Barely two years after it was first pulled up, a Jogeshwari-based pharmacy college has once again landed in hot water for charging students more than the officially approved fees. In August 2025, around 30 BPharm students of HK Pharmacy College approached the Fee Regulation Authority (FRA), alleging that the institute was demanding Rs 21,000 annually over the sanctioned fee of Rs 1,34,000, which already covers tuition and development charges, as displayed on the college website. “We have been paying the extra amount via cash or UPI. Whenever we ask why, we are told vaguely that it is for the betterment of students,” said a third-year BPharm student. The complainants demanded a refund of Rs 42,000 collected over two years. FRA officials confirmed they received the complaint, but it was later withdrawn. “The college heads assured us that our issues would be resolved. Under pressure, we took back our complaint,” said another student. The institute was demanding Rs 21,000 annually over the sanctioned fee. Pic/By Special Arrangement This is not the first time the institute has faced such allegations. FRA sources told mid-day that in October 2024, junior students had complained about an additional R26,000 being levied under 13 different heads, including “alumni fees,” “impulse magazines and journals,” “scientific activities,” “university exam fees,” and “sessional and practical exams.” Nearly 40 complainants then received refunds. Despite that, no action was taken. “Since the college refunded the excess amount, the FRA resolved the 2024 case,” said FRA member Adv Dharmendra Mishra. But this time, the authority may not let the matter slide. “The college will be called in for a meeting next week, and if discrepancies are found, penal action may follow,” Mishra added. Repeated attempts to contact Principal Dr Tushar Lokhande went unanswered. When mid-day tried to contact Chairman Wasim Javed, the college office said, “The principal is the only responding authority in such matters.”
19 September,2025 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarThe Bombay High Court, in a response to a PIL, in April this year had directed the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to take steps to ensure that the construction of its hospital building, which is undergoing renovation, in Andheri East was completed and possession was obtained on or before August 15, and that the corporation should endeavour to make the facility operational on or before January 31. However, the work has not been completed. Congress leader Rajesh Sharma, who had filed the PIL, claimed, “Not a single bed has been put up. Despite court orders, there are no signs of handing over the hospital to the administration. When will the hospital authorities set up the equipment? Lakhs of employees are being deprived of modern healthcare facilities due to these repetitive delays.” The delay has once again raised questions about the accountability of the ESIC and the contractors responsible for the project. Labour rights activists who were among the petitioners in the PIL alleged that bureaucratic red tape and lack of coordination between agencies are the primary reasons behind the holdup. When questioned, an ESIC official told mid-day, “Government projects have multiple protocol layers and do take time. We are trying our best to follow court orders. We do realise that the deadline has passed. But we are facing some internal challenges about which we do not wish to communicate at the moment.” The official further stated that the work would be done in two months, as just a few last-level paper and civil works were yet to be completed. Meanwhile, the same hospital has received permission to start a medical college with 50 students from this academic year. The future of the same is in doubt as the IPD services are still being provided at the Kandivli ESIC Hospital, and the one at Andheri is only providing OPD services. “Students will not require IPD facilities in their very first year. While applying for starting a medical college, we mentioned both our Kandivli and Andheri facilities, and we received permission on that basis only. By the time the students finish their first year, all facilities will be available at the Andheri hospital,” said a top official from the hospital administration. For now, patients continue to wait in the hope that authorities act swiftly. “We live in Koldongri, Andheri and work at MIDC. Since we are not affluent, we were dependent on the ESIC Hospital. The facility wasn’t operational for almost a decade. Since it was reopened, only the OPD has been functional. We still have to travel to Kandivli for treatment. They should understand that it becomes expensive to travel so far by auto or ambulance during emergencies,” said Latika Mistry, a patient visiting the OPD on Thursday. With just four months left before the next deadline, the onus is on the ESIC to ensure compliance and prevent yet another extension that could further erode public trust.
19 September,2025 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarMaharashtra has added 14.71 lakh voters to its electoral rolls since the November 2024 assembly polls, while names of 4.09 lakh voters were deleted but not a single political party has raised any objection in this regard, a senior official said on Thursday. District-wise data showed Thane recorded the highest increase with 2.25 lakh new voters, followed by Pune with 1.82 lakh. This took the electorate in Thane to 74.55 lakh and in Pune to 90.32 lakh. Mumbai suburban district saw an addition of 95,630 new voters, taking its tally to 77.81 lakh, while Mumbai city added 18,741 names, raising its voter base to 25.62 lakh. 9.84 cr voters in state The total electorate in the state now stands at 9.84 crore, he informed. “While allegations of manipulation of the voter list have dominated political debates, there is not a single written complaint or objection that we have received so far regarding the addition of more than 14 lakh names after the assembly polls. The updated list will now be used for the upcoming civic and local body elections instead of the rolls prepared for last year’s assembly elections,” he said. Together, the metropolis added 1.14 lakh new voters since November, pushing the total number for the upcoming BMC elections to 1.03 crore, the state government official added. The official said applications for addition of 16.83 lakh voters were received across the state, along with nearly 1.97 lakh applications for shifting names from one constituency to another. After scrutiny, 14.71 lakh new names were approved and 4.09 lakh voters deleted, the official informed. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 September,2025 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesIn a disturbing new trend, cyber fraudsters are now exploiting genuine online shopping orders to cheat customers. In a recent such incident, a 27-year-old woman from Sion was duped of '2.07 lakh after she was tricked into believing she had to cancel and reorder her purchase to get faster delivery and an instant refund. According to the police, the woman had placed an online order for garments. Days later, she received a call from a person claiming to be from the company’s dispatch centre. To gain her confidence, he quoted her exact order details and then told her that delivery would take months unless she cancelled it and placed a fresh order. He assured her that the refund for the first order would reflect in her bank account immediately. Trusting him, she followed instructions and made a series of online payments through a digital wallet app — first a few thousand, then repeated transactions after the caller claimed there were “system errors” and “failed refund attempts.” He even persuaded her to enter her bank account number, IFSC code, and OTPs into the app’s refund section, each time insisting it was necessary to process the refund. Over a span of hours, she ended up transferring a total of '2.07 lakh. When the refund did not come and the caller’s number went out of service, she realised she had been cheated. She reported the matter to the national cyber helpline 1930 before approaching the Sion police, who registered an FIR under sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act and sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Cyber officials said the case shows how fraudsters are innovating by piggybacking on real shopping transactions to make their schemes look genuine. Explaining the new modus, a police officer said, “The fraudster in this case already knew the victim’s exact order number and the items she had purchased. It looks like there was a data leak at some point in the chain, which the fraudsters managed to access through a breach in a third-party delivery or logistics system or the seller's databases. Or it can be phishing malware or compromised apps!” The police have urged citizens to never share OTPs or transfer money outside official app gateways, even if callers appear to know accurate order details. “Even if someone provides real order information, never process refunds or share OTPs outside the official app. And no app will directly contact the customer for refunds, OTPs, or new offers,” the officer added.
19 September,2025 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerCab drivers in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra working with Ola, Uber, and other aggregators have threatened to storm the Azad Maidan on September 30, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the city, to press for their various demands. The demands include fare parity, a cap on commissions, faster implementation of the Maharashtra Aggregator Policy, and a ban on bike taxis. A few protesters, who reached the Azad Maidan on Thursday, said they will take a vow not to vote for the Mahayuti government if the demands are not fulfilled, even as the transport department issued an ultimatum to cab aggregators to enforce the discussed fare parity rates by Thursday (September 18). “We will come with our families from across the state and protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Despite repeated written and verbal assurances to the state’s joint transport commissioner to follow the government rates, cab aggregator companies have not implemented any rates on their mobile application to date,” Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha president Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, who is spearheading the agitation, told mid-day. The state transport department had held a meeting with aggregators and drivers in July, during which it presented the companies with the issues raised by the drivers. In the meeting, the aggregators agreed to address the issue, including the implementation of government rates and drivers getting 80 per cent of the fare revenue. Following their meeting, an ultimatum was issued by the transport department to Ola, Uber, and other cab aggregators to enforce agreed-upon fare parity rates by the deadline, which ended Thursday (September 18). “The transport department had given us assurance on September 16, and the regulations were issued by the government officials many times before that. But companies have not been yielding to the demands. We had a meeting of cab, rickshaw, and taxi drivers working with aggregator companies at Azad Maidan this morning, and it was decided that if we do not get our due rates before September 30 and the closure of bike taxi services, we will storm Azad Maidan and take an oath to vote against the Mahayuti alliance,” he added.
