Traffic movements were likely to be affected in some parts of Thane district in Maharashtra due to repair works from May 3 to May 22 as they police on Friday issued diversions around the Majiwada Flyover. The Majiwada Flyover is a crucial route for vehicles traveling between Thane and Mumbai. A traffic notification, issued by the Thane Police, said that due to urgent repair works on the damaged surface of the Majiwada Flyover between Kapurbawdi and Jupiter Junction, traffic on the Ghodbunder–Mumbai route will be completely closed during night hours from May 3 to May 22, 2025, between 11 pm and 5 am. वाहतूक नियंत्रण अधिसूचना, कापुरबावडी pic.twitter.com/M9fgWpYaHK — Thane City Police -ठाणे शहर पोलीस (@ThaneCityPolice) May 2, 2025 It said that the repair work includes milling the damaged mastic surface using a milling machine and applying fresh mastic in phases. "The work will be carried out by N.A. Construction Pvt. Ltd. and only after one phase is completed, the next will begin," the officials said. The traffic notification was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Thane City, Pankaj Shirsat. It said that to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid congestion in the area, the following traffic diversions were being made- Road Closures: - Entry for vehicles moving from Ghodbunder to Mumbai via Tatvagyan Bridge will restricted to enter the flyover from the Tatvagyan Bridge ramp. - Vehicles moving from Bhiwandi to Mumbai via Balkum Fire Brigade Bridge will be restricted from entering the flyover at the ramp. Alternative Route: All vehicles on these routes are advised to use the slip road via Kapurbawdi Circle to reach their destination. Exemptions: The restriction will not apply to emergency vehicles, including police, fire brigade, ambulances, green corridor services, oxygen supply vehicles, and other essential services. The traffic notification stated that the diversions and traffic restrictions will be in effect from May 3, 2025 to May 22, 2025, between 11 pm and 5 am at night. "The traffic control measures will not apply to emergency vehicles, including police, fire brigade, ambulances, green corridor vehicles, oxygen gas transport, and other essential services," the traffic notification said. Authorities request the public to cooperate and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
03 May,2025 03:56 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Autorickshaw Drivers-Owners’ Association Joint Action Committee of Maharashtra has announced a statewide protest on May 21, 2025, in opposition to the Maharashtra government’s decision to approve e-bike taxi services. Demonstrations are set to take place in front of all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. Shashank Rao, President of the Joint Action Committee, stated that the government has approved e-bike taxis under the guise of providing self-employment opportunities to unemployed youth. However, the committee argues that this decision poses a serious threat to the livelihood of approximately 1.5 lakh autorickshaw drivers across Maharashtra. “Our organisation raised concerns before the government-appointed committee that was tasked with evaluating the feasibility of e-bike taxis. Despite this, the government proceeded without consulting us before granting approval. This unilateral decision disregards the concerns of the existing public transport sector,” Rao said in a statement. A joint meeting of autorickshaw association leaders from Mumbai, Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and rural regions took place on April 27, 2025. During the meeting, it was unanimously decided to hold a protest on May 21, 2025, to demand an immediate rollback of the e-bike taxi approval. The Autorickshaw Joint Action Committee has called on all affiliated organisations and their members to join the protests, urging the government to reconsider its policy in order to protect the livelihoods of traditional rickshaw drivers and ensure fair decision-making in the transport sector. The state government, in its cabinet meeting held in April, gave its approval for e-bike taxis, expected to generate 10,000 employment opportunities in Mumbai and an equal number in the rest of Maharashtra. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, said, “The decision will enable people to travel more at less cost. A trip which would have earlier cost Rs 100 will now cost around Rs 30 to Rs 40.” However, the minister clarified that the travel rates have yet to be worked out for the e-bike taxis that will come into operation. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik further stated that in order to ensure that there is no damage to the environment (pollution) only e-bikes will be given permission for the business. Asked about the safety of passengers, Sarnaik claimed that modalities have been worked out. “Regulations are being worked out to ensure the safety of passengers, especially women travellers,” the minister added. Besides making commuting cheaper for travellers, the policy aims to provide job opportunities for nearly 20,000 people across Maharashtra. “In Mumbai itself, we expect 10,000 job opportunities and an equal number of opportunities in the rest of Maharashtra,” Sarnaik claimed.
03 May,2025 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA Borivli-based man and his mother had a narrow escape after their car was struck in a multi-vehicle collision on the Andheri flyover on Friday afternoon. Nikhil Motiramani and his mother Rita Motiramani survived the crash without life-threatening injuries. The Andheri police have launched an investigation into the incident. Nikhil’s marriage is scheduled for next month and he had taken the day off on Friday for some wedding preparations. The damaged rear of the Motiramanis’ vehicle Speaking with mid-day, Nikhil recounted the harrowing incident. “My marriage was fixed just last week, and our family has been busy with the preparations. I was travelling from Borivli to Bandra with my mother in the backseat. As we reached the Andheri flyover, a car suddenly rammed us from behind. I was driving at around 40 kmph when I lost control of the vehicle, which jumped over the divider and veered into the opposite lane. In the opposite lane, another vehicle collided with my car from the left side,” Nikhil said. Damaged left side of the Motiramani car Nikhil alleged that the car was speeding. “I still don’t understand how the driver rammed us from behind. Clearly, he was speeding. Thankfully, we both survived the incident. However, my mother suffered a spinal injury, and doctors have recommended an MRI scan. I’m praying for her swift recovery,” he said, adding that the driver who hit his vehicle from behind must be held accountable as the accident was caused solely due to his fault. ACP Shashikant Bhosale of Andheri Division said, “We are investigating this matter.”
03 May,2025 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaOn Saturday, the city continued experiencing hot and humid weather, with the maximum temperature reaching 34.4 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a mainly clear sky on Saturday, May 3. Temperatures will range from a cool 26 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 33 degrees Celsius during the day. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 25.3 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "mainly clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. The mercury is expected to touch 40 degrees Celsius as May draws near. Meanwhile, the major civic-run hospitals in the city that lack special facilities for heatstroke cases altogether are the Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (Sion Hospital), and Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and RN Cooper Hospital. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'good' category On May 3, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'good' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 57 at 10:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'good' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 87. Byculla, Malad and Kandivali recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 48, 64 and 29, respectively. Chembur, Sewri and Mulund recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 56, 49 and 21, respectively. Meanwhile, Worli recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 63. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'good' category with an AQI of 93, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 56. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'.
03 May,2025 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe cyber wing of the state police on Friday apprehended a 25-year-old engineering graduate for allegedly harassing Environment Minister Pankaja Munde with repeated phone calls and messages, an official said. The accused was identified as Amol Chhaganrao Kale, a resident of Beed district. He was held from Bhosri near Pune, an official said. Munde, a BJP leader, had been receiving repeated calls and messages on her personal mobile number for the last couple of days, following which a complaint was filed with Maharashtra Cyber. A case was registered under section 78 (stalking), 79 (acts or words intended to insult modesty of woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act, and the user of the mobile number was tracked down. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesThe Maharashtra government has launched the second phase of its ‘Jivant 7/12’ campaign to update land records, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Friday. A land title document is commonly referred to as ‘7/12 extract’ in Maharashtra. The first phase of the exercise, including training of officials, was conducted earlier this year. “We have initiated the second phase of the Jivant 7/12 campaign’ to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties due to obsolete entries in land records. The government has issued an order to replace such entries with accurate, up-to-date information,” Bawankule said. Outdated remarks, repaid agricultural loans, bonding encumbrances, mortgages, private moneylender loans, land acquisition disputes, non-agricultural orders, substandard land areas and women’s inheritance claims will be removed (if they have become irrelevant),” the minister said. “We will update 7/12 land title documents by eliminating irrelevant data and including rightful entries such as ownership details, types of tenancy, and records of public lands like cremation grounds,” Bawankule added. Farmers face hurdles in availing loans, buying or selling land and accessing benefits of government schemes due to outdated entries, he pointed out. Camps will be conducted at the taluka and circle levels for this purpose with District Collectors and Sub-Divisional Officers tasked with supervision and reporting, he said. The exercise will also expedite the resolution of long-pending cases, the minister said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesAfter continuing the operation for three to four months to capture the tiger that had walked approximately 500 km from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal (southwest of Nagpur) to reach the Solapur and Dharashiv districts, the operation has now been temporarily suspended, as the tiger has remained elusive. For now, forest department officials have decided to continue monitoring its activity using camera traps and regular patrolling. The tiger had arrived in Dharashiv in December last year. A senior forest department official involved in the operation said, “While monitoring the tiger’s activity, we observed that it is not frequently returning to the kill site, and so we have suspended the operation to capture the tiger. However, we are continuously tracking its movements using camera traps, and our team is patrolling the area where the tiger is present. The tiger is moving in and out of the forest. In the last month, there have been very few cattle kills by the tiger outside the forest, and it is also preying on wild animals inside the forest.” As it is the peak summer season, the forest department staff have ensured that all artificial water holes in the forest—where the tiger is moving—are filled. Awareness activities are also being conducted near human habitations to prevent any negative human-tiger interactions. In the second week of January, the Maharashtra Forest Department had decided to capture the tiger and release it into the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, located 300 km from Mumbai and spread across Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts. In the past, the Rapid Rescue Team from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, along with Pune-based NGO RESQ Charitable Trust, had made all possible efforts to capture the tiger. However, the challenging terrain and the elusive nature of the big cat made the operation extremely difficult. The tiger has been roaming along the boundary of the Dharashiv and Solapur districts. Earlier, mid-day had also reported how the tiger had been making kills but was not returning to the kill sites for three to four days, forcing the darting team to wait for extended periods. A total of 10–12 live CCTV cameras are currently active in the field to monitor the tiger’s activity. According to researchers, the male tiger is the cub of tigress T22 from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and was born there in 2022. In January, some farmers in Solapur district alerted forest officials about a rise in cattle attacks. The department subsequently installed camera traps, which captured images of the male tiger. This is said to be the first recorded sighting of a tiger at the Yedshi Ramalinga Wildlife Sanctuary in Dharashiv district, Marathwada. The male tiger, now about 2.5 years old, is believed to have dispersed from its natal territory in search of a new one. It has been moving back and forth between the Solapur and Dharashiv districts. This young male tiger, born in 2022 to tigress T22 in Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, has been dispersing in search of new territory. 2022Year the tiger was born
03 May,2025 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a major relief to residents and property owners, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will soon begin issuing occupancy certificates (OCs) to constructions that had received valid permissions from the Town Planning Department but were previously denied OCs. There is currently no official data on how many such properties exist without occupancy certificates. However, the move is expected to benefit hundreds of buildings within the PMRDA limits that have long awaited legal recognition, despite having received construction approvals before the authority’s formation. Dr Yogesh Mhase, PMRDA commissioner, said, “Buildings that received official permission from the Town Planning Department before PMRDA’s formation will now be granted occupancy certificates if constructed as per the sanctioned plan.” He added that residents can approach the authority for this purpose, and all relevant documents will be verified before issuing the certificates. Many residents have faced difficulties securing bank loans or selling their flats due to the absence of occupancy certificates—even when their buildings were approved under earlier norms. This has caused considerable hardship for those who built or purchased properties before 2013. According to Section 7.6 of the MRTP Act and Section 2.10 of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), there are provisions for granting OCs in such cases. These laws apply to PMRDA as well. However, until now, the authority had cited a high court judgment related to Mumbai municipal limits to deny such applications, officials said. Despite earlier approvals by the Town Planning Department, buildings constructed before PMRDA’s establishment but lacking occupancy certificates are now likely to receive them, provided they adhere to the sanctioned plans. For the past decade, prior to PMRDA’s establishment, non-agricultural (NA) permissions and building approvals in villages under its jurisdiction were granted by the Town Planning Department of the district authority. Once approved, constructions were considered authorised. However, buildings approved before 2013, or flats purchased in them, often lack OCs. As a result, banks have refused loans, and selling such flats has become difficult. Officials clarified that OCs will only be issued after detailed verification by authorities from the district collectorate. Often, OCs were denied due to unauthorised extensions made by owners or developers. Such deviations must first be regularised through official permissions. PMRDA officials confirmed that OCs will not be issued for constructions with illegal extensions. An urban planning expert explained that an occupancy certificate is an official document issued by the local civic authority certifying that a building has been constructed in accordance with approved plans and is safe for occupancy. It is essential for legal occupation, securing home loans, and obtaining utility connections like water and electricity. Without it, the building is considered unauthorised for residential or commercial use. To improve citizen access and administrative coordination, PMRDA is believed to have launched local offices in eight villages starting May 1. The PMRDA covers over 6000 sq km and includes 697 villages. Currently, residents must travel to the Akurdi head office even from remote areas. The new local offices are aimed at reducing this burden. Citizens can meet PMRDA officials every Monday and Thursday In a move to enhance public engagement and convenience, all department heads at the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will now be available in their offices to meet citizens every Monday and Thursday. This directive, issued by Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase as part of the state government’s 100-day action plan, ensures direct interaction between citizens and senior officials. These designated days will allow citizens to raise concerns without delays. To maintain smooth developmental operations, Wednesdays and Fridays have been allocated for site inspections and regional office visits. Additionally, citizens can meet subordinate officers every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday between 3 pm and 6 pm. The PMRDA has also standardised lunch break timings for all staff from 1.30 pm to 2.00 pm. Those wishing to meet senior officials are encouraged to visit the PMRDA office on Mondays or Thursdays.
03 May,2025 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalThe merry-go-round spun in circles, and children giggled and screamed on the giant wheel as the organisers of the Chandivli Mahotsav continued operations even on Friday. While the ongoing illegal Chandivli Mahotsav, being held at the Matoshree Meenatai Thackeray Garden, is clearly the result of adamant and irresponsible organisers, mid-day found that another major reason for the lack of strict action was a communication gap between two authorities—the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Sakinaka police station. Although the BMC had officially informed the police station through a letter that the funfair was being held without the corporation’s permission, PI Yogesh Shinde told mid-day that the letter never reached them. “Today (Friday), after we got free from PM Narendra Modi’s bandobast duties, when I reached the office and checked for the letter, we realised that no such letter had been received by my office. So, we called up the BMC ward officer and informed them,” said Shinde. It was later learned that the letter had not reached the police station because the corporation did not send it directly through its officials, but chose to post it instead. “We followed the regular procedure, and since the funfair was still going on, we asked our officials to visit the police station on Friday and ensure that the organisers vacate the garden,” said BMC L Ward Assistant Commissioner Dhanaji Herlekar. Even after the BMC called up the organisers and warned them to vacate the garden, the funfair functioned in full swing. The food, jewellery stalls, along with other play activities, also continued to entertain the visitors. “No one told us to stop the activities or dismantle anything. Why would we continue if the organisers asked us to vacate? We don’t know anything about the permissions. Our contractor asked us to set up our activities, so we did. Now we’ll remove everything when he tells us to. We don’t know anything beyond that,” said Bansi Mohanlal, who operates the giant wheel. When questioned, organiser Prashant Maurya said, “You printed whatever you wanted to print. You did your job. Now we will do ours as well. We can see that people are enjoying all the activities. We will vacate it by tonight. Let the people enjoy today.” Angry residents speak The residents of the area are now demanding that an FIR be registered against these irresponsible organisers. “These people think that since they belong to the ruling party, no rules apply to them. They think they are beyond the authorities, police, and regulations. The police patrol every evening and night. Why did they not take any action despite knowing that the law is being blatantly disrespected? What are the authorities waiting for? Where were the BMC officials when the activities were still operational on Friday, despite warnings? Don’t the organisers have any responsibility and shame?” questioned Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of the Chandivli Citizens Welfare Association. Authorities react “We have informed the BMC officials that we will take necessary actions as soon as they approach us. It is our duty to ensure that law and order are followed in the city. However, everything has a procedure. This primarily falls under the purview of the corporation, and we can interfere and take matters into our hands only when official communication reaches us,” said Shinde. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad in post on X demanded that an FIR against the organisers should be registered.
03 May,2025 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAlthough the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working to curb illegal debris dumping, RA Kidwai Marg in Wadala has once again turned into a hotspot. According to locals, unknown vehicles have dumped debris on the road four times in April alone. Nimish Malda, a local resident, said, “In April, debris was dumped four times at the same spot outside the P&T Colony. The latest instance was on the night of April 29. I posted a complaint with the BMC on social media on April 30, but the debris has not been cleared yet.” Malda confirmed that the dumping occurred on April 7, 12, 18, and 29. “Last year, too, debris was dumped regularly. It only stopped after mid-day reported on it,” he said. “In April alone, debris was dumped four times at the same spot. After each complaint, the BMC removed it, but they should monitor the area and prevent further dumping,” he added. Residents complain that debris spreads across road, causing accidents Another resident, Mukesh Mehata, said, “This is the same spot where debris is dumped regularly. If it’s not removed immediately, it spreads across the road and causes accidents. But our question is—how can someone dump debris so openly? What is the authority doing?” Mehata asked. Sachin Rasal, a passerby, said, “I stay nearby and have seen debris dumped here many times. It’s possible that the debris is being dumped after midnight.” Arun Kshirsagar, assistant municipal commissioner of F North Ward, said, “Yes, I have received complaints about debris being dumped on the road. I immediately instructed for it to be removed. I will conduct a review tomorrow. If this turns out to be a regular dumping site, we will decide on a course of action in coordination with the police department.” Meanwhile, locals are demanding the installation of CCTV cameras in the area, particularly on the few-metre stretch where dumping repeatedly occurs. They also want night surveillance to be introduced. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “If we want to install CCTV cameras at the spot, we need to get multiple permissions. It will take some time to implement.” To address illegal dumping, the BMC has set up debris processing centres in Dahisar and Kalyan and launched a ‘debris on call’ service. These plants process over 50,000 metric tonnes of debris. The processing fee is Rs 1425 per tonne for the city and eastern suburbs, and Rs 1415 per ton for the western suburbs. If developers choose to transport the debris themselves to the plant, the fees reduce to Rs 715 for the city and eastern suburbs and Rs 710 for the western suburbs.
03 May,2025 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveA fire broke out at an industrial estate in the Marol area of suburban Andheri East on Friday night, the Mumbai Fire Brigade said. There were no reports of injuries, the officials said. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the Level-II fire broke out at Jaferbhoy industrial estate, Makvana Road around 10 pm. The fire was confined to Shop No. 205 on the second floor of a ground-plus-three-storey building. The Mumbai Fire Brigade initially declared it a Level-I fire at 10:06 PM, but upgraded it to a Level-II fire at 10:46 PM as the flames intensified. At least eight fire engines and other fire brigade vehicles were rushed to the spot. According to an update received from the Mumbai Fire Brigade at 1:45 AM, the fire was fully extinguished by 1:40 AM. No injuries were reported throughout the incident. The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained. Mumbai fire brigade douses Bandra mall fire after over 22 hours A major fire that devastated a mall in Mumbai's upscale Bandra area was controlled after more than 22 hours of firefighting, civic officials said on Wednesday. The blaze erupted around 4.10 am on Tuesday in the basement of Link Square Mall on Linking Road in Bandra West and was extinguished at 1.41 am on Wednesday after efforts by fire brigade personnel and other emergency services, the officials said. They said there was no report of anybody getting injured. Initially confined to an electronics goods showroom, the flames quickly engulfed the upper floors of the three-storey mall, which houses over 200 commercial establishments and shops, and completely gutted it. By 6.25 am on Tuesday, the Mumbai fire brigade upgraded the blaze to 'Level IV' (major fire) and launched a large-scale response. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also joined the operation subsequently. After about 13 hours, the fire brigade controlled the fire with the help of 13 fire engines and other firefighting vehicles and equipment. Thereafter, efforts were made to douse it completely, a civic official said. This was the second major fire incident in Mumbai within two days, after a blaze on Sunday in a building housing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Ballard Estate.
03 May,2025 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
