The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has commissioned six state-of-the-art biodegradable toilets (bio-toilets) along the Dharmaveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road (South), aiming to provide improved sanitation facilities for citizens and tourists using the promenade. The facilities have been set up by the BMC’s Solid Waste Management Department at pedestrian underpasses (PUPs) numbered 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, and 14 along the promenade stretch of the coastal road. These locations include areas near Amarsons Garden, Akriti Building parking, Haji Ali Junction, Worli Dairy, Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk, and Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road. The Mumbai Coastal Road (South) is regarded as a major engineering landmark that has significantly eased traffic movement in the city. With the development of promenades along the route, the area has seen a steady rise in footfall from residents and tourists. Keeping this in view, the civic body has focused on strengthening sanitation infrastructure to ensure cleanliness and convenience for visitors. The bio-toilets have been installed as per the directions of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Avinash Dhakane. Each modular bio-toilet unit measures 20 x 20 x 8 feet and operates on a 1 kW solar power system. The facility includes two toilets for women (one western-style and one Indian-style), two toilets for men, one toilet for children and one western-style toilet for persons with disabilities. In addition, the unit is equipped with six urinals, three washbasins, three sensor-based mirrors, three soap dispensers, a sanitary pad incinerator, a sanitary pad vending machine, a 1,000-litre water tank and a 3,000-litre DRDO bio-digester. Sustainable design, nominal user fee to ensure upkeep and accessibility, says BMC According to the civic body, the toilets have been designed to ensure scientific waste management while minimising electricity consumption. The supply, installation, testing, and commissioning (SITC) work for all six locations has been completed. Apart from being functional, the toilets are aesthetically designed and contribute to the beautification of the coastal road area. The primary objective of the initiative is to provide clean, safe and well-maintained sanitation facilities to the public, while ensuring financial sustainability through nominal user charges. As per the SWM department’s policy for newly developed ‘aspirational toilets’, a user fee of Rs 5 will be charged from both men and women.
31 January,2026 03:54 PM IST | MumbaiThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in collaboration with the Tree Authority, will organise the ‘Mumbai Flower Festival’ at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla from February 6 to 8, 2026, offering citizens a three-day celebration of flowers, plants and horticulture. Free entry for visitors; festival open till 8 pm on all days The annual horticulture exhibition, popularly known as the Mumbai Flower Festival, will open to the public after its inauguration on the morning of February 6. On the opening day, the festival will remain open until 8.00 pm, while on February 7 and 8 it will be accessible to visitors from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Entry to the festival will be free on all three days. This year’s event marks the 29th edition of the much-awaited festival, which has become a winter tradition for Mumbaikars. Festival organised under guidance of civic officials The festival is being organised under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakane. The arrangements are being supervised by Deputy Commissioner (Gardens) Ajitkumar Ambi and Garden Superintendent Jitendra Pardeshi, civic officials said. Around 5,000 plants, gardening stalls to attract nature lovers Held at the historic Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo, the exhibition is expected to feature around 5,000 plants. These will include a wide variety of colourful flowering plants, seasonal blooms, fruit saplings, medicinal plants and ornamental species. For nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts and families, the festival offers an opportunity to explore biodiversity and learn more about plant care in an engaging setting. In addition to the floral displays, several stalls selling gardening tools, pots, soil mixtures, fertilisers and other horticulture-related materials will be set up at the venue. Civic officials said these stalls are aimed at encouraging home gardening and greater public participation in green initiatives. Workshops and theme-based floral installations to be key highlights Complementing the exhibition, a series of garden-related workshops will be conducted from February 6 to 8. These sessions will provide practical guidance on gardening techniques, plant maintenance, and the correct type, timing and quantity of fertilisers required for saplings, trees and climbers. The workshops are intended to offer hands-on knowledge to both beginners and experienced gardeners. One of the highlights of the Mumbai Flower Festival each year is its theme-based floral decoration. The festival is known for its creative and elegant arrangements that transform flowers into large-scale artistic installations. Last year, visitors were drawn to floral depictions of India’s national symbols, including a tricolour-themed display, a replica of the Bharat Ratna award, and a marigold-crafted representation of the national fruit, the mango. Civic officials said a new and visually appealing theme will be introduced this year as well, with attractive floral installations designed to captivate visitors of all ages. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has appealed to citizens to take advantage of the free entry and experience the three-day floral celebration, describing the festival as a refreshing retreat from the city’s fast-paced routine and a reminder of the importance of greenery in urban life.
31 January,2026 02:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSewage treatment is critical to safeguarding urban cleanliness, public health and long-term water sustainability, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said on Friday, underscoring the civic body’s push to curb water pollution and promote reuse of treated wastewater. Bhandup STP–Bhandup Complex tunnel to supply tertiary-treated water Gagrani made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to Bhandup Complex water tunnel project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at transporting tertiary-treated sewage for non-potable use. The project is part of a broader strategy by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to strengthen climate-resilient water sources and bridge the widening gap between water demand and supply in Mumbai. Untreated sewage increases pollution and risk of water-borne diseases Highlighting the environmental and public health implications of untreated wastewater, Gagrani said untreated sewage significantly increases water pollution and poses serious risks of water-borne diseases. “Through sewage treatment plants, harmful substances and disease-causing pathogens in wastewater are effectively removed, allowing the treated water to be safely reused. This reduces pressure on natural water sources, improves urban sanitation and enhances the overall quality of life for citizens,” he said. Tunnel construction progresses using two TBMs at key locations The commissioner reviewed the progress of the underground water tunnel being constructed to convey tertiary-treated water from the Ghatkopar Sewage Treatment Plant to the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant and onward to the Bhandup Complex. Deputy Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malwade, Chief Engineer (Water Supply Projects) Mahendra Ubale, and other senior engineers and officials were present during the site visit. According to officials, the alignment for the tunnel between the Bhandup Complex and the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant has been successfully established using the first tunnel boring machine (TBM). This stretch measures 4,365 metres. At the Bhandup Complex, construction of a 175-metre-deep launching shaft is underway, with excavation completed up to 45 metres. Once tunnel excavation is completed, a 104-metre-deep retrieval shaft is planned at the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant for the removal of the TBM. Work is also progressing on the tunnel section between the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant and the Ghatkopar Sewage Treatment Plant. Using a second TBM, the alignment for this 7,245-metre-long stretch has been finalised. At the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant, excavation has begun for a 155-metre-deep launching shaft, with 7.7 metres completed so far. Tertiary treatment planned for nearly 50 per cent of Mumbai’s sewage Overall, the project involves a combined tunnel length of 11,610 metres, to be excavated using TBMs. Civic officials said the work is progressing in a phased and planned manner after finalising alignments between the Bhandup Complex, Bhandup STP and Ghatkopar STP. Gagrani noted that the BMC has undertaken multiple sewage treatment projects across the city to ensure modern treatment of wastewater generated within municipal limits. Under these initiatives, tertiary treatment is proposed for nearly 50 per cent of Mumbai’s sewage. As part of this plan, an underground tunnel with a capacity of 970 million litres per day is proposed to convey about 500 million litres per day of tertiary-treated water from Dharavi to Ghatkopar and further to the Bhandup Complex. Preliminary works for this tunnel are currently underway. Reiterating the importance of sewage treatment amid rapid urbanisation and population growth, Gagrani said the removal of solid waste, harmful chemical components and pathogens from wastewater is essential for sustainable urban development. “Sewage treatment is no longer optional—it is a fundamental component of modern urban infrastructure,” he added.
31 January,2026 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil on Saturday said late NCP chief Ajit Pawar was eager to reunite with his uncle Sharad Pawar and had held several meetings to facilitate the merger of the two party factions, reported news agency PTI. Sharad Pawar reveals merger announcement was planned for February 12 Patil's comments have come amid party chief Sharad Pawar's revelation that Ajit Pawar had planned to announce the merger on February 12, but his untimely death had stalled the process. Decision to contest Zilla Parishad polls together taken on January 16 Speaking to reporters in Islampur, Patil said, "He (Ajit Pawar) visited my house on multiple occasions and held talks over dinner. He said he wanted to reunite with his uncle by getting over the past. On January 16, we decided to contest the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections together, and the announcement of the formal merger was to be made on February 12," reported PTI. Ajit Pawar’s death in Baramati plane crash stalled merger process NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed along with four others after a Learjet 45 aircraft they were travelling in crashed at Baramati, his hometown in Pune district, earlier this week. Senior NCP leaders kept in loop, Mahayuti future undecided Patil said Ajit Pawar had informed him that he had apprised NCP leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal about the merger efforts and assured that they would abide by the decision he takes, reported PTI. Asked whether Ajit Pawar wanted to remain in the Mahayuti government after the merger of the factions, the NCP (SP) leader said there were several aspects to the issue, which he would disclose at a later stage. "He was eager to reunite both factions first. We had detailed discussions about it several times," he said, reported PTI. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999, was vertically split after Ajit Pawar joined the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government in July 2023. He was appointed the deputy CM at that time, and his stint in the post continued after Devendra Fadnavis came to the helm as CM following the November 2024 assembly polls. Earlier in the day, Sharad Pawar said that it was Ajit Pawar's wish to unite the NCP factions and that they were optimistic about the merger. (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2026 02:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday slammed the ruling BJP, accusing it of looking for an opportunity in NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's death, reported news agency PTI. Talking to reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP declined to comment on Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, being sworn in as the Dy CM, saying no one has the information about the same. Ajit Pawar was killed in the January 28 plane crash at Baramati in Pune district along with four others. "The BJP has nothing to do with the mourning period. It is looking for an opportunity even in death. This is not the time to talk about the matter. I will talk about this after the mourning period is over," Raut said, reported PTI. Asked about NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's remark that he had "no idea" about Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in as Dy CM, he said only the top BJP leadership, or NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, may be privy to the information. Sunetra Pawar to take oath as Maharashtra's Deputy CM at 5 pm on Saturday Meanwhile, NCP's Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar will be sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, replacing her deceased husband and party chief Ajit Pawar, at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai at 5 pm on Saturday, reported PTI. Lok Bhavan (formerly Raj Bhavan) gave this information. Governor Acharya Devvrat, who is currently in Mussoorie, will arrive in Mumbai at 4 pm, it said, reported PTI. NCP's legislature party meeting is scheduled to take place in the city at 2 pm, where Sunetra Pawar is set to be named as its leader. After that she will take oath as the first woman deputy CM of the state, reported PTI. She held talks with party leaders after arriving here from Baramati early morning on Saturday. Ajit Pawar, who was deputy chief minister and finance minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati along with four others on January 28. (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2026 02:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Level-I fire broke out in the Govandi area of eastern Mumbai on Friday morning, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. According to the BMC’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire was reported at around 10:01 am from New Gautam Nagar in Sonapur Lane, Bhim Wadi Road, near Jijamata Mandir in Govandi. Fire officials said the blaze was confined to electrical wiring, electrical installations, furniture, household articles, ceiling fans and false ceilings in around eight to ten hutments. Firefighting teams were immediately rushed to the spot along with police personnel, staff from the concerned electricity distribution company and a 108 ambulance. The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by 1:10 pm, officials said. No injuries have been reported in the incident. Garbage heap catches fire near railway track in Thane; none hurt In another incident, a heap of garbage accumulated in a drain next to a railway track caught fire in Maharashtra's Thane city on Friday, officials said. No one was injured in the blaze that occurred near the Kalwa railway station in the evening, they said. Teams from the fire department, disaster management cell, and railway police rushed to the spot and initiated firefighting operations. "Preliminary information suggests that garbage dumped in the drain caught fire. Firefighting and cooling operations were immediately initiated to prevent the flames from spreading further," said officials from the disaster management cell. Efforts to fully extinguish the blaze continued late in the evening, with personnel ensuring that there was no risk of re-ignition. Fire breaks out in garbage heap on Thane’s Pokharan Road, no injuries reported Meanwhile, a fire that erupted in a heap of garbage near the Voltas Company in Gandhi Nagar on Pokharan Road No. 2 in Thane (West) was successfully extinguished late Monday night, with no injuries reported, officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), information regarding the incident was received at around 10.20 pm on January 27 from the Balkum Fire Station. Following the alert, teams were promptly dispatched to the site. Personnel from the Disaster Management Cell arrived at the spot with a pickup vehicle, while the fire brigade deployed one fire engine and a water tanker to contain the blaze. Coordinated efforts by the fire brigade and disaster management staff ensured the fire was completely doused by around midnight. Officials confirmed that the situation is presently under control and no casualties were reported in the incident.
31 January,2026 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNCP's Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar will be sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, replacing her deceased husband and party chief Ajit Pawar, at the Lok Bhavan in Mumbai at 5 pm on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. Lok Bhavan (formerly Raj Bhavan) gave this information. Governor Acharya Devvrat, who is currently in Mussoorie, will arrive in Mumbai at 4 pm, it said, reported PTI. NCP's legislature party meeting is scheduled to take place in the city at 2 pm, where Sunetra Pawar is set to be named as its leader. After that she will take oath as the first woman deputy CM of the state, reported PTI. She held talks with party leaders after arriving in Mumbai from Baramati early morning on Saturday. Ajit Pawar, who was deputy chief minister and finance minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati along with four others on January 28. Ajit Pawar was eager to reunite NCP factions, merger planned for Feb 12: Jayant Patil Meanwhile, senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil on Saturday said late NCP chief Ajit Pawar was eager to reunite with his uncle Sharad Pawar and had held several meetings to facilitate the merger of the two party factions. Patil's comments have come amid party chief Sharad Pawar's revelation that Ajit Pawar had planned to announce the merger on February 12, but his untimely death had stalled the process. Speaking to reporters in Islampur, Patil said, "He (Ajit Pawar) visited my house on multiple occasions and held talks over dinner. He said he wanted to reunite with his uncle by getting over the past. On January 16, we decided to contest the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections together, and the announcement of the formal merger was to be made on February 12." NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed along with four others after a Learjet 45 aircraft they were travelling in crashed at Baramati, his hometown in Pune district, earlier this week. Patil said Ajit Pawar had informed him that he had apprised NCP leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare and Chhagan Bhujbal about the merger efforts and assured that they would abide by the decision he takes. Asked whether Ajit Pawar wanted to remain in the Mahayuti government after the merger of the factions, the NCP (SP) leader said there were several aspects to the issue, which he would disclose at a later stage. (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2026 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 28-year-old woman died after falling off a crowded suburban local train during the morning rush hour in Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday, the Government Railway Police (GRP) said, reported news agency PTI. The incident occurred around 8.10 am at the Badlapur railway station, an official from the Kalyan GRP said. The victim, Chetana Devrukhkar, was attempting to board a moving train heading for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) when she slipped and fell on the platform, senior inspector Pandhari Kande of the Kalyan GRP said, reported PTI. He said that the deceased worked with a firm in Thane and was travelling to work. A case of accidental death has been registered in connection with the incident. Garbage heap catches fire near railway track in Thane; none hurt In another incident, a heap of garbage accumulated in a drain next to a railway track caught fire in Maharashtra's Thane city on Friday, officials said, reported PTI. No one was injured in the blaze that occurred near the Kalwa railway station in the evening, they said. Teams from the fire department, disaster management cell, and railway police rushed to the spot and initiated firefighting operations. "Preliminary information suggests that garbage dumped in the drain caught fire. Firefighting and cooling operations were immediately initiated to prevent the flames from spreading further," said Yasin Tadvi of the disaster management cell, reported PTI. Efforts to fully extinguish the blaze continued late in the evening, with personnel ensuring that there was no risk of re-ignition. Man kills elderly mother for not giving money to buy liquor; held Meanwhile, a man allegedly killed his 65-year-old mother after she refused to give him money to buy alcohol in Maharashtra's Latur district, police said on Friday, reported PTI. The accused, Sailani Bakshuddin Munjewar (45), was arrested for the alleged offence that took place in Karkheli village of Udgir tehsil between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, inspector Rajkumar Pujari told PTI. The accused was addicted to alcohol. He repeatedly demanded money from his elderly mother, Yasinbi, to purchase liquor, he said. On Monday, when she refused to give money despite his demand, he brutally assaulted her and slammed her head against the ground multiple times. The elderly woman suffered severe injuries and died on the spot. She was found lying in a pool of blood in the courtyard of their house later, he said, reported PTI. Based on a complaint filed by the victim's 69-year-old husband, a case of murder was registered against his son at the Udgir Rural police station. The accused was then arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him in police custody. (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2026 02:01 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Friday moved a step closer to taking control of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation after its nominees filed papers for the key civic posts, reported news agency ANI. Mahayuti candidates Harshali Thavil and Rahul Damle submitted their nominations for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively. Mayor nominee Harshali Thavil promises revival of stalled projects Addressing reporters after filing her nomination, Thavil thanked the alliance leadership for backing her candidature and said she would prioritise reviving projects that have been stalled. “I am grateful to the Mahayuti for the confidence shown in me. My focus will be on restarting pending development works and ensuring smooth functioning of the civic body,” she said, reported ANI. Deputy Mayor nominee Rahul Damle focuses on civic issues Damle echoed similar sentiments, stating that the alliance would concentrate on resolving civic issues affecting residents of Kalyan-Dombivli. “We have filed nominations for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts, and our aim will be to address all problems faced by the Municipal Corporation,” he told the media, reported ANI. MNS extends support, strengthening Mahayuti’s position in KDMC Earlier, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde said that corporators from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have extended their support to the Mahayuti in KDMC, strengthening the alliance’s position to form the civic government and elect its mayor, reported ANI. Shinde said the Shiv Sena has emerged as the single largest party with 53 seats, and added that the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, MNS and other allies will collectively run the municipal administration in Kalyan-Dombivli. He also expressed confidence that the Mahayuti would secure the mayor’s post in Mumbai as well. NCP legislators’ meet called amid leadership speculation Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra were held on January 15, with results declared the following day. The Mahayuti alliance registered victories in a majority of these civic bodies. Meanwhile, all legislators of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from both the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council have been called for a meeting at Vidhan Bhavan on Saturday at 2 pm. According to a notice issued on Friday by Maharashtra Pradesh NCP president Sunil Tatkare, the meeting comes amid ongoing speculation over Sunetra Pawar being considered for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post and the possibility of a merger between the two NCP factions. (With inputs from ANI)
31 January,2026 01:29 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentNCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare on Saturday met Sunetra Pawar at the official residence of her late husband Ajit Pawar in Mumbai ahead of the legislature party meeting, reported news agency PTI. NCP working president Patel and the party's state chief Tatkare held parleys with Sunetra Pawar on the current political situation. Ajit Pawar, who was deputy chief minister and finance minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati along with four others earlier this week. The legislature party meeting will be held at 2 pm in the Vidhan Bhavan office, following which Sunetra Pawar is expected to take oath as the deputy chief minister, reported PTI. No idea about Sunetra's swearing-in as Maharashtra Dy CM: Sharad Pawar Meanwhile, amid reports that Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, will be sworn in as the Maharashtra deputy chief minister, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday distanced himself from the development, claiming he had "no idea" about it. Addressing a press conference in Baramati, Sharad Pawar said that it was his late nephew Ajit Pawar's wish to unite the NCP factions, and that they were optimistic about it. "We didn't know about the swearing-in. We found out about it through news reports. I have no idea about the swearing-in," he said, when asked if anyone from the Pawar family would be attending the ceremony. The senior leader said that the NCP may have made the decision, and there had been no discussions with him. "I am not aware of the swearing-in. I didn't even know that it was scheduled for today. There was no discussion with me about the swearing-in. Her party (NCP) may have made the decision. The names of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare came up, and it is learnt that they took the initiative. They might have taken a decision internally within the party," he said. The NCP (SP) chief said that the ruling faction may have felt that someone should take up the post after Ajit Pawar's death. Following Ajit Pawar's death in the January 28 air crash in Baramati, a section of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders had demanded that she be given the post held by her late husband in the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet. (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2026 01:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai experienced a hazy and unusually cool start to Saturday, January 31, as a thick layer of smog covered large parts of the city, leading to reduced visibility in several areas. Weather officials said Mumbai is likely to remain cloudy and hazy through the day, with temperatures expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. As per data from the Sameer application, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 109, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Among key locations, Bandra Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 104, Borivali East 115, Byculla 105, Andheri East 124, Chembur 99, Colaba 97, Deonar 110, Ghatkopar 125, Kandivali East 110, Malad West 130, Mazgaon 80, and Mulund West 125. In neighbouring regions, Thane reported an AQI of 112, Kalyan 130, and Navi Mumbai 113. Overall, air quality across Mumbai and its adjoining areas has shown a marginal improvement compared to earlier in the week. Delhi's minimum temperature at 6.7 deg C, air quality poor Meanwhile, the national capital on Saturday recorded a minimum temperature of 6.7 degrees Celsius, which was 1.7 notches below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Station-wise data showed that the minimum temperature settled at Palam recorded 8.1 degrees Celsius, Lodi Road reported 7.1 degrees Celsius, the Ridge station registered 7.7 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar also recorded 6.6 degrees Celsius. The night temperature at Safdarjung, the city's base weather station, recorded 6.7 degrees Celsius. The air quality was recorded in the " poor" category at 9 am on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 278, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed. Several monitoring stations across the city reported AQI levels in the poor-to-very poor range. Ashok Vihar stood at 309. Bawana reported an AQI of 271, Burari 246, and Chandni Chowk 285. Dwarka Sector 8 registered 329 and ITO 279, while Mundka and Wazirpur recorded 331 each. Okhla Phase-2 logged an AQI of 323, Rohini 312, Punjabi Bagh 318, and RK Puram 322. Lower readings were recorded in Narela (232) and Alipur (227), according to the CPCB. According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
31 January,2026 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
