Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has become a pioneering force in sustainable aviation, embedding environmental responsibility in every facet of its operations. Recognising the environmental toll of modern air travel, CSMIA has taken significant strides towards a greener future, positioning itself as a leader in India’s aviation sector with its ambitious sustainability goals. Minimising waste and promoting recycling Central to CSMIA’s sustainability efforts is its robust waste management system, which has successfully diverted 99.6% of its waste from landfills. The airport’s operations are supported by a series of innovative initiatives aimed at minimising waste: Waste Segregation and Recycling: CSMIA ensures waste is segregated at the source, with authorised vendors managing the safe disposal and recycling across both commercial and cargo operations. Plastic Waste Reduction: To address plastic pollution, the airport has installed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) where passengers and the airport community can safely dispose of plastic bottles, promoting recycling. Organic Waste Management: Organic waste from food and beverage outlets is processed on-site into compost, which is then used for landscaping, contributing to the airport’s greenery. E-Waste Management: CSMIA has also implemented a structured e-waste collection system to manage the disposal of electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Tissue-less Toilets: In a bid to reduce paper waste, hand dryers have been installed in washrooms, significantly cutting down the use of tissue paper.These steps collectively help in reducing the airport’s ecological footprint, creating a cleaner, greener experience for both passengers and staff. Engaging passengers in sustainability initiatives CSMIA also understands that fostering a culture of sustainability requires passenger involvement. To facilitate easy recycling, colour-coded waste bins have been placed throughout the terminals, allowing travellers to sort their waste into dry, wet, and plastic categories. Clearly marked recycling stations and informative signage encourage passengers to actively participate in the airport's green initiatives, ensuring that sustainability is a shared responsibility. Energy efficiency and technological innovations Energy consumption and waste reduction present particular challenges for an airport of CSMIA’s scale. However, the airport has made significant investments in energy-efficient technologies to address these issues. Notable upgrades include: LED Lighting Retrofitting: The airport has switched to energy-saving LED lights throughout the terminals and on taxiways. Daylight Harvesting and Double-Glazed Facades: Advanced systems have been installed to reduce heat ingress and optimise energy use. HVAC Optimisation: A Variable Air Volume (VAV) controlled system has been implemented to enhance the efficiency of the airport’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems In addition to these measures, CSMIA has committed to utilising renewable energy, such as solar power, to further reduce its environmental impact. Recent achievements and long-term goals CSMIA has already achieved significant milestones in its environmental efforts. As a carbon-neutral airport, it holds the prestigious ACA Level 4+ accreditation and is committed to using 100% green electricity. The airport is also transitioning to electric vehicles and expanding its on-site solar power generation capacity. Looking ahead, CSMIA has set ambitious long-term sustainability goals, including Zero Waste to Landfill, Water Positivity, and an increased reliance on renewable energy sources. Its focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards has placed the airport at the forefront of India's eco-friendly infrastructure movement. With a vision of achieving ‘Operational Net Zero Carbon Emissions’ by 2029, CSMIA is redefining what it means to be a sustainable airport. The airport is not only setting new benchmarks but also leading the way for the future of eco-conscious air travel. Through its innovative practices and commitment to environmental stewardship, CSMIA is showing the world that aviation can thrive in harmony with nature.
29 November,2024 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariShiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Friday said if their party head Eknath Shinde doesn't accept the Maharashtra deputy chief minister's post, then it will be given to someone from their outfit, reported news agency PTI. Talking to reporters, Shirsat said Shinde will certainly not go to the Centre as a Union minister. After the Mahayuti alliance's astounding performance in the Maharashtra polls, where it won 230 of the 288 seats, Shinde, now the caretaker chief minister, has said that he will "fully support" BJP leadership's decision to name the next CM and won't be a hurdle in the process. This had led to debates over the possibility of Shinde being offered the deputy CM position and whether he would accept it. "If Shinde does not accept the Maharashtra deputy CM's post, then some other leader from our party will get it. He (Shinde) will take a call on this by evening," said Shirsat, who retained his Aurangabad assembly West seat, reported PTI. On Thursday, the Shiv Sena leader said Eknath Shinde was unlikely to accept the post of deputy CM in the new government in Maharashtra. Shirsat's party colleague and former minister Shamburaj Desai said their MLA-elects and party workers strongly feel that Shinde should be a part of the new government, reported PTI. Desai was the guardian minister of Thane, Shinde's bastion, from 2022 to 2024. Looking at Shinde's vast administrative experience, Desai said, he should be a part of the next government in Maharashtra. Shinde, ex-CM Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda late Thursday to thrash out a power-sharing pact for the next government in Maharashtra. "We will take a decision (on Maharashtra CM) in a day or two. We have held discussions, and the discussions will continue. You will get to know when we take a final decision," Shinde told reporters in Delhi after the meeting. In the November 20 Maharashtra polls, whose results were announced on November 23, the BJP won 132 seats, followed by its allies Shiv Sena (57) and NCP (41). From the opposition camp, Congress got 16 seats, while its MVA partners Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) bagged only 20 and 10 seats, respectively. (With inputs from PTI)
29 November,2024 02:46 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentThe Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has granted six months' temporary bail to a pregnant woman arrested in connection with a narcotics case, highlighting the potential harm to both the mother and child if she were to give birth in prison. The court noted that delivering a child in the prison environment could have negative consequences and that even a prisoner is entitled to dignity during such a crucial time. The order, passed on November 27, was issued by a single bench of Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke. The court directed the release of the woman, Surbhi Soni, on bail for six months, recognising the humanitarian grounds for her plea. Soni, who was arrested in April 2024, faces charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The prosecution alleges that a raid conducted by the Gondia Railway Security Force on a train resulted in the seizure of 33 kilograms of ganja, a narcotic substance. Of this, 7 kilograms were reportedly found in Soni's luggage. At the time of her arrest, Soni was two months pregnant. Soni filed a plea seeking temporary bail, citing her pregnancy and requesting permission to deliver her baby outside of prison. Her request was opposed by the prosecution, which argued that the commercial quantity of drugs involved made her case serious, but assured that she would receive appropriate medical care during her confinement. In its ruling, the bench acknowledged the prosecution's arguments but emphasised the adverse effects of giving birth in a prison environment. "Delivering a child in prison may have consequences for both the mother and the baby, which cannot be overlooked," the bench stated. It further noted that while Soni could receive medical care at a government hospital, the conditions in jail would not be conducive to a safe and dignified childbirth. The court also recognised that while there was prima facie evidence against Soni, releasing her on bail would not hinder the ongoing investigation, as the chargesheet had already been filed. The high court thus ruled that humane considerations outweighed the prosecution’s objections in this instance. Soni’s temporary release on bail comes as a compassionate response to her pregnancy, reflecting the court's recognition of her right to dignity even while facing serious charges under the NDPS Act. The ruling underscores the importance of considering the welfare of pregnant women in custody, particularly in situations that could affect both the individual and their unborn child. As per PTI, the court's decision brings attention to the need for humane considerations in cases involving women prisoners, particularly in relation to childbirth in jail conditions. (With inputs from PTI)
29 November,2024 02:33 PM IST | MumbaiShiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis returned to Mumbai on Friday morning after the two and NCP's Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah over Maharashtra government formation, reported news agency PTI. Talking to reporters in Delhi past Thursday midnight, Shinde called the discussions "good and positive". He said their next meeting will take place in Mumbai on Friday. The meeting is expected later in the day but nothing has been scheduled as of now, sources told PTI. Ajit Pawar is expected to return to Mumbai in the afternoon. The BJP is yet to convene its legislature party meeting. Shinde, Fadnavis and Pawar met Shah and BJP president J P Nadda late Thursday to thrash out a power-sharing pact for the next government in Maharashtra after the BJP-led coalition registered a thumping majority in the assembly elections. "We will take a decision (on Maharashtra CM) in a day or two. We have held discussions, and the discussions will continue. You will get to know when we take a final decision," Shinde told reporters in Delhi. Shinde has said that he would not be an obstacle in the Maharashtra government formation in the state and abide by the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah. Recovering from its Lok Sabha elections losses, the BJP bagged 132 assembly seats, the highest among all constituents of the Mahayuti alliance. Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a setback, with the grand old party registering one of its worst performances in the state polls as it won only 16 seats. Sharad Pawar's NCP(SP) bagged just 10 seats, whereas Uddhav Thackeray's (UBT) won 20 seats. After arriving from Delhi, Shinde heads to his native village; Mahayuti meet likely on Sunday Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who returned to Mumbai from New Delhi on Friday morning, is travelling to his native village in Satara district amid continuing suspense over his successor a week after the assembly poll results. However, the caretaker CM, who heads the Shiv Sena, is travelling to his native village Dare in the Satara district in western Maharashtra and the meeting is now expected to take place on Sunday, the sources told PTI. The Shiv Sena leader has repeatedly said he would not be an obstacle in the government formation and abide by the decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the next chief minister. (With inputs from PTI)
29 November,2024 02:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter arriving in Mumbai from New Delhi on Friday morning, outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has travelled to his native village in Satara district, leaving the suspense over the state's next chief minister unresolved a week after the assembly election results were announced. Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena, had earlier told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday night that a meeting of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes his party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), would be held in Mumbai on Friday to discuss government formation. However, the meeting has now been postponed and is likely to take place on Sunday, sources revealed. The caretaker Chief Minister’s sudden departure to his home village, Dare in Satara, has fuelled speculation regarding the delay in forming the new government. It is expected that the meeting will be rescheduled for Sunday, as the Mahayuti is still deliberating on the issue of leadership. Throughout his Delhi trip, Shinde has repeatedly stated that he would not be an obstacle in government formation, pledging to abide by the decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the selection of the next chief minister. Shinde, who has been at the helm of Maharashtra for over two and a half years, has expressed his willingness to accept any decision made by the BJP. Sources within the Shiv Sena indicate there are differing opinions among party leaders on Shinde's future role in the government. Some suggest he may be offered the position of deputy chief minister by the BJP, while others argue that it would be inappropriate for Shinde to accept the No. 2 position after having served as the state's CM. The discussions are still ongoing within the party. The process of government formation will commence once the BJP announces its legislature party leader. During his visit to Delhi, Shinde met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the future government, accompanied by his deputies from the outgoing state cabinet, Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Ajit Pawar (NCP). The trio also met BJP president J P Nadda. Talking to the media, Shinde described the discussions as "good and positive," indicating that talks are progressing, albeit slowly. As per PTI, further updates will follow once the Mahayuti convenes its meeting in Mumbai this weekend. (With inputs from PTI)
29 November,2024 02:05 PM IST | MumbaiFollowing the Mahayuti meeting in the national capital, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande on Friday said that Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has full faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde ji has expressed full faith in PM Modi and Amit Shah ji as he is an important part of NDA. The members of (Shiv Sena) legislative party have elected him as our leader and we have left it to him to talk about portfolios and other demands," Kayande told ANI. Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, NCP chief Ajit Pawar and other Mahayuti leaders met Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi on Thursday. After meeting with Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda, Eknath Shinde said that the meeting was "good and positive," adding that another meeting will be conducted, which is expected to yield a decision on who will assume the role of Chief Minister, reported ANI. "The meeting was good and positive. This was the first meeting. We discussed with Amit Shah and JP Nadda...There will be another meeting of the Mahayuti. In this meeting, a decision will be made about who the Chief Minister will be. The meeting will be held in Mumbai," he said, reported ANI. The leaders gathered to deliberate on the formation of the new government in Maharashtra, reported ANI. Earlier, Fadnavis asserted that the Mahayuti alliance had no internal differences and that a decision on the Chief Minister would be made soon after consulting the leaders. The Maharashtra Assembly election results were declared on November 23, but the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has yet to finalise its choice for Chief Minister. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Maharashtra Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar--won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (With inputs from ANI)
29 November,2024 01:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe city woke up to a chilly Friday morning as temperatures dropped to the lowest so far this season. Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) Santacruz weather observatory recorded the coldest night of the season on the morning of November 29, with temperatures dipping to 16.5°C. While this is the lowest temperature for November since 2016, when Santacruz recorded 16.3°C, it is not the coldest ever. The station had previously recorded a chilling 13.3°C on November 19, 1950. In addition to IMD's Colaba observatory reported 21.4°C. "The significant drop in temperatures across the city can be attributed to the snowfall in the northern regions, which has brought in dry, cold winds from the north," explained climatologist Rajesh Kapadia of Vagaries of Weather, a private weather blog. As per IMD and Vagaries of Weather, the chill wasn't limited to Mumbai alone. Other parts of Maharashtra also experienced a sharp dip in temperatures. Ahmadnagar recorded 8.3°C, a decrease of 5.9°C from the usual, while Sangli’s AWS (Automated Weather Station) recorded 8.4°C. Pune saw temperatures fall to 9.5°C, the coldest November reading since 2016 when it reached 9.3°C. However, the coldest November temperature in Pune was in 1964, when the mercury plummeted to 4.6°C on November 27. Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) also reported a drop in temperatures, with the mercury at 10.6°C, which was the lowest for November. The coldest November reading in Sambhajinagar ever was a frigid 1.9°C on November 30, 1970. Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station, recorded a temperature of 10.5°C. However, the coldest spot in Maharashtra on the morning of November 29 is Jeur, which recorded a low of 6.0°C, a significant drop of 6.6°C below the normal temperature. Cold nights to persist in Mumbai, daytime temperatures to remain stable As the season progresses, weather experts and IMD officials suggest that the northern winds will continue to bring cold spells across the state, with more chilly nights expected. According to the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai can expect the minimum temperatures to remain in the range of 15-16°C until November 30. After that, the mercury is likely to rise to 22-23°C by December 4. In a bit of relief for Mumbailar's, the IMD has indicated that there will be no significant rise in daytime temperatures in the coming days. The maximum temperatures are expected to stay relatively stable, fluctuating between 32-33°C throughout the next week.
29 November,2024 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a pointed critique of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, asserting that the governance of Maharashtra has now shifted to Delhi under the control of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to ANI, Raut accused Shinde and Pawar of surrendering the state’s self-respect to central authorities. Speaking at a press conference, Raut remarked, “Decisions concerning Maharashtra are now taken in Delhi. They (Shinde and Pawar) used to champion self-respect and pride, but that is gone. Both leaders must repeatedly travel to Delhi to address state issues. Despite being from different parties, their high command is the same—Modi and Shah.” He further alleged that Maharashtra’s leaders are no longer independent. “Even for routine matters, they seek approval from Delhi. Yesterday, too, they met in Delhi. What role remains for Maharashtra leaders when all orders come from Modi and Shah? They merely act on instructions,” he added, as per ANI reports. Raut also directed criticism at BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, reflecting on his political trajectory. “Fadnavis, who once served as Chief Minister, has now become a Deputy Chief Minister (DCM). It is ironic that Eknath Shinde, who was once a junior in Fadnavis's cabinet, is now the Chief Minister while Fadnavis serves under him. The politics of Maharashtra today lacks any semblance of self-respect.” The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader did not hold back on Ajit Pawar either, describing him as a "perennial Deputy Chief Minister." “Ajit Pawar has always been a DCM and will remain one. His political identity seems confined to this role,” Raut remarked. Further targeting the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance), Raut expressed scepticism over their recent electoral victories, attributing their success to alleged manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “There is newfound cheer on their faces. The glow that had faded after the Lok Sabha polls is back, thanks to the wonder of EVMs. A ‘trinity’ temple should be erected—EVMs in the centre, with Modi on one side and Amit Shah on the other,” he quipped. Raut's comments, as per ANI, reflect growing concerns within the Shiv Sena (UBT) about the erosion of Maharashtra’s autonomy and the influence of central politics on state affairs. The remarks are the latest in a series of heated exchanges among Maharashtra’s political factions, highlighting the growing divisions and power dynamics at play within the state. (With inputs from ANI)
29 November,2024 12:30 PM IST | MumbaiDue to the increasing incidents of dog bites by stray dogs in Bhiwandi city, the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation has established a sterilization centre near the STP Plant at the Slaughter House. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with a Hyderabad-based NGO, aims to address the issue effectively. The organisation plans to sterilize approximately 13,631 stray and injured dogs over the next five years, with the procedure costing Rs 1,490 per dog. An operation theatre has been set up at the slaughterhouse on Eidgah Road for conducting reproductive system surgeries on dogs. The facility was inaugurated on Thursday by Municipal Commissioner Ajay Vaidya. Ajay Vaidya said that there are currently over 13,000 stray dogs in the city. The contract for their sterilization has been awarded to a Hyderabad-based NGO. Stray dogs captured from various parts of the city will be brought to the centre for sterilization. After sterilization, the dogs will be given necessary injections and kept at the facility for about a week for observation and examination. They will then be released back to the areas they were captured from. Municipal Commissioner Ajay Vaidya said that the cost per dog is Rs 1,450, which is the lowest achieved after issuing multiple tenders. He added that the plan to establish this operation theatre was initially proposed in 2012, but its implementation faced several delays until now. Vaidya credited MLA Raees Sheikh for advocating for the facility in the assembly, which eventually led to significant government pressure to expedite the project. Chief Sanitation Inspector JM Sonaun stated that the facility includes 50 cages, each capable of housing 8 to 10 dogs, allowing for the sterilization of up to 120 dogs per day. According to the Corporation's Executive Engineer Sachin Naik, approximately Rs. 35 lakh has been spent on constructing the operation theatre, which is designed to carry out surgeries to prevent stray dog breeding.
29 November,2024 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations associated with businessman Raj Kundra, husband of actor Shilpa Shetty, in connection with a money laundering case tied to the alleged production and distribution of pornographic and adult content, as per PTI reports. The raids were conducted at around 15 locations in Mumbai and cities across Uttar Pradesh, including Kundra's home and office, according to official sources. Sources further revealed that Kundra, aged 49, is being questioned by ED officials at one of these locations as part of the investigation. The case stems from at least two FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Mumbai Police in 2022, which accused Kundra and others of involvement in the production and distribution of explicit content through digital platforms. This is not Kundra’s first encounter with money laundering allegations. Earlier this year, the ED had attached assets worth ₹98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in a cryptocurrency-related case. The couple later obtained relief from the Bombay High Court, which stayed the attachment order. Kundra has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that there is no evidence connecting him to the production of questionable content. He previously told a Mumbai court in 2021 that there was no link between him and the "Hotshots" app, which the police claimed was used to stream obscene content. He argued that he was not named in the original FIR and maintained that he had been falsely implicated. The ED’s investigation focuses on the alleged use of the "Hotshots" app, which was reportedly operated by Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, a company founded by Kundra. According to the police, Armsprime Media sold the app to London-based Kenrin Pvt Ltd, which subsequently used it to upload objectionable videos. WhatsApp chats retrieved from Kundra’s phone allegedly revealed discussions about financial transactions and plans to sell 119 adult films for $1.2 million, according to PTI. The case initially gained traction when complaints were filed by several women who claimed they were lured into filming bold scenes under the guise of acting opportunities in web series or short films. These scenes reportedly turned into semi-nude or nude sequences against the actors’ wishes, police investigations revealed. The ED’s current action is part of its broader probe into financial transactions linked to this case. Officials are examining whether funds generated from the alleged activities were laundered and moved through illicit channels. Kundra has previously maintained that he was made a scapegoat in the case for reasons best known to the investigators. The investigation also highlights the proliferation of pornographic apps in cyberspace, with police identifying a network of platforms allegedly involved in the illegal activity. Kundra’s alleged role in this network remains under scrutiny as the ED continues its operations. The raids reflect ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to tackle financial crimes linked to cyber offences. The ED's investigation is expected to uncover further details regarding the money trail and involvement of other individuals. As the case develops, Kundra's legal challenges and his claims of innocence will likely come under closer examination. (With inputs from PTI)
29 November,2024 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCall it a sheer waste of public money or lack of proper planning – over 1,300 brand new foldable wheelchairs are lying unused in the main hall of the old boys’ hostel, within the State-run Grant Medical College and JJ Group of hospitals, and it has become a talking point inside the campus. Interestingly, each chair is valued at around Rs 8,000, which includes GST and other taxes and was procured through a government tendering process. That evening Trucks laden with thousands of wheelchairs arrived at Grant Medical College campus, on November 22, two days after the Assembly elections got over and they were offloaded at the old boy’s hostel, within the campus. Sources from the campus, said, “Such large quantity of wheelchairs were never ever brought inside their campus before, and on inquiry, they were informed that the wheelchairs were used for the state Assembly elections for Mumbai City and it was procured in the name of Grant Medical College and JJ Group of hospitals by the District Election office, and therefore it was getting offloaded in JJ campus.” A tender was issued for 1,338 wheelchairs. Representation pic Could have rather hired A doctor, who was earlier attached to the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), overseeing procurements of medicine and drugs said, “Usually a day or two before the polling, we would make temporary arrangements of wheelchairs borrowing them from the nearby civic-run or state-run hospitals, dispensaries, primary health centre, even private hospitals and clinics including clubs like Rotary and Lions and would return them after the polling. It is unheard of procuring such a large quantity of wheelchairs for a single election, an unwanted expenditure.” 2,538 polling booths Shyamsunder Survase, deputy district election officer for Mumbai City said, “We had difficulties in getting wheelchairs arranged for polling stations during the Lok Sabha elections and it had also caused inconvenience to senior citizens and disabled at some polling centres and therefore it was decided to procure the wheelchairs for the state Assembly election. As per our records Mumbai City (Colaba-Sion-Mahim) was divided into 671 polling locations, consisting of 2,538 polling booths and 6,300 disabled registered voters. As we had planned for a minimum of two-wheel chairs for each location, we could cater to the needs of all those who required wheelchair assistance on November 20 on election day.” Followed due process G B Supekar, district planning officer, Mumbai City, said, “We followed due process of tendering by calling in for bids on GeM (government tender portal) for the supply of 1,338 foldable wheelchairs for the elections and got the same delivered to us between November 15 to 17. These were deployed at the polling centres between November 18 and 19 and after the election on November 20, the wheelchairs were collected from all centres and then sent to Grant Medical College. The Dean of JJ Group of hospitals has to decide as to how she wants to use them.” Dean speaks Dr Pallavi Saple, Dean, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of hospitals said, “We were asked to provide specifications for the foldable wheelchairs, which was done by our internal Central Purchase Committee. Since the procurement is done by the District Planning Office, Mumbai City, the payment for the same would be done by them.” Dr Saple added, “Most of the centres under our umbrella hospitals – JJ, St Georges, GT, Cama and Albes, Palghar Rural Centre and Bandra Urban Centre, would be getting few wheelchairs as per the requirements and we have been also asked to provide some wheelchairs to Podar Ayurveda hospital in Worli and St Georges Dental hospital, too.” Watchdog reacts Nitai Mehta, managing trustee at Praja Foundation, said, “There is no check and balance on using public money under the gambit of election expenditure. It would be worth monitoring if the same wheelchairs are put in use for the upcoming BMC elections or fresh wheelchairs will be further procured. It is something that people should keep a watch on.” At Cama and Albless hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr Tushar Palve, said, “Our hospital has thirteen wheelchairs for our patients and an additional three wheelchairs, if we get one, it would suffice our requirement of sixteen wheelchairs.”
29 November,2024 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonADVERTISEMENT
