Raising the bar his way A college student practises callisthenics at Five Gardens in Dadar East. Art on TIFR campus Ragmala by MF Husain. Pic courtesy/Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), in association with Art Mumbai, will conduct a special lecture by gallerist Mortimer Chatterjee titled The Epoch of Pioneers on June 2. Oindrila Ray Chaudhuri (inset), Consultant with TIFR Archives, said, “Homi Bhabha, the founder of the organisation, started collecting paintings and sculptures for the organisation. Apart from science and mathematics, the institution is a place where you will find a great collection of artefacts.” Indie love A picture from Missy’s Musings. Pic courtesy/Ramesh Narayan On June 3, in a bid to create awareness about the condition of stray dogs, senior advertising professional, Ramesh Narayan (inset), will launch a book and a short film on community pets at a Colaba venue. He shared, “In the pandemic, I had started a social media handle about my indie dog, Missy, and had named it Missy’s Musings. I compiled these posts and published a lavish coffee table book.” What’s on the nameplate? Suresh Suryawanshi Many times, our passion is side-lined due to family and societal pressure. Suresh Suryawanshi was subjected to a similar problem when he wanted to move out of his job at a travel agency, and become a full-time artist. It took him years to learn the art and prove the fact that this is what he was always meant to do. Suryawanshi talks about his journey, “During my leisure hours at my profession, I used to attempt calligraphy and free-hand drawing. People around me started appreciating it. A nameplate. Pics courtesy/ Suresh Suryawanshi Then, I started creating greeting cards. I learned design software to enhance my skills. After that, I studied advanced-level calligraphy for five years. With the help of my knowledge in print, and guidance, I took up calligraphy as a profession. I always knew that I could become an artist, but my family wasn’t supportive of the idea. Gradually, I moved to art and decided to make it my career. I started making nameplates in the Devanagari script. From 2010 onwards, I have been making nameplates professionally.” Language of songs Music, they say, is universally understood. For singer-songwriter Abdon Mech (below), the recent trip to Budapest was proof. “The folks at Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) and the Task Force for Music and Arts (TFMA) in Nagaland reached out for this songwriting camp in Hungary. It was an opportunity that fascinated me as a songwriter; to work with singers and musicians from over 30 countries,” he told us from Nagaland. Having concluded the three-day camp earlier this month, the singer returns with Neon Leon, a Taiwanese-American pop artiste. “It is a song we loved working on, and are exploring ways to make the release happen soon,” he revealed. Think out of the matchbox Matchbox zines created at the previous workshop. Pics courtesy/Mrunmayee Das If you like to keep things short and sweet, we might have found your tribe in the city. Coffee and Yap!, a workshop at the Editions Jojo bookstore this Sunday, will witness participants turn their personal stories into pocket-sized zines; compact enough to fit snugly inside a matchbox. “Zines started as an alternative movement. Central to its character are ease of access, production and its circulation within like-minded communities,” founder Kaamna Patel gave us a refresher on the concept. At the day-long community meeting for beginners, participants will stitch pages, fold paper, and bind thoughts into handheld narratives. “The workshop is in the spirit of zine culture, bringing people together to learn a new skill, work with their hands around a community table, using photographs from their personal archives,” Patel added. This matchbox idea has sparked our curiosity, for sure.
29 May,2025 06:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo 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 May 29. Aries March 21 – April 20One friend was told you are too busy to meet, but agreed to meet another one. This could potentially create issues. Cosmic tip: Be prepared to answer some questions, though, technically, not answerable to anyone. Taurus April 21 – May 20For some reason the mind keeps winging back to a time when dealing with a legal situation (that has been sorted, so let it go).Cosmic tip: Be content with what the universe has gifted. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Work keeps you so busily engaged there’s no time to think about anything else. A new client is signed which is a source of personal victory. Cosmic tip: Be honestly appreciative towards your spouse/ partner. Cancer June 22 – July 23A romantic streak within refuses to be silenced even when aware a relationship may not work out, though attraction was mutual. Cosmic tip: Don’t spend time living in the future. Take care of the present. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Those in medical research find a cure for a common ailment; keep it to yourself till it has been fine-tuned. A relative comes over for dinner. Cosmic tip: Allow yourself to feel the love. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Those who work on assignment basis have two challenging ones to deal with; one is like singing a well rehearsed favourite song.Cosmic tip: Only spend money which is actually in the account. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Two opposite points of view bring a balance to life that was needed. Spending time alone is arranged in advance. A change of plans is a surprise. Cosmic tip: Be content with karmic justice received. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Emotional and practical support from family is treasured, but at times have to disagree if feeling your actions are being judged. Change diet as advised. Cosmic tip: Make an effort to be less fixated. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A trip being opposed by family is something you can’t agree to since it involves an important business discussion. A wish manifests; not that it matters anymore. Cosmic tip: Be firm about a decision made. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Feeling strongly about an expense, yet trying not to be assertive about it may not work as expected. Speaking up is better than remaining quiet. Cosmic tip: Maintain a balance between spirituality and materialism. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Being a source of strength in slightly uncertain times is something you take charge of. Don’t overreact/ say too much. Cosmic tip: If someone has walked away from you- let them; it’s their loss. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Someone you thought was so reliable proves otherwise, which is sad since you had total faith. This is life. Live and learn is the right mind-set.Cosmic tip: Be worldly-wise, yet not necessarily cynical.
29 May,2025 02:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseEknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena politician Sanjay Nirupam on Wednesday sought to link rival Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT)'s leader Aaditya Thackeray with the alleged irregularities in the Mithi river desilting scam, reported the PTI. Sanjay Nirupam demanded that former Maharashtra minister must also be also probed in Mumbai's Mithi river desilting case being probed by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. Talking to reporters, Sanjay Nirupam said that from 2005 to 2022, the undivided Shiv Sena controlled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "Everyone in Mumbai knows that during that period, no contract could be awarded without the approval of 'Matoshree' (private residence of the Thackerays in Bandra). A total of 18 contractors were appointed for the Mithi river cleaning work during this time," the former MP alleged, according to the PTI. Referring specifically to the alleged Rs 65 crore Mithi desilting scam, Sanjay Nirupam said, "Since (actor) Dino Morea has been questioned (in the scam) and as he is also a known associate of Aaditya Thackeray, his role must be investigated," as per the PTI. Dino Morea and his brother were questioned on Wednesday, second time in the last three days, by the Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for their alleged links with a middleman arrested in the Mithi desilting scam. This is the second time in the last three days that the actor was called for questioning, a police official said. "Dino Morea and his brother Santino appeared before the EOW officials at the Mumbai Police Commissioner's office in south Mumbai, and their statements were recorded," he said. The EOW officials are probing some suspicious financial transactions with the accused persons, he said. After their statements were recorded, Dino and his brother left the EOW office in the evening around 7 pm, he said. It is alleged tenders for renting specialised dredging equipment for desilting the river were manipulated to favour certain suppliers. Commenting on the civic body's response to Monday's heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Nirupam praised Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde for personally visiting the Disaster Management Cell and overseeing relief operations. "In 2005, when the Mithi river overflowed and Mumbai was paralysed, the Thackeray family was missing in action. On July 26, 2005, when Mumbai received over 900 mm of rainfall (in 24 hours), (Shiv Sena-UBT chief) Uddhav Thackeray left his (father) Balasaheb at Matoshree and stayed with his family at the Taj Hotel," he alleged, the news agency reported on Wednesday. (with PTI inputs)
28 May,2025 11:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Wednesday approved a proposal to procure equipment and machinery worth Rs 47.72 lakh to support relief and rescue operations, officials said, reported the PTI. According to a Government Resolution (GR), this equipment is intended to boost the preparedness and response capabilities of agencies like the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Maharashtra Fire Services, as per the PTI. The funding is being provided under the capacity-building and preparedness programme, guided by recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, said the GR issued by the Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation Department. The Indian Army's Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa Area Headquarters, based at Colaba in south Mumbai, had earlier requested the provision of 23 specific items of equipment. While the initial approval was granted and tenders were called, the process did not attract the desired response, according to the PTI. Subsequently, the Indian Army submitted a revised estimate amounting to Rs 47.72 lakh, reflecting an increase of Rs 7.36 lakh from the earlier sanctioned cost. As per the GR, the state has now approved the increased expenditure for the procurement of all 23 items of equipment to be provided to the Indian Army for disaster response purposes in the region. MSRTC bus fitted with AI-based security systems unveiled; to ply on Thane-Nagpur route Meanwhile, Maharashtra's state-run transport utility MSRTC on Wednesday unveiled a new ordinary non-AC 'smart' bus equipped with digital and safety features designed to improve both passenger security and driver efficiency, including a system that will warn about possible collision, reported the PTI. In a release, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in the presence of Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who is also chairman of the state-run utility, inspected the AI-equipped 'smart' bus in Thane, according to the PTI. The release highlighted that the bus, which will ply on the Thane-Nagpur route, was fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that will warn about possible crash, pedestrian collision alert, lane change warning and the driver monitoring for signs of fatigue or inebriation. Blind spot cameras in the bus will provide a full 360-degree view using four strategically placed external cameras (front, rear, left, and right), while the vehicle also has video surveillance facility, the release said. The passenger counting sensor in the bus automatically tracks the number of people boarding and alighting, and a driver assistance screen offers real-time visual feeds to support safer navigation. The buses also feature a mobile NVR (network video recorder) system with 4G connectivity and GPS for real-time tracking and secure data storage. For clear communication and information, three external LED screens display route details, complemented by an internal LCD screen for in-bus advertising and route information have been installed. A public address system has been installed for safety and emergency announcements, besides a foam-based fire prevention system, it said, the news agency reported on Wednesday. "The safety of common passengers travelling in State Transport Corporation buses is the top priority. The new bus, fitted with AI-based security systems, will provide a much safer travel experience for the public," a release quoted Deputy CM Shinde as saying during the inspection, according to the PTI. The release said with the MSRTC catering to over 55 lakh passengers daily, the smart bus's introduction mark a major leap in the modernisation of public transport infrastructure in Maharashtra. (with PTI inputs)
28 May,2025 10:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe casting of the first slab at the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station at Virar in Palghar district of Maharashtra has officially commenced, the project implementing agency National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) said on Wednesday, reported the PTI. This step paves the way for track-laying operations as part of the 508-km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) said. "The first slab, measuring 50 metres in length, 35.32 metres in width, and approximately 300 mm in thickness, has been successfully cast using 1,555 cubic metres of concrete," the company stated in a release, according to the PTI. The massive slab is the first of nine such slabs that will collectively form the structural base for track-laying work at the rail level, it said. The Virar station on Mumbai's outskirts, which is being developed as a part of India's first bullet train project, will feature two distinct levels -- concourse and rail -- and will stretch across a total length of 425 metres. It marks a major milestone in India's high-speed rail infrastructure. With commencement of slab casting work at Virar Bullet Train Station on 28th May 2025 , stations in Maharashtra have also started taking shape . pic.twitter.com/eoOVnE5YPe — NHSRCL (@nhsrcl) May 28, 2025 Providing insight into the architectural concept, the agency explained, "Since the Virar bullet train station is located on a hill, the station's design concept is inspired by the winds flowing down from the mountain, aiming to reflect both modern engineering and regional geographical character." The structural design and aesthetics of the station are aligned with the surrounding natural terrain, ensuring both visual harmony and functionality. The upcoming phases will involve the casting of the remaining eight slabs and installation of track infrastructure, platform systems, and passenger amenities, according to the release, as per the PTI. The high-speed rail corridor aims to revolutionise travel between Mumbai, India's financial capital, and Ahmedabad, Gujarat's commercial hub, by significantly reducing commute time and enhancing passenger experience with state-of-the-art facilities. "The progress at Virar is a reflection of the pace and precision with which India's high-speed rail vision is being implemented," NHSRCL maintained, the news agency reported. The company has been set up with equity participation by the Centre through the Ministry of Railways and governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra. (with PTI inputs)
28 May,2025 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe master plan of the ambitious Dharavi redevelopment project in Mumbai was given approval by the Maharashtra government on Wednesday, officials said, reported the PTI. The approval was given at a review meeting attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior officials. The redevelopment of Dharavi, a vast slum sprawl in the heart of Mumbai, will be carried out through a special purpose vehicle set up through a joint venture between the Adani Group and Maharashtra government. Dharavi is a major economic hub and a unique industrial cluster whose original character must be preserved in the redevelopment, Fadnavis stressed during the meeting, a release issued by his office said. 🔸CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired a review meeting regarding Dharavi redevelopment project🔸मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांच्या अध्यक्षतेखाली 'धारावी पुनर्विकास प्रकल्पासंदर्भात आढावा बैठक'🔸मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस इनकी अध्यक्षता में 'धारावी पुनर्विकास परियोजना के संदर्भ में… pic.twitter.com/cjStqBbXZZ — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 28, 2025 Priority should be given to the rehabilitation of local artisans and businesses, CM Fadnavis said, according to the PTI. The redevelopment of Dharavi should be done in an environmentally sustainable and integrated manner, CM Fadnavis said, adding that economic activities in the area are of utmost importance, as per the PTI. Every original resident of Dharavi should be provided with a home, the CM added. All residents will be considered eligible for redevelopment, though the criteria for eligibility may vary, CM Fadnavis said. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde instructed all concerned departments to promptly grant necessary approvals. Chief Executive Officer of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, Srinivas, gave a detailed presentation of the project during the meeting, officials said. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited a Rs 2,368-crore tender to clear 185 lakh tonnes of legacy waste from the Mumbai's Deonar landfill using biomining, officials had earlier said. The Maharashtra government has decided to rehabilitate residents of Dharavi on the dumping ground land who are not eligible to receive homes under the Dharavi project. In 2024, the state government allocated a portion of the 311-acre Deonar landfill for housing tenements under the Dharavi rehabilitation project. Meanwhile, the BMC has set up a Waste-to-Energy plant with a capacity of 600 metric tonnes per day at the Deonar dumping ground. The project includes a 40-month design and build phase, and 15 years of operation and maintenance, and is expected to be operational by October 2025. The BMC has now invited a tender to clear the land, with the estimated cost of the project at Rs 2,368 crore. (with PTI inputs)
28 May,2025 09:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant move aimed at bolstering Maharashtra’s spiritual tourism, the Planning Department, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister (CM), has granted revised administrative approval for the Rs 147.81 crore ‘Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples Renovation and Development Plan’. A government resolution regarding this approval was issued on Wednesday. अष्टविनायक गणपती मंदिरांचा जीर्णोद्धार व विकास आराखड्यास सुधारित प्रशासकीय मान्यता..!नियोजन विभागाच्या माध्यमातून १४७ कोटी ८१ लाख रुपये खर्च येणाऱ्या अष्टविनायक गणपती मंदिरांचा जीर्णोद्धार व विकास आराखड्यास सुधारित प्रशासकीय मान्यता देण्यात आली आहे. त्यासंबंधिचा शासन निर्णय आज… — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) May 28, 2025 The ambitious plan is designed to facilitate the renovation and development of the Ashtavinayak temples located across Maharashtra as well as improving their surrounding areas. The initiative will focus on enhancing infrastructure and civic amenities, benefitting both devotees and tourists. Government officials believe that the development of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage circuit will significantly boost spiritual tourism in the state and strengthen Maharashtra's position as a hub for religious and cultural tourism. Pawar, who is the Finance & Planning Minister of Maharashtra, has been a steadfast advocate for the Ashtavinayak renovation project, regularly convening meetings with relevant stakeholders at Mantralaya to ensure its timely execution. The revamp proposal received the approval of the Apex Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, during a cabinet meeting held on May 6 in Choundi, Ahilyanagar district. Following the cabinet's endorsement, the revised administrative approval was granted in less than two weeks. Locals and devotees have welcomed the development and said the revamp will revitalise the Ashtavinayak temples and enhance the experience for pilgrims. The renovation plan is part of a broader initiative outlined in Pawar’s Budget 2025 speech, which focuses on the development of major pilgrimage sites. The original plan, sanctioned in 2021–22, was worth Rs 92.19 crore. In 2024, this amount was revised to Rs 147.81 crore, which has now received the final approval. The revised approval includes substantial financial allocations for each of the eight temples in the Ashtavinayak circuit. Details of the sanctioned amounts for each temple are given below Shri Chintamani Temple in Theur (Pune) - Rs 7.21 crore Shri Vighneshwar Temple in Ozar (Nashik) – Rs 7.84 crore Shri Mayureshwar Temple in Morgaon (Pune) – Rs 8.21 crore Shri Siddhatek Temple in Ahilyanagar – Rs 9.97 crore Shri Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon (Pune)– Rs 12.14 crore Shri Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali (Raigad) – Rs 26.90 crore Shri Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad (Raigad) – Rs 28.24 crore In all, Rs 100.53 crore has been earmarked for temple-specific projects, while Rs 47.39 crore will be allocated for other essential works, including electrification, lighting, architectural services, goods and services tax (GST), and additional expenses.
28 May,2025 08:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThane city in Maharashtra reported 12 new coronavirus positive cases, taking its active count to 72, civic officials said on Wednesday, reported the PTI. Ten patients, who completed their home quarantine protocols, have recovered, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) said in a statement. "With the addition of 12 new patients on Wednesday, the Covid-19 infection count in the city has now gone up to 72," it said, according to the PTI. One patient with comorbidities has died since the latest wave of infection cases were reported. Currently, 16 patients are under treatment in various hospitals across the city, while 45 patients are being treated under home quarantine, the Thane Municipal Corporation said. "We are closely monitoring the situation, and the health department is taking all necessary steps to ensure containment and timely treatment of reported cases," it said, as per the PTI. Maharashtra is witnessing a surge in the Covid-19 cases. However, health authorities said that most patients are exhibiting mild symptoms of the virus. Since January, a total of 8,282 Covid-19 tests have been conducted in Maharashtra, of which 435 turned out to be positive. On Tuesday alone, 66 new cases were reported from across the state, with Mumbai recording 31 cases. The health department officials emphasise that the increase in Covid-19 cases is not unique to Maharashtra but has also been observed in other states and some countries worldwide. Kalyan-Dombivli region reports new Covid-19 case, one death Meanwhile, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in the district on Wednesday reported a new COVID-19 case along with the death of another patient with the viral infection, reported the PTI. There are now eight active Covid-19 patients within the municipal corporation's jurisdiction, it said in a release, adding that two of them are undergoing treatment in hospital. A 67-year-old man from Dombivli who was admitted to the government hospital at Kalwa in Thane on May 25 died on Wednesday, the release said. The man suffered from hypertension and diabetes and had not taken a Covid-19 vaccine, said the release issued by Health Officer Dr Deepa Shukla. Earlier, a Covid-19 patient had died within the KDMC limits on May 22. The civic officials has urged to remain calm and continue following the recommended safety protocols. (with PTI inputs)
28 May,2025 08:15 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra minister and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar on Wednesday accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) party of failing to improve the stormwater drainage system in Mumbai despite controlling the civic body for over two decades and spending Rs 1 lakh crore for the purpose, reported the PTI. Shelar called this a "betrayal of Mumbaikars" by Uddhav Thackeray and his MLA son Aaditya Thackeray, and demanded a white paper on the utilisation of funds. The undivided Shiv Sena ruled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the richest civic body in the country, for more than two decades. Ashish Shelar's comments came in the wake of a political slugfest over waterlogging witnessed in Mumbai following heavy rains with the opposition accusing the government of failing to prepare the city despite heavy spending, according to the PTI. The political sparring intensified with a sharp jab from Aaditya Thackeray, who said that the Mumbai Metro line was "aptly named Aqua, since it is under water". Operations on Mumbai's new Metro Line 3 (Aqua) were suspended on Monday due to heavy rains inundating an underground station. The sudden downpour also affected road and rail traffic in the metropolis on Monday. Ashish Shelar, who is the Guardian Minister for Mumbai Suburban district, led a BJP delegation and met Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and its state-appointed administrator Bhushan Gagrani and submitted a memorandum seeking a white paper on the expenditure over stormwater drain projects carried out in the last two decades. He sought to know why despite massive spending, the city continues to suffer from floods during monsoon. Approximately Rs 1 lakh crore were spent by the BMC over the past 20 years on flood management projects, such as cleaning of nullahs and Mithi river, stormwater drains and the Brihanmumbai storm water disposal (Brimstowad), but the situation in the city failed to improve, he said during the meeting. "Where have these Rs 1 lakh crore gone? Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray must explain this to Mumbaikars. Only then should they question us about the last three years," Ashish Shelar said, as per the PTI. Around 40 per cent of BMC's Rs 80 lakh crore budget over the last 20 years was allocated for development, and about 10 per cent of that amount, approximately Rs 1 lakh crore, went to stormwater drains, Mithi river desilting and Brimstoward. "But there has been no substantial improvement despite this expenditure," he said. Ashish Shelar raised concerns about the delay in completion of the Brimstowad project. "How much funds were allocated for the purpose till 2017 and why has the system meant to function for a rainfall of 25 mm to 50 mm still not been implemented fully?" he asked, reported the PTI. On the Mithi river desilting, Shelar asked, "How much silt was removed, where was it dumped and how much money was spent on it?" Ashish Shelar referred to ongoing investigation by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in the alleged Rs 65 crore Mithi river desilting scam, citing irregularities such as contracts in the names of deceased individuals and reports of non-existent dumping grounds, the news agency reported. The BJP leader sought to know the height of how many outfalls located below the high-tide line has been raised in the past 20 years. Shelar said that there are 82 landslide-prone sites in the suburbs, of which 47 have been marked as hazardous. While MHADA installs protective nets up to a height of nine feet, the area above that falls under the purview of the Public Works Department, which lacks funding, he said. The BMC should allocate funds to carry out this work immediately. If tasks like trimming of tree branches and laying of safety nets to prevent landslides are not carried out urgently, the commissioner will be held accountable for any accidents during the monsoon, the BJP leader warned. Raising concern over the pumps that failed to clear accumulated water after heavy rains in Mumbai, he accused the Thackerays of altering tender conditions to benefit a favoured contractor. Talking about the Coastal Road project, Ashish Shelar claimed that substandard material was used in the reclamation process and demanded that the truth be presented to the public. Addressing the delegation, BMC commissioner Gagrani said the early arrival of monsoon disrupted BMC's planning. He admitted that only 55 per cent work of desilting the Mithi river has been completed, and promised to complete the remaining work within eight days. Pumps would be installed at waterlogged points within 24 hours and additional pumps would be deployed if required, he said. Ashish Shelar said BJP functionaries and former corporators would monitor the progress of these tasks. (with PTI inputs)
28 May,2025 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAccording to the latest weather reports by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday the western suburbs of Mumbai including Erangal Municipal School, Malad recorded 36mm of rain; Magathane and Malvani fire station recorded 34 mm of rainfall, Dindoshi fire station and Malpa Dongri receives 22 mm rainfall, PN ward office recorded 21 mm of rains, and Dindoshi Vasahat Municipal school recorded 20 mm of rainfall. The eastern suburb including the area of Veer Savarkar Marg received 35 mm of rainfall, S Ward office recorded 32 mm of rains, Tagore Nagar municipal school and Bhandup complex recorded 28 mm of rains, Vihar lake recorded 26 mm of rainfall, Gavanpada received 24 mm, building proposal Vikhroli 23 mm and T ward office recorded 21 mm of rains. Heavy rainfall is currently affecting Bandra and other parts of Mumbai on Wednesday, May 28.VC: @journoasifrizvi #Mumbairains #Bandraweather #Mumbaitraffic #Mumbaimonsoon pic.twitter.com/WggX8shD0z — Mid Day (@mid_day) May 28, 2025 The onset of monsoon season has drenched many districts of Maharashtra, with Konkan region experiencing the highest amount of rainfall, according to reports issued by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) of Maharashtra. As per the district- wise rainfall analysis issued until May 28, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg received the highest amount of rainfall of 502.8 mm and 511.5 mm respectively. These figures are more than the normal figures for this time of the year. Ratnagiri registered around 1470.2 percent compared to usual rainfall it received, showing intense bursts of early rains. Konkan division received early rainfall, compared to other districts. Raigad receives a total 255.1 mm of rainfall, Thane receives 255.1 mm of rains, and Palghar receives 73.7 mm. Other districts of Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur received rainfall with 850 percent more than expected indicating a strong start of the season. Districts like Beed and Jalna that usually record low rains received astonishing high monsoon showers of 207.6 mm and 203.3 mm respectively. Buldhana recorded the highest deviation from normal at 2678.2 percent, with 147.3 mm rainfall which normally receives 5.5 mm of rainfall. While most of the districts surpassed their average rainfall, Nagpur and Bhandara received 60.3 mm and 41.4 mm of rainfall respectively. Their rainfall percentages stood at 524.3% and 289.5. The state of Maharashtra recorded an average rainfall of 174.8 mm, which is 988 percent more that what it usually experiences.
28 May,2025 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe advent of southwest monsoon, 15 days ahead of schedule in Maharashtra, led to multiple issues, including waterlogging, floods, infrastructure disruptions, and multiple casualties across the state. According to the official reports by the Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation Department, the monsoon current entered Sindhudurg on May 25 and reached Mumbai by Monday, which is much before the expected date of June 11. A low pressure area was created over the Arabian Sea on May 22, which led to a depression. This depression then moved towards Ratnagiri and Dapoli, triggering monsoon showers in western and central Maharashtra. The onset of monsoon reported severe casualties in the state. According to reports, 21 people and 22 animals died due to lightning, wall collapses, and tree collapses. Latur, Nashik, Jalna, Nanded, Pune, Mumbai, Ahilyanagar, Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Bhandara districts reported the most fatalities. To manage the situation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were pre-positioned across various districts, including Mumbai, Raigad, Thane, Satara, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Sangli, and Ratnagiri. Six NDRF teams were stationed across various affected regions and three more were deployed. SDRF teams are on alert in Nagpur and Dhule. The state emergency operation centre has been operating 24X7 to coordinate with field units and issue early warnings. Using the ‘Sachet’ warning systems, 52 alerts were issued over two days, alerting over 19 crore citizens about rain and lightning threats. The state is expected to experience more rainfall, and officials have advised residents to stay alert, follow advice, and report on the emergency situations. District-wise effects of monsoon: Mumbai The city faced issues of waterlogging in several low-lying areas such as Parel, Sion, Dadar, and Kurla on Monday. Even the KEM Hospital reported flooding, while the Andheri subway remained shut for hours. In Mahim, a portion of the staircase and the roof of the Haji Kasam Building, a dilapidated Waqf Board property, collapsed. Two residents were rescued to safety in the incident. The structure had been served with a demolition notice earlier. Train services on Western and Central lines were delayed, throwing peak-hour schedules off track. After heavy rain, underground Metro rail services on Aqua Line had to be curtailed till Worli Metro Station instead of the Acharya Atre Chowk, which was flooded. Pune The city and its neighbouring places such as Baramati, Daund, and Indapur recorded rainfall exceeding 100 mm in 24 hours on Monday. Twenty-five houses partially collapsed in Baramati, while 70 to 80 families were evacuated in a rescue operation carried out by two teams of NDRF. The communication was disrupted due to damage in cable fibers, affecting mobile tower networks. Raigad A death caused by lightning was reported in Karjat. The Mahad–Raigad Fort road was closed due to flooding. Ahilyanagar Floods and waterlogging trapped 39 people across multiple villages. A joint rescue operation was carried out by army, fire brigade, and local authorities to help out people.
28 May,2025 06:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