19 September,2025 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Indian Medical Association (IMA) launched a 24-hour strike at 8 am on Thursday. Despite all IMA-registered hospitals being shut across the state, healthcare services were not massively hampered, as emergency services were available at government hospitals. Doctors are protesting against the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) permitting the registration of homoeopaths who complete the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology to prescribe modern medicine. “Till late Thursday evening, we had only received a letter from the government stating that the matter was still in the courts and asking us to call off our strike. However, we asked that if the matter was sub judice, why was the order mentioning the registration of homoeopathy practitioners and permitting them to practise modern medicine passed by the government,” said Dr Santosh Kadam, state president, IMA. Meanwhile, doctors in four major civic-run hospitals told mid-day that healthcare services were unhampered on Thursday, as resident and senior resident doctors provided medical assistance in emergency wards. “My peers working at IMA-registered hospitals and private clinics participated in the strike while keeping just one or two doctors in rotation for emergency services. Those like us working in BMC hospitals continued providing services in rotation at casualty wards,” said Dr Smriti Khule, a senior resident at a major civic hospital. Dr Sanket Trivedi, resident doctor at Sion Hospital, said, “The aim is to safeguard patients from a wrong course of treatment. So, if we stop providing services altogether, the purpose won’t be served. But, yes, this token strike was necessary, and we hope that the government understands our reasons.” Meanwhile, patients observed that the number of doctors present in the civic hospitals was visibly less. “Generally, during morning hours, there are many doctors in the OPD wards. But today, there were few of them. Services are anyway slower in government hospitals due to the patient load. So, we did not see a huge difference there,” said Sadiq Ansari, who was visiting KEM Hospital with his pregnant wife for her routine sonography. The IMA has hinted at a more rigorous strike after one week. “We will wait for another seven days for the government to rethink its decision. Otherwise, we will intensify our strike,” said Dr Kadam.
19 September,2025 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarA mysterious ailment is causing Matheran’s iconic horses to lose their eyesight, sparking concern among their owners. According to experts, the illness begins with blindness in one eye and progresses to complete loss of vision. So far, 10 cases have been recorded. Dr Anil P Lahane, an equine veterinarian and founder of the Pune-based organisation Ashvaseva, and his team recently visited Matheran after learning about the situation from horse owners. He told mid-day, “A mystery disease is spreading among horses in Matheran, causing rapid and severe eye infections that can lead to complete blindness. The condition typically begins with watery eyes and mild swelling, progressing to yellowing and reddening of the eye. Within days, affected horses may lose their vision entirely. The exact cause remains unknown, though early intervention with antiprotozoal medication and prescribed eye drops has shown some positive results. At the first sign of swelling, cloudiness, or redness, contact a qualified veterinarian immediately.” Dr Lahane also pointed out that sudden blindness in horses could result in fear, disorientation, risk of injury, and potentially dangerous behavioural changes, including running into and kicking nearby objects. He advised owners to inspect horses’ eyes daily, use fly masks and maintain strict hygiene to reduce exposure to insects. “We strongly urge the authorities to investigate this outbreak on priority. The health of Matheran’s horses and the livelihoods that depend on them are at serious risk. This is not just a disease; it is a wake-up call for urgent action,” said Dr Lahane. Oman, the horse whose vision returned after it received timely treatment; (right) Kiaan, who lost vision in one eye. Pics/Nidhi Deepak Jadhav Vishal Akhde, a horse owner from Matheran, said, “During the Ganeshotsav season, two of my horses, Kiaan and Oman, developed infections, resulting in swelling and a change in eye colour. This was something we had never seen before. Unfortunately, the infection led to partial blindness in both horses. We immediately informed private veterinarians, who began treatment. While Oman has recovered its vision, Kiaan seems to have permanently lost sight in one eye. The most worrying part is that Matheran does not have a full-time government veterinarian. I sincerely hope the government and authorities concerned take note of this disease and take urgent steps to prevent its spread.” Nidhi Deepak Jadhav, another horse owner, said, “In the past 15 to 20 days, several cases of eye infections in horses have been reported in Matheran, sparking great concern. The illness begins with swelling of the eyes, followed by a change in eye colour, and by the fourth or fifth day, the affected horses start losing their vision. We immediately informed Dr Abhishek Bhosale and Dr Anil Lahane, veterinarians known to us, who visited and began treatment. So far, 10 horses have been affected, many of them suffering partial loss of vision. We urge the authorities, including the animal husbandry department, to take serious note of this outbreak and conduct a thorough investigation to prevent the disease from spreading further. The livelihoods of a majority of horse owners and caretakers in Matheran depend entirely on these horses, and their health must be protected.” There are approximately 450 horses and around 200 ponies in Matheran, and the livelihoods of around 350 families of ghodawalas and 250 of their helpers, who ferry goods and people on horseback, depend on them for their daily bread. This newspaper has shed light on the sorry state of the government veterinary clinic at Matheran and locals’ long-standing demand for better facilities. Official Speak Dr Ajay Kamble, assistant commissioner of animal husbandry, Alibaug, Raigad “Samples from the horses affected by eye infection in Matheran have been collected and sent to the Bombay Veterinary College for testing, and the results are awaited. Only after receiving the reports can we confirm the exact cause of the temporary vision loss. Our team has visited Matheran, carried out medical examinations, and initiated treatment. The majority of the horses have already recovered, and there is no cause for concern, as even the two horses that had vision loss are showing signs of improvement with their eyesight gradually returning.”
19 September,2025 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe best green cover A BEST bus stop at Samata Nagar Road in Kandivli East is covered under overgrown creepers. Brushstrokes from history on canvas Meenakshi Nihalani Mumbai-based artist and sculptor, Meenakshi Nihalani (above), will be the 2025’s first recipient of The Emerging Artist Solo Award (TEAS) at Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art (AMCA), Colaba on October 9, at her debut solo show at the gallery. The date falls in the same week as the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (October 2), whose letters from the Champaran Satyagraha, and their impact on the Indigo farmers during the British Colonial era, inspired her project. Anupa Mehta, (inset) gallerist and curator, told this diarist, “This award [by AMCA] celebrates the work of a promising artist whose practice addresses subjects of socio-political and economic relevance.” Hand prints in time Gulammohammed Sheikh, Mappamundi, 2003-2004, digital collage; (right) Tonga in a Cityscape, 1963, lithograph. Pics Courtesy/artist and Vadehra Art Gallery They know him as an artist, poet, and historian, but it is Gulammohammed Sheikh’s seven-decade-long passion for printmaking that takes centrestage at the ongoing two-part retrospective, Gulammohammed Sheikh: Hand Prints | Mind Prints at the Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation (JNAF) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. “Few artists have had such a deep involvement with printmaking, unless they are printmakers themselves. He enjoys the artisanal process. In fact, I did not know it myself. He has made over 1000 copies for little magazines through the years,” curator Pushpamala N shared with us. Korea’s Nobel nod for Amitav Ghosh Amitav Ghosh in a moment of repose. Pic/Ashish Raje The last time this diarist met with author