The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) launched the ‘International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System’ on 22nd October 2024. This system identifies calls that appear to be originating from within India but are made by cybercriminals from abroad by manipulating the calling line identity (CLI). These spoofed calls have been used in cybercrimes like threatening disconnection of mobile numbers by fraudsters impersonating as DoT/TRAI officials, fake digital arrests, drugs/narcotics in courier, impersonation as police officials, and arrests in sex rackets. Within 24 hours of the operation of the system, about 1.35 crore or 90 per cent of all the incoming international calls with tempered Indian phone numbers were identified as spoofed calls and blocked by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) from reaching Indian telecom subscribers. In the latest reports of December 2024, the spoofed calls identified and blocked with Indian numbers have dipped to about 6 lakhs indicating that the system has successfully tackled the issue of cyber-crimes that were being conducted through calls that were being made from abroad, but the CLI was tempered to look as Indian number. However, fraudsters have now shifted their tactics and are using international numbers for their deceptive practices. It is noted that fraudsters are increasingly impersonating government authorities by calling from international numbers that do not start with +91 but start with numbers such as +8, +85, +65 etc. DoT has formed a dedicated task force comprising various stakeholders that is actively working to address such spoofed calls. One of the recommendations of the task force was that TSPs should display “International Call” to the subscribers whenever any call from outside the country is received. This will help the users to understand that such calls cannot be from Indian Authorities or organizations like TRAI, Police, Income Tax etc. One of the TSPs (Airtel) has implemented the technical solution and has already started displaying “International Call” for all calls received from outside the country. Other TSPs are exploring the technical feasibility of implementing the same. The DoT advises Citizens that they should show caution with respect to answering calls from unfamiliar international numbers that are not starting with +91 and which claim to be from government authorities of India. Citizens are advised to report such suspected fraud communications at the Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi (www.sancharsaasthi,gov.in ). For those who have already lost money or been victims of cybercrime, the incident should be immediately reported at the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or the website https://www.cybercrime.gov.in. The DoT has been taking proactive measures towards strengthening its capacity to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cyber frauds and cyber-crimes. The department’s continued focus has been on tackling emerging cyber threats, securing telecom services, and providing citizens with safe and reliable communication networks. The cyber awareness caller tunes being played over the past few days are a result of an order issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The DoT has directed all telecom companies to play awareness caller tunes 8-10 times a day for the next three months. These caller tunes address various aspects of cyber fraud and aim to educate the public about online safety.
25 December,2024 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanOn Wednesday, the city saw a significant drop, with the minimum temperature reaching 17 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a cloudy sky on Wednesday, December 25, with temperatures ranging from a cool 22 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 31 degrees Celsius during the day. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai's Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 17.2 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 19.7 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 31 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 22 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 57 per cent. The sun rose at 07:09 AM and will set at 06:08 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "haze with partly cloudy sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On December 25, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 180 at 9:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'moderate' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 187. Colaba, Chembur and Ghatkopar recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 135, 151 and 145, respectively. Deonar, Kandivali and Sewri recorded 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 240, 230 and 202, respectively. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 128, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 144. 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'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
25 December,2024 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA family, including three years old triplets and two elderly people, was traveling by car from Surat to Pune late at night when their vehicle collided with a jersey barrier abruptly placed at Talasari on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. The accident occurred around 1 a.m. Fortunately, the airbags inflated, saving their lives, and everyone escaped unharmed, according to the driver, Vivek Chashmawala, a native of Surat. “The car was damaged in the accident, but thankfully, my triplet kids, two senior citizens including my father and aunt are unharmed,” Chashmawala told Mid-Day. Recalling the incident, a visibly shaken Chashmawala said, “There were two senior citizens and my triplet children in the car. I was driving as we were heading to Pune from Surat to visit my ailing aunt. Due to the ongoing white-topping work on NH48, the driving space had become narrow. A jersey barrier was abruptly placed in the Mumbai-bound lane. In an attempt to avoid an oncoming speeding truck from the opposite side, I veered the car to the left and rammed into the barrier. Thankfully, all the airbags inflated, and the car came to a stop.” “Though we all were in a panic condition awaiting authorities to help us on the road, none of them arrived. But a motorist Nurul Sultan helped us and took us to a safer place,” he added. The accident site has been cordoned off by the victim Chashmawala and Good Samaritan Sultan. “I was heading with my friends to have dinner when I saw children crying on the highway. The family was absolutely terrified after the accident. So we immediately took them to a nearby hotel, informed Talasari police who assured support,” informed Sultan, a local businessman at Palghar district. But even after two hours, no police had arrived at the accident site on NH48.
25 December,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaPrahlad Kakkar, film director Manmohan Shetty, film producer Javed Akhtar, screenwriter, lyricist and poet Divya Dutta, actor Naseeruddin Shah and Boman Irani, actors Ashish Shelar, MLA and state minister Kulbhushan Kharbanda, actor Rajit Kapoor, actor, director Dalip Tahil, actor
25 December,2024 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentSri Subramania Samaj, Cheddanagar, Chembur, is conducting an Athirudram and Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagnam from December 27, 2024 to January 7, 2025, on the occasion of the samaj completing 80 years. The Yagnam involves the chanting of mantras multiple times and performing sacred rituals to propitiate Lord Siva and Goddess Durga. The rituals will be conducted for 12 days in a specially erected yagasala adjacent to the Temple Complex. Over 150 Sivacharyars from Tamil Nadu temples will perform rare Mahayagyams.
25 December,2024 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesOf the city's two major rail terminals, the Central Railway has found an innovative solution to improve its sanitation facilities at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) by partnering with DMart Foundation under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Meanwhile, Churchgate station continues to lag due to bureaucratic red tape and neglect. Both the stations see a daily footfall of over 5 lakh passengers. The public toilet at Churchgate station on Tuesday. Pics/Atul Kamble Starting February 21, 2024, DMart Foundation has taken over the maintenance of all toilet blocks at CSMT, except for one older block in the suburban section, which will also be handed over soon. The initiative aims to provide commuters with clean and hygienic facilities free of charge. According to the sources, in contrast, Western Railway officials at Churchgate station dismissed a similar proposal, opting instead for local contractors to manage public toilets, resulting in poor hygiene and maintenance standards. “Churchgate is an iconic station, but the toilets are in pathetic condition. Over the years, one has to face the same stink while passing and the persons who maintain it have created their own slum standards inside. Does not feel or look good,” said commuter Devendra Bhatia. Another commuter, Dr Sunil Shah, added, “Given the volume of public use, the condition of the toilets is poor and unhygienic. One cannot stand around it for a long time. Ironically, there are food canteens and stalls just close by. There is huge scope for improvement.” WR officials refuted the allegations, stating that Churchgate’s public toilets tare maintained as per standards with regular inspections. “Complaints, if any, will be addressed. We are also considering proposals to involve private parties in maintenance,” a WR spokesperson said. Under the DMart initiative at CSMT, dedicated staff ensures round-the-clock upkeep of facilities. “The maintenance is aimed at providing passengers with a comfortable and sanitary experience during their travels. Importantly, the usage of these toilet facilities will be made available to passengers free of charge, aligning with DMart Foundation's dedication to making a positive impact on the communities they serve,” a CR spokesperson said.
25 December,2024 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe accused driver in the Kurla accident approached the sessions court on Tuesday, seeking bail, claiming that the bus that was involved in the death of nine people and injuring 49 others, had a mechanical fault. Sanjay More, the accused, has been asserting that he saw a spark in the bus. “In the bail application, we are stating that the BEST bus had a mechanical fault, which may have caused the accident. The police had obtained 11 days of police custody, and now he is in judicial custody. We filed a bail application because More’s custody is no longer necessary. The court has agreed to hear the argument on January 2 and has instructed the Kurla police to submit a report on the bail application,” said Samadhan Sulane, advocate for Sanjay More. mid-day had previously reported that More had claimed to have seen a small spark in the bus before losing control. However, the police said, “Though he insists that he saw a spark in the BEST bus, both the RTO and the BEST reports indicate there was no mechanical fault. The accident occurred due to the driver’s negligence.”
25 December,2024 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani on Tuesday chaired the fifth meeting of the Coordination Committee for Air Pollution in view of the worsening air quality in the city. At the meeting, attended by the chief of the corporations from the Mumbai Metropolitan area, Gagrani, advising them to work on pollution mitigation, asked all civic officials to focus on a five-kilometre radius in areas where the Air Quality Index (AQI) is poor. All areas have their guidelines for pollution mitigation, he said. On Tuesday, the overall AQI recorded in the city stood in the ‘moderate category’ at 145. On Sunday evening, the environment ministry’s SAMEER app recorded the city’s overall AQI at 180, marking the fourth consecutive day of thick smog. Earlier this week, the AQI briefly crossed the 200 mark in several places, entering the ‘poor’ category. BMC chief Bhusan Gagrani Present in the meeting were Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Dr Avinash Dhakne, Commissioner of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Kailas Shinde, Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Katkar, BMC Joint Municipal Commissioner Chandrashekhar Chore, police officials from all over the city, local self-bodies, and other agencies working in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Gagrani said that agencies must comply with the Bombay High Court’s directives and pay special attention to areas with declining air quality, and their focus should be on factors contributing to pollution within a five-kilometre radius. “Controlling air pollution is a collective responsibility of all agencies. If one agency performs exceptionally well, but the others fail, it will impact the entire metropolitan area. Therefore, all agencies should work collectively and implement strict measures,” Gagrani said. BMC officials who attended the meeting said that the civic body chief has asked all agencies across the MMR to work on pollution mitigation.
25 December,2024 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe ambitious and much-discussed Dharavi redevelopment project has gained momentum, aiming to transform and revamp homes in Dharavi, a locality often referred to as one of Asia’s largest slums due to its sprawling settlements. However, a critical question remains unanswered: has the government, along with the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), considered how they will preserve and nurture the thriving micro-economy that operates within these households? Concern looms large for informal business owners and operators in Dharavi, who fear that redevelopment could spell the end of their generations-old businesses and livelihoods. Dharavi’s unique identity lies in its parallel micro-economy, encompassing the leather market, Kumbharwada (potters’ village), the garment industry and plastic waste recycling, among others. This intricate economic ecosystem makes Dharavi’s redevelopment far more complex compared to other slum redevelopment projects. ‘I will die in Kumbharwada’ “This is where I was born and raised. It’s where my father taught me to mould and shape clay into pots, and where I, in turn, taught my children the craft. I will die here in Kumbharwada, within the Dharavi slums, rather than move to a swanky flat elsewhere,” said 57-year-old Ranchhodbhai Tank, a community leader in Kumbharwada. Ranchhodbhai Tank, a community leader in Kumbharwada Shaded from the sharp afternoon sun, the rows of houses covered in thick black soot define Kumbharwada, Mumbai's ‘pottery village’ located on the outskirts of Dharavi. The area hums with activity, staying true to its identity as a hub of artisans. For generations, Kumbharwada has been synonymous with home, hearth and craft—a testament to a strong cultural heritage and an unyielding sense of community. However, recent talks of redevelopment and relocation have sparked mixed emotions among its residents, oscillating between rebellion and fear. Like Tank, many in Kumbharwada insist on being rehabilitated on the very land where their homes and workshops currently stand. “Who doesn’t want to live in a clean and good place? We dream of the same, but not at the cost of losing our livelihood,” said 54-year-old Dhansukhbhai Kamaliya. “Life in Kumbharwada is far from peaceful or easy. We face hardships every single day. For instance, we sell each diya we mould for just R1.30, while shops sell them for Rs 2.50 to R3. Despite bearing the costs of maintenance and raw materials, our profits are minimal, while it’s the shops that benefit. But Kumbharwada is more than just a place; it is the lifeblood of our community, like the blood that flows through our veins. We don’t want to move to Malad or Mulund. Our only wish is to stay here, where we belong,” explained Kamaliya. A small-scale garment factory in Dharavi. Pics/Kirti Surve Parade Sharing his fear of being relocated to distant places, Kamaliya adds: “For the past 43 years, I have been deeply involved in the pottery business—not just overseeing it, but as one of the 125 artisans who sit at the wheel and mould vessels with my own hands. There are around 125 of us potters working directly at the wheel, but there are hundreds more involved in support tasks like colouring, designing and supply. Yet, no one has ever conducted a proper survey to understand the full scope of our work. We are not interested in relocating to Malad, Ghatkopar, or anywhere else. Our only demand is to keep both our homes and businesses here. Advocate Samya Korde, social activist and CEO of the Dharavi Foundation Business has been steady after some hiccups during the pandemic, but the redevelopment authorities only communicate through middlemen. They don’t speak directly with us potters or business owners. We’re still in the dark about their plans. Where will we live? Where will we make our clay pots and vessels? And where will we fire them? These are questions no one has answered,” added Kamaliya. Refuse to surrender While locals say there has been no official discussion with the Adani Group and DRPPL regarding the project and their rehabilitation, the Kumbhars remain steadfast in their refusal to negotiate or surrender what they regard as their ‘ancestral land’ unless there is clarity on their rehabilitation and a commitment to staying within Kumbharwada. Raju Khade, leather manufacturer Tank added: “They say residents whose homes were built before January 1, 2000, and those living on the ground floor are eligible for free homes within Dharavi itself. But we’ve been living here and running our pottery business for nearly a century. Our ancestors were the first to settle here, and I can proudly say they built Dharavi; they built Kumbharwada. If only those on the ground floor are eligible, what happens to our workshops on the first floor in many houses here? Many of us run our workshops on the ground floor and live on the first floor, or vice versa. There has been no clarity on these issues. We have a set of questions that need answers, and without those answers, we are not interested in what they are offering. We have no objection to the redevelopment project itself, but if they plan to squeeze us into one corner and turn more than half of Kumbharwada into saleable real estate, that is unacceptable. Our community has always lived and worked together, and we demand to be rehabilitated here in Kumbharwada along with our businesses. This is prime land, and everyone has their eyes on it.” Kala Qila Moving away from Kumbharwada towards the Kala Qilla area is where Raju Khade runs Rank Leather, manufacturing leather and non-leather goods, including bags, wallets, and belts. The entire stretch is dotted with shops that manufacture and sell leather articles like shoes, bags, wallets, belts, and jackets. Khade says the situation is dire: despite multiple surveys, none of the business owners have any clarity about their future. Clay diyas at Kumbharwada in Dharavi “What sort of redevelopment project is this, where everyone is in constant fear of losing their homes or livelihoods? There is no clarity on what the authorities are planning. Shouldn’t there be a public meeting to discuss eligibility and provide some idea about rehabilitation plans? At least two or three surveys have been conducted, and I have even submitted my documents. But we are still in the dark about what will happen to us—whether we will be relocated or rehabilitated within Dharavi itself. What will happen to our workshops and manufacturing units? Will they also be relocated? We outsource a lot of work, and the artisans live nearby, which avoids hassles. We have no idea how any of this will be managed,” said Khade. According to Khade, many residents have refused to allow surveyors into their localities, even chasing them away. “If the survey doesn’t happen, the entire process will be delayed even further. On top of that, the areas they plan to relocate us to have local residents who don’t want us there, just like we don’t want to leave Dharavi. This has created a complete deadlock. The DRPPL and state government agencies need to first gain the public’s trust and provide clarity before moving forward with the project,” he said. Rajiv Gandhi Nagar Barely 1.5 km from Kala Qilla lies Rajiv Gandhi Nagar in Dharavi, where Khurshid Shaikh runs his shop and manufacturing unit for leather jackets under the name Al-Hasan. Shaikh, along with many others in the area, has been opposing the redevelopment survey since the project was handed over to DRPPL. “We are not against the redevelopment of Dharavi but are definitely against this kind of redevelopment planning. Initially, we stopped the surveyors, but we were later threatened with police action. We are ordinary people, struggling every day to feed our families, so we had no choice but to let them complete the survey and numbering. People here are scared, thinking the Adani Group is close to the government, and we feel powerless against them,” said Shaikh. Talking about the redevelopment project, he added, “My family has been living and working in Dharavi for three generations. We’ve already seen two surveys and plans—first in 2007 by the NGO Mashal, and again in 2016. After the 2016 survey, they proposed dividing Dharavi into nine sectors, with Rajiv Gandhi Nagar falling under Sector Five. That plan was eventually cancelled, and now DRPPL has started yet another survey, which is ongoing. Despite all this, there is still no clarity about what will happen to us or our businesses. How can they expect us to accept their terms without telling us what those terms are? We don’t even know if we will be relocated. Our demand is simple: both our commercial units and homes must remain in Dharavi,” Shaikh said. Another businessman, Mazhar Khan, a fourth-generation garment entrepreneur in Dharavi, shared his concerns. “Surveyors recently came and numbered our premises. When we asked them about the redevelopment process or whom we could speak to for more information, they simply said, 'We can’t discuss that. Let us finish the survey, and you can speak to the officials when you submit your documents.’ At the very least, they should assure us that we will be allotted places within Dharavi itself. That would give us some relief. Instead, they’ve left thousands of people in fear and uncertainty by not clarifying anything. We live in constant anxiety—fearing we will lose both our homes and livelihoods or be relocated to far-off places where our businesses won’t survive,” said Khan, who runs a garment factory at Dharavi T Junction called M K Bottoms, specialising in women’s pants and trousers. Having grown up in Dharavi, Advocate Samya Korde, a social activist and CEO of the Dharavi Foundation, has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by informal business owners and the daily struggles of life in Dharavi. Sharing her perspective on the ongoing tug-of-war, Korde said: “Dharavi is far more than just a slum; it functions as a thriving business district where nearly every household contributes to its economy. Any redevelopment plan that overlooks the livelihoods of its residents and the preservation of their businesses is destined to fail.” She added, “The core issue is the lack of acknowledgement for these businesses. Most have operated for decades out of informal spaces in Dharavi’s settlements, often without official licences. Under the proposed ‘organised’ Dharavi, many of these businesses will be left without a place to operate. The land in Dharavi was notified for redevelopment under the 2004 plan, and our key demand is that residents be relocated within Dharavi itself. Despite the government calling this a critical project, arbitrary eligibility cut-off dates have been introduced by state authorities. Our demand is simple: a house should be replaced with a house, a shop with a shop, and commercial spaces for workshops that have served the community for generations must be preserved. While we are in favour of redevelopment and want it expedited, the current process lacks fairness and transparency. The last credible survey was conducted in 2007 by Mashal, and while a new survey is ongoing, it is riddled with flaws. For instance, multi-storey homes are being counted as separate units for each floor, which is illogical. Such flawed data cannot serve as a foundation for fair rehabilitation. Even the project’s bhoomi poojan and inauguration were conducted quietly, with only a press release issued later. This secrecy has deeply eroded trust among Dharavi’s residents, leaving them sceptical of the authorities’ true intentions.” Korde emphasised the need for clear communication with stakeholders, which has been glaringly absent. “The tender process itself reeks of bias. Eighty per cent of the project is controlled by DRPPL and the Adani Group, while only 20 per cent remains with the government. This unequal arrangement reinforces the belief that the redevelopment prioritises the developer’s profits over the welfare of Dharavi’s people. We also demand that this one-sided tender awarded to Adani Realty be scrapped, as it heavily benefits the private developer while sidelining the resettlement of Dharavi’s residents. To make matters worse, no comprehensive master plan has been shared with the public. There is no information about where schools, colleges, religious spaces, gardens, or open areas will be located. Meanwhile, DRPPL engages in public-relations exercises like cricket matches, job fairs and Diwali diya orders from Kumbharwada potters. While these activities may foster participation, they cannot compensate for the potential loss of homes and livelihoods. Dharavi’s residents are united in their demand for transparent and equitable redevelopment. The people who built and sustain this vibrant community, who are the identity of Dharavi, must remain at the heart of the process, not be pushed aside for corporate gain,” Korde told mid-day. DRPPL Speak In response to allegations from Dharavi residents and business owners about the lack of clarity regarding the redevelopment project and their status as project-affected persons (PAPs), a DRPPL spokesperson stated via email to mid-day: “Over 30,000 tenements have already been surveyed, and more than 70,000 have been numbered. We are in regular touch with all stakeholders and are holding open discussions to ensure the redevelopment progresses smoothly and inclusively, in line with the provisions of the tender document.”
25 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe BEST undertaking on Tuesday assured Borivli residents that bus services at Bhaji Market Gully, also known as court lane, in Borivli West would resume soon. The undertaking has stated it would shift to smaller electric or conventional models if the bigger Olectra Greentech buses do not fit on the road. The R Central ward office had written to the undertaking, informing it that the lane outside Borivli railway station had been cleared of illegal hawkers and encroachments two weeks ago. Following this, since there was no development, Borivli residents wrote a letter to BEST demanding the restoration of bus routes at Bhaji Market Gully. Bhaji Market Gully in Borivli West, a spot formerly encroached upon by illegal hawkers, on December 11. Pic/Nimesh Dave Replying to the residents, H S Shetty, BEST Gorai Depot manager, wrote, “At present, buses on routes A-244, A246 and A-277 are operated by Gorai Depot via Chandavarkar Road, Borivli West, with 12-metre-long Olectra electric buses. Considering the length of these AC buses, it is essential to carry out a feasibility survey after which the viability of carrying out operations on the bus routes via market lane will be decided with the approval of the BEST management.” Meanwhile, BEST Public Relations Officer Sudas Sawant told mid-day, “Now that the road has been cleared of illegal hawkers and encroachments, there will be services on the routes in question on the court lane itself after the feasibility survey is done. If the new bigger Olectra AC buses do not fit on the road, we might shift to the smaller AC buses, which are often seen in Andheri, or to non-AC models but the plan to run buses via market lane will not be scrapped if the new bigger AC buses do not fit on the road.” Residents’ letter Shetty’s reply was sent to Sudesh Naik, a Borivli resident who, in his letter to the Gorai Depot and BEST General Manager Anil Diggikar had written, “To date, bus services have not been restored at Borivli court lane. This is a request to ply bus nos. 244, 246 and 277 as this will ease congestion on the route that these buses utilise. This will also result in a reduction of travel time by at least three to five minutes and less fuel consumption. The Borivli police and BMC have been taking continuous action against illegal hawkers and encroachments on the road and vehicles have also started to ply court lane. Giving a background of the issue, the letter stated, “As you may be aware, the Borivli West market road had been encroached upon by the vegetable and fruit vendors for many years. Such was the case that buses were unable to ply the stretch, resulting in the diversion of the routes to Chandavarkar Road. The market road issue has been highlighted in the press [mid-day] and the roads have been cleared of the hawkers by the BMC and police.” The letter also mentioned that resuming bus services would prevent unauthorised hawkers from returning to the spot. “The BMC and police have been doing their duty by continuously taking action against illegal hawkers. Now, if these vendors return, Borivli residents will blame the BEST as you have failed to restore services despite the other two agencies taking continuous action,” the letter read.
25 December,2024 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe Cuffe Parade Residents’ Association (CPRA) has raised serious concerns about women’s safety following the growing menace of drug abuse and immoral activities, including prostitution, in the elite residential locality. The residents have alleged that the slum dwellers have damaged the fencing net of Bay View Marina Garden where “cleaning crew members have discovered discarded condoms”, Preeti Bedi, the secretary of the CPRA, told mid-day. Bedi stressed the urgent need of “foot patrolling by the police” at the garden. The President of the Cuffe Parade Residents' Association (CPRA), Dr Laura D’Souza said that the upscale residential area is gradually becoming unsafe and unhealthy due to the rising menace of drug abuse. “I have written a letter to Cuffe Parade police on Tuesday requesting the cops to curb the rising issue of drug abuse in residential areas which has sparked serious concerns among residents. It poses a significant threat to community safety and well-being, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women and children,” said D’Souza, who asserted that although CPRA maintains the garden, it has been kept open for everyone, including the slum dwellers. The damaged fence of the garden “The multiple entry points to these grounds enable miscreants to enter and engage in unlawful behaviour, including drug and alcohol use. Furthermore, there have been instances of young men bringing women who appear to be engaged in solicitation. Our staff has reported finding used barrier contraceptives and syringes, indicating a serious concern for public health and safety,” said Dr D’Souza. “This situation requires immediate attention to prevent further escalation and ensure the well-being of our community,” she added. The in-charge of Bay View Marina Garden, Bharati Bhatija said, “We have been maintaining the garden but some anti-social elements have damaged the fence to sneak in to consume drugs and alcohol. It is posing a threat to women's safety.” Damaged fence that provides illegal access to slums Meanwhile, CPRA executive committee member Dr Padmakar Nandekar, said, “Unfortunately, some miscreants are misusing the name of 'bhumiputra' (local fishermen) to harass and intimidate our residents, security personnel, women, senior citizens, and children.” According to Dr Nandekar, who is also the secretary of Jalkiran CHS at Cuffe Parade, the miscreants intend to illegally encroach on the garden land, construct unauthorised huts, and engage in anti-social activities. The CPRA complaint letter sent to Cuffe Parade police station reads: “The residential area is becoming a hub for illegal activities and hence, as a concerned citizen, I am compelled to report these issues, which pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our community. The issues include the youngsters openly consuming drugs, creating an unhealthy and unsafe environment; prostitutes are being brought to the area, leading to immoral activities and compromising public decency; and the presence of anti-social elements has increased, causing fear and anxiety among residents. Dr Laura D’Souza, CPRA president These activities not only undermine the law but also create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. As a responsible citizen, I request that you take immediate action to increase police patrolling in the area to deter illegal activities, conduct regular raids to apprehend those involved in drug abuse and prostitution, and install CCTV cameras to monitor the area and identify perpetrators. I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter urgently and take necessary actions to restore safety and security to our community.” Dr D’Souza added, “Previously, young adults would jump from the promenade onto the grounds, teasing and harassing seniors. In one incident, a senior citizen was hit by a ball, causing her to fall. As a result, seniors stopped visiting the garden until a fence was installed and the entry point was restricted to one gate. Then the garden was vandalised… plastic chairs were stolen, prompting us to chain them to prevent further theft… light bulbs and fans were stolen from the gazebo.” When contacted, an officer attached to Cuffe Parade police station said, “We have received a complaint from CPRA. We will intensify patrolling in the area.”
25 December,2024 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaADVERTISEMENT
