At least 29 people injured during Holi celebrations sought medical treatment at different civic hospitals across the city, with four individuals sustaining serious injuries, officials aware of the matter said. Ten injured were admitted to the civic-run Lokmanya Tilak Hospital in Sion. Out of 10, two were admitted with serious injuries, said hospital dean Dr Mohan Joshi. According to their medical reports, one of the two individuals suffered a bone fracture, while the other required surgery. Two were undergoing treatment at the civic-run B L Nair hospital in Mumbai Central. Their condition is said to be stable. Seven individuals were admitted to the KEM Hospital in Parel, all of whom had minor injuries and were treated in the casualty ward. Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle also reported 10 cases, where patients received medical care without requiring admission.
14 March,2025 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentFour teenage boys drowned in Ulhas river in Thane district's Badlapur area on Friday afternoon, a police official said, reported news agency PTI. The children, in the 15-16 age group and Class X students, had ventured into the river after celebrating Holi and got swept away when its water level rose suddenly, he said. The official identified them as Aryan Medar (15), Om Singh Tomar (15), Siddharth Singh (16), and Aryan Singh (16), all residents of Poddar Gruh Complex in Chamtoli, reported PTI. "The bodies of the four have been recovered and have been sent to Badlapur rural hospital for post-mortem. A case has been registered and the probe is underway," the official said. Three drown in Indrayani river in Pimpri Chinchwad Three persons drowned in the Indrayani river in Pune district on Friday evening, a police official said. The incident took place near Kinhai village in the Delhi Road area of Pimpri Chinchwad, he added. "Three residents of Chikhli entered the river and drowned after misjudging its depth. Volunteers from Vanyajeev Rakshak Maval Sanstha, a rescue organization, recovered the bodies a few hours later. Further probe is underway," he added. Teen attacked, injured during Holi celebrations in Thane district A man allegedly attacked and injured a 17-year-old boy following a dispute during Holi celebrations at a housing complex in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Friday. A case has been registered in connection with the incident that occurred in Dombivili town on Thursday night, an official said. The official said a group of children from the housing complex was throwing water balloons at each other when a balloon accidentally landed on a man standing nearby. The accused man allegedly beat up one of the boys from the group and attacked him with a sharp object, injuring him, he said. He added that a probe is underway, and no arrest has been made in the case. (With inputs from PTI)
14 March,2025 10:13 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentHealth checkups are essential for students, particularly in rural areas. To ensure that every student undergoes these health checkups under the National Child Health Program (NCHP), the School Education and Public Health Departments will now coordinate to create a year-round schedule for the same. To make this mandatory, in a meeting held earlier this week, the School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse directed the officials that schools must be informed in advance, and checkups should be conducted in the presence of parents. He also suggested developing an app to ensure that no student is deprived or misses these health checkups. A meeting was held at Mantralaya earlier this week under the chairmanship of School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse to discuss the effective implementation of the National Child Health Program. Public Health Minister Prakashrao Abitkar, Principal Secretary of the School Education Department Ranjit Singh Deol, Health Services Commissioner and Director of National Health Mission Amgothu Sri Ranga Nayak, Director of Health Services Dr. Nitin Ambadekar, Additional Director of National Child Health Program Dr. Kamalapurkar, Deputy Director Rekha Gaikwad, and other officials were physically present. School Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh, Nashik Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam, and Nashik Zilla Parishad CEO Ashima Mittal attended the meeting via video conferencing. During this meeting, Bhuse emphasized that before conducting health checkups, students and their parents should be notified through schools so that parents can be present during the health checkup. "To facilitate this, a calendar for health checkups should be prepared, ensuring all students are present on the scheduled day. The School Education Department must take responsibility for ensuring full attendance. Apart from routine checkups, if a student falls ill at any time, they should receive treatment under NCHP, and those requiring further medical attention after initial screening must be provided complete treatment too," Bhuse said. For effective implementation, the Health and Education Departments should study the apps developed for student health checkups in Nashik district and Daman. The best features of these apps should be incorporated into a statewide health checkup app, Minister Bhuse suggested, Bhuse directed. He also instructed officials to conduct a district-wise review of the Student Accident Relief Grant Scheme and resolve any pending cases urgently. Additionally, he also stressed the need to raise awareness about this scheme, ensuring that in case of an unfortunate accident involving a student, teachers take the initiative to help students and their parents access the necessary aid. Meanwhile, Abitkar reaffirmed that student health is a top priority and emphasized that the Health Department must ensure that every student undergoes health screening under NCHP without fail.
