One labourer was killed and one was seriously injured in a road accident after a Marathi film actress’s car hit them in Kandivli East on December 27, said the police. The actress also suffered minor injuries. The Samta Nagar police registered an FIR and arrested the actress’s driver Gajanan Pal, 58. The deceased has been identified as Samrat Das, 24, who was crushed under the car. His colleague Suman Bablu Das, 24, was seriously injured. Both victims are residents of Goregaon and were working at the construction site of underground pipe work off the Western Express Highway. The actress, too, suffered an injury on her chin. According to police officials, the incident occurred at 1 am on Saturday near Poisar Metro Station on the Western Express Highway. The car was being driven by Gajanan Pal, who was taking the actress from a shoot to her home, when the car lost control. Senior Inspector Anil Patil of Samta Nagar Police Station said, “We have registered the FIR against the car driver Gajanan Pal and arrested him. The owner of the car was seated in the backseat.”
29 December,2024 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMumbai, where life and death dance in a relentless rhythm, two compassionate souls, Kishore Bhatt and Iqbal Mamdani, have taken it upon themselves to ensure that even in death, dignity prevails. They believe that a respectful departure, marked by solemn rituals, is the final privilege owed to every departed soul. Among its other duties, city police has to trace and track down families of unclaimed bodies—those passing away due to diseases in hospitals, or victims of crimes and accidents; death by suicide. After the autopsy at government-run hospitals, advertisements and notices are printed in local newspapers to locate kin or acquaintances. This usually happens if no identification is found on the corpse. If no one comes forward to claim the remains, the police approaches these NGOs for help and provides an NOC (No objection Certificate). Every 15 days or so, Bhatt and Mamdani, become close family to persons they have never met and bid them goodbye. ‘All humans need to be treated with basic humanity’ The Mamdani Health and Education Trust was set up in 2010, with an intention to help the underprivileged community. It primarily focused on Health and Education, but during the Covid-19 pandemic, they stepped up to perform the last rites of those who could not be identified, or those whose families could not perform the rituals. Bhatt set up the Sadgati foundation in 2004 specifically to provide dignity in death. As a teenager, he had seen the bodies of those ravaged by the plague lay by the roadside in Surat. Nobody wanted to touch them out of fear of contracting the disease. Bhatt‘s foundation also extends financial aid to families in need for the last rites—irrespective of faith. Kishore Bhatt set up Sadgati Foundation in 2004 to provide dignity in death “All human beings need to be treated with basic humanity. Today we have two Hindu bodies, and hence we are at the crematorium [in Sion],” says a member of Mamdani Foundation. “Tomorrow, we might have Muslim bodies, and go to a qabristan.” The Mamdani foundation has a task force of 12 members for this purpose, while Bhatt works all alone, shutting down his furniture store near Arthur Road Jail in Byculla whenever summoned. On average, they perform rituals for over 100 to 150 bodies every month, and together, they have offered a peaceful departure to over 6,000 souls so far. “My father always taught me to help the needy,” says 55-year-old Mamdani, a former media professional. “During Covid, no one was ready to touch the bodies of those claimed by the virus. One incident that stays with me is helping an 11-year-old girl perform her mother’s last rites.” Both foundations work in tandem with the police. In December 2021, the then Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Vishwas Nagare Patil gave permission to the Mamdani Trust to cremate bodies; later the Government Railway Police also issued NOCs. Both NGOs have fixed cremation centers and burial grounds, but still face challenges. They may be asked to come at night, or not get physical assistance for bodies that have been mutilated by accident or disease. Sometimes, there are financial constraints or the centre may levy extra charges. In such cases, they are always helped by police presence. “Some officers also go out of their way to help us out, accompanying us to the burial ground or crematorium, helping with the paperwork, and staying until the process is over,” Mamdani added. Always ready to help Bhatt started off as a newspaper delivery person, moving on to a sofa-making enterprise, and now owns a furniture shop named after his daughter. The 73-year-old Priti Furniture store has at the ready, all the necessary things needed to perform the last rites of bodies, such as ghee, oil and kindling for cremations, and a shroud of flowers and coffin for burials. Whenever authorities call him on his landline—Bhatt doesn’t use a mobile phone—he rushes to help. Sometimes, the police visit personally. “We go straight to his shop,” says one police officer, “whenever we have NOC for a body. In 2014 he travelled to Miraj to fulfill one such duty.” Bhatt does not accept donations for his philanthropy, preferring to fund everything himself. “I have always said to people that if you are spending money for a good cause, it will come back to you. Many people come here to donate money but I refuse to accept. I urge them to help some other person,” he says. It’s a philosophy he has believed in since 1972, when a flood in Surat caused a plague outbreak and he was only 16 years old. “I went to help and saw dead bodies on the roads that no one was ready to touch. I told my father, who said this should be my ‘seva’ (act of service).” Bhatt’s compassion extends to animals, who he believes “need to be treated equally.” He has given dignity in death to a cow, snake and a monkey. Bhatt has no qualms about going to a qabristan and performing the final ‘ada namaz’. He has deep compassion for those who pass away from communicable diseases such as HIV and TB, “Two-three years ago, I had to conduct the funeral of an 18-year-old killed by tuberculosis. His family refused to accept the body. I don’t hesitate as I consider the dead to be mine,” he says simply.
29 December,2024 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheKeep your eye on the ball! A Mumbaikar is lost in her thoughts as she walks past a mural of a handball player at Mahapalika Marg, Fort Sports, through a scribe’s lens Atul Kamble It’s been 29 years since mid-day photographer Atul Kamble first got behind the camera. And through his nearly three-decade-long career, he has captured thousands of photos on various subjects. Sports, however, is a muse for him, and some of his shots are renowned worldwide. A notable example is his photo of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar taking his final walk from the dressing room to the crease at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium for his last Test match. This photo won the Picture of the Year award in 2013 and also earned him an award at the fourth MFI-Yes Bank National Press Photo Contest in 2014. Dhanraj Pillay shot by Kamble during a training camp Twenty-two of Kamble’s sports photographs are currently on display at the Mumbai Press Club in his “All Sports” exhibition, which has received a warm reception from both the sports community and the general public. Last week, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar attended the exhibition who especially liked photos of Tendulkar, former field hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay’s photo on the turf, and an under-16 football match in the Mumbai monsoons at St Xavier’s ground. The exhibition also features Kamble’s award-winning photo of Sachin Tendulkar walking out of his dressing room to bat for Team India one final time at Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik was also present at the exhibition, who once played in the Harris Shield finals back in 2002. On his photo that appeared in mid-day 22 years ago, Naik remarked, “The only popular proof that I have played at some level is Atul Kamble’s photo in the newspaper.” The exhibition, which began earlier this month, is open to the public and will run until January 11. Down the spider trail Hasarius mumbai You are probably lounging at home, sipping a warm cup of chai while reading the papers this Sunday morning. Meanwhile, arachnologist and research scholar, Rishikesh Tripathi, is leading Mumbaikars on a spider trail at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The walk’s participants will meet Hasarius mumbai, a spider native to the city who is saved from high rentals as its habitat is Yeoor. Rishikesh Tripathi The Hasarius mumbai is a jumping spider, meaning that it does not trap its prey in a web. Instead, it pounces on it. With a bulbous body covered in hair and eight eyes, this spider was discovered roughly two years ago. “Once this spider was discovered, we got more curious to see what other species we could find. The speed of development in the city could mean that we might lose species that have not been described yet. Through this spider trail, we want to tell people about the Hasarius mumbai, but also educate them about spiders,” says Tripathi. So far, Tripathi has described 30 species of spiders across India. Participants will learn all about spiders, and how to identify them. As natural pest controllers, they are important to the environment. Follow @sanjaygand hinatio nalpark_yeur on Instagram to learn more about the next walk. Wankhede must remember Wankhede The Wankhede Stadium will celebrate 50 years as an international cricket venue in January. A lot of activities have been organised and a coffee table book will be released on the occasion. SK Wankhede JY Lele, the deceased secretary of the BCCI came up with a little known reason in his 2011 book for why the Wankhede Stadium was built in 1974. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) wrote to the Bombay Cricket Association, seeking 100 complimentary tickets for their members to watch the 1972-73 fifth and final India v England Test at the Brabourne Stadium. The English team then toured under the MCC banner, and although matches used to be conducted at the Brabourne, the BCA was the host association. The Cricket Club of India informed the BCA that “no such tickets will be made available to you,” signed KK Tarapore, its secretary. It was this snub that made SK Wankhede, the then BCA president, determined to build their own stadium. The people who call the shots at Wankhede will do well to invite a member of the Wankhede family for the celebrations. Mumbai does the Alibaugasana Hansaben inaugurates the new centre in Alibaug It is not just hordes of Mumbaikars who have found a perch in upscale Alibaug recently. There are institutes too. On its 106th Foundation Day on December 25, The Yoga Institute of Santa Cruz opened its new retreat centre in Alibaug called The Yoga Institute, Alibaug. Those who are going to Alibaug for a rejuvenating getaway, it will be packed for New Year too, can take advantage of the salubrious centre near Kihim Beach. Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute, said, “The retreat is already operational, with teachers instructing in classical Ashtanga yoga focusing on asanas, pranayama, kriyas, meditation and yogic philosophy. The rising demand for relaxation and a balanced lifestyle inspired us to bring The Yoga Institute to accessible Alibaug.” Let’s see Mumbai doing the Alibaugasana.
29 December,2024 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDToday, the Bombay High Court’s landmark directive to keep audio-video recording of all testimonies—as well as have witnesses digitally sign the transcript of their accounts—comes into effect at all courtrooms and tribunals across Maharashtra and Goa, as well as Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This will prevent any tampering or denial of submissions made by witnesses during later stages of trial. This move is a step towards improving judicial efficiency and transparency and in line with international norms, say legal experts. The new directives will be enforced across family, labour, industrial Courts and co-operative courts, as well as co-operative appellate courts and tribunals for schools and motor accident claims. It will apply to all witnesses, whether based in India or abroad. Adv Jamshed Mistry and Adv Floyd Gracias Using the powers vested in the HC under Articles 225 and 227 of the Constitution of India, the Chief Justice and HC judges drafted the rules divided into five chapters (Preliminary, General Principles, Procedure for Video Conferencing, General Procedure and Miscellaneous) with 17 set of rules, provisions and a schedule. The notification was circulated recently under the seal of the Registrar General of the Bombay HC to all courts and tribunals under its jurisdiction. “The High Court of Bombay Rules for Video Conferencing for Courts, 2022, which takes effect on December 29, is a major step towards improving judicial efficiency and transparency,” Advocate Mohini Priya, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court, told mid-day. “The decision to combine digitally signed transcripts with audio-video recordings of witness testimony is a progressive reform that is consistent with the guidelines established by the Supreme Court in the Swapnil Tripathi v Supreme Court of India case,” she added, referencing a 2018 order in which the top court had allowed the live-streaming of court proceedings, as well as judicial transcription. “I am delighted that this facility has been extended to tribunals as well in the state. We hope that this will propel the introduction of transcripts at the final hearing of cases to begin with for all courts. These rules have finally brought the recording of evidence in line with international norms followed by courts in other countries,” said Advocate Jamshed Mistry, who is also Amicus Curiae (friend of court) in many high-profile public interest cases before the HC. To boost credibility Not only is this a major advancement as far as incorporation of technology in legal procedure, it will also guarantee the efficient and unchangeable preservation of court records, allowing the courts to easily handle massive amounts of documentation. The recordings and transcripts will be made available to parties to the proceedings, whether the witness is in a remote location or even overseas, thus eliminating any possibility of tampering with the testimony. This strengthens the credibility of the legal system and increases public trust in its impartiality and fairness, pointed out Advocate Priya. Allowing recording of testimony remotely also gives relief to vulnerable witnesses, including assault survivors or those who live in rural areas, removing the pressure of in-person court appearances, she explained. “This is a win-win move for advocates, litigants and witnesses, thereby benefiting the entire legal system at large and making litigation more accessible to all,” said Advocate Floyd Gracias, counsel at the SC, labelling the initiative as “judicial activism with an intent to bring in transparency in the legal process”. Challenges ahead While the directive has many positive aspects, there are certain difficulties in putting it into practice. To fulfil the increased technical needs, courts and tribunals will need strong infrastructure, such as dependable audio-video systems, as well as digital storage space for all the recordings and transcripts. “It is equally important to train court employees and judicial officers to use these technologies effectively in order to prevent mistakes or delays in the process. Furthermore, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of transcripts and testimonies from cyber threats and unauthorised access is crucial,” pointed out Advocate Mohini. Highlights 1. Witnesses across the globe and in other parts of the country can easily be examined through video conferencing. 2. The concept of Remote Point (Centres where witnesses can be examined) clearly eliminates technical issues or the unavailability of technology to the common man. 3. Evidence can be freely and fairly recorded and witnesses examined and cross-examined easily without having to enforce physical attendance in courts. 4. The recording of the Audio Video Conference will enable electronic evidence within the meaning of Secs. 61 and 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). This will ensure that a recording shall eliminate all traces of doubt as to forced confessions, coercion or inducement in obtaining and recording evidence and will make it difficult for the witnesses to retract their statements subsequently. 5. Further, the Audio Video recording will ensure that transcripts made are accurate and in case of doubt, the recording can be called for and the transcript verified. Therefore, the chances of typographical error and human error are almost absolutely eliminated. 6. The provision for digital signatures will allow for the evidence to be immediately confirmed and affirmed. And any trace of arguing upon the bona fides of the evidence is largely infructuous. - As told by Adv. Floyd Gracias
29 December,2024 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Let any situation that is slow moving or stuck happen at it’s own pace. Take on any debt only if you are very sure you can pay it off on time.Career tip: Make the most of what is possible if you feel you are in a routine, slightly monotonous phase at work. Look at ways to improve your soft skills. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Those dealing with a legal situation must make sure they get advice from the right expert. Do not take financial decisions emotionally.Career tip: Right timing is important if you want to make any changes in your career trajectory or profile. Avoid getting into gossip sessions with colleagues. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Choose what you know will work best from a long term perspective, and don’t expect perfect answers. Those on a budget need to avoid unnecessary shopping.Career tip: Double check data and documents before sending them out. Make sure your professional network has the right people for your goals. CancerJune 21 – July 22This is a good time to review your investment portfolio and make any changes you might need to. Those who want to conceive a child are in a positive phase.Career tip: Make sure you keep receipts of all conversations with clients and colleagues. Self-employed businesspersons need to stick to budgets very strictly. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Deal with any challenging situation promptly, and don’t make it more difficult than it has to be. Avoid spending time with people who are negative and complain all the time.Career tip: Remain on good terms with colleagues, but do not allow anyone to undermine the hard work you put in. Pay attention to details and double check work. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Speak your mind, but be diplomatic—harsh words will not make a situation better. Let go of what is not it your control.Career tip: Those with international projects or clients need to be very mindful about cultural differences and expectations. Maintain a professional attitude if you have to deal with difficult people. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Handle any restrictive situation as best possible and in a very prompt manner. Listen to your intuition if you have to deal with any possible legal matters.Career tip: Focus on stability, even if it seems mundane and routine. A situation may not be exactly as it seems, and you should not take what colleagues say at face value. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Be very clear about your expectations if you need to have a conversation with someone at home or with a very close friend. Avoid spending too much time on social media.Career tip: Do not let go of any opportunity just because they seem very small. This is a positive time for those working on international projects. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Being around the right people is important, and you might want to step back from those who create stress. Make any new investments only after careful research.Career tip: Learning new skills would eventually pays off, even if it does not seem so at the moment. Avoid talking about your personal life with colleagues. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Those with multiple options need to make thought out decisions. Take extra care of yourself if you have heart or high blood issues.Career tip: Know what makes you fulfilled at work. Handle any overbearing seniors or colleagues in an intelligent manner. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Doing what is right may not always be the easy choice, especially if you feel you might lose out in some way. Make sure your accounts are up to date.Career tip: Go over the small details and nuances if you are working on a presentation. Do not let work pile up because you feel you have enough time to complete it. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Walking away might actually bring balance into your life. This is a good time for singles who are sure about what they want.Career tip: Make any decisions only when you have all the information you need. Those working from home need to be extra disciplined and stick to timelines.
29 December,2024 12:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday urged to expedited work on airport projects to boost air connectivity in Maharashtra. Fadnavis on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting of the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation Board in Mumbai. He called for accelerated work on airport projects to connect every region of the state by air and to expand existing airports. He assured that both the state and central governments would provide substantial support for these initiatives, an official statement said. According to the statement, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the significant potential for growth in air transport within the state. He urged a focus on developing airports through the central government's UDAN scheme and state funding. The development includes expanding airports, adding night landing facilities, increasing runway lengths, and providing modern amenities for passengers at airports. The Chief Minister also directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to take immediate action to bring airports currently under the control of Reliance into the state's ownership. This move is aimed at ensuring greater state involvement in airport management and improving overall air connectivity. To reduce the load on airports in major cities, the state-run Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation was instructed to speed up the development of smaller airports. This includes expanding and improving facilities at airports in regions like Ratnagiri, Shirdi, Amravati (Belora), Purandar, Karad, Chandrapur (Morwa), Solapur, Dhule, Phaltan, Akola, and Gadchiroli. Fadnavis also took a detailed review of the progress of several airport projects. He specifically discussed the 786.56-hectare land acquisition for the upcoming GMR Nagpur International Airport under the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport project. Fadnavis directed that the agreement for land acquisition be finalised as soon as possible, the statement said. CM Fadnavis reiterated the state government's commitment to creating a comprehensive air transport network that connects every corner of Maharashtra. These airport development projects are part of the broader efforts to modernize the state’s infrastructure, improve air quality, and promote tourism and business, it said. The meeting was also attended by senior government officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department Sanjay Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department O.P. Gupta, Principal Secretary of Urban Development Asim Kumar Gupta, Managing Director of MADC Swati Pandey, Secretary of the Industry Department Anbalagan, and others.
28 December,2024 11:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariPassengers on Western Railway complained that the 3:26 pm Churchgate-Virar fast Mumbai AC local train skipped Marine Lines station inconveniencing them. "I was standing at Marine Lines. The 3:29 pm train from Marine Lines did not halt at the station. When it passed through the station, then it was announced that the premium train is cancelled. It is unfair,"Shailesh Goyal, former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee, said. Goyal added that ironically it is the maximum businessmen from Marine Linea, Charni Road and Grant Road that use the AC local train. Meanwhile, the railway officials said there had been a signal issue earlier in the day near Jogeshwari and the train had been running late, hence was converted into double fast local train and its halts at Marine Lines, Charni Road, and Grant Road stations were cancelled and proper announcements also made at railway stations.
28 December,2024 09:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarActor Prajakta Mali on Saturday slammed BJP MLA Suresh Dhas for allegedly dragging her name in his attempt to target NCP minister Dhananjay Munde in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case, reported the PTI. The row began after Dhas spoke about "event management politics" and "Parli pattern" while attacking Munde. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog, was abducted, tortured and murdered in Beed on December 9 for attempting to thwart an extortion bid on an energy firm. While several persons have been arrested so far, a political tussle is underway over Walmik Karad, an accused in the extortion case linked to the murder and who is reportedly a close aide of Parli MLA Dhananjay Munde, according to the PTI. Addressing a press conference, Prajakta Mali said Dhas' comments were in bad taste, entirely baseless and asserted women, especially actors, should not be made soft targets, as per the PTI. Prajakta Mali said that her silence over video clips and fake news circulating over the past one-and-half months on social media pertaining to her visit to Parli for a cultural event should not seen as "my consent". "Artistes choose to stay away from such mudslinging. But Suresh Dhas is an elected representative and what he says and the manner in which he says it have to be taken seriously. Dhas' remarks are false and baseless. His remarks linking me to Dhananjay Munde are derogatory," the actor emphasised. She said her family and friends believed in her when such negativity was being spread on social media but it needs to be taken seriously when an MLA makes such comments. Mali said she has sought a public apology from Dhas and is contemplating legal action against the Ashti MLA. "I had been to Parli for a cultural event, an award function. Artistes like me travel to several cities to entertain audiences. Why name just women? Haven't male actors attended such programmes organised by politicians? Dhas has used my name for his selfish interests," she said, the news agency reported. Asserting that such comments not only malign women but also show a person's mindset, Mali informed that she has lodged a complaint with the Maharashtra State Women's Commission. Dhas, meanwhile, said there was no question of apologising to Mali and asserted he had not said anything objectionable. "I don't know her and she is not my enemy. She should rewind and hear what I said yesterday," Dhas said, as per the PTI. The actor said she will meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking that social media platforms, portals and media be held accountable for maligning women. Incidentally, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule has asked Dhas to desist from publicly attacking Munde over the sarpanch murder case. "I will ask Dhas to share any information he possesses directly with the chief minister rather than going public. I will tell him not to make any comments which will hamper the (murder) probe, " Chandrashekhar Bawankule told reporters on Friday, the PTI reported. (with PTI inputs)
28 December,2024 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo tackle Mumbai air pollution, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Saturday said it has decided to take action to combat construction dust and improve air quality in the city. In an official statement, the MMRDA said that under the leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the guidance of MMRDA Chairman and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the MMRDA has issued stringent guidelines to curb dust pollution caused by construction activities. According to MMRDA, these measures are a step toward improving Mumbai’s air quality and ensuring sustainable urban development. The new guidelines outline immediate actions to control dust, monitor construction activities, manage debris, and regulate vehicle transport at MMRDA project sites. Key Measures Announced: Control of Dust: - Deployment of water sprinklers and fogging machines across all construction sites. - Regular water sprinkling during earth-moving operations and on stacked materials. - Use of mechanical power sweeping machines for roads around project areas. Monitoring and Management: - Frequent inspections to ensure compliance with existing guidelines. - Comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess progress. Debris Management: - Elimination of unauthorised dumping and optimized movement of construction and demolition (C&D) waste to minimize dust. Regulation of Vehicles: - Strict adherence to guidelines for vehicles transporting construction materials, including proper coverings and permissions. Prohibition of Waste Burning: - A complete ban on burning waste at project premises. - To ensure strict compliance, MMRDA has introduced a robust penalty structure for contractors failing to adhere to these guidelines. Non-compliance will attract fines starting from Rs 5 lakhs for the first instance, escalating to Rs 20 lakhs and work suspension for repeated violations. CM Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, "MMR’s development must align with our environmental priorities. These measures reaffirm our government’s dedication to building a sustainable and healthy urban ecosystem for future generations." Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister said, "Improving MMR’s air quality is a priority for all of us. The stringent measures undertaken by MMRDA will be instrumental in controlling pollution caused by construction activities. While implementing developmental projects, we equally emphasize environmental protection. We are committed to building a cleaner and more sustainable MMR." Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, emphasized: "Ensuring clean air is a shared responsibility. These guidelines represent MMRDA’s proactive approach in balancing rapid infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. We urge all stakeholders to comply and contribute to a cleaner Mumbai."
28 December,2024 07:11 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAhead of the New Year 2024, the Central Railway has imposed restrictions on sale of platform tickets to avoid the year-end public rush at major railway stations. In an official statement, the Central Railway said that in anticipation of a heavy rush during the year ending period, Central Railway has imposed temporary restrictions on the sale of platform tickets at select major stations. This step aims to manage crowding on platforms and ensure smooth passenger movement within station premises. The restriction of sale of platform tickets will be effective from 12.00 hrs of 29.12.2024 to 02.01.2025 Platform ticket sales are restricted at the following 14 stations: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Thane, Kalyan, Panvel, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik Road, Bhusaval, Akola, Solapur, Kalaburagi and Latur. Exemptions: Aged persons, senior citizens, ailing persons, children, uneducated persons, and woman passengers unable to fend for themselves are exempted from these restrictions to ensure ease of travel, the Central Railway said. "Passengers are requested to plan accordingly and adhere to the new regulations for a smooth and safe travel experience during the year-end period," the Central Railway said on Saturday.
28 December,2024 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarNavi Mumbai Police has warned citizens of taking strict action in cases of drunk driving during new year 2024 celebrations in the city. Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe held a press conference on Saturday and announced the security and safety measures being implemented for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations. With the city set to welcome 2025, Bharambe assured residents that the police department is taking extensive precautions to ensure a safe and festive environment while urging the public to exercise caution, particularly with regard to drunk driving. Addressing the media, Navi Mumbai CP Milind Bharambe stated that the police would be vigilant across the city to prevent any untoward incidents during the New Year festivities. The Navi Mumbai Police will deploy multiple mega check posts across key locations in the city, particularly near popular nightlife hubs, party venues, and major roads. These check posts will be set up to conduct breathalyzer tests and check for any signs of impaired driving. Officers will also be stationed at strategic points to monitor the movement of vehicles, and violators will be penalized under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, the police official said. Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe addressed the media about preparations for New Year’s celebrations. He also urged citizens to avoid drunk driving, highlighting that mega check posts will be set up across Navi Mumbai and strict action will be taken against… pic.twitter.com/EoKUKohczR — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 28, 2024 Bharambe warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol. Mumbai Police plans to deploy thousands of cops on city streets Mumbai Police on Friday said that it has planned extensive security measures in city for New Year Eve 2024 and will deploy thousands of cops on city streets. The police said that on the occasion of New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2024, various public places, hotels, shopping malls, and other establishments in Mumbai will host special events to mark the arrival of the New Year. Citizens across the city will celebrate with enthusiasm and joy. To ensure law and order during these celebrations, the Mumbai Police have made extensive security arrangements. According to the police, under the guidance of the Commissioner of Police and the Special Commissioner of Police, and under the supervision of the Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), a robust police presence has been planned. "A total of 2,184 police officers and 12,048 police personnel will be deployed across the city, including senior officers like 8 Additional Commissioners of Police, 29 Deputy Commissioners of Police, and 53 Assistant Commissioners of Police. Along with this, specialized teams such as SRPF platoons, QRAT teams, BDDs teams, RCP platoons, and Home Guards will also be stationed at critical locations," said an official. To ensure a smooth and safe celebration, the police will set up checkpoints at various locations and conduct regular patrolling in crowded areas. "There will also be fixed-point security measures, especially in high-traffic zones," the official said.
28 December,2024 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanADVERTISEMENT
