashtra has criticised the ruling Mahayuti government, alleging a breakdown in law and order. Meanwhile, ANI reports that Mumbai Police has summoned Kamra, directing him to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday. However, as per police sources, Kamra is currently not in Mumbai. The MIDC police initially registered an FIR against him, which was later transferred to the Khar police for further investigation. The controversy escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalised The Habitat, a popular comedy venue in Mumbai, in retaliation against Kamra’s comments about Eknath Shinde during his performance on Sunday. (With inputs from PTI)
26 March,2025 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai
VBA Prakash Ambedkar says court will decide as fresh FIR names Aaditya Thackeray
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar has commented on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Disha Salian case, stating that the matter is now in the hands of the court, which will take the final decision on the issue. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Ambedkar said, "This is a matter before the court, and whatever the court directs will be followed. The court will take the decision on this." The statement comes after Satish Salian, father of the late Disha Salian, filed a formal complaint on Monday with the Mumbai Police Commissioner seeking the registration of an FIR against several high-profile individuals, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. According to ANI reports, Satish Salian's legal representative, advocate Nilesh Ojha, confirmed that the complaint had been accepted by the Joint Commissioner of Police, and the individuals named in the case include Aaditya Thackeray, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Parambir Singh, dismissed police officer Sachin Vaze, and actor Aditya Pancholi. Speaking to reporters, Ojha alleged, "Today, we have submitted a written complaint to the Commissioner of Police's office. The Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) has accepted it, and this complaint is now considered an FIR." He further added, "The accused in this FIR include Aaditya Thackeray, Dino Morea, Suraj Pancholi and his bodyguard, Parambir Singh, Sachin Vaze, and Rhea Chakraborty. Parambir Singh was the main mastermind behind the cover-up of this case. He held a press conference and spread fabricated lies to protect Aaditya Thackeray. All the details regarding this are included in the FIR. Additionally, investigative papers from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confirm Aaditya Thackeray's alleged involvement in the drug business, which has also been mentioned in the FIR." As per ANI, prior to this complaint, Satish Salian had also approached the Bombay High Court, urging an investigation into his daughter’s death and requesting the registration of an FIR against Aaditya Thackeray and others. The developments come nearly four years after the mysterious death of Disha Salian, a former talent manager who had worked with several Bollywood personalities. Salian was found dead on 8th June 2020 after allegedly falling from a high-rise building in Mumbai. Her death was followed by the sudden demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput on 14th June 2020, which triggered massive speculation and multiple high-profile investigations. ANI further reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has now submitted a closure report in the Sushant Singh Rajput case. According to sources, the report has been filed in a Mumbai court, nearly five years after the actor's death. Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead at his residence in Bandra on 14th June 2020, with his post-mortem examination confirming asphyxia as the cause of death. The autopsy was conducted at Cooper Hospital in Mumbai. The case created a nationwide stir, leading to investigations by the Mumbai Police, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and CBI. While the CBI has now reportedly closed its investigation, the fresh FIR filed by Satish Salian indicates that the Disha Salian case remains contentious, with fresh allegations of murder and gang rape now being pursued in the courts. (With inputs from ANI)
26 March,2025 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai
BMC eyes May-end deadline to fully concrete over 420 km roads in city
As the completion date to concretise over 420 km of roads in the city nears, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with the civic officials and directed them to work as per micro-planning and set a specific completion date for each road project. The concreting of the roads needs to be completed in the next 70 days by May 31, 2025. He said that the officials from the water engineering, stormwater drainage, sewerage departments, and various utility authorities should coordinate to ensure smooth execution of the projects. Gagrani also directed senior engineers to conduct surprise site visits to monitor progress and the quality at sites as well as the concrete plants. They should actively participate rather than just being present in a technical capacity, he said, while ordering a strict prohibition on digging new concrete roads. “Complaints from public representatives and citizens, such as lack of barricades, scattered debris, and cement-laden water in stormwater drains, were addressed with specific remedial measures,” Gagrani said while addressing the official. Engineers reported that delays in road work were caused by underground utility lines from the water engineering, sewerage, and other utility agencies. To resolve this, a fixed timeframe for these departments to complete their work was decided, ensuring uninterrupted roadwork. Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner, who was also present in the meeting, told officials that completed roads must have thermoplastic markings, zebra crossings, cat eyes, and yellow thermoplastic grid markings at intersections to enhance usability and aesthetics. Bangar further said that 701 km of roads are part of the project. “If roads are not concreted before the monsoon, contractors will be responsible for pothole repair. Contractors must arrange mastic cookers and manpower in advance to ensure potholes are filled before the monsoon”, said Bangar.
26 March,2025 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Exclusive
Mumbai meat trader granted asylum in Ireland after seven-year legal battle
A buffalo meat trader from Mumbai has been granted asylum in Ireland after the Dublin-based International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) ruled that he would face religious persecution if he returned to India. The 50-year-old businessman and his two sons, whose names cannot be disclosed, fled Mumbai in August 2017 and arrived in Dublin on August 20, 2017, after travelling through the UK. MID-DAY can now reveal that, after seven years of legal battles, including an appeal to the High Court of Ireland, the businessman received a “refugee declaration” from Tribunal Member Mary Forde in March 2024. The judgment, accessed by mid-day, highlights multiple failures by law enforcement agencies in India. According to court documents, on June 17, 2017, the businessman and his son were transporting buffalo meat in a truck when they were stopped and assaulted by “cow vigilantes.” Despite filing an FIR, he claimed the police took no further action. On June 28, 2017, a mob stormed his office and attacked an employee. When he approached the police again, they allegedly advised him to stop dealing in buffalo meat instead of offering protection. The 50-year-old businessman and his two sons had fled Mumbai in 2017. Representation pic/istock Fearing for his life, the businessman temporarily shut his business and moved residences. However, a neighbour warned him that a mob had gathered outside his home, vowing to find and kill him. His three children were forced to stop attending school. Ironically, on August 15, 2017—India’s Independence Day—the businessman and his two sons fled to the UK. After spending three nights there, they travelled to Dublin and applied for asylum on August 21, 2017. In support of his application, he submitted proof of his Indian nationality, a copy of the FIR, registration certificates of his business, and photos of the injuries he sustained in the attack. However, his asylum request faced several legal hurdles. In July 2019, the International Protection Office—responsible for assessing asylum applications—rejected his claim, arguing that he could seek protection from Indian authorities. The case eventually reached the High Court of Ireland, where, in October 2022, Justice Siobhán Phelan overturned the decision and ordered the tribunal to reconsider his case by a different Tribunal Member. In her ruling, Tribunal Member Mary Forde stated, “The tribunal is satisfied that the persecution faced by the appellant is connected to his religion.” The tribunal also cited the 2022 U S Department of State Human Rights Report on India, which noted that authorities often failed to prosecute perpetrators of cow vigilante attacks, including killings, mob violence, and intimidation. Several news reports and findings from human rights organisations were also considered. This is the second known case of a Mumbai-based meat trader successfully gaining asylum abroad, the first being in Canada in 2018. Generally, asylum claims by Indian nationals are challenging to win in Europe and the West due to India's democratic and secular framework. Courts often recommend internal relocation within India instead of granting asylum. However, this ruling suggests that Western judicial bodies are increasingly recognising the growing threats posed by cow vigilante groups in India.
26 March,2025 08:30 AM IST | London | Danish Khan
Parking space, toilet in BMC’s next phase for Mumbai’s heritage textile museum
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started inviting tenders for the second phase of the work for turning India United Mill 2 and 3 at Kalachowki into a textile museum. The main work will start in the third phase, with the civic body hoping to complete the project in about one year. A textile museum in the area of 32,000 square metres was planned in 2019, with an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore. It was supposed to be completed and open to the public in 2024. The first phase of the project, which began in 2022, includes a mural, amphitheatre, souvenir shop, and fountain in the mill pond. For the second phase, the civic body has invited tenders to make a parking space and toilet. The BMC will further invite tenders to strengthen the dilapidated structure of the building. “While the main work is about refurbishing the museum, we will try and restore it to its original glory. The next phase after restoring the structure will be to revive the working machines of the mill. What will be in the museum will be decided later. Restoration of the structure will take at least nine to ten months,” the official added. A senior retired BMC official said that the project was stuck due to the pandemic in 2019, after which it was put on hold and focus was shifted to other necessary infrastructure projects. The plan to transform mills into a textile museum was discussed for the first time in 2009 when the National Textile Corporation decided to hand over land to the BMC. The first phase of the project began in 2022. It includes a mural, amphitheater, a souvenir shop, and a fountain. Pics/Ashish Raje Mumbai has been synonymous with textiles, and not just during the colonial period. The region has a long history of manufacturing handwoven cloth in pre-colonial times, with Thane being a very important centre. The city’s first textile mill came up in Tardeo in the mid-19th century, and with the development of the Railways, the expansion of the port, and the opening of the Suez Canal, Mumbai became the ideal place for textile manufacturing. About a century ago, the textile industry in Mumbai reached its zenith with 1/4th of the city’s population being, directly or indirectly, financially dependent on these mills. “The Girangaon (mill lands) in central Mumbai had a unique culture, and it needs to be documented and preserved. Hence, it is very critical that an interactive textile museum is opened as soon as possible, making newer generations aware of the industry that built the city into what it is today,” Bharat Gothoskar, founder of Khaki Heritage Foundation and City Chronicler, said.
26 March,2025 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
Ineligible tenants too will get homes in Mumbai's Dharavi revamp: CM
Dharavi redevelopment will be the first project where not only ineligible tenants will be given accommodation on rental basis, but after 12 years the tenement would be transferred in the name of the occupant. On Tuesday, speaking about the Dharavi redevelopment in the state Legislative Assembly Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said everyone would get accommodation in the project. “It will be the first project where ineligible people too will be accommodated in the redevelopment. Ineligible tenements will be provided accommodation for 12 years on rent. Once this 12-year tenure is complete, the accommodation will be transferred in the name of the occupant,” Fadnavis added. Slums prior to 2001 will get free houses and the ones between 2001 and 2011 will be given at construction cost. Tenements after 2011 are not eligible for the project. Dharavi redevelopment is estimated to cost over Rs 2 lakh crore and involves constructing 100 million square feet for rehabilitation. According to rough estimates approximately 1.25 lakh tenements–both residential and commercial units–will be accommodated in the housing scheme. Rs 2L crCost of the Dharavi redevelopment project
26 March,2025 08:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Mumbaikars battle rubble, ditches, and debris in BMC’s road revamp drive
A traffic jam courtesy dug up roads at Kandivli East. Pic/Satej Shinde A woman helps her child navigate an risky patch of a road being concreted in Mahim West. Pic/Ashish Raje A biker struggles to keep his vehicle upright while moving on a road at Shimpoli in Borivli West. Pic/Nimesh Dave A woman navigates a scary mound of rubble to get to the other side at Marine Lines. Pic/Anurag Ahire An elderly man gingerly navigates a steel board placed over a deep ditch at Mia Mohd Chhotani Road, Mahim West. Pic/Ashish Raje Two women try to make their way through a dangerous patch of road at Bhandup. Pic/Anurag Ahire A man has no option but to walk across an uneven road being concreted at Marine Lines. Pic/Anurag Ahire Vendors are undeterred by the dug up roads, hawking their wares during the night outside CSMT. Pic/Anurag Ahire A man struggles with boxes on what is left of a footpath at V S Agashe Road in Dadar West. Pic/Ashish Raje An enterprising food vendor makes the most of an underconstruction road outside CSMT. Pic/Anurag Ahire Locals have a narrow strip of unpaved road near Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College in Ghatkopar. Pic/Atul Kamble A woman attempts to make her way through an underconstruction road in Lower Parel. Pic/Anurag Ahire A man gingerly makes his way through debris and iron rods from a dug up road in Bhandup. Pic/Anurag Ahire Schoolchildren risk injury while walking on Mia Mohd Chhotani Road, Mahim West. Pic/Ashish Raje Citizens struggle on a narrow patch of road near St George’s Hospital at Fort. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
26 March,2025 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Mumbai University graduates stuck outside in heat for two hours
With Mumbai already reeling under intense heat and humidity, around 150 students of Dr Homi Bhabha State University, dressed in traditional attire for the Convocation event, were left standing outside the gates of Mumbai University's Fort campus for nearly two hours on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. The reason? The Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Convocation Hall at the venue could not accommodate all the attendees. According to students, the hall's limited capacity meant those arriving later were denied entry and made to wait outside until the Chief Guest, Maharashtra Governor, and Chancellor of all state universities C. P. Radhakrishnan had departed. The convocation ceremony was attended by over 1200 graduating students, far exceeding the hall’s capacity of just 500. Adding to the crowd were other students and guests who had come to witness the event. Dr R K Kamat, Vice Chancellor of Dr Homi Bhabha State University, acknowledged the overcrowding. Speaking to mid-day, he said, “Yes, many students had to wait outside due to overcrowding. This was also because they arrived late. The reporting time was 10.30 am, and the event began at 11 am. As per the Governor’s security protocol, no one can be allowed entry after the stipulated time.” When asked why a venue with a capacity lower than even the number of graduating students was chosen, Kamat responded, “The convocation was held at the same venue last year. There’s no hall in South Mumbai bigger than the Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Convocation Hall for such events. Moreover, we distributed certificates to the students once the Governor had left.” University security staff at the gate confirmed they were instructed not to allow anyone inside after 11 am due to security protocols and overcrowding. One MSc graduate said, “The university could have planned the event in two sessions to accommodate everyone. What happened on Tuesday was a complete mismanagement. We came dressed in sarees and jewellery, excited for our big day, only to be left sweating on the pavement for almost two hours. The education minister didn’t even show up.” Another student added, “We understand we were late, but some arrangements could have been made for us to wait within the campus. There was no shade or seating, and we stood on the footpath from 11 am to 1 pm.”
26 March,2025 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti Singh