14 March,2025 08:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghHoli, the festival of colours, turned unfortunate for some revellers who sustained injuries and had to be rushed to civic-run hospitals in the city. In total, four patients required admission, while several others were treated in the OPD and later discharged. Out of the four admitted patients, two were admitted to Lokmanya Tilak Hospital in Sion and two to B.L. Nair Hospital in Mumbai Central. At Sion Hospital, one patient was admitted to the orthopaedic department, while another was admitted to the surgery department with injuries. The remaining two patients were admitted to Nair Hospital. Additionally, seven patients received treatment in the OPD at KEM Hospital, while ten patients were treated in the OPD at Cooper Hospital. Holi was celebrated with pomp and splendour around India on Friday, with people soaking in the festivities by smearing 'gulaal' on each other and exchanging greetings and sweets. Homes and streets wore a colourful look as the revellers splashed colours and feasted on traditional delicacies. Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is a time when people come together to celebrate the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the joy of life. The festival of Holi began across the country on Thursday with Choti Holi. People come together to celebrate with colors, music, and traditional festivities. From temples to streets, vibrant hues and joyous gatherings mark the onset of the festival, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
14 March,2025 07:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveA fire broke out on the Dharavi (Sion) Mahim road bridge, engulfing two parked cars, according to local sources. The incident caused panic among residents and commuters in the area. A fire broke out on the Dharavi (Sion) Mahim Road bridge, engulfing two parked cars. According to locals, both vehicles were completely destroyed by the flames.Credits: @sameerreporter, @raje_ashish #Mumbai #Fire #MumbaiNews pic.twitter.com/f1ZU8KlLMR — Mid Day (@mid_day) March 14, 2025 Upon receiving the alert, a fire engine was dispatched to the scene to bring the situation under control. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and no casualties have been reported so far. Authorities are investigating the incident. Chemical tanker catches fire near Mumbai-Pune highway In December last year, a speeding tanker carrying a chemical caught fire after it overturned near the Mumbai-Pune highway in Maharashtra's Raigad district, police said, reported news agency PTI. No casualty was reported, an official said, adding that traffic movement on the road was affected for a couple of hours. The incident took place at 6.15 am at Patel Nagar, Shilphata, near the Mumbai-Pune highway exit in the Khopoli area, he said, reported PTI. According to the official, the driver lost control of the wheels due to which the speeding tanker overturned. As the tanker was carrying an inflammable chemical, it caught fire and suffered damages, he said, reported PTI. After receiving information, the Khopoli policehttps://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/chemical-tanker-catches-fire-near-mumbai-pune-highway-traffic-hit-23453329 reached the spot. Fire-fighting vehicles of Tata, Godrej groups, HPCL and JSW were also rushed to the spot, the official said, reported PTI. The blaze was later brought under control, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
14 March,2025 07:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a special cleanliness drive on the Eastern and Western Expressways, scheduled to take place from March 17 to March 22. The initiative aims to enhance the cleanliness and aesthetics of these major arterial roads while ensuring smooth traffic flow. The drive will be conducted between 10 PM and 6 AM daily to minimize disruptions to commuters. It will also extend to connecting roads, bus stops, footpaths, and road dividers along the highways. BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to prioritize this campaign, given the expressways' crucial role in Mumbai’s transport network. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi emphasised the importance of regular maintenance and beautification for a better commuting experience. Deputy Commissioner for Solid Waste Management Kiran Dighavkar provided further details on the operation, stating that it will be carried out in coordination with the Mumbai Traffic Police. "If necessary, traffic diversions and alternative routes will be arranged to ensure seamless execution. The cleaning process will involve mechanical sweeping and dust removal using advanced cleaning equipment, along with jetting and pressure washing to clean road surfaces and structures. Maintenance of traffic signs and signals, including repainting and repairs, will also be undertaken. Garbage will be cleared from bins, underpasses, service roads, and footpaths, while abandoned vehicles obstructing roads and footpaths will be removed. Tree maintenance will be carried out, including trimming and painting of trunks with lime and ochre," he said. The BMC will also focus on repairing and beautifying dividers and footpaths by fixing paver blocks and removing unauthorized advertisements. Divisional offices have been assigned to oversee the operation and ensure timely completion. Areas prone to traffic congestion, such as underpasses, ramps, and exits, will receive special attention. The campaign reflects BMC’s ongoing commitment to improving urban hygiene and infrastructure. Authorities hope this initiative will contribute to a cleaner, more organised, and visually appealing Mumbai, benefiting both residents and tourists alike. BMC completes repairs on Ghatkopar underground reservoir, advises residents to boil water for 10 days The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the successful completion of structural repairs on compartment number two of the underground reservoir located near R. B. Kadam Marg in the Bhatwadi area of Ghatkopar (West). According to the BMC, the water supply from the newly repaired compartment will resume on Monday, 17 March 2025. As a precautionary measure, the BMC has issued an advisory to residents in the affected areas to boil and filter drinking water for the next ten days, from Monday, 17 March 2025, to Thursday, 27 March 2025.
14 March,2025 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday called the BJP rule in Maharashtra worse than that of Aurangzeb and claimed that farmers were dying because of the saffron party, reported news agency PTI. He claimed that farmers, unemployed people and women are committing suicides in the state. "It's been 400 years since Aurangzeb was buried. Forget him. Are farmers in Maharashtra committing suicide due to Aurangzeb? They are doing it because of you," Raut said, reported PTI. If the Mughal ruler committed atrocities, then what is the government doing, he asked. BJP leads the ruling Mahayuti coalition, also comprising the Shiv Sena and NCP, in the state. "Farmers are committing suicide. BJP's tenure is worse than that of Aurangzeb," Raut said. He was responding to a question on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's remarks that "everyone" feels Mughal ruler Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar should be removed. But it has to be done under legal purview as the previous Congress regime put the site under the Archaeological Survey of India's protection, Fadnavis had said, reported PTI. BJP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had sought the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, reported news agency PTI. Aurangzeb is remembered in Maharashtra for his battles with the Marathas, who resisted his expansionist ambitions. Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, was captured, tortured, and executed on his orders. No permission to celebrate Holi, ban on PoP idols - what Hindutva is this? asks Raut The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra of restricting Holi celebrations and questioned the ban on using Plaster of Paris (PoP) to make Ganesh idols. Party leader and former minister Aaditya Thackeray accused the government of removing loudspeakers in the name of curbing noise pollution from Mumbai's Worli Koliwada, installed as part of 'Dhulivandan', which symbolizes the start of Holi celebrations in Maharashtra. He alleged the BJP wants to end Marathi festivals. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut lashed out at the Mahayuti government over the issue of Hindutva. "There is no permission to celebrate Holi. There is a ban on PoP in making Ganesh idols. These festivals (Holi and Ganeshotsav) are celebrated once a year. What Hindutva is this? This has never happened before. You said Hindu festivals would be celebrated freely," Raut said in New Delhi. (With inputs from PTI)
14 March,2025 04:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat has claimed that senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil would leave Sharad Pawar's party and join hands with Ajit Pawar-led NCP, reported PTI. "I have said this in the past. Jayant Patil is in no mood to stay in NCP (SP) for long. There will be an earthquake in Sharad Pawar's party. You will see Jayant Patil joining Ajit Pawar's NCP (Nationalist Congress Party)," Shirsat said on Thursday. Shirsat's party, NCP and BJP are constituents of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. According to PTI, Shirsat's comments followed NCP (SP) state president Patil's statement that nothing was clear about him. Additionally, his remarks generated claims that he could resign from the NCP (SP). According to Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Patil, who is in charge of the NCP (SP) state unit, has been unhappy lately. "We can only guess what he wants to say. I am not sure of the inference behind his remark. He is a senior politician, an eight-term MLA and has held responsible positions," Wadettiwar said, according to PTI. The Congress, NCP (SP) and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) are the partners of the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). NCP minister Hasan Mushrif said that it is now clear that Patil is upset. He is aware that it is difficult to do politics and keep NCP (SP) intact for the next five years, Mushrif said, according to PTI. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule called Shirsat's claim a flattering compliment as "they [the rivals] need Jayant Patil despite their big organisational strength". The Sharad Pawar-founded NCP split in 2023 after Ajit Pawar walked out of the party with his supporters and aligned with the Mahayuti alliance. He subsequently got the party's name and symbol, while Sharad Pawar's outfit came to be known as NCP (SP). In last year's Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, the NCP won 41 seats compared to just 10 by NCP (SP). The poor performance of the NCP (SP) has triggered speculation that some of its leaders would be joining the faction headed by Ajit Pawar. (With agency inputs)
14 March,2025 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the successful completion of structural repairs on compartment number two of the underground reservoir located near R. B. Kadam Marg in the Bhatwadi area of Ghatkopar (West). According to the BMC, the water supply from the newly repaired compartment will resume from Monday, 17 March 2025. As a precautionary measure, the BMC has issued an advisory to residents in the affected areas to boil and filter drinking water for the next ten days, from Monday, 17 March 2025, to Thursday, 27 March 2025. This step has been recommended to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water following the repairs. Affected water supply zones: Narayan Nagar: This includes Chirag Nagar, Azad Nagar, Ganesh Maidan, Parshiwadi, Navin Maniklal Vasahat, N.S.S. Marg, Mahindra Udyan (Park), D.S. Marg, Khalai Village, Kirol Village, Vidyavihar (West), Hansoti Galli, Khot Galli, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Naoroji Galli, H.R. Desai Marg, Kama Galli, Shraddhanand Marg, J.V. Marg, Gopal Galli, Jivdaya Galli, and Geegawadi. Pant Nagar Outlet: This includes Bhim Nagar, Pawar Chawl, Lower Bhim Nagar, Crime Branch Area, Vaitagwadi, Nityanand Nagar, Dhruvraj Singh Galli Marg, C.G.S. Vasahat, Gangawadi, M.T.N.L. Galli, Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, adjoining areas of Ghatkopar (West), and Shreyas Signal. Sarvodaya Boosting: This includes Sanitorium Galli, H.R. Desai Marg, Kama Galli, Shraddhanand Marg, J.V. Marg, Gopal Galli, adjoining areas of Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Ghatkopar (West), and Gandhi Nagar. The BMC has further informed that with the completion of repairs on compartment number two, work will now begin on structural repairs for compartment number one of the same underground reservoir. Residents are advised to cooperate with the BMC and follow the water safety guidelines during this period to ensure public health and hygiene. BMC urges Mumbai residents to ignore false messages about untreated water supply The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a statement urging Mumbaikars to stay cautious of misleading and false messages circulating on social media regarding the city’s water supply. The BMC administration clarified that recent rumours about untreated water being supplied due to a malfunction in water filtration systems are completely untrue and misleading. The false claims suggest that the filters at the water purification plants have failed, resulting in the distribution of untreated water. BMC’s Water Engineering Department has made it clear that these messages are not only false but also deceptive, and it has urged the public to disregard such unfounded rumours. In its official statement, BMC explained that the city’s water supply system provides 4000 million litres of clean, purified water daily to Mumbai residents. The water treatment process strictly adheres to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and IS 10500-2012. These standards ensure that the water supplied is not only clean but also thoroughly disinfected, meeting all required health protocols. BMC’s water supply system operates through several key water treatment plants, including: Panjarapur: Treats 1365 million litres per day.Bhandup Complex: Treats 2810 million litres per day.Vihar: Treats 100 million litres per day.Tulshi: Treats 18 million litres per day. Each of these plants follows a rigorous water purification process, which includes the use of Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC), rapid sand filters, and chlorine for disinfection. After undergoing these purification processes, the water is then supplied to Mumbaikars. BMC further stressed that the water provided to the citizens of Mumbai is thoroughly purified, disinfected, and entirely safe for consumption. The Corporation has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and refrain from believing any baseless rumours regarding the water supply. Residents have been urged to rely on official sources of information and avoid circulating misleading claims that can cause unnecessary panic. In conclusion, BMC has once again reassured the citizens of Mumbai that their water supply is of the highest quality, meeting all safety and health standards. The Corporation has called on the public to be aware of false, misleading messages on social media and to always verify information before believing or sharing it.
14 March,2025 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken road concretisation projects, which will be carried out over the next three months in the city. In this regard, a workshop for engineers from the Roads and Traffic Department was held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Mumbai on Thursday to discuss the challenges of maintaining the highest quality standards during construction. During the workshop, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar emphasised that engineers must be present at the site during roadworks. He also stressed the importance of focusing on quality while speeding up the concretisation work. "Due to lower temperatures at night, the concretisation work is being conducted during the night. As such, secondary engineers and assistant engineers are also required to be on-site during night shifts," said Bangar. The ongoing cement concreting works are currently at a midpoint stage. Senior officials from the Municipal Corporation, along with experts from IIT-Bombay and representatives from the Quality Monitoring Agency (QMA), have been visiting the sites where the concretisation work is underway to make significant observations. BMC said it is holding similar workshops to discuss achieving the highest standards of quality for roadworks, challenges in execution, and resolving any doubts engineers may have. During Thursday's workshop, Bangar explained that the cement concreting work is an integral part of the quality urban services being provided to Mumbaikars. The implementation of the cement concrete road projects within the municipal area is proceeding effectively and swiftly, he informed. "It is crucial that these roads are of the highest quality. Therefore, engaging in discussions with IIT-Bombay's experts and receiving guidance is vital," said Bangar, highlighting the necessity for engineers to be extremely vigilant during the execution of any project to avoid any flaws in quality or technical aspects. Dr KV Krishnarao, Deputy Director of IIT-Bombay, also shared his insights during the workshop. He spoke on the technological criteria and standards for designing concrete roads, factoring in Mumbai's temperature and traffic conditions and discussed the ideal methods for jointing and the application of appropriate technology to prevent cracks, enhancing the roads' durability. Dr Krishnarao explained that joint cutting at the right place and time is essential to prevent cracks and to extend the lifespan of the roads. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of 'texturing' the surface of Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) layers, which improves tyre grip, water runoff, and overall road durability. Other IIT-Bombay experts addressed various aspects of road quality, such as the types of cracks that occur in cement concrete roads, their causes, and possible solutions. They highlighted how applying the right technology at the right time can prevent cracks. Over 300 trainees, including engineers from the Municipal Corporation, quality inspection agencies, and contractors, participated in this interactive workshop. The engineers actively engaged in discussions and raised numerous questions, all of which were answered by the experts, including Dr Krishnarao and Professor Solomon Dibbarm.
14 March,2025 01:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSatish Bhosale, also known as Khokya, a close aide of Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Suresh Dhas, was brought to Beed on Friday morning following his arrest in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, according to PTI reports. A team of Beed Police took Bhosale into custody in Uttar Pradesh and arrived at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport early on Friday morning, an officer confirmed to PTI. From there, Bhosale was taken to Beed by road under police escort. According to PTI, Bhosale is expected to be produced before the Shirur court after a medical examination. The Beed police have booked him in three cases, including an attempt to murder, the official added. Authorities have also registered a case against Bhosale under the Forest Act. On Thursday, Bhosale’s residence in Shirur was demolished by the authorities, who claimed that the structure was illegally built on land belonging to the forest department, PTI reports. Bhosale's arrest and subsequent transfer to Beed follow a series of legal actions taken against him. The police have been investigating multiple cases linked to him, including serious criminal charges. His alleged involvement in the attempt to murder case has been under scrutiny for some time. According to PTI, the Beed police had been tracking Bhosale's movements after he was linked to a series of offences. His arrest in Uttar Pradesh was carried out with the assistance of local police, who coordinated with Maharashtra authorities to facilitate his custody transfer. Following his arrival in Beed, strict security measures were put in place to prevent any potential disturbances. Bhosale’s legal team is expected to contest the charges in court. Meanwhile, the police have maintained that the demolition of his residence was in line with legal procedures since the structure was on government land, as per PTI. In addition to the attempt to murder charge, Bhosale faces legal action under the Forest Act, which prohibits illegal encroachment on protected land. NDPS case against Bhosale Bhosale has been booked under two attempt to murder cases and one Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act case registered against him in Beed district of Maharashtra, PTI reported. Apart from these, he is also booked in a case under the Forest Act, a police officer said. He is also booked in some cases in Ahilya Nagar district of Maharashtra, PTI reported. Bhosale is an office-bearer of BJP's nomadic tribes wing, 'Bhatke Vimukta Aghadi'. He is a resident of Zapedwadi in Shirur Kasar tahsil, the officer informed. Recently, a video where Bhosale and his gang members were purportedly seen assaulting a man with a cricket bat had gone viral. A local farmer had also lodged a complaint against Bhosale for allegedly assaulting him on the face with an axe when his son objected to the BJP leader's gang laying a trap to hunt deer, the officer said. The central Maharashtra district has been in news for more than three months following the brutal murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh of Massajog village. Dhas, a local MLA, was in the forefront of a campaign seeking Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde's ouster from the BJP-led Maharashtra cabinet after the ex-minister's close aide Walmik Karad was arrested in a case related to Deshmukh's murder. Munde, the state food and civil supplies minister, resigned earlier this month, days after his close aide Walmik Karad was named as the mastermind in the Beed Sarpanch murder case. Last week, Dhas had also alleged that a meeting had taken place in Munde's official residence, allegedly over the extortion in connection to Deshmukh's murder case, news agency. (With inputs from PTI)
14 March,2025 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