Amitav Ghosh, the Padma Shri-awardee was chatting over a cup of Muscatel Okayti at a Bandra café, about his essay collection, Wild Fictions (HarperCollins). We were delighted with the news that he has been awarded the 14th Pak Kyongni Prize — Korea’s literary Nobel. “It is a profound privilege to be a successor to writers like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Antonia Byatt and Ismail Kadare, and to be associated with the memory of Pak Kyongni, South Korea’s most beloved writer of the 20th century,” Ghosh shared in a note. Ever the zeitgeist chronicler, he added, “The story of how the hallyu wave hit India, via Manipur and the Northeast, is a particularly fascinating one because it is a reminder that we live in an era when the world is being remade in many different ways, sometimes without our being aware of it.” Growing pains for this ballad After a five-year-run through Mumbai, and international stages, Dr Ulka Mayur’s (below) Ballad of Desires will drop curtains on September 20. “In the last few shows, I felt that we were beginning to exhaust our repertoire,” Mayur admitted, adding that the main reason was more technical. “Over time, there is a need and ambition to mount bigger shows. The rigmarole of putting up shows in smaller spaces was beginning to wane. There is also the danger of falling into a comfort zone. We wanted to come out of it, and look at a larger scale. You have to push the boundaries,” she said.Patrons need not worry though, for the ennui only seems temporary. Mayur added, “In theatre, we never say never. Perhaps a year or two down the line, we might think of bringing it back. We might even upgrade it and stage it on a larger scale. You never know.” Lace up for a fitter Navratri Female members of the group during a traditional run. Pics Courtesy/KDR Runners from Kalyan-Dombivli will dress to the nines in traditional attire this Saturday to ring in the Navratri festivities. “The fun doesn’t stop there. Throughout the nine days, we will take up interesting challenges centred on the number nine. Think running nine kilometres, or running in groups of nine,” shared Suraj Shetty (right) of the Kalyan Dombivli Runners (KDR) group. Kicking off from the KDMC Ground, the group will head to 90 Feet Road before charting a return journey. “Every year, we formulate unique ways to celebrate the festival. On October 2, we will felicitate the quirkiest out-of-the-box ideas runners come up with,” Shetty told us. A fun change from running in circles, we think. Those keen to join them this year, can log on to @kalyandombivli_runners.
19 September,2025 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayCommuters are fuming after the Railways spent crores on retiling station foot overbridges (FOBs) and concourses with glossy flooring that turns dangerously slippery in the rains. From Bandra to Grant Road, Dadar to Mumbai Central, the new tiles are less a facelift and more a fall trap, raising safety concerns yet again. “I was hurrying to catch my morning train at Mulund, taking the newly built central foot overbridge on the Kalyan side. From a distance it looked impressive — shiny, wide, airy and modern. But the moment I stepped onto it, I realised it was dangerously slippery. Despite wearing my monsoon shoes, they slid on the tiles underfoot. This was just after a slight drizzle, and the floor had turned into a trap. Grant Road: Newly laid glossy tiles on FOB raise safety concerns for commuters As I walked carefully, I suddenly lost balance—my foot skidded forward, but I managed to steady myself before falling. Since that close call, I move nervously across the bridge, almost tiptoeing to avoid a fall. The new bridge has become a daily hazard. The old bridges may be overcrowded, but their rough flooring at least offers grip. That’s why many of us still prefer them, even when the new FOB is closer and more spacious. The same tiles have been laid at Thane, Kurla and Ghatkopar, and all have the same problem. Earlier, such tiles used to be roughened up right after installation, but no such precaution seems to have been taken here,” said Mulund student commuter Gandharva Purohit. Safety vs shine Has the Railways’ fad of “improving façades” gone horribly wrong? Commuters rushing through suburban stations and foot overbridges (FOBs) this monsoon say so. Gleaming granite and vitrified tiles — marketed as modern, durable and attractive — have instead turned into skating rinks. Dadar: Gleaming new flooring at Dadar station staircase becomes a slip hazard in wet weather Despite repeated complaints of slips and near falls, Railways continue to use granite flooring in station upgrades, citing durability, aesthetics and low maintenance. The issue is most acute on newly built FOBs and stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat scheme. “Running for a train becomes risky, especially on FOBs and staircases. One wrong step and you can slip,” said Sohum Mhatre, a daily traveller from Kalyan. Mulund: Shiny new flooring on the foot overbridge at Mulund station which becomes a slip hazard during monsoon Most of these slippery tiles were installed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Amrit Bharat Station Upgrade plan, which ironically was meant to make stations safer and commuter-friendly. The problem is persistent all over India across stations and foot overbridges due to the Central government’s focus on aesthetics rather than utility and quality. Why granite and vitrified? Railway engineers defend the choice. Granite, they say, is among the hardest natural stones, stain- and fire-resistant, requiring little upkeep. Vitrified tiles are lighter, cheaper, faster to lay and easier to source in bulk, while still offering a glossy finish. FOB between Bandra and Khar: Shiny new flooring on the foot overbridge between Bandra and Khar turns slippery in the rains “In high-traffic zones, this flooring lasts much longer than other materials and is far more durable. It also gives stations a premium, modern look in line with Amrit Bharat and MRVC upgrades. Granite is used only in premium stations, lounges or heritage-style restorations since it is costlier and heavier,” a senior railway official said. Officials also claimed that precautions had been taken: anti-slip treatments, rough finishes and Kota stone mixes on walkways. “The idea is to balance heritage and modern looks with commuter safety,” a spokesperson said. Voices of concern Ritesh Karkera, advocate“There’s a thin line between cleanliness and fancy. Granite flooring on railway platforms is not just a waste of public money, but an open invitation to mishaps. Safety must come before showpiece projects” Shreyas Save, Commuter “Many stations have vitrified and granite flooring that becomes slippery during rains. Please replace these with anti-skid tiles or apply textured finishes. Check Charni Road and Mumbai Central FOBs” Shailesh Goyal a former member of the National Railway Users Consultative Committee, “Vitrified and granite may look shiny and modern, but for lakhs of commuters racing against time, safety underfoot is what matters. On staircases, these tiles are particularly dangerous because of their sharp edges” Khurshed Lawyer, commuter“Granite flooring is glamorous and easy to clean, no doubt. But it is risky in every season, especially the monsoon. It must be roughed up or replaced” Other commuters echoed similar concerns Hemant Solanki“The glossy tiles at Ghatkopar under the FOB are a monsoon risk. They must be replaced” Hemant Bharati“All new staircases are slippery. Accidents are bound to happen” Svetlana Pinto“Same problem at Grant Road. You need to walk extra carefully” Vishal Khedkar“Slippery pink tiles at Vikhroli platforms—how did this even get approved?” Rules versus reality These justifications, however, clash with Indian Railways’ own rulebooks. Manual of Standards & Specifications for Railway Stations (2009): Floors must be “slip resistant.” Platform finishes must be “hard, durable, non-slip.” Granite allowed only with anti-skid finish. Railway Board Amenities Compilation (2023): Anti-skid properties mandatory for platforms, staircases and concourses. Granite restricted to cladding and décor. Amrit Bharat Redevelopment Guidelines (2022–23): Granite and vitrified tiles only for façades and ticketing halls; anti-skid vitrified, Kota stone or tactile flooring mandated for FOBs and platforms. Indian Railways Works Manual & CPWD specifications: Polished stone must be treated with anti-slip coating or roughened finish before being used on walkways. On the ground, though, commuters point to shiny surfaces at Khar, Ghatkopar, Mahalaxmi, Charni Road, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Thane and even CSMT.
19 September,2025 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday morning began work on redesigning bollards along the footpaths of Babasaheb Ambedkar Road in the Dadar and Matunga areas, in a bid to stop two-wheeler riders from encroaching on pedestrian space. A biker misuses the footpath at Dadar TT, sparking complaints from residents. Pic/Atul Kamble The civic action followed a letter from the Matunga division of the Mumbai Traffic Police to the F North ward, after repeated complaints from residents and a mid-day report highlighting the menace. The area has some of the city’s widest footpaths, close to four metres across, but riders often use them to escape traffic snarls, jeopardising pedestrian safety. The traffic police had flagged 18 problem spots where zig-zag barricades were sought. On Thursday, BMC began work at a few of these locations near Khodadad Circle. However, instead of zig-zag bollards as suggested, the civic body installed regular bollards. The wide gap between the bollards used by bikers to ride on the footpath on Wednesday. Pic/Kirti Surve Parde A senior civic official told mid-day, “At the ward level, there is no standard design for bollards that ensure pedestrian safety. The ones installed now will still deter motorists and help protect pedestrians.” According to the BMC, all 18 locations are likely to be covered by the weekend. The debate The move, however, has thrown up a dilemma. BMC said the earlier bollards were designed to be both pedestrian- and wheelchair-friendly, with enough space between them. Unfortunately, bikers were misusing this very gap to mount the footpaths. Civic staff carry out bollard installation work at Khodadad Circle on Thursday.Pic/Atul Kamble Faced with a flood of complaints, BMC has temporarily narrowed the spacing. But officials admitted this could hurt accessibility. “Reducing the gap between bollards will block wheelchair users,” a senior civic official said, adding, “This is a stopgap measure. We need a long-term solution that balances pedestrian safety with urban equity.” Authorities speak Additional municipal commissioner (Roads) said: “There is a way to install bollards that allow wheelchairs but not bikers — by placing them at odd angles. A comprehensive survey will help us implement this more effectively.”
19 September,2025 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for September 19. Aries March 21 – April 20Receiving expected news is slightly different, but this will do just as well for the moment. Enjoy a day of varied experiences and meetings. Cosmic tip: Enjoy this karmic cycle of all going well. Taurus April 21 – May 20Being uptodate in work makes it easier to host a visiting friend (being Agony Aunt is a part of the friendship).Cosmic tip: Continue making self-respect the most important personality trait. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Keep conversation practical and to the point. A relationship seething with irritation settles down after a talk. Cosmic tip: Don’t try to be better than someone else, but be better than what you were yesterday. Cancer June 22 – July 23Some have a raise in salary. Dealing with family in an open and calm manner helps find some important solutions. Cosmic tip: Be appreciative about how life is proceeding, making use of an opportunity. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Travel plans are shelved for now. Enjoying alone time regularly is something worked at to achieve. Documents and papers need to be kept safely.Cosmic tip: Don’t consider a worst-case scenario. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Those wanting to brush-up existing skills can do so on their own/ attend some workshops. There’s so much work to complete; do so with focus. Cosmic tip: Live within the peace of your own heart. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22The utmost desire is to spend the day at home, but work calls out. Being considered a master of your craft is an acknowledgment to hard work. Cosmic tip: Take life in your stride. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A partnership heralds a new phase in life. The kind of financial news received is unexpected and surprising. Those job hunting receive an interview call.Cosmic tip: Be aware of words used when talking. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Life may seem to be moving too slowly, but it’s a smooth run, too. Two opportunities may seem worthless, but aren’t. Cosmic tip: Change what you can about life and accept the rest. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A karmic cycle of closures allows reaching an important career/business goal. Relocation is an option for some. Cosmic tip: Let go of comfortable habits that do nothing for you. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Self-employed Aquarians see a definite surge in business. Friends insist on meeting you more often. Take time out for yourself.Cosmic tip: Give the benefit of the doubt to one comment. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Advice from a friend helps see the truth hidden under waves of emotion. Life takes a slight turn for the better, so be aware of changes. Cosmic tip: Be extra careful if prone to allergies.
19 September,2025 01:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseADVERTISEMENT
