The demolition of unauthorised constructions in North Mumbai has been put on hold until after Ganeshotsav, following directions from the Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, an official statement statement said on Wednesday. The minister has also instructed that no notices be served to citizens during the festive season, saying the move was aimed at preventing panic among residents. The decision comes after repeated demands from locals to temporarily pause demolition drives. Bawankule issued the instructions during a meeting at Mantralaya with BJP North Mumbai District President Deepak Tawade and officials from the Revenue Department. He added that a detailed review will be held at the BMC office once the festival concludes, where a final decision on the matter will be taken. While the BMC has flagged several structures as unauthorised, the minister assured that cases involving pre-2011 constructions would be given sympathetic consideration and could qualify for regulatory concessions. At the same time, he maintained a firm stance against irregularities, stressing that there would be no relief for cases involving forged maps or fraudulent documentation. The controversy stems from a committee investigation that found discrepancies in 165 out of 884 boundary maps, as well as nine diagrams from the Goregaon City Survey Officer’s records. These findings had prompted BMC’s demolition actions, which have now been temporarily suspended until after the festival period.
20 August,2025 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has welcomed the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) August 16 press note as a “long-overdue admission” that individual electors are equal stakeholders in maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls, an acknowledgement previously reserved largely for political parties. However, CHRI has sharply criticised the commission for failing to address the systemic issue of accountability among electoral officials responsible for finalising faulty voter lists, calling the omission a glaring abdication of the ECI’s constitutional duty under Article 324. CHRI Director Venkatesh Nayak noted that until now, political parties were treated as the sole interest groups in safeguarding roll integrity, while the role of ordinary electors was neglected. “This recognition by the ECI is a big change,” Nayak said. “For years, parties were the only recognised stakeholders, managing chauki-khatas and reviewing drafts. Now, at last, voters themselves are acknowledged as equal partners in this vital democratic process.” Why it matters Electoral rolls form the foundation of free and fair elections. They list eligible citizens, ensuring that every voter can exercise their franchise while preventing fraud. But for decades, India’s rolls have been plagued by duplicate entries, erroneous deletions, missing names, and incorrect details — leading to voter disenfranchisement, confusion at polling stations, and opportunities for malpractice. Though complaints have poured in from citizens, parties, and civil society groups, these were often dismissed as “technical errors” or blamed on voters and party agents for not raising objections in time. The ECI’s latest note, for the first time, acknowledges that citizens are not passive participants but active stakeholders in ensuring clean rolls—a move Nayak described as an important step toward transparency and civic empowerment. Transparency vs. accountability The press note explains how Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) coordinate to prepare voter lists, which are then published in draft form for scrutiny by political parties and the public. “Maximum transparency is the hallmark of this process,” the ECI declared. It also chided political parties for failing to adequately review rolls during the claims and objections period, saying: “Some parties and individuals have recently complained of mistakes, but the right time to raise objections is when the draft rolls are published.” While CHRI welcomed the recognition of voters’ rights, it underscored a glaring gap: the note does not address accountability for electoral officials who approve faulty rolls. “Electoral officials at every level are responsible for accuracy. Yet, year after year, errors remain, with little to no consequences for those who fail in their duties,” Nayak said. “This silence amounts to an abdication of the ECI’s constitutional mandate under Article 324.” Legal backing & civic responsibility The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the ECI’s authority to revise rolls, affirming its final say in such matters. “With such massive power comes massive responsibility,” Nayak added. “The ECI cannot simply blame voters or parties. It must also hold its own officials accountable.” As India heads into a busy election season, the accuracy of the rolls will again be under scrutiny. For civil society groups, the ECI’s acknowledgement of voters as stakeholders is progress — but insufficient without systemic reform. “Free and fair polls begin with correct, comprehensive, and accountable electoral rolls,” Nayak stressed. “Recognising voters’ role is necessary, but unless backed with accountability mechanisms, errors of exclusion, duplication, and manipulation will persist, no matter how many press notes the ECI issues.”
20 August,2025 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonAfter days of heavy rains in Mumbai, the situation in city and other parts of Maharashtra is under control, CM Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday as the state capital saw respite from torrential rains that crippled the metropolis a day earlier, reported the PTI. CM Fadnavis stated that all necessary precautions regarding disaster management are being taken by deploying NDRF and SDRF jawans in areas being lashed by heavy rains in the state. "Water discharge from dams is being managed, and the government is in touch with neighbouring states to coordinate release as per our requests," Fadnavis told reporters, reported the PTI. Torrential downpours crippled Mumbai and the metropolitan region on Tuesday, leaving low-lying areas submerged, stopping local trains on tracks, and severely impacting normal life. The situation eased on Wednesday as the rains took a break, barring intermittent showers. "The overall rain situation in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra is pretty much under control, though some areas were still witnessing heavy rainfall," CM Fadnavis said. He reiterated that crops on 14 lakh hectares were damaged and assured government aid to affected farmers after due assessment. The chief minister emphasised that any assistance to farmers can't be announced on the basis of the rains in the last four days. Heavy rains occurred in the last week and also in the last four consecutive days. There are set methods and parameters under the NDRF Act. Panchnamas (on-spot inspection of damage) must be carried out first, and only then can such help be announced, he said. "We have already issued instructions to conduct an assessment of damage," CM Fadnavis added. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Wednesday said that the Congress has urged the Fadnavis-led government to provide an urgent assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare to the farmers affected with the recent heavy rains. Sapkal has written to CM Devendra Fadnavis and demanded to declare a 'wet drought' and provide aid to the farmers, reported the PTI. Incessant rains over the past few days in various parts of the state, including capital Mumbai and its metropolitan region, threw life out of gear. Hundreds of people had to be shifted to safety due to flooding, which also damaged crops on a large scale. In a letter addressed to CM Fadnavis, Sapkal said that due to the recent downpour, floodwaters have entered agricultural lands, severely damaging standing crops. (with PTI inputs)
20 August,2025 08:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has taken action to improve safety on the Mumbai Monorail after a break down of the train between two stations on Tuesday. A Mumbai Monorail train abruptly came to a halt between Acharya Atre and Wadala Monorail stations on the evening of August 19, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded mid-air for over an hour. The Mumbai fire brigade, police and other emergency services joined the rescue operations following which all the passengers were safely rescued. The authorities are now introducing immediate and long-term steps to make sure such incidents do not happen again, an official statement said. The passenger safety is the MMRDA and MMMOCL's (Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited) top priority, the statement said, adding that the both have asked all staff to be more alert and are working to make the Monorail system more secure and reliable. It said that the Monorail coaches can carry up to 104 tonnes. To prevent overcrowding, station staff will now limit how many people can board. If a train is too full, it will stop, and passengers will be asked to safely get off before it continues. Each Monorail train will now have a security guard to keep an eye on crowding. A trained technician will also travel with the pilot to fix any technical issues right away. Every Monorail has eight ventilation windows -- two in each coach. These are being checked and clearly labelled so that passengers know what to do in an emergency, the statement said. Clear signs have been added inside the trains to guide passengers on safety steps and how to use emergency exits. The Director of Maintenance has been asked to inspect every Monorail train to make sure all safety rules are being followed, it said. It further said that the MMRDA has bought 10 new Monorail rakes (trains) and seven of them have already arrived and are being tested. Once they pass safety checks, they will be added to the regular service. This will reduce pressure on older trains and help improve the overall service. The MMRDA said that the Monorail is an important transport option for people in Mumbai. All the new changes -- from short-term fixes to adding new trains -- are focused on making the journey safer and more comfortable for everyone.
20 August,2025 07:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police have registered an FIR against 150 people for staging a protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana in central Mumbai to oppose the BMC's attempt to stop pigeon-feeding at the spot, police said on Wednesday, reported the PTI. The first information report was registered at the Dadar police station five days ago for unlawful assembly, mischief and disobeying orders issued by the police commissioner under relevant sections of BNS and Maharashtra Police Act, an official said. No one has been arrested, he added. On August 6, hundreds of people including Jain community members gathered near Kabutarkhana to protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) decision to cover the feeding spot. The BMC had covered the Kabutarkhana with a tarpaulin sheet and putting up a board warning citizens against feeding pigeons. The protestors had tried to remove the covers and bamboo fence erected by the BMC besides blocking traffic during peak hours, demanding that feeding pigeons should be allowed, the police official said. Feeding of pigeons in public places such as Dadar Kabutarkhana has become a controversial issue with health experts warning that droppings and feathers of pigeons can cause serious respiratory infections to humans. The state government on July 3 directed the BMC to immediately ensure the feeding of pigeons at public places across the city is stopped in light of health hazards that can lead to respiratory illnesses and several allergies among residents living in the vicinity of kabutarkhanas. Shiv Sena leader and nominated MLC Manisha Kayande had raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday, July 3, stating that kabutarkhanas pose a danger to the people living around them as their waste and feathers lead to respiratory diseases. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is officially asking Mumbaikars for their say on the ban. The civic body has invited suggestions and objections on whether controlled feeding should be allowed at designated times of the day. The window for public feedback opens on Monday, August 18, and will remain open until Friday, August 29. The civic body has issued a public appeal: “Citizens are requested to review the applications uploaded on the website and send their objections or suggestions on whether pigeons should be fed in a controlled manner... to the email ID [suggestions@mcgm.gov.in] between August 18 and August 29, 2025.” (with PTI inputs)
20 August,2025 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra’s Women and Child Development Minister, Aditi Tatkare, on Wednesday said that the government is currently scrutinising the bank accounts of over 12,000 men who allegedly availed themselves of benefits under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, reported the PTI. Launched by the BJP-led Mahayuti government in August last year, this flagship scheme provides eligible women with financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month. “We are verifying the authenticity of these 12,000 accounts to check whether the monthly financial aid intended for women is being credited to male members of the household,” Aditi Tatkare told reporters, as per the PTI. She also claimed that some people were attempting to discredit the Ladki Bahin scheme. The minister revealed that Aadhaar had not been linked (seeded) to nearly 50 lakh bank accounts registered under the scheme in its initial phase. “Aadhaar seeding was implemented because of Ladki Bahin,” she said, adding, “This will help women not only receive their monthly payments but also benefit them in other matters,” according to the PTI. In a post on X last month, Aditi Tatkare cited data from the Department of Information and Technology, reportedly showing that nearly 26.34 lakh people were receiving assistance under the scheme despite being ineligible. मुख्यमंत्री माझी लाडकी बहीण योजनेअंतर्गत पात्र ठरलेल्या सर्व अर्जांची ओळख पटवण्यासाठी महिला व बालविकास विभागाने शासनाच्या सर्व विभागांकडून माहिती मागवली होती. यानुसार माहिती व तंत्रज्ञान विभागाने सुमारे २६.३४ लाख लाभार्थी अपात्र असताना देखील लाडकी बहीण योजनेचा लाभ घेत असल्याची… — Aditi S Tatkare (@iAditiTatkare) July 26, 2025 Aditi Tatkare had said, "the government had asked all departments for data to verify applications. The Department of Information Technology found that several irregularities had occurred. Some families had more than two beneficiaries, some applicants were receiving aid from multiple schemes, in some cases men were found on the beneficiary list." She had noted that some individuals were benefiting from multiple government schemes, some families had more than two beneficiaries, and in several cases, men had applied for the scheme in violation of its terms. Based on the data, benefits to these individuals were halted from June 2025. The details of such cases are now being verified by district collectors. Tatkare said that benefits will resume for those found eligible. Regarding individuals who deliberately misled the government to access the Ladki Bahin scheme, she stated that appropriate action would be taken after consultation with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. (with PTI inputs)
20 August,2025 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWildlife lover and volunteer of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Ankit Vyas, received a call from a resident of a high-rise at Mumbai's Borivali East, located right on the boundary of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), about a snake inside their house on the 11th floor. "On reaching the spot, I found a beautiful grey-morphed Forsten’s Cat Snake (Boiga forsteni), about 4.5 to 5 feet long. I educated the family and other residents about the species, safely rescued it, informed the forest officials, and released it back into the core forest area. Forsten’s Cat Snakes are mildly venomous but not dangerous to humans. They are arboreal, nocturnal, and often seek dry, safe places during heavy rains, which could explain how it ended up at such a height," said Vyas.
20 August,2025 06:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavWith heavy rains over the past few days causing flood-like situation in some parts of Maharashtra, state Congress has written to CM Devendra Fadnavis and demanded to declare a 'wet drought' and provide aid to the farmers, reported the PTI. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal urged the Fadnavis-led government to provide an urgent assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare to the farmers affected with the recent heavy rains. Incessant rains over the past few days in various parts of the state, including capital Mumbai and its metropolitan region, threw life out of gear. Hundreds of people had to be shifted to safety due to flooding, which also damaged crops on a large scale. In a letter addressed to CM Fadnavis, Sapkal said that due to the recent downpour, floodwaters have entered agricultural lands, severely damaging standing crops. "It is estimated that more than 15 lakh acres of farmland across the state has suffered extensive damages," he said, according to the PTI. Around 17 districts in Marathwada, Vidarbha and Western Maharashtra regions have been worst hit due to heavy rains, while North Maharashtra and Konkan regions have also reported significant losses, he said. Major crops, such as jowar, bajra, urad, maize, soybean, moong, cotton, tur, fruits and vegetables, have suffered extensive damages, while sugarcane cultivated on thousands of hectares of land has also been affected, he added, as per the PTI. In some areas, farmers have even lost livestock, and Nanded district has reported loss of human lives, the Congress leader said. "The already distressed farmers are now facing yet another natural calamity," Sapkal said, the news agency reported. While the government has issued orders to conduct crop damage assessments (panchnamas), he urged the state to set aside all rules, conditions, and procedures in this time of crisis and immediately extend financial assistance to farmers. He also demanded that the families of those who lost their lives be provided with compassionate support and relief. On Tuesday, CM Fadnavis told reporters that crops spread across 12 to 14 lakh acres of land have been damaged due to heavy rains lashing different parts of the state. (with PTI inputs)
20 August,2025 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court collegium on Tuesday approved a proposal for appointment of 14 advocates as judges of the Bombay High Court. The collegium headed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai held its meeting on Tuesday."The Supreme Court collegium in its meeting held on August 19, 2025 has approved the proposal for appointment of the following advocates as judges of the High Court of Bombay," said a statement uploaded on the apex court's website. The collegium approved the proposal for appointment of advocates Nandesh Shankarrao Deshpande, Amit Satyavan Jamsandekar, Ashish Sahadev Chavan, Vaishali Nimbajirao Patil-Jadhav, Abasaheb Dharmaji Shinde and Farhan Parvez Dubash as high court judges. A separate statement said the collegium approved the proposal for appointment of lawyers Siddheshwar Sundarrao Thombre, Mehroz Ashraf Khan Pathan, Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale, Sandesh Dadasaheb Patil, Shreeram Vinayak Shirsat, Hiten Shamrao Venegavkar, Rajnish Ratnakar Vyas and Raj Damodar Wakode as judges of the Bombay High Court. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 August,2025 04:12 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe final countdown for Mumbai’s favourite festival has begun. With only six days to go for Ganesh Chaturthi, the streets of Lalbaug – home to some of the city's most iconic idols – are already abuzz with the festivities. One such celebrated idol is the Raja Tejukayacha, renowned for its eco-friendly craftsmanship and breathtaking beauty. Here's how the mandal stands out. Since 2019, the mandal has championed a pioneering green approach, crafting the idol entirely out of paper. The first paper idol, a towering 22 feet in height and 18 feet in width, weighed nearly 2,000 kg. Raja Tejukaya 2019 idol. PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Remarkably, during visarjan, the massive idol is carried on the shoulders of devotees to Chowpatty. Painted exclusively with natural colours, the idol is completely biodegradable. This innovation earned the mandal a Guinness World Record in 2019 for creating the world’s largest eco-friendly Bappa. In an exclusive chat with mid-day.com, veteran sculptor Rajan Zad – the man behind the Raja Tejukayacha – and his son, Vidhish, offered a glimpse into the artistry and environmental consciousness behind the idol. “This year, our 22-foot Tejukaya Ganpati will take on a majestic warrior avatar,” revealed Zad, a fourth-generation sculptor. Tejukaya Murtikar Rajan Zad at Studio Shilpalaya in Lower Parel, Mumbai. PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD Behind the scenes Zad explained that the making of the paper idol requires around 40–50 kg of paper, gum, powder and coconut husk. Continuing his eco-friendly approach, Zad also crafts unique Ganpati idols from dried, used flowers, which can reach up to 20 feet in height. However, these are extremely delicate and have to be handled with utmost care, especially during the monsoon, he stated. Tejukaya Murtikar Vidhish Zad at Studio Shilpalaya in Lower Parel, Mumbai. PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD His son, Vidhish, explained that while Plaster-of-Paris (PoP) idols can be completed in a month, eco-friendly idols require far more time and precision. “We begin work in January because we need dry, heated weather to ensure the idol sets properly. In August, the humidity doubles the drying time, and even the slightest moisture can ruin the sculpture. While PoP is more cost- and time-effective, paper and flower idols are truly environmentally friendly,” said Vidhish. A flower idol costs between Rs 1.5 lakh and 2 lakh, while the famous paper idol costs around Rs 7–8 lakh. Given the idol's delicate nature, the mandal takes elaborate precautions for immersion. “We look after our Bappa like a child. From lifting him out of the mandap to the final visarjan at Chowpatty, we take every precaution, protecting him from rain, ensuring road safety, and even designing a special raincoat for the idol,” said Shubham Patil, deputy secretary of the Tejukaya Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. Even the smaller pooja murti is made of clay to ensure it dissolves naturally in water without harming the environment, the mandal informed. A peek through history Established in 1967, the Tejukaya Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has been home to one of Mumbai’s most iconic Ganpati idols. For decades, the magnificent idol was sculpted by Zad’s father, Vitthal. Zad took over the tradition and continues to create the colossal idol that draws thousands of devotees every year. The legacy began in 1970, when Vitthal sculpted the first 14-foot idol of Raja Tejukayacha. The mandal had briefly experimented with cotton idols before Zad made the first paper idol in 1976. In 1979, under the leadership of the trust president, late Ganpat Josoolkar, the mandal unveiled the legendary Akhanda Brahmand Ganpati, a 25-foot idol weighing nearly five tonnes with its trolley. In 1985, Rajan Zad took over his father’s mantle and created his first idol for the mandal. Over the years, he went on to carve out several memorable designs, including the famed suspended Shesh Naag idol in 2000. He has collaborated with his brother Rupesh and cousins Ajit and Sachin Khot to create many such suspended masterpieces. At their workshop, Studio Shilpalaya, the family employs 10–15 artisans, who earn between Rs 500 and Rs 800 a day, depending on their skills. After decades of sculpting with devotion, Zad plans to pass on the legacy to Vidhish in 2026. “Next year will be my final year as a murtikar,” he shared. “All the murtis hold a special place in my heart. Creating them alongside my son, a fifth-generation artist, has been a true blessing.” The year 2026 will mark the mandal’s 60th year, a milestone the Tejukaya family is preparing for with unmatched enthusiasm, determined to ensure their devotion and eco-conscious traditions continue to inspire Mumbaikars for generations to come.
20 August,2025 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Anushree GaikwadThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for several districts in Maharashtra on Wednesday. IMD has issued a red alert for Thane district and an orange alert for Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad and Ratnagiri. Meanwhile, Sindhudurg, Dhule, and Nashik have been placed under a yellow alert. According to the forecast, Palghar and Thane districts are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at many places. The probability of this occurrence is marked as very likely, with Thane flagged under a higher risk category. In Mumbai, heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places. The IMD has cautioned residents about possible disruptions due to intense showers. Neighboring districts, including Raigad and Ratnagiri, may also witness heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated spots, respectively. Further south, Sindhudurg is likely to see heavy rainfall at isolated places, while Dhule in north Maharashtra may face heavy rainfall at a few places. For all districts under warning, the likelihood of these events is high. The ghats of Pune, Nashik, and Satara have been placed under a red alert, with a high probability of experiencing extreme rainfall. Authorities have advised residents in affected regions to remain alert and take necessary precautions, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Heavy rains in Thane, Palghar: One killed, several shifted to safer locations A man died after falling into a water-filled quarry, while an inundated bridge in the Kalyan area was closed after heavy rains lashed Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Wednesday. The neighbouring Palghar district also witnessed heavy overnight showers, flooding low-lying areas and disrupting movement at several locations, they said. On Tuesday, authorities rescued 194 persons trapped in inundated areas of Vasai taluka in Palghar using boats and ropes, they added. At Nanivali, in the Ambede area of Palghar, nearly 5,000 chickens perished after flooding at a farmer's poultry farm, district disaster management CEO and resident deputy collector Subhash Badge said. A man, identified as Aditya Singh, died after falling into a water-filled quarry around midnight at Rabale in Navi Mumbai township of Thane district, an official from the disaster control room said. Flood waters rose over the Runde bridge in Kalyan, forcing its closure, stated Tehsildar Sachin Shejal.
20 August,2025 03:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
