Last week a first Sarus Crane (Grus Antigone) has been tagged with a GPS-GSM tag in Gondia District of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The first adult Sarus Crane was captured for tagging and ringing and fitted with a GPS-GSM transmitter. Sarus cranes in Vidabha are sporadically distributed and they shift their roosting and foraging locations based on the local conditions. BNHS scientists did a detailed assessment for capturing of Sarus Crane in Gondia District from 12 to 15 November 2024 and successfully tagged the first bird last week. BNHS senior scientist Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam, Deputy Director & Head- BNHS Wetlands and Flyways Programme led the operation under the guidance of Director BNHS Kishor Rithe and Chief Wildlife Warden of Maharashtra Mr. Vivek Khandekar. Dr. Sathiyaselvem shared more information on the operation. “During our assessment, we found out the roosting areas of Sarus Cranes. We also assessed the possibility of the bird capturing from probable locations. Some specific locations were finalised as the harvesting was already over at those locations.” BNHS Tags First Sarus Crane in Vidarbha#Wildlife #SarusCrane #Vidarbha #Maharashtra https://t.co/tJSqF3geiu pic.twitter.com/MupcXeemSs — Mid Day (@mid_day) November 30, 2024 “Entire operation was smoothly completed and the crane was released in the same location where it was captured after installing the transmitter and taking the morphometry measurements. We also ringed two other sub-adult birds, he stated further. Barath, S Research Biologist BNHS, Mukund Dhurve Project facilitator BNHS, Expert Bird trappers Sivakumar, Kannadasan and Saras Kumar Behera Driver cum field assistant Rameshware played an important role in completing this operation. Deputy Conservator of Forests, Gondia Pramod Panchbhai and his staff personally monitored and guided the operation on ground. Dilip Kowshik, RFO Gondia Range, Santosh Shrivastav (Round officer), Vitthal Chouhan (Forest Guard), Radheshyam Rahangdale, and Mr. Krishna Bhalavi (both Forest Chaukidar) and Sarus Mitra/Farmer Someshwar Kolhe extended all possible help and support during the tagging operation. Kishor Rithe Director BNHS expressed thanks for receiving timely permission for capturing, tagging and colour-ringing the Sarus Crane from the Chief Wildlife Warden and the MoEF&CC Government of India. The bird has already started providing the movement data, he added further. It is to be noted that the Hon’ble Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench had ordered to conduct the detailed study of Sarus cranes in Vidarbha from the expert organisation BNHS and understand more about their habirar requirements and movement pattern.
30 November,2024 10:56 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentShiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat has emphasised the importance of his party securing the home department in the new Maharashtra government, a position traditionally held by the deputy chief minister. Speaking to PTI, Shirsat also claimed there were attempts to sideline caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the ongoing deliberations for government formation. According to PTI reports, Shirsat underscored Shinde’s contributions during his tenure as chief minister, praising his "common man" image and the welfare schemes implemented under his leadership. Shirsat suggested that Shinde could have achieved even more had he been granted an additional two-and-a-half years as the state’s leader. “The home department should be with the party (Shiv Sena). The department is usually headed by the deputy chief minister, but it would not be appropriate for the chief minister to also manage it,” said Shirsat, who represents the Aurangabad West assembly constituency. In the outgoing government, the home portfolio is held by BJP leader and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shirsat’s remarks come amid reports of growing tensions within the Mahayuti alliance of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, which collectively won an impressive 230 out of 288 seats in the recent Maharashtra assembly polls. While the BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, its allies Shiv Sena and NCP secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. PTI reports suggest that Shinde, currently serving as caretaker chief minister, has expressed his willingness to fully support the BJP’s decision on the next chief minister. However, sources indicate that Shinde is reportedly dissatisfied with the current developments and the Shiv Sena’s struggle to secure the home department. Shirsat argued that the BJP has significantly benefited from Shinde’s leadership as the face of the Mahayuti alliance. “It was Shinde who addressed the concerns of the Maratha quota agitators and granted the Maratha reservation, which boosted his popularity among the people,” he noted. Highlighting Shinde’s track record, Shirsat pointed out that welfare initiatives under his leadership, such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme for women, gained traction despite initial resistance from NCP leader Ajit Pawar. According to PTI, Shirsat remarked that Shinde’s focus on welfare schemes breathed new life into existing policies and contributed to the alliance’s strong performance in the elections. Shirsat also noted Shinde’s extensive campaigning efforts, stating, “He held the maximum number of rallies. Despite being labelled a ‘gaddar’ (traitor), Shinde’s image as a people’s leader has solidified, benefiting the Mahayuti alliance as a whole.” As the discussions around government formation continue, Shirsat’s comments reflect the internal complexities of balancing power-sharing arrangements within the Mahayuti alliance. PTI reports indicate that the allocation of key portfolios, including the home department, remains a critical factor in shaping the new government’s structure.
30 November,2024 10:09 AM IST | MumbaiMumbai, often celebrated for its tropical climate, is now experiencing an unusual winter chill. On 29th November, the Santacruz observatory recorded a seasonal low of 16.5°C. This marks the coldest November temperature in the city since 2016, when the mercury dipped to 16.3°C. However, the all-time November low remains unchallenged, with a record of 13.3°C on 19th November 1950. Right now: Smoke, Temperature: 23.99C, Humidity: 35, Wind: From NE at 2.06KPH, Updated: 8:18AM #Mumbai #Weather — WeatherMumbai (@WeatherMumbai) November 30, 2024 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has assured that Mumbaikars can expect cold nights to persist in the coming days, with daytime temperatures remaining stable. Northern winds sweeping across the state are expected to prolong the chilly spell, particularly during the evenings and early mornings. According to the IMD, minimum temperatures in Mumbai are forecast to range between 15°C and 16°C until the end of November, with a gradual rise to 22°C–23°C anticipated by 4th December. Despite the cooler nights, maximum temperatures are likely to stay steady at around 32°C–33°C, offering relief to those concerned about daytime heat. Mumbai weather overview On Saturday, 30th November 2024, Mumbai's weather is pleasant, with a temperature of 24°C in the morning. The day’s temperature is expected to peak at 34°C, with a minimum of 19°C. Humidity levels are currently at 39%, and light winds of 9 km/h offer a refreshing breeze. For early risers, the sun made its appearance at 6:55 AM and will set at 5:59 PM. Clear skies are predicted throughout the day, making it ideal for outdoor plans. However, do remember to carry sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself while enjoying the winter sunshine. Rainfall Warning : 30th November 2024वर्षा की चेतावनी : 30th नवंबर 2024Press Release Link (29-11-2024): https://t.co/q8PVBUn0Hz#rainfallwarning #IMDWeatherUpdate #stayalert #staysafe #TamilNadu #AndhraPradesh #Kerala #Karnataka #andaman #nicobar@moesgoi @ndmaindia… pic.twitter.com/KgDolPPWZg — India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 29, 2024 Sunday, 1st December, promises a similar pattern, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 34°C. Humidity is expected to increase slightly to 41%, ensuring a cool yet comfortable day ahead. Air quality index (AQI) Today, Mumbai’s air quality index (AQI) stands at 110, categorised as moderate. While this level is an improvement compared to recent weeks, individuals with respiratory conditions, as well as children, are advised to take precautions. Wearing a mask while outdoors and avoiding heavy physical activity can help mitigate potential health concerns. The chilly weather has brought a refreshing change to the city’s usual warmth, making this November a memorable one. As Mumbai transitions deeper into the winter season, residents can look forward to more cool nights and crisp mornings. With no significant increase in daytime temperatures predicted, the current spell offers a perfect opportunity for Mumbaikars to enjoy outdoor activities without the harsh sun bearing down. Whether planning a weekend outing or just enjoying a casual stroll, the dream city’s weather is currently at its best—a delightful combination of cool breezes, clear skies, and manageable pollution levels.
30 November,2024 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent“There have been reports in the media saying that my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been raided by the Enforcement Directorate. These reports are not true and are misleading. As per my instructions, there is no ED raid on Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she has nothing to do with any offence of whatsoever nature. However, the case in question is an ongoing investigation regarding Mr Raj kundra and he is cooperating with the investigation for the truth to come out. I would request the electronic and print media to refrain from using the videos, pictures and the name of Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she has nothing to do with the case. Strict cognisance shall be taken against irresponsible journalism wherein the pictures or videos of Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra are shared on this matter,” said Advocate Prashant Patil, lawyer for Shilpa Shetty Kundra.
30 November,2024 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaAs it emerged that talks of government formation had gained momentum after the Mahayuti leaders’ Thursday night meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a sudden break on Friday to visit his native village in Satara district. The Mahayuti activities are expected to speed up after the weekend. Call it an inauspicious Amavasya effect, or a dire need for rest in the wake of the poll verdict that has kept him out of the race for CM, Shinde’s absence caused the deferring of a meeting to be held on Friday between him, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. The three stakeholders in Maharashtra’s latest edition of the game of thrones would meet after Shinde’s weekend recuperation. It is said they might travel to Delhi again. When asked, Shinde’s party colleague Uday Samant said the CM had gone to his native to rest as he was not feeling well. Thursday night in Delhi was action-packed. Fadnavis and Pawar had a separate meeting. Shah and Shinde had their own interaction before all the delegates met the home minister and BJP’s National President J P Nadda. After the joint meeting, Shinde himself told the media persons in Delhi that the three would meet in Mumbai the next day. “Tonight’s meeting was very positive. We discussed government formation. We met tonight, and we will meet tomorrow, too, in Mumbai,” he said Thursday night, adding in a lighter vein that he was a caretaker CM and “I’m taking care of everybody.” Shambhuraj Desai, Sena leader and ex-minister About his one-on-one meeting with Shah, Shinde said there was nothing more to it than government formation. “I have made my views clear at my press conference. I said my party would support Mahayuti’s CM. The deadlock ended there,” he said, further suggesting that the CM-elect would be known when the BJP held its Legislative Party meeting in a day or two. “The rest of the things will happen after that,” he said. playing down the Fadnavis-Pawar meeting. “I would have been there but I arrived in Delhi later.” It is said that Shah had asked the state troika to work on further details of power sharing—the number of ministers and portfolios for the government which will have a CM and two DyCMs. As per common understanding, Ajit Pawar will be one DyCM, and Shinde or his representative the second one. The Sena and NCP are expected to get a Cabinet berth each in the Union government. The BJP has kept the CM’s name under wraps. Ex-CM and incumbent DyCM Devendra Fadnavis continued to be a hot favourite. People in the know said that the Central observers will visit Mumbai on Sunday or Monday to conduct the BJP’s Legislative Party meeting, at which the BJP's CM nominee would be named formally. Sena chief’s demands It is said Shinde has demanded more ministers and plum departments, such as home (now with Fadnavis), urban development (with him), finance (with Pawar) and also the speaker’s post, than the 2022 arrangement. However, Shinde dodged a question on this. In 2023, portfolios held by BJP and Sena were given to Pawar and his nine ministers. As mid-day had reported earlier, apart from home and finance, which hold key to the police department and state exchequer, major infrastructure-related and mass-appeal portfolios are in much demand. Having 75 seats more than the Sena and 91 more than the NCP, the BJP wants a bigger share in the council of ministers, which is capped at 43 berths. The previous government had 29 ministers, with Sena’s 10 cabinet ministers, including the CM, while BJP’s had 10 Cabinet members including DyCM. Ajit Pawar’s NCP's share was nine cabinet berths. Unlike its predecessor, the new arrangement would have junior ministers, too. Meanwhile, Sena leader and ex-minister Shambhuraj Desai said it was the party leaders’ and workers’ demand that Shinde be part of the forthcoming government, be it as DyCM. “We, in the Sena, feel that considering his long experience and the pro-people decisions he made, Shinde must be part of the government. The Mahayuti must benefit from Shinde's experience, and we are demanding it,” said Desai. 132No. of Assembly seats won by BJP 57No. of Assembly seats won by Shinde Sena
30 November,2024 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreNirav Modi challenged the claim of Bank of India (BOI) that he stood as guarantor to the overdraft facility extended to his Firestar Diamond Group to the tune of $9 million between 2012 and 2017. Appearing before Deputy High Court judge David Bailey on Friday, Nirav Modi raised questions about the genuineness of the signatures on documents and sought the court’s approval to inspect documents and stay the proceedings. In May 2018, Bank of India approached the high court in London seeking to recover $9 million that was given to Firestar Diamond Group of which Nirav Modi was the CEO. The bank managed to get a summary judgment against Firestar Diamond in March 2024 and is now seeking to hold Modi accountable as he was the guarantor to the $9 million that was given to his company. The Bank of India case against Firestar Diamond Group and Nirav Modi pertains to the huge fraud he allegedly perpetrated against several Indian banks to the tune of $1.8 billion. Punjab National Bank was the worst hit as it emerged that Nirav Modi obtained fraudulent letters of undertaking allowing him to secure overseas loans without collateral. He faces several cases in India and the US. “So, your position is that you do not recall signing them,” the judge asked Modi, who replied that the services of a handwriting expert would be needed. Tom Beasley, the bank’s counsel, told the court that it was a ploy to delay the case and that five years ago when the case was filed Nirav Modi had admitted that Firestar Diamond had borrowed money, and he stood guarantor to the facility. The court reserved judgment on Modi’s application to inspect documents and stay the current proceedings. “This claim was brought in 2019 and today we are at the end of 2024. I have been incarcerated for six years, and I am the longest-serving unconvicted (sic) prisoner in the UK. I do not know how long this will continue. Hopefully, I will be able to get bail, and if I get it, I will be able to defend better,” he told the court. Court documents filed by Milan Kapadia, the solicitor for the Bank of India suggest that the bank suspects Nirav Modi still has access to substantial assets and money and hence they want to pursue him. Nirav Modi has been in prison since he was arrested in March 2019 to face extradition proceedings at the request of India. Modi is accused of defrauding Indian banks to the tune of $1.8 billion. The courts in the UK have agreed to his extradition and he has exhausted all legal avenues. However, by virtue of “confidential proceedings” he has managed to stall his extradition. At one point during the argument, Nirav Modi made a plea for access to a laptop. Seeking a level playing field he told the court, “If I do not have access to a laptop, he also [Beasley] should not have access to one. He has tanks and missiles, and I have wooden sticks.” Judge David Bailey sympathised with Nirav Modi but said that it is not for him to make an order for a laptop to be made available to him. For the first time, Nirav Modi confidently claimed that he “might never be extradited to India.” “Extradition was ordered in 2020 and by rule, the [Indian] government had 7 to 14 days to extradite me, but here I am in 2024,” he said. Modi also pointed out that his continuous incarceration for close to six years would mean he would hardly have any jail term in India if he was pronounced guilty. “The probability of me going to India is very low.” The Bank of India case against Firestar Diamond Group and Nirav Modi pertains to the huge fraud he allegedly perpetrated against Indian Banks. As part of the same proceedings, Bank of India managed to get a summary judgment against Firestar Diamond (Dubai) in March 2024 and is now seeking to hold Modi accountable as he was the guarantor to the $9 million that was given to his company. 2018Year BOI approached HC in London
30 November,2024 08:25 AM IST | London | A CorrespondentA Humanitarian crisis was witnessed near the demolition site, where Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation razed seven out of 41 unauthorised residential buildings following a court order. The Maharashtra state government has failed to rehabilitate the affected families, despite the Supreme Court directing the authorities to “explore the possibility of relocating the displaced occupants”. The pet animals of these homeless people are also affected, as they have no food to eat. Residents ask why weren’t they rehabilitated despite SC directing authorities to explore options On Thursday night, hundreds of elderly people, children, and women were forced to sleep under the open sky without food or water, as the civic body failed to provide shelter or rehabilitate the 53 displaced families. Most of the families had to spend the night huddled around bonfires to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the cold breeze. The homeless people told mid-day that they had been paying house tax for their flats to Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) and they had electricity as well as water connections in their flats but still their flats were razed. mid-day spoke to a few families who narrated their ordeal saying that the politicians only used them as a vote bank, but never protected them when the civic body began a crackdown on Thursday. “In the run-up to the state Assembly polls, every day, at least 10 politicians would visit us to seek votes with their folded hands. They would promise to safeguard us, but once the elections are over, no one is ready to stand in our support,” said Raj Bahadur Gautam, who bought 1 BHK flat from a bogus builder in 2013. Gautam’s six-member family including his grandchildren slept on the road. Venting out his anger against politicians, Gautam said, “We had voted a party so that our shelters can remain protected. But we will show our strength in the upcoming civic polls. We will boycott the municipal elections and encourage people not to vote for any political party as everybody has ditched us.” “Were the government officials sleeping when these buildings were constructed? And why did the VVCMC collect the house tax of these buildings if they were illegal? Also, there are several government plots in the Vasai-Virar region where unauthorised constructions have been made. The civic body will not raze them because those buildings belong to influential people,” said Gautam, who is a native of Madhya Pradesh. “Since my family was expanding, we planned to buy a budget house in Nalasopara. At the time of purchasing, the builder did not reveal the fact that these buildings are constructed on government plots earmarked for a dumping ground or sewage treatment plant,” said Shivshankar Sharma, who is a native of Bhagalpur district in Bihar. “I bought a 1BHK flat for R7.5 lakh from the builder in 2006. I have been staying in Mumbai for the last 30 years but never faced this crisis in my life. Today, I feel helpless to see my children and wife sleeping on the road with my belongings scattered around,” said Sharma. “I had saved every single penny to buy a flat but still I am homeless. My belongings are destroyed, the study of my children has been disturbed for the last week, and there is nothing to eat as we are not allowed to cook here,” said Sharma. “I am left with no other option than to die by suicide, as I am unable to buy another house to give shelter to my family and I do not have money to pay house rent.”A vegetable seller Shiv Gupta said, “Though my building is yet to be razed, all the belongings are lying in a messy condition. The cops and civic officials threw our belongings out of the house to vacate the building. We also slept on the road. Had I known these buildings were illegal, I would have never purchased a flat. I would request the government to at least please rehabilitate us as we can’t afford to buy another house now,” added Gupta.
30 November,2024 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaUber has announced its efforts to enhance rider safety, focusing on female riders and drivers. The company, on Wednesday, announced the introduction of features like audio recording and women rider preferred to bolster safety during trips. In partnership with Bengaluru-based NGO Durga, Uber is also intensifying efforts to sensitise drivers about appropriate conduct, particularly when interacting with female riders. With the launch of ‘Safety Preferences’, riders can now customise safety features such as RideCheck, Share My Trip, and audio recording to activate automatically on every trip. These initiatives are part of Uber’s ongoing efforts to ensure safety for riders and drivers alike. By leveraging technological innovation, the company aims to make every ride safe, seamless, and hassle-free. According to the 2024 India Economic Impact Report by Public First, 95 per cent of female riders cited safety as their top reason for using Uber, and 84 per cent believed Uber was the safest way to get home. Female drivers now have the option to accept only female riders—a feature introduced based on driver feedback. Particularly useful during late hours, this feature has already facilitated over 21,000 trips, helping female earners prioritise their safety, work longer hours, and increase their earnings. Sooraj Nair, head of Safety Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, “We believe our work on safety never stops. We’ve consistently innovated to lead the industry in safety and enhance the experience of every Uber trip. Whether through tech-driven solutions like SOS integration and Women Rider Preference or initiatives like gender sensitisation, we remain focused on building a platform that riders and drivers can trust whenever they choose Uber.” Key safety features SOS integration: This feature allows riders and drivers to share live location and trip details with the police during emergencies. Designed to provide immediate support, it has been tested in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and is ready for rollout following police approval. Audio recording: Riders can record audio if they feel unsafe during trips. The encrypted recordings remain private unless the rider submits them as part of a safety report. Compliant with India’s one-party consent law, this feature is available nationwide for both riders and drivers. Safety preferences: With the Safety preferences feature, riders can automatically activate tech-driven safety options on every trip. They can customise settings such as automatically sharing trip details with trusted contacts, enabling audio recording, or activating RideCheck alerts. Riders can configure these settings based on time or location, such as for late-night trips or rides from specific areas. This one-stop feature ensures a safer and more personalised experience. 21KNo. of trips facilitated by female drivers for female riders so far
30 November,2024 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA 32-year-old businessman, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, rammed his SUV into police barricades at MIDC area and near Gokhale bridge in Andheri, injuring a constable and damaging two vehicles, around 1 am on Friday. According to the police, while fleeing from the first checkpoint, at MIDC, the accused’s vehicle dragged an iron barricade for some distance. Later, at the second checkpoint near Gokhale bridge, he attempted to run over traffic police constable Jaywant More, 37, and rammed into another barricade, which he dragged for nearly 3 km until he was stopped by locals, and arrested by police. The accused, Sabyasachi Devpriya Nishank, is a Worli resident. A police officer said, “Nishank managed to escape after dragging the barricade at MIDC for some distance.” Constable More, who is attached to the Sahar Traffic Division and the complainant in the case, said, “We were checking vehicles when the accused approached at a high speed. Due to the roadblock, he was forced to stop his car. When we asked him to roll down the window for an alcohol test, he refused. We instructed him to move the car to the side, but he tried to run me over. I had to jump to the other side and save myself.” “While escaping, an iron barricade got lodged in the car bonnet, and Nishank dragged it all the way to MIDC,” More added. When Nishank reached a narrow lane in MIDC, he was cornered and locals broke his car’s windows and beat him. The police then took him into custody. “There was a woman with him and she was also found to be intoxicated. While Nishank was arrested, she was released with a warning,” said an officer. PSI Ajay Todkar of the Andheri police station said, “We have arrested Nishank and sent a blood sample for testing. We are awaiting the results.”
30 November,2024 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe city's biggest rail terminus Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is getting massive, multiple elevated decks for passenger movement above its outstation train platforms. Work is at an advanced stage. The extensive redevelopment project design features 100 lifts, 75 escalators, and 10 travelators. The project also includes a state-of-the-art multilevel car parking facility capable of accommodating 1,700 cars. Sources said while one floor will have ticket-booking counters, air-conditioned waiting areas, food stalls and other amenities, the second floor of the elevated concourse will house the city centre with shopping malls, entertainment stalls, restaurants and tourist-friendly areas. The elevated deck along the DN Road side is expected to have food stalls, ticket counters, seating spaces, ATVMs and other provisions. Both these decks will be connected by a 25m foot overbridge. The Rs 2,450 crore station development boost will include segregation of arrival and departure areas, a disabled-friendly station, better services for passengers, an energy-efficient building, and restoration of the heritage site built in 1930. "The redeveloped station building will function like a city centre rail mall termed RailOPolis where in addition to a passenger’s transportation needs, his daily needs are also fulfilled, like retail, F&B, entertainment, souvenir shopping," an official said. The RailOPolis concept involves building a smart city around a busy station with high footfalls. Originally inspired by an aerial photograph of the grand Mumbai CSMT station building and complex taken by an Englishman AR Haseler in the 1930s, Railways had got the French Railways to design a ‘Heritage Square’ masterplan for the station. After almost 120 years, the UNESCO-listed world heritage site is being redeveloped into a 21st-century multimodal integration hub. "The main heritage structure will not be touched. The huge air space at the station will be exploited and developed as an elevated deck for passengers and there will be segregated access for entering and exiting commuters," said the official. Rs 2,450 crCost of the revamp project
30 November,2024 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe levels in seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai city reduced by 16 per cent in two months after the monsoon ended. On Friday, the combined water stock of all seven lakes was recorded at 84 per cent down from 100 per cent in September. The water level is comparatively higher than last year but less than it was in 2022. In 2023, the stock was at 80.1 per cent by this time, and the city faced water cuts in the summer, while it was at 84.7 per cent in 2022. The city gets water from seven lakes, which have a collective capacity to stock 14.47 lakh million litres of water. By the end of monsoon this year, the lakes were almost full, with the stock reaching over 14.40 lakh million litres. Even though the stock is slightly better this year, the water cuts cannot be ruled out as the requirement for the city is more than the capacity of lakes. “It is too early to say anything on the water supply in monsoon. We planned the supply in such a way so that the water stock lasts till July end in the next year,” said a BMC official. Mumbai gets 3,850 million litres of water every day against the demand of 4,500 million. In the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the lakes were almost 100 per cent full by the end of the monsoon season, and still parts of the city faced water cuts. To match the demand-supply ratio, the BMC has formulated to construct the Gargai dam in the Tansa sanctuary, which could add another 400 million litres per day to the city’s supply.
30 November,2024 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
