Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) after observing how the organisation successfully countered the opposition’s fake narrative during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The opposition had earlier alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aimed to secure 400 seats to amend the Constitution and eliminate reservations, a claim that saffron party leaders acknowledged had negatively impacted their campaign. Commenting on Pawar’s recent remarks appreciating the RSS, Fadnavis said on Friday that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance managed to construct a misleading narrative during the general elections. However, he credited the RSS for its role in exposing the truth. “When the Assembly elections drew closer, individuals from various walks of life, inspired by the RSS, played a critical role in dismantling this fake narrative. Sharad Pawar Saheb is an astute leader; he must have studied the RSS’s efforts and realised that it is not merely a political entity but a nationalist force. In any competition, it is wise to recognise others’ strengths,” Fadnavis remarked during an interaction with senior editor Vivek Ghalsasi at the Late Vilasji Fadnis Jivhala programme in Nagpur. The Chief Minister further revealed that when Eknath Shinde was appointed Chief Minister in June 2022, he had requested to be assigned organisational work. However, senior party leaders insisted that he join the government. Fadnavis also disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had advised him against operating as an “extra-constitutional authority” in the government. Responding to a query on who between Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah is stricter, Fadnavis explained, “Modi ji is extremely disciplined and unwavering in his principles, while Shah can occasionally be persuaded to make a political decision for convenience. However, Modi ji would never compromise for convenience.” Reflecting on his decision to serve as Deputy Chief Minister, Fadnavis said it garnered significant praise from party workers and demonstrated his commitment to the BJP’s leadership. Discussing the 2024 Assembly elections, Fadnavis noted that the BJP’s victory with 132 seats – close to a majority in the 288-member House – was a decisive mandate. According to him, even Shinde readily agreed that the Chief Minister’s post should go to the BJP, ensuring alignment with the public sentiment. Touching upon Uddhav Thackeray’s meeting with him during the legislature’s winter session in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasised his commitment to non-retaliatory politics. He revealed that he had announced he would not engage in “politics of revenge” upon assuming office as Chief Minister, a gesture that was well-received by leaders across parties. Commenting on the possibility of the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP reconciling with the main party, Fadnavis said, “If you analyse the events from 2019 to 2024, you learn never to say never in politics. Anything is possible – Uddhav Thackeray could align with another party, and Ajit Pawar could join us. I am not suggesting this should happen, but it is a possibility.” Fadnavis described Uddhav Thackeray as a former ally and Raj Thackeray as a current friend, while clarifying that he does not view the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader as an enemy. When asked if he preferred serving as Chief Minister or BJP national president, Fadnavis said he would willingly accept any role the party assigns him. “My identity is because of the BJP. If the party asks me to stay at home, I will do so without hesitation,” he asserted. The Chief Minister also praised BJP leader Arun Gujarati for teaching him the importance of patience, which he described as an essential quality in politics alongside the ability to accept criticism. In a lighter vein, Fadnavis quipped, “I only get angry when I am hungry. If you see me angry, give me something to eat, and my anger will disappear.” (With inputs from PTI)
11 January,2025 08:50 AM IST | MumbaiTaking note of an environmentalist’s plea to protect a green patch of over 200 trees from commercial development in a chemical zone at Pawane, Navi Mumbai, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). The MIDC had allotted 300 sq m from the original 3,600 sq m of Open Space 7 to a project-affected person (PAP) for a hotel project. Environmentalists fear that the commercial activity could lead to the felling of 200 mature trees if the project proceeds. The NGT’s western zonal bench directed the MIDC to respond to the concerns raised by NatConnect Foundation director B N Kumar. “I have no objection to helping PAPs, but the green space must be preserved. The PAP can be resettled at a different site,” Kumar stated in the application. The plea highlights that the area is dominated by chemical factories emitting pollutants, necessitating green buffer zones as mandated in the region’s Development Plan. Regulation 3.4.3 of the 2023 Comprehensive Development Control and Promotion Regulations (CDCPR) strictly restricts construction in such open spaces, Kumar’s counsel, Ronita Bhattacharya, argued. Open Space 7 has been maintained since 2001 by Expanded Polymer Systems Pvt Ltd, which planted and cared for over 200 trees. Developing the 300 sq m plot for the PAP would require the felling of 34 trees just to provide access for customers to the proposed hotel. Records accessed under the RTI Act reveal that the land, originally leased in 2000 for afforestation, was taken back by the MIDC in 2008 for PAP allocation, though the decision was communicated to the company only in January 2024. According to the CDCPR, permissible activities in open spaces include recreational facilities like pavilions, gymnasiums, libraries, and yoga centres—not hotels or restaurants. The tribunal bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr Vijay Kulkarni, noted: “It appears the applicant fears that allowing construction of a otel/restaurant in the area reserved for open space would lead to the destruction of a large number of trees.” The next hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2025. NatConnect also pointed out a precedent where the Bombay High Court overturned CIDCO’s decision to use open space for real estate. The Supreme Court upheld the ruling, emphasising the importance of preserving open spaces for public welfare and the fundamental rights of citizens. “If we do not have a foresight, concern and care for the future rights of the citizens, and from all possible perspectives, we are abdicating the Constitutional principles which recognise an overall development of an individual, which is part of the right to livelihood as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution and as interpreted in its various dimensions, in catena of judgments of the Supreme Court,” the HC said. Commercial development on the 300 sq mtr plot allotted to the PAP would result in destruction of 34 trees. But a much more serious problem would arise if this precedent is set, change of use on OS-7 is permitted, Kumar said and expressed the fear that the entire green patch would be wiped out. 300 sq mThe area allotted for PAP
11 January,2025 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Forum for People’s Collective Efforts (FPCE), a consumer rights body, has raised serious concerns about misleading real estate advertisements in Maharashtra. In a letter to the Secretary of Consumer Affairs, Union Government, the forum criticised MahaRERA’s inaction against errant developers who deceive flat buyers through false advertising. The forum relied on the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)’s half-yearly report (April–September 2024) to highlight the issue. Of 2115 real estate ads screened in Maharashtra, 1027 were found misleading and in violation of the RERA Act. MahaRERA signed an MoU with ASCI in February 2024 to monitor misleading ads and protect flat buyers, but its lack of substantial penalties has raised concerns. ASCI’s report stated, “From 2115 real estate ads screened, 1027 were flagged for potential violations of MahaRERA regulations. While 59 per cent of advertisers complied by modifying or withdrawing ads, 628 developers were penalised, with fines totalling Rs 88.90 lakh.” ‘Reprimand errant builders’ Advocate Anil Dsouza, hon. secretary, MahaRERA Bar AssociationDespite clear guidelines, promoters continue to flout rules on advertising and marketing, leading to confusion and misrepresentation. Advocate Anil Dsouza, hon. secretary of the MahaRERA Bar Association, said, “ASCI and MahaRERA are doing their best, but stricter penalties are needed for misleading advertisements.” The first suo-motu case by MahaRERA involved an unregistered agent from Chembur advertising unregistered projects. “Honest advertisements reduce litigation and foster trust between promoters and buyers. MahaRERA and ASCI must be more vigilant to ensure clean practices,” said Dsouza. He also called for tougher interactions with CREDAI-MCHI, NAREDCO, and industry SROs to ensure compliance and establish stricter regulations, stressing, “Honest advertisements are not optional but an obligation.” ‘Meagre fines exploited’ Abhay Upadhyay, president, FPCEAbhay Upadhyay, president (FPCE), said, “ASCI has reviewed advertisements based only on MahaRERA’s limited instructions. However, from a consumer’s perspective, these ads often mislead. Images rarely match the actual project, QR codes often fail to provide accurate details of facilities and amenities, and there’s typically a disclaimer allowing management to change project details, violating RERA rules that prohibit such changes after sales begin. “Builders exploit this situation as penalties are negligible,” said Upadhyay. “With a fine of R15,000-20,000 on average (MahaRERA collected R88.90 lakh from 628 developers, averaging R14,156 per project), they trap hundreds of buyers with misleading ads. Homebuyers suffer, while MahaRERA indirectly supports this by imposing token penalties.” Upadhyay confirmed he received no response to his concerns. 1027Total no. of ads found to be misleading ‘Making a mockery’ Ramesh Prabhu, founder chairman, MahaSEWARamesh Prabhu, founder chairman of Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association (MahaSEWA) said, “Once ASCI, being a regulator, refers a particular real estate advertisement with discrepancies to MahaRERA, it becomes MahaRERA’s responsibility to issue show-cause notices to such promoters under Section 12 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. MahaRERA should initiate legal proceedings against promoters engaging in unfair trade practices and consider cancelling project registrations instead of merely imposing negligible fines of R14,000 to R15,000, which makes a mockery of customer protection.” He further suggested MahaRERA should publish details of such misleading advertisements on its official website to help flat buyers make informed decisions. Highlights of ASCI Report (Apr-Sept 2024) 4016 complaints addressed 3031 ads reviewed for potential code violations 98% required modifications 53% withdrawn/modified without contest 90% cases flagged via proactive monitoring 18 days average case resolution time 2087 digital media ads violated laws 1027 breached MahaRERA Act 890 promoted illegal betting/gambling 156 violated Drugs & Magic Remedies Act
11 January,2025 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonWith the focus shifting towards starting more trains from the suburbs instead of Mumbai Central and with additional Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains expected, the Western Railway has initiated expansion plans at Bandra Terminus. These plans aim to accommodate extra maintenance facilities, which could support up to nine new trains. The work on upgrading three new pit lines is 70 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by 2025. Pit lines are specialised maintenance tracks with an open dumping pit along the base of the railway track. These pits allow for cleaning and maintenance of trains from underneath, as well as inspection and repair of coach base parts in preparation for their next journey. “One will be ready by February, another by March, and the third by May 2025. Currently, we have three pit lines, and with these additions, the capacity will double. This will meet future demands,” a WR official said. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had also directed in September 2023 that capacity in the Mumbai area should be planned with a future target of starting 50 new trains (with a combination of platform return and primary maintenance trains) on both the railways and this expansion work is in line with this. To keep the focus on the suburbs, the Western Railway is developing termini at Vasai and Jogeshwari. On average, 46 trains arrive and depart every day in the Mumbai area of Western Railway (Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Dadar and Borivli). Apart from those which are through trains (which halt at Vasai Road and go to CR area or towards Vadodara). Bihar model in Mumbai The maintenance pit lines that are being developed at Bandra are three-tier ones where one can inspect the train's undercarriage, its body and also the roof. This type of maintenance pit is called the Barauni pit line after an industrial town in Bihar, India, located on the banks of the Ganges river. Barauni is a big railway hub with three railway stations. Barauni Junction, New Barauni Junction and Barauni Flag and it was here that the idea of this category of maintenance pit originated. 50No. of trains WR is targeting to add
11 January,2025 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will come to know “in a few days” if his NCP and cabinet colleague Dhananjay Munde has any link to the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case, claimed BJP MLA Suresh Dhas on Friday. Massajog sarpanch Deshmukh was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9 for trying to stop an extortion bid on an energy firm helming a windmill project in the region. A murder case and an extortion case linked to the killing are being probed by a Special Investigation Team of the state CID. Munde, MLA from Parli in Beed, is under attack from Opposition parties and even some leaders of the ruling Mahayuti as Walmik Karad, the key accused in the extortion case linked to the sarpanch’s murder, is his close aide. Speaking to a regional news channel, Dhas said, “Ajit Pawar will come to know after a few days if there is a connection (of Munde with the murder case) or not. I have never claimed there is a connection. I don’t say anything firmly (with firm conviction) on it and they (Munde’s backers) must also not say anything firmly as of now.”Dhas was answering a query on Pawar backing Munde on the issue. Speaking to reporters in Pune on Thursday, Pawar had said, “He (Munde) has asserted he is not even remotely linked to the case. He also said that any agency can probe the case. People levelling allegations must hand over evidence they have to probe agencies.” Some leaders from the ruling alliance and the Opposition are making allegations in connection with the case, but they must take precaution to ensure injustice is not done to anyone, the deputy CM had added. Dhas further alleged 109 “unidentified” dead bodies were found in Parli in a year, of which only four could be identified, while the remaining 105 were cremated. The BJP MLA from Ashti also claimed Walmik Karad’s name will soon be added to the sarpanch murder case. The Maratha and Vanjari communities must not fight over this incident as it would “not bring Santosh Deshmukh back”, the MLA added. The murder has also been embroiled in a caste tussle since Deshmukh was a Maratha and several of the accused are from the Vanjari community. Dec 9Day sarpanch was killed Sarpanch murder: Villagers plan agitation Residents of the murdered sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh’s village in Beed on Friday said they will decide the next course of the agitation in a few days. Several people from Massajog village had staged a ‘jal samadhi’ agitation last week and given the police deadline of January 11 to apprehend the absconding accused in the case. “The next course of the agitation will be decided in two days. The decision will be taken unanimously. The police department was given a deadline of 10 days, and it will end in a day or two,” a villager told reporters. He said villagers have been sitting in a tent for a month now, demanding the arrest of the accused in the murder case. “We want justice. The sixth accused, who is still at large, should also be arrested,” he said. Villagers have also demanded that the police disclose details about the investigation they carried out so far. “We are aware that the CID investigation is a little confidential. But, at least members of Deshmukh’s family should be informed about it,” they said.
11 January,2025 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesShiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday met with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner and held talks on a slew of topics, including water shortage, the Coastal Road Project, road scams, among others. Discussing the water shortage issue, Thackeray said, Mumbaikars are facing problems like low-pressure water supply, contaminated water supply, water shortage, etc., and demanded that the BMC should answer these problems to the people and take immediate measures to address them. He further requested the BMC chief to complete the Coastal Road Project, which he said was the dream of party chief Uddhav Thackeray. Aaditya said that the project, which should have been completed by December 2023, is still being delayed. In the meeting, Aaditya also requested civic chief Bhushan Gagrani to sanction dues of R16,000 crore from the state government. If the BMC gets dues from the state government, it could help BEST which is facing a crisis, and also provide other facilities to the common citizens, he said. According to the BMC’s record, the total outstanding dues from the offices of various departments of the state government on account of grant-in-aid, under the jurisdiction of BMC, amounts to R8,936.64 crore. This includes an amount of R5946.33 crore from the state education department. These dues have been pending for many years, said Aaditya. The former Maharashtra minister alleged that in the last two years, the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led government has looted Mumbai through various scams. He said that he had exposed the biggest road scam and demanded that there should be an impartial inquiry into this.
11 January,2025 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIIM-Mumbai (formerly NITIE) is on a mission to meet the growing demand for skilled manpower in logistics, with 1.15 crore professionals needed over the next five years. Designated by the Ministry of Education as a nodal hub for logistics under the National Education Policy, the institute is rolling out specialised courses aligned with industry needs and emerging technologies. To support the government’s ‘PM Gati Shakti’ master plan, IIM-Mumbai has launched the Centre of Excellence in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the Center for Innovation Incubation & Entrepreneurship. It will also oversee a portal connecting institutes offering logistics courses. In its report Future Talent Requirements in Logistics: A Vision 2047, submitted to the Education Ministry. Authored by a panel of experts—including Ashish Chauhan (CEO and MD, NSE), Prof. S G Deshmukh (IIT-Delhi), Prof. Gitakrishnan Ramadurai (IIT-Madras), Peeyush Gupta (Tata Steel), Ketan Kulkarni (Allcargo Logistics), Neelesh Mundra (McKinsey & Company), and Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari (director, IIM-Mumbai; convenor)— stressed revising curricula to integrate data analytics, sustainability, and problem-solving to meet industry demands. Driven by new advances The logistics sector is being reshaped by technologies like big data, blockchain, IoT, drones, robotics, and warehouse automation. Government projects, including 35 multimodal logistics parks and 108 port connectivity initiatives, further boost infrastructure. IIM-Mumbai director Prof. Manoj Tiwari shared that the institute currently offers 14 PM Gati Shakti courses in areas like data analytics, warehouse automation, and healthcare logistics. It has also developed reference courses for other institutes to design their own programs aligned with PM Gati Shakti’s goals. Sector’s growing demand Professor Tiwari highlighted that while 2.25 crore people are currently in logistics, an additional 1.15 crore will be needed by 2030. “We’re on a mission to bridge the skills gap,” he said. “By developing industry-tailored courses, we aim to meet the government’s capacity-building goals.” IIM-Mumbai is also offering logistics courses on platforms like SWAYAM and SWAYAM Plus. Seven new courses have been launched, covering AI in port management, warehouse automation, blockchain, and more. Tiwari added, “We encourage our faculty to continually upgrade their knowledge through industry visits and case studies, ensuring our courses remain relevant.” Training for the future Given the significant workforce demands in the logistics sector, as well as ongoing technological advancements and future industry needs, there is a pressing need to revise curricula to integrate hands-on learning and real-world case studies. Specifically, it is recommended that institutions introduce an ‘Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain’ course for all first-year engineering students, thereby ensuring a foundational understanding of key logistics and transportation components. To align with the evolving requirements of the manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management industries, educational institutions can develop specialised curricula at various levels. In order to prepare students for the increasing demands of digitalisation, institutions can also offer 15-hour or 30-hour certification programs, online courses via SWAYAM and NPTEL, and video lectures covering a broad range of topics.
11 January,2025 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghA woman, who is allegedly being treated for schizophrenia, strangled and killed her 10-year-old son using a mobile phone charging cable. According to the police sources, the woman was residing with her husband, 14-year-old daughter, and the deceased son in the Kherwadi area of Bandra East. Her husband is a government employee, serving as a deputy secretary in the Excise Department. Around 8 pm on Thursday, the woman was at home with the two children while her husband was on duty. She took her son to the bedroom and locked the door from inside. The daughter, sensing something unusual after hearing noises from the bedroom, knocked on the door but the woman refused to open it. The girl called the neighbours for help but they too were unsuccessful in opening the door. The neighbours then called the woman's husband, who immediately informed the Kherwadi police. A police team promptly arrived at the scene, forced open the bedroom door, and discovered that the woman had strangled her son using the cable. The boy was rushed to the nearest government hospital for treatment, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. “During interrogation, it was revealed that the woman had been suffering from schizophrenia and undergoing treatment for approximately one and a half years. While there was no prior information about any similar attempts, family members mentioned that she often quarrelled with her husband and children,” said an officer from Kherwadi police station. “We have registered a case under 103(1) (punishment for murder) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), arrested the woman and produced her in court on Friday. We are investigating the case further,” said Senior PI Kavidas Jambhale of Kherwadi police. ExpertSpeak Renowned psychiatrist Dr Sagar Mundada, associated with Healthspring, said, “This incident is deeply tragic. No mother in a normal mental state would ever commit such an act. This strongly indicates that she is suffering from a mental illness. If the family claims she is undergoing treatment, it is likely that the treatment was not followed properly and the patient might not have been taking her medication as prescribed.” According to Mundada, it is possible that her normal behaviour at times led the family to believe that she was recovering or fully stable. However, in reality, the illness may have persisted or worsened unnoticed. “In such cases, the priority is to provide treatment to the accused. However, this determination is made only after the court orders a mental health evaluation by a panel of expert doctors from a reputed government hospital, and the diagnosis is confirmed in their report,” he said, adding that her arrest aligns with the standard procedures outlined in the police manual. Advocate Dr Nilesh Pawaskar, special public prosecutor, Bombay High Court, said, “It appears that all these points serve as defences claiming the accused is schizophrenic or suffers from some other mental illness. These points will primarily be useful during the trial. Standard police procedures will be followed in the initial stages of the investigation. The accused will be arrested, undergo a medical examination, and be presented in court. In case the preliminary medical opinion suggests that the accused has schizophrenia or a similar condition, further investigation will be necessary to determine if the act was committed during a specific episode of the illness. This will involve examining all aspects of the case, including the accused's medical history, prior arrests, frequency of such episodes, and other relevant factors.” According to Pawaskar, the investigation will also aim to establish whether the act was genuinely a result of the illness or if the accused deliberately used the illness as a pretext. These findings will then become part of the official record and provide clarity on the circumstances of the act. “If the investigation confirms that the accused genuinely suffers from schizophrenia, the court will decide the appropriate course of action. This may involve either releasing the accused with conditions for treatment or keeping them in custody to ensure treatment, especially if there is a risk of recurrence,” he added. Advocate Vishhal Saxxenaa, Supreme Court of India, said, “BNS section 22 (IPC section 84 earlier) carves out an exception, that an act will not be an offence, if done by a person, who at the time of doing the same, because of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or what he is doing is either wrong or contrary to law.” According to Saxxenaa, to establish that an act done is not an offence as covered by IPC section 84, the following elements must be present… . The accused was of unsound mind at the time of commission of the act . Because of unsoundness of mind, the accused was incapable of knowing the nature of the act or that he was doing what was either wrong or contrary to the law“Such a person, if arrested, can apply to the appropriate court for bail. The court may after adjudication of all facts and circumstances grant bail or anticipatory bail. The police may file a charge sheet narrating the facts and the condition of the accused. While in custody, the officials should send the accused for a medical examination and if the medical report suggests mental illness, then the accused can be admitted to the hospital,” Saxxenaa said. 18 monthsTime the woman has been treated for mental illness Expert opinion ‘BNS section 22 (IPC section 84 earlier) carves out an exception, that an act will not be an offence, if done by a person, who at the time of doing the same, because of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or what he is doing is either wrong or contrary to law’Vishhal Saxxenaa, advocate, Supreme Court ‘The defence claiming the accused suffers from a mental illness will primarily be useful during the trial. But standard police procedures will be followed in the initial stages of the investigation. The accused will be arrested, undergo a medical examination, and be presented in court’Dr Nilesh Pawaskar, special public prosecutor, Bombay High Court ‘No mother in a normal mental state would ever commit such an act. If the family claims she is undergoing treatment, it is likely that the treatment was not followed properly and the patient might not have been taking her medication as prescribed’Dr Sagar Mundada, psychiatrist
11 January,2025 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanYoga benefits all A cat peacefully naps above a yoga signboard inside Brabourne Stadium at Churchgate. Special thanks from Matharpacady A moment of prayer at the thanksgiving service The historic village of Matharpacady hosted a thanksgiving service on December 30, 2024 as the year was drawn to a close. The village was grieving the loss of a beloved resident who passed away on the morning of December 25. “Under those circumstances I was asked to conduct service. Abandoning canned, formula and prepared prayers I decided to go off script and elicit genuine prayers of thanksgiving from people,” Roydon Gonsalves, resident and organiser, told us. The service began with an introductory prayer by Fr Nigel Barrett, parish priest, Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Dockyard Road. This preceded a thanksgiving segment where testimonies were shared by members of the community. The second part of the service was a session of individual petitions and prayers made by the people of Matharpacady. “I was indeed surprised at the spontaneity of the response. After a brief hesitation in the beginning, the crowd got into the spirit of sharing and their feelings and expressions of thanks and relief flowed,” Gonsalves told this diarist. Since it was during Christmas season, a small social event with carols, food, soft drinks and a few rounds of housie was conducted after the service to conclude the event on a festive note. Roydon Gonsalves Have a safe flight Pawan Sharma nurses an injured Black Kite; (right) A girl flies a kite on Makar Sankranti This Makar Sankranti, help will be one call away for Mumbai’s winged inhabitants navigating the deadly manjha maze. A three-day camp (January 13 to 15) by animal welfare organisations RiWild, Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare, and MIAM Charitable Trust will witness veterinarians, paramedics and nearly 50 volunteers tend to cases of manjha-related injuries at an animal clinic on 16th Road in Khar West. “Glass-coated manjha is a killer. A lot of birds lose their wings, or even worse, get entangled and die a slow death around this time of the year. The camp will provide end-to-end care right from rescue to first aid and surgery to postoperative care,” shared Pawan Sharma, founder, RAWW. Once fit, the rescued birds will be released in their natural habitat in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department. If you spot a bird in need of immediate care, dial 7666680202 or 9967782829. Community drumbeats Members participate in a community drum jam at Thane Divine Drummers, a drumming community with around 400 members spread across the city, is gearing up for a vibrant performance at a festival in Lokhandwala this weekend. With people across the age spectrum as its members, the community is planning to use African instruments like the djembe, dunun, kenkeni, and shakers, to stage a medley of different beats at the event. “Our motive has always been to celebrate diversity and create a community that beats in harmony with one another. We will be performing a drum jam at the event which will introduce people to traditional African rhythms. There is also a set where we have planned to team up with a harmonica player for Bollywood songs, and another singer who will join us to perform traditional folk songs,” Pradeep Ghumre, co-founder, told this diarist. Books and beyond on SoBo campus A girl browses books at a previous edition of the fair The English literary society of Sophia College for women is back with the second edition of its book fair on January 17.The society consists of 10 students who will oversee the entire event. “We will have a wide collection of fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, translations, autobiographies, as well as interactive zines and other magazines. It’s hard to get this sort of literary exposure under one roof,” shared Sreejita Kar, secretary, English literary society. With exclusive access to the students of this college, the fair will host bookstores including Fictionary, and publishers like Zubaan, Speaking Tiger and Seagull Books. The fair however, will not be limited to books. Other stalls are given to vendors to sell accessories and food items. “These stalls are given out to businesses owned by the students of ex-students of Sophia College,” Kar added.
11 January,2025 07:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to decide on the hoarding policy, which was published in August 2024. This policy aims to put restrictions on both illegal and legal hoardings. Following the hoarding collapse in Ghatkopar on May 13, 2024, which killed 17 and injured 75, the BMC formulated the draft policy for hoardings in August. The BMC received 386 suggestions and objections. The Railway Authority and Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority also submitted objections over the policy, as BMC suggested revenue sharing on hoardings published on these agencies’ land. Chanda Jadhav, deputy municipal commissioner, confirmed that the policy has not received final approval yet. “We are discussing suggestions and objections which we received on the draft of the policy,” she said. Civic activist Nikhil Desai claims the approval of the policy is being delayed as it would put restrictions on illegal hoardings, mainly political ones which are defacing the city. “With the new policy, BMC can generate revenue, but they have put it on hold. Currently, BMC is not getting anything from illegal hoardings but is spending money on removing them. BMC needs to take immediate action about approving the policy,” he added. “The BMC's hoarding policy faced strong opposition from stakeholders on various grounds, including the minimum distance between hoardings, the size of hoardings, violations of environmental laws, and light pollution caused by illuminated hoardings. As a result, the implementation of the policy has been delayed by five months. The BMC must urgently address the objections raised by Mumbaikars and finalise the hoarding policy without further delay,” said civic activist Godfrey Pimenta.There are many objections specifically to LED display lights and video advertisements. Many residents have opposed video advertisements as they feel they are a distraction for drivers on the road. The BMC has also put restrictions on the size of hoardings, limiting them to 40 feet by 40 feet. May 13Day the hoarding collapsed
11 January,2025 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stopped work at 191 construction sites across the city for failing to adhere to the civic body’s 28-point dust mitigation guidelines. According to an official from the municipal corporation’s environment department, since November 1, 2024, the BMC has visited around 1,038 construction sites and lapses were found at 856 spots, following which the civic body issued notices to those concerned along with orders to follow the guidelines. However, even after being served notices, guidelines weren’t being followed on 462 of the 856 construction sites. “The BMC then issued a stop-work notice to the defaulters. After this, 271 out of 462 construction sites implemented dust mitigation guidelines,” the official added. “We have revoked the stop-work notices issued to the 271 sites, but stop-work order is still in force at the remaining 191 sites,” an official said. After receiving a notice from the civic body, the company or individual concerned needs to implement the guidelines in three days and stop-work notices are issued if this warning is ignored. There are around 2,100 private construction sites where work is ongoing across the city. Meanwhile, the BMC has decided not to give permission to new trench work across Mumbai while the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board will not approve new ready-mix concrete plants in the metropolis. According to the guidelines, construction sites must be covered on all sides with green cloth/jute/tarpaulin and there must be sheets or metal covering at least 25 feet in height around every project. Spraying of water, misting, scientific storage and transportation of radars, installation of air quality monitoring sensors and vehicle wheel washing facilities are also mandatory. Also, project promoters/building developers and construction project (mechanical and electrical) contractors are required to prepare an environmental management plan.
11 January,2025 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveADVERTISEMENT
