Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for November 18. Aries March 21 – April 20This karmic cycle is auspicious for buying a vehicle anytime. Once it is booked, expect delivery within eight days. Cosmic tip: Keep a hold on emotions when not such good news is received. Taurus April 21 – May 20Moving out of set habits and regimes is a karmic cycle that lasts for quite a while.Cosmic tip: Embrace changes as they breathe in new energy to old ways of living life. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Having seen the world and dealt with so many different scenarios in life; some may be ready to settle down now. Try to sleep earlier than usual..Cosmic tip: Consider a job offer. Cancer June 22 – July 23Intelligent and capable: don’t tie yourself down to expected norms and how life should be lived. Each person lives life according to their karmas.Cosmic tip: Make ample time for a very dear friend. Leo July 24 - Aug 23It’s your time to show generosity towards someone special who has always been a part of your life. Expenses may be extra high for now. Cosmic tip: Mediate between two friends having an argument. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Maintaining a balance between work and socialising doesn’t come easy for Virgos. One or the other is sacrificed due to a sense of duty.Cosmic tip: Follow gut instinct if there’s no trust in someone. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Emotional security may have its roots in financial security. Think about it. Consult a doctor if feeling even slightly unwell. Cosmic tip: Listen to intuition, staying far away from someone you don’t trust. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Positive karma has drawn in this life of luxury. A trip overseas to meet family is planned in infinite detail.Cosmic tip: Maintain distance from someone who literally finds fault with everything you do. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Overall this is a good day with plans working out as decided on a couple of days ago.Cosmic tip: Be happy about news received from parents. They may be visiting soon. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A slow moving day makes a good change as you’ve been ultra-busy for a while now.Cosmic tip: Know who is a true well-wisher and others who only appease with sweet words. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19An issue haunts you day and night. Actually you are missing what’s clear as a bell, so quieten it once and for all. Cosmic tip: Appreciate this great opportunity to showcase work related skills. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20You have the perfect mindset to deal with a complicated project since breaking it down into workable units is how you deal with it. Cosmic tip: Don’t think a wish is denied by the universe.
18 November,2024 12:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday accused the NITI Aayog’s plan to develop the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as a "deliberate attempt to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra" by undermining the importance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). According to news agency PTI, while speaking at a rally at the BKC Ground in Mumbai a day before the campaigning for the assembly elections concluded, Thackeray pledged that if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) came to power, it would scrap the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), as the agreement aimed to "diminish" the importance of the BMC. "I wouldn’t hesitate to disband the MMRDA if it tries to encroach on the BMC’s jurisdiction," Thackeray said. He stated that the "conspiracy" to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra is a "serious and imminent threat", and not just "loose talk." "The ploy is real, but we will never allow this to happen," he added. According to PTI, Thackeray further claimed that MMRDA and WEF had signed an agreement in September to develop the metropolitan region as a global economic hub, which followed NITI Aayog’s report on development. "The NITI Aayog blueprint diminishes the importance of the Mumbai civic body, and that is a clear attempt to separate the capital from Maharashtra," he asserted. The former chief minister also vowed that the first action of an MVA government would be to cancel the policies of the (Mahayuti) government that had handed over Mumbai’s land to the Adani Group. My govt was toppled because I refused Maharashtra's loot: Uddhav "I am not anti-development, but I am anti-destruction," Thackeray said, distancing himself from allegations of hindering growth. According to PTI, he further claimed that his government in Maharashtra, which was toppled in June 2022, and the subsequent split in Shiv Sena, had been the result of his refusal to allow the "looting of Maharashtra." Speaking about the ongoing Shiv Sena legislators’ disqualification case in the Supreme Court, he added, "The courts haven't given me justice. I seek justice from you, for the sake of Maharashtra." The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that it was ironic that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had to build a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — who had banned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the past — in Gujarat, while seeking votes in Maharashtra in the name of Balasaheb Thackeray. "This is the revenge of time," Thackeray remarked. Attacking the BJP’s 'Ek hai to Safe Hai' slogan, Thackeray said, "If people feel unsafe while Modi is at the helm, then he should resign. Only corrupt and traitors feel safe when Modi is around." Thackeray further accused the government of handing over critical infrastructure in Maharashtra — such as airports, ports, electricity, mines, and schools — to the Adani Group, calling it a "grave crisis" for the state. 'Maharashtra will be destroyed if Mahayuti returns to power' He urged the people to support the MVA and warned that Maharashtra would be "destroyed" if the Mahayuti returned to power. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief recalled the party’s unwavering support for the abrogation of Article 370 and the role of his father in sheltering Kashmiri Pandits fleeing persecution. "(Union Home Minister) Amit Shah and Narendra Modi weren’t known to the world at that time," he said. Targeting the BJP’s poll campaign, Thackeray pointed out that the scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir did not address issues such as Minimum Support Price (MSP), unemployment, or women’s security in Maharashtra. He also expressed concern over Modi and Shah's actions, stating, "The people of Gujarat should realise that Modi and Amit Shah have created a barrier between the western state and the rest of the country." He called on Gujarat’s people to stop the BJP from shifting critical projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat, adding, "How can they move projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat? You should stop them." (With PTI inputs)
17 November,2024 11:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhat was meant to be a routine start to the Mumbai University PhD Entrance Test (PET) on Sunday turned into a frustrating ordeal for hundreds of candidates, as delays and technical glitches marred the exam process. The exam, scheduled to begin at 10.30 am and conclude by 12.30 pm, failed to start on time, leaving many students stranded outside Thakur College in Kandivali. Despite the scheduled end time passing, around 400-500 students were still waiting outside, unable to enter the examination centre. According to several candidates, the delays were primarily caused owing to glitches related to the login IDs and passwords, preventing them from gaining access to the exam portal. As a result, many students voiced their frustration over the issue. Chaos erupts outside Thakur College, Kandivali, as #MumbaiUniversity's PhD Entrance Test (PET) turns chaotic. Scheduled for 10:30 a.m. the exam faced delays due to technical glitches, leaving 400-500 #students stranded, waiting for login IDs even past the exam's end time… pic.twitter.com/7BCmc3jOcn — Mid Day (@mid_day) November 17, 2024
17 November,2024 09:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghCongress leader Randeep Surjewala on Sunday criticised the ruling Mahayuti of looting the skills and resources of Mumbai and Maharashtra and attacking democracy through defections, PTI reported. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, the AICC general secretary attacked the Mahayuti, consisting of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, saying that dreaded gangsters were being protected and known criminals were actively encouraged under its rule. Surjewala said, "The entertainment industry, including Bollywood, was brazenly issued threats, and political leaders were murdered in broad daylight. Can this happen without the active or tacit complicity of those in power?" He said that the state is under a designed attack by the "khokha group vultures" and described the Mahayuti leaders as "predators clawing at and ripping apart democracy through defections", PTI quoted him saying. According to the Congress leader, the Mahayuti was awarding contracts and tenders at a devastating rate while paying little attention to protocols, accountability, transparency, ecology, and environmental sensibility. He accused the ruling alliance of destroying the industrial revolution in Mumbai and Maharashtra by pushing new projects, investments and jobs outside the state. Mumbai and Maharashtra's skills and resources are being plundered by "invaders masquerading as the ruling Mahayuti", Surjewala claimed, adding that the "Mahayuti-made mahengai" (inflation) has made life hell for the people of the city and the state, PTI reported. As per PTI, he further claimed that the Bollywood and prominent entertainers were facing death threats and firing at their residences by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The murder of former minister Baba Siddique in Bandra, reportedly by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, shocked the entire nation and exposed the "gun and gunda raj", he claimed. He mentioned the shooting deaths of Shiv Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad inside a police station by BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad and former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar, who was shot dead during a Facebook live session. PTI cited. Randeep Surjewala further said that while the Mahayuti gave a last-minute lollipop of exempting toll for entry into Mumbai, , the MMRDA is still awarding contracts and tenders carelessly, which will result in the region's tolls being imposed for 35 years. (With inputs from PTI)
17 November,2024 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections 2024, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has asked if the call for "dharma-yudh of votes" given by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis adheres to the model code of conduct of the Election Commission, reported news agency PTI. Addressing a campaign rally in Dombivli town of Thane district ahead of the Maharashtra elections 2024, Thackeray on Saturday said he was asked to remove the words "Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji" from his party's election anthem before the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, but he refused to do so, reported PTI. "Devendra Fadnavis has given a call for "dharma-yudh of votes. I am asking the Election Commission, does dharma-yudh fit in with your model code of conduct?" the former chief minister said, reported PTI. Referring to a purported appeal by an Islamic scholar for "vote-Jihad" against the Mahayuti government, Fadnavis, at a rally in Pune on Friday, called for "dharma-yudh of votes" to counter it, reported PTI. Thackeray, meanwhile, also claimed the BJP today is a "hybrid" full of opportunist leaders imported from outside. "The BJP that grew due to the sacrifices of its workers who dedicated their lives to the organisation has now become a hybrid, a breeding ground for opportunistic politics," he said, reported PTI. The vision of late party stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pramod Mahajan and Gopinath Munde has been undermined by the current leadership, claimed Thackeray, a former BJP ally who parted ways with it in 2019. Drawing a contrast between his vision of Hindutva and the BJP's, he further claimed, "Our Hindutva lights stoves in people's houses; the BJP's Hindutva burns them down." The Sena (UBT) leader also expressed concern about the "Gujarati-Marathi divide, reported PTI. Thackeray accused the BJP-led Union government of prioritising corporate interests. He alleged widespread corruption under the rule of the BJP and CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, accusing the two parties of looting municipal corporations in Thane district. (With inputs from PTI)
17 November,2024 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe authorities have seized cash, liquor and other contraband worth Rs 27.68 crore from 18 constituencies in Thane district since the code of conduct came into force for the Maharashtra elections 2024, an official said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI. As per a release issued by the district administration, the authorities have seized Rs 15.59 crore cash, liquor worth Rs 3.01 crore, narcotics worth Rs 1.79 crore, jewellery and valuables worth Rs 23.26 lakh, and materials valued at Rs 7.05 crore meant for free distribution since the code of conduct was enforced on October 15, reported PTI. Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) and flying squads intercepted vehicles and conducted inspections in vulnerable areas. The authorities monitored financial transactions, narcotics movements, and storage facilities. The Maharashtra elections 2024 for the 288-member state assembly will take place on November 20, and votes will be counted on November 23. Amid poll code, Rs 14.5 crore gold seized in Nagpur Poll authorities have seized gold valued at Rs 14.5 crore from Nagpur amid the model code of conduct in place for the Maharashtra elections 2024, an official said, reported PTI. The gold, in the form of ornaments and biscuits, was being transported by Gujarat-based firm Sequel Logistics when a flying surveillance team apprehended it on Saturday, he said. The shipment arrived in Nagpur by flight on Thursday and was being sent to Amravati. The vehicle was stopped while it was moving from Ambazari Lake to Wadi, the official said. "The gold was taken to the Ambazari police station. A probe indicated Sequel Logistics did not have the necessary permission from the Election Commission to transport such a large amount of gold during the poll period," the official said, reported PTI. Further probe was underway into the matter, he added. The model code of conduct has been in force in Maharashtra since October 15. (With inputs from PTI)
17 November,2024 03:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn less than three months, two tribal women from Kausawadi in Pen taluka lost their lives because they couldn’t be transported to the nearest sub-district hospital in time. The reason: the hamlet lacks motorable road connectivity. During emergencies, tribals are forced to carry patients or pregnant women in makeshift cloth cradles over a 4 to 5 km stretch to reach the nearest road. A tender worth Rs 7.60 crore for constructing tar roads in various tribal hamlets in Pen was awarded to a Vashi-based contractor, with the work order issued in January 2024. Yet, work is yet to commence. Earlier, in April 2023, Rs 60-lakh work order was issued by the Pen Division Public Works Department (PWD) for hill cutting and mud road construction to connect Kausawadi. While the Zilla Parishad claims the project was completed, residents and activists refute the claim, alleging no visible progress. They also question the lack of action under the defect liability clause, which mandates repairs in case of damage. Tribals wash radishes in a stream to make ends meet, at Kausawadi The administration has attributed the delays to monsoon rains, festivals, and the model code of conduct. Activist speaks Santosh Thakur, founder-president of Gram Samvardhan Samajik Sanstha, questioned the inaction: “The work order in January 2024 gave the contractor four to five months before the monsoon to begin work. Why wasn’t it started? Additionally, the R60-lakh mud road contract was awarded to an influential contractor, but authorities failed to hold him accountable under the defect liability clause. Every life is precious, but instead of action, we only get excuses, despite funds being sanctioned.” Navsaya (in black pants), Anita (wearing black shawl) and other relatives of Ambi Kadu, who died on November 7 Recent death Ambi Raghya Kadu, 43, a resident of Kausawadi, passed away on November 7 due to a lack of timely medical care. After her husband Raghya’s death, Ambi lived with her 18-year-old son, Navsaya, while her daughter Anita, 29, lived separately. Ambi, a daily wage labourer, had been suffering from fever and cough since early November. On November 3, Navsaya and neighbours carried her down the hill to a private doctor, who administered saline and prescribed medication. However, her condition worsened on November 6. With help from the community, Navsaya carried his mother in a cloth cradle to reach the motorable road, which took over 1.5 hours. She was admitted to a hospital in Pen and later referred to Alibaug Civil Hospital, where she died in the ICU. Tribals use unmotorable roads to travel. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Anita expressed her grief: “We lost our father years ago under similar circumstances. His body was brought back in a cradle. Both my parents are buried in the forest. Despite repeated pleas for road connectivity, nothing has been done. We lack basic facilities and job opportunities.” Doctor’s account Dr Suraj Mhatre, the casualty medical officer who treated Ambi, told mid-day, “Ambi was brought to us with a history of fever for the past three to four days. She had been treated by a private doctor earlier. Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia (low platelet count of 48,000; the normal amount is 1.25 lakh) and typhoid. Her blood pressure on admission was critically low at 89/51 mmHg. Despite our efforts, her condition worsened.” Hari and his family have been living without electric since August 2023 Dr Mhatre added, “Our Sub-District Civil Hospital lacks an ICU. I advised the family to transfer her urgently to Alibaug Civil Hospital and arranged for the 108 ambulance service. Unfortunately, she passed away the next day while in treatment.” Earlier death In August, another resident, Bami, lost her life due to the same challenges. Bami, who suffered from psychological issues, was often carried in a cradle by her husband, Madhya Kevar, and local villagers when seeking medical care. “On August 5, Bami was found unconscious,” recalled Thakur. “It took the villagers over 1.5 hours to carry her down the hill, followed by another half-hour to reach the hospital. She was declared dead on arrival,” he added. Pregnancy-related concerns Kalpana Bhaskar Kadu, 18, is four months pregnant. Her husband, Bhaskar, 24, is worried after witnessing the recent deaths in the village. Kalpana’s gynaecologist has warned against excessive walking or climbing, as it could lead to complications. Bhaskar shared: “We walk very slowly to the maternity home for her monthly check-ups. However, for her safety, I’ve decided to use a cradle for transportation. In her seventh month, I plan to send her to her parent’s home, where there’s proper road access.” Emergency childbirth Pinki Hemant Khakar delivered her baby, Saundarya, four months ago after villagers carried her in a cradle to the maternity home late at night. A delay could have led to childbirth en route, said activist Santosh Thakur. He added that Kausawadi’s 28 families, mostly daily wage earners, face severe challenges during monsoons, including transporting farm produce without proper roads. Schemes remain on paper Kausawadi and nearby hamlets were only included under the Revenue Department in 2023, now falling under Borgaon Gram Panchayat. However, locals argue the Panchayat office is 8 km away, violating a rule that requires offices to be within 3 km. Activist Santosh Thakur calls for a separate Panchayat. Despite government schemes like Ujjwala and Swachh Bharat, many tribals remain jobless, rely on firewood, and lack proper sanitation. Also, Kauswadi does not have any Anganwadi or primary school, and children have to walk over a km to reach the nearest school, due to which many prefer to stay at home. The beneficiaries A senior Zilla Parishad official pointed out some benefits under the Borgaon Gram Panchayat for tribal hamlets: Umbarmal: 22 families, 19 job cards issued, 14 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Kausawadi: 29 families, 19 job cards issued, 16 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Kajuchiwadi: 17 families, 12 job cards issued, 5 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Kelichiwadi: 4 families, 2 job cards issued, 3 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; hamlet has a kachcha road. Tambdi: 69 families, 61 job cards issued, 61 shortlisted for the Gharkul scheme; this hamlet has a permanent road connection. The official declined to comment on other schemes not reaching the tribals. Inflated electricity bills The Kadu family in Kausawadi—Hari, his wife Bali, and brother Kashya—has been living without a fan or tube light for months due to an inflated electricity bill of over Rs 35,000. “Despite having only a few tube lights and a ceiling fan, our power bill is exorbitant. Out of 28 houses in Kausawadi, several received similarly high bills. We approached the local MSEDCL office, but our pleas to restore power went unanswered,” said Hari Kadu. Most tribals survive as daily wage earners, living hand-to-mouth. Some reportedly resort to power theft by tapping into electric poles passing through the hamlets. Official response Prakash Gavit, deputy engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Pen division, claimed, “I assumed charge three months ago. From what I recall, a work order was issued in April 2023 for constructing a mud road to Kausawadi. The contractor completed the work, but heavy rains over two monsoons likely damaged the road.” Gavit added, “A new road under the Chief Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (CMGSY) has already been sanctioned, and work will start soon. The hamlets will receive tar roads under this project.” When asked about the contractor's responsibility under the defect liability clause, Gavit admitted, “I have not reviewed the terms and conditions of the work order.” Rahul Dewang, executive engineer, PWD, who issued the work order, said, “The contract included an 800-metre mud road with hill cutting and chipping. The contractor completed the work, and payment has been cleared. Heavy rains likely caused the damage. Although the defect liability clause holds the contractor responsible for maintenance for five years, the upcoming CMGSY tar road project will resolve the issue.” Dr Bharat Bastewad, CEO, Zilla Parishad, Raigad district, recently visited Kausawadi and assured the tribals their issues would be addressed. Dr Bastewad told mid-day, “Kausawadi and neighbouring hamlets are in difficult hilly terrain. Road construction tenders have been floated under the CMGSY and Maharashtra Rural Roads Development Association (MRRDA). Contractors have been shortlisted, and work orders issued. Construction will commence post-elections, with funds already sanctioned.” Claims rubbished “Work orders were issued in April 2023, but no progress occurred until the tribals marched to the Collector’s office in May 2024. If the PWD claims work is completed, why haven’t they blacklisted the contractor, who is linked to a local politician, for shoddy work? They must enforce the defect liability clause and redo the work.” Thakur has threatened to carry out further protests if the authorities fail to act. Nov 7Day Ambi Kadu died
17 November,2024 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonFormer Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and various other leaders from across political spectrum on Sunday paid homage to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on his 12th death anniversary. Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray and his wife Rashmi Thackeray visited his father's memorial at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai and offered floral tributes.Several members of the two rival Sena factions also visited the memorial as a mark of respect to Bal Thackeray. The Shiv Sena founder passed away on November 17, 2012 at his residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai after prolonged illness. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, NCP (SP) head Sharad Pawar, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday posted their tributes on X. Pawar in his post said, "Salutations to late Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena party, satirist and politician who fought against the injustice to the Marathi people." Gaikwad said Balasaheb Thackeray ruled over Marathi minds and fought for justice, rights of the Marathi people throughout his life. Senior BJP leader Fadnavis in his message said, "Humble tributes to Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray on his Smruti Din." The Shiv Sena split in 2022 after Shinde led a rebellion against the party leadership, triggering the collapse of the Maha Vikas Agahadi (MVA) government under Uddhav Thackeray. Shinde subsequently joined hands with the BJP to form government. The Election Commission later recognised the Shinde-led faction as the 'real' Shiv Sena.
17 November,2024 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Sunday, Mumbaikars experienced cooler weather and hazy skies. However, the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated a slight drop in temperatures. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.3 degrees Celcius. The Met Department data showed that the Colaba observatory recorded a temperature of 34 degrees. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 34 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 25 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 89 per cent. The sun rose at 06:46 AM and will set at 06:00 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts "fog/mist in the morning and partly cloudy skies later" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On November 17, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 179 at 9:05 AM. Many areas across Mumbai—per the SAMEER app dashboard—showed 'moderate' AQI. Borivali's and Colaba's AQI recorded 'poor' air quality with an AQI of 243 and 203, respectively. Bandra Kurla Complex, Kandivali and Mulund recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 180, 125 and 136. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 152, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 174. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
17 November,2024 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA recent two-KM community walk in Bandra East served a raw wake-up call about urban walkability to Dhanraj Khair. The 22-year-old architecture student is in final year at LS Raheja College. The walk was organised by The Walking Project, a citizen advocacy group established in 2012 for safer, more enjoyable pedestrian experiences across cities. The walks give citizens firsthand exposure to the challenges in urban infrastructure, aiming to align public awareness with the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, which detail ideal footpath width, railings, and other pedestrian-friendly elements. Khair was one of only seven citizens who braved the challenging route from Bandra Station’s east exit to BKC Metro Station via Kalanagar. They assessed pedestrian infrastructure, walkability, and air quality along the route. Khair describes the walk as, “overwhelming, nauseating, and chaotic. Before you even descend the staircase to exit the station, you’re swarmed by shared auto-rickshaw drivers. The roads to Bandra Court are dug up, forcing crowds onto the roads.” “By exposing participants to the reality versus what IRC guidelines recommend, we aim to drive citizen advocacy from a place of genuine awareness and personal experience,” Vedant Mhatre of The Walking Project explained. “Through 27 community walks so far, we’ve hosted over 270 citizens.” Interestingly, the Bandra East walk had lower attendance. “Some potential participants backed out citing dangerous conditions as a deterrent,” he says. To Khair, the experience underscored the urgent need for municipal action: “It’s impossible to think of walkability as a convenience when it’s a constant fight for space and safety.” Over seven years ago, Maharashtra introduced an urban transport policy aimed at developing infrastructure to support walking, cycling, and public transportation, as well as to alleviate traffic congestion. Yet, in Mumbai, walking remains a challenge. In 2022, the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) highlighted that only 22 per cent of the city’s 2,000-km road network is pedestrian-friendly. To reduce pedestrian-vehicular conflict, MCAP has recommended city planning authorities develop a Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) policy for the city by 2035. Additionally, it has set a timeline to planning bodies to initiate pedestrianisation pilot projects in high-footfall areas by 2025. These include better signage near crossings, longer signal times for pedestrians, and more walkways in low-income areas. According to BMC’s 2016 Comprehensive Mobility Plan, 51 per cent of all trips are made on foot; and 72.5 per cent of trips to educational institutions and 60 per cent of public transport journeys beginning and ending with walking. “The footpaths along the route were in terrible condition,” reflects Khair, “there are dug-up roads and obstacles along the MHADA building compound near Kherwadi, and beyond the road opposite Matoshree. The raised borders around trees and plants on the footpaths are at least a brick high; they narrow the already limited space.” Kedar Sohoni, of Green Communities Foundation, was also part of the walk. “You have to be an acrobat to navigate the area,” he said, “There’s no smooth path, and you’re constantly on edge. I can only imagine how hard it must be for seniors or those with physical limitations.” mid-day recently concluded a three-part special series examining the traffic chaos, gridlock, and severe air pollution issues at BKC, along with a few potential solutions. AQI on Saturday, 8.30 AM - 10 AM Bandra Station (E) 105µg/m3 Kalanagar junction 93 µg/m3 BKC metro station 99 µg/m3 Gurunanak Hospital 114 µg/m3
17 November,2024 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghA case has been registered against Police Constable Ganesh Ashok Shinde for violating the confidentiality of the voting process during postal voting for the 231-Ashti Assembly Constituency at Wilson College. The Gamdevi police registered the FIR on Saturday and began investigation into the matter. According to officers from the Gamdevi Police Station, the incident occurred between 9 am on November 14 and 5 pm on November 15. Constable Shinde, who was posted at the Armed Police Headquarters in Tardeo, allegedly photographed his completed ballot paper using his mobile phone and shared it on social media platforms. This act is a violation of Section 223 of the BNS and Section 128 of the Representation of People Act, which safeguard the secrecy of the voting process. Prasanna Madhusudan Tambe, a 58-year-old citizen reported the incident. Senior Police Inspector Prashant K Kolhekar of Gamdevi police station confirmed that a FIR has been filed, and PSI Aniket Shedge is leading the investigation.
17 November,2024 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaADVERTISEMENT
