Meteorologists have issued warnings about a significant rise in temperatures over the weekend, with the maximum temperatures in the city expected to surge to 35 degrees Celsius and beyond. The interior regions of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) could experience even hotter conditions, with temperatures potentially hitting 35-36 degrees Celsius. Weather enthusiasts and experts are urging residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the peak heat hours. On Friday, the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 33.4 degrees Celsius, which is 3.3 degrees Celsius above normal, while the Santacruz observatory reported a sweltering 35.5 degrees Celsius, which is 4.6 degrees Celsius above normal. The relative humidity levels were also high, standing at 72 per cent in Colaba and 80 per cent in Santacruz, adding to the discomfort of Mumbaikars. According to IMD’s seven-day forecast ending on January 24, the suburban areas are likely to see maximum temperatures ranging from 34-35 degrees Celsius over the weekend, with a slight dip to 32 degrees Celsius expected later in the week. In the city, which is monitored by the Colaba observatory, the maximum temperatures are predicted to hover around 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius during the same period, eventually dropping to 31 degrees Celsius. The minimum night-time temperatures, currently between 18 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, are anticipated to rise to 21 degrees Celsius–22 degrees Celsius from January 21 onwards. The readings by Colaba observatory The readings by Santacruz observatory Rajesh Kapadia, a climatologist from private weather blog 'Vagaries of Weather', also forecasted a sharp rise in the temperatures for Mumbai and the Konkan region. “Hot easterly winds during the day will push maximum temperatures to around 34 degrees Celsius–35 degrees Celsius, while night-time temperatures will remain warmer than normal, around 20 degrees Celsius. Some places in MMR could reach 36 degrees Celsius,” he stated. Independent weather enthusiast Rushikesh Agre, known as 'Mumbai Rains' on X, issued a heat alert. "Mumbai to see a sharp rise of 7 degrees in the next 48 hours, 37 degrees Celsius on January 18 to January 19, 2024. Latest forecasts indicate a potential spike in maximum temperatures over Mumbai and adjoining Konkan regions. This is due to late sea breeze activity, and thus will result in enhanced wind convergence in these areas. Areas in interior MMR will be 36°C+ in noon hours. Advisable for Mumbaikars amid sharp weather fluctuations, take precautions. Stay hydrated," he wrote on X.
18 January,2025 06:25 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply And Transport (BEST) on Saturday announced diversions due to road closure in South Mumbai for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 on Sunday. The complete list of diversions can be seen below: List of bus routes affected on January 19 for the Tata Mumbai Marathon.Via: @rajtoday #TataMumbaiMarathon #BusServices pic.twitter.com/e5upBC1T6S — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 18, 2025 On Thursday, BEST had announced additional bus services for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025. In an official statement, BEST said that the Mumbai Marathon route will cover areas including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Marine Drive, Pedder Road, Haji Ali, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mahim, Prabhadevi, and return to CSMT. The marathon will be held from 5 am to 1.30 pm. Due to the event, the Mumbai Traffic Police will implement traffic restrictions along the marathon route. As a result, public bus routes that usually run along this path will be rerouted. Buses will travel via Sion, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, JJ Hospital, Wadi Bunder, P. D'Mello Road, and other alternative routes, it said. Additionally, bus services for routes A-78, A-89, A-105, A-106, A-108, A-112, A-123, A-132, and A-155 will be temporarily suspended during the marathon. Mumbai Marathon: Police issues list of traffic diversions and restrictions on January 19 Meanwhile, Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a complete list of traffic diversions and road closures ahead of the Mumbai Marathon on January 19. In a traffic notification, the police said, on January 19, 2025 Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 is being organised in Mumbai for which several routes were being diverted in parts of the city. There are seven different categories in the Marathon that includes Full Marathon (Amateurs), Half Marathon, 10K Run, Full Marathon Elite, Champion with Disability Run, Senior Citizens Run and Dream Run. The Marathon route goes through south and central Mumbai from MRA, Azad Maidan, Kalbadevi, D.B. Marg, Malbar Hill, Worli, Bandra, Dadar and Mahim Traffic Divisions, the police said. It said, in order to provide a free way for Marathon runners, traffic on the Marathon route is being diverted on January 19, 2025 between 03:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs by making an alternate arrangement of traffic. During Marathon, the below mentioned roads would be closed between 03:00 hrs. to 14.00 hrs. However, emergency and essential service vehicles shall be free access to go through. In south zone, the police said that from South Mumbai to North Mumbai, Airport and Suburbs should use alternative route as below. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg- P.D'Mello road- Dockyard Station Road- B. Nath Pai Marg- R.A. Kidwai Marg- Dr. B.A. Road- Sulochana Shetty Marg- 60-feet Road- T- Junction- Sion Bandra Link Road- Kalanagar Junction- W.E.H.- to Airport.
18 January,2025 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the centenary year celebrations of the Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM) in Parel, Mumbai, on Saturday. The event marked a significant milestone for one of the country's leading medical institutions. Speaking at the inauguration, CM Fadnavis expressed his pride in the hospital's achievements over the past 100 years and wished that the centenary year would be more beneficial to society. "KEM is an important medical institution, not only in Mumbai but across the country. It is a matter of pride for any institution in the health sector to celebrate its golden jubilee or centenary. KEM has been a leading name in the health sector of Mumbai," he said. The Chief Minister was joined at the ceremony by Dr Sangeeta Ravat, the dean of the hospital, and other distinguished guests. During his address, Fadnavis acknowledged the dedication of those who have contributed to the hospital’s success over the years, highlighting the pivotal role of modern technology in transforming the health sector. He also noted the Maharashtra government’s ongoing efforts to provide quality healthcare, including the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for every citizen. CM Fadnavis further mentioned that the state government has made significant strides in expanding medical education, with the establishment of 10 new government medical colleges across Maharashtra in the last year. He also praised the work of government hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that many lives were saved due to the dedicated efforts of medical staff. "KEM is a family, and it is a matter of pride for this institution that every person is taken care of," the CM added. In a bid to further enhance the hospital's infrastructure, Fadnavis also laid the foundation stone for a new 21-storey building for the doctors and staff of KEM Hospital. A video showcasing the progress of KEM Hospital was also presented during the event. The inauguration was attended by a large number of students, professors, and staff of KEM Hospital. The centenary celebrations of KEM Hospital are expected to include a series of activities throughout the year.
18 January,2025 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Saturday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, accusing it of turning the state into "jungle raj". Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur, Patole criticised the government for its failure to maintain law and order, stating that both celebrities in Mumbai and sarpanches in villages are no longer safe. "Needless to say, a jungle raj has been created in Maharashtra. It is unfortunate that today Maharashtra is being discussed as a jungle raj in Delhi. The BJP government has tarnished the image of Maharashtra. It should stop creating terror for power. The law and order in the state has completely collapsed; celebrities are not safe in Mumbai and sarpanches are not safe in villages,” Patole said. Citing the recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder and the custodial death of Somnath Suryavanshi in Parbhani, Patole emphasised that these incidents underscore a growing sense of lawlessness among criminals. He said, "The situation in the state has gone out of hand and criminals have no fear of the police. Criminals have believe that no one can harm them. The Home Minister is responsible for the law and order in the state. However, 65 per cent of the ministers in the cabinet are tainted... this situation will have to change. The attack on actor Saif Ali Khan should not be seen from the perspective of caste and religion. There is no place for caste discrimination in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maharashtra; people of all caste and religion should be safe in this state." Patole also criticised BJP of intensifying caste tensions in the state, particularly between Marathas and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). "The Maratha-OBC dispute has been created by the BJP government, which has sidelined the basic issues of the people. Farmers are committing suicide, they are in debt; the youth is facing unemployment, and inflation is skyrocketing," he said, urging citizens to "voice against the government without getting into the dispute of caste and religion." The Congress leader further raised concerns over the BJP's handling of the 'Ladki Bahin' welfare scheme. The programme, which has allegedly been a major draw for female voters during the elections, is now being scrutinised for alleged irregularities. "In the assembly elections, all the sisters were given the benefit of the Ladki Bahin scheme because they wanted the votes of the beloved sisters. They came to power on the votes of these sisters and now the BJP coalition government is finding flaws in the Ladki Bahin scheme. Why does the government need to investigate [the scheme]? The minister is threatening to take back the money from the bogus beneficiary sisters, which has exposed the real face of the BJP alliance. But as announced by the BJP coalition government, every beloved sister should be given a total of Rs 2,100, "he said. Patole also attacked Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde and CM Devendra Fadnavis for their participation in the Davos World Economic Forum. He alleged that such visits are a waste of public funds under the disguise of attracting investments. "Eknath Shinde had also visited Davos, which Devendra Fadnavis should not repeat. The BJP government is claiming that Maharashtra is number one in the industrial sector, but the reality is different. Don't go to Davos and siphon off public money in the name of investment," he said.
18 January,2025 05:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe revised timetable for Navi Mumbai Metro Line-1, which runs from Belapur to Pendhar, will be implemented from January 20, a City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) official stated on Saturday. According to the news agency PTI, CIDCO stated in a press release that trains will be available every 10 minutes during peak hours once the new timetable comes into effect. "According to the revised timetable, metro services will now begin at 6am from Belapur and Pendhar stations. The last train from Belapur will depart at 10 pm, while the final service from Pendhar will leave at 9.45 pm. From Belapur, metro trains will run every 10 minutes between 7.30 am and 10 am, and again from 5.30 pm to 8 pm. From Pendhar, the peak-hour frequency will be every 10 minutes from 7 am to 9.30 am, and from 5 pm to 7.30 pm," the release stated. Outside these peak hours, the Navi Mumbai Metro Line-1 services will operate at intervals of 15 minutes, the CIDCO release added. The line, which commenced operations on November 17, 2023, plays a crucial role in providing seamless connectivity to the Central Business District (CBD) Belapur, the Taloja Industrial area, and CIDCO's housing complexes. MMRCL allots 1.3-lakh square feet commercial space across 27 Mumbai Metro-3 stations Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) awarded 1.3 lakh square feet of retail commercial space at 27 Mumbai Metro Line-3 stations. These spaces, offered through an open tender process, cater to diverse commercial segments, including office food & beverage (F&B), retail, banking ATMs, and vending machines. The available spaces include 40,000 square feet large floor plates to smaller kiosks of about 100 square feet. The commercial spaces are strategically located in high footfall areas of the metro stations and attracted prominent bidders across various sectors. Major retail players such as Tata Trent, India Retail & Hospitality, Naman Group Rozeus Retail, Mystical Group and individual brands like Amar Tea, Warna Sahakari, Delicia Foods, and Chitale Bandhu participated in the bid. The response underscores the attractiveness of the location, the exclusivity of large spaces, and the high anticipated ridership once the metro line is fully operational. The annual lease rentals from this transaction would offset the O&M cost and JICA loan repayments. The Non-Fare Box Revenue (NFBR) transactions are being facilitated by Auctus Advisors. “By maximising revenue from non-fare sources, we can keep ticket fares in check, ensuring that the metro remains affordable and accessible to a larger segment of the public. This is critical to making public transport in Mumbai more sustainable and promoting its use. As more and more passengers opt for environment-friendly modes of transportation, we will contribute to decongesting the city and improving Mumbai's liveability ranking," said Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director, MMRCL, on the development. (With PTI inputs)
18 January,2025 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Government on Saturday announced the formation of district-level committees to remove encroachment on ancient forts, PTI reported. State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said that these panels will remove the existing encroachments on forts and ensure the prevention of further illegal occupation of these ancient sites. Shelar said Maharashtra is home to 47 centrally-protected forts under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and 62 state-protected forts run by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. "These forts are a vital part of the state's cultural legacy and require robust measures to ensure their conservation and preservation and to prevent encroachments", he said while addressing a press conference. Shelar stated that encroachments on Central and state-protected forts, as well as unprotected ones, create severe issues regarding their structural integrity, historical significance, and law and order. He indicated that in order to solve these problems and maintain law and order, a district-level committee will be formed. The committees will be headed by district collectors and include the commissioner of police, Zilla Parishad CEO, superintendent of police, municipal commissioner and other officials, PTI reported. These panels will also include chief officers of municipal councils, municipalities and Nagar Panchayats, concerned deputy conservator of forests, superintendent of archaeology, assistant director of Archaeology, Regional Port Authority, Maharashtra Maritime Board, and resident deputy collector. Shelar further said that the committees should review and prepare a fort-wise list of encroachments by January 31 and submit it to the state government, PTI cited. He instructed that the encroachments must be removed between February 1 and May 31 and steps to be taken to ensure future protection of forts from such illegal activities. The minister added that the committee should also hold monthly meetings to review progress and submit its report to the government. Mumbai: ‘This isn’t a fort anymore,' row erupts over Bandra Fort restoration A controversy erupted over the conservation work going on at the Bandra Fort. Residents alleged that the conservation process completely ruined the fort, while conservation architects say the procedure is in keeping with the tenets of archaeology and will take a few months to be completed. Social media was abuzz with messages of a “ruined” Bandra Fort after the fort garden reopened after two years of redevelopment, on October 6. Vidyadhar Date, a resident of Bandra said, “After the reopening of Bandra Fort garden, I visited it and was shocked to find that the heritage character has been heavily tampered with. The old fort wall is completely plastered over so the whole character of the fort is gone. Can one imagine the walls of Raigad Fort or any other fort in Maharashtra plastered in a cream colour as is done here in the Portuguese-era Bandra Fort? How on earth did the heritage authorities allow this?” Date added that the damage done to the Bandra Fort garden has to be seen to be believed. Earlier, one could see the fort wall from the entrance, but now, much of it is clearly damaged and plastered over beyond recognition. Fortunately, there are enough old photographs of the old fort so one can clearly see the ruin the makeover has caused. The old plaque is retained but looks incongruous amidst the plastering. (With PTI inputs)
18 January,2025 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAlmost two days after the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, the Bandra police and the Mumbai Crime Branch were yet to apprehend the accused. Officials believe the suspect appears to be a professional thief, judging by his entry and escape from the actor’s Bandra West building, Satguru Sharan. Despite having photographs and CCTV footage, the police have not been able to identify or locate the accused. We have checked our records, but no one matching the suspect’s appearance has been found,” a senior Mumbai Police officer said. With digital evidence yielding no breakthroughs, the police are relying on human intelligence. Multiple dedicated teams are analysing CCTV footage to track the suspect’s route. The cops have learnt that he changed his clothes to evade the police. The police had received information about a person in South Mumbai resembling the accused and the individual was brought to the Bandra police station for questioning. “While the person bore a 99 per cent resemblance to the suspect, a thorough interrogation and review of records revealed he was not the same person, as he was elsewhere at the time of the incident. The person was later released,” a source said. Forensic clues The forensic team that examined Saif’s house recovered multiple fingerprints belonging to the accused. These were checked against police records, but no matches were found. “The manhunt is in full swing. Around 40 teams from the Crime Branch and Bandra police are working on the case. We are also sharing the fingerprints with other state police departments to check if the individual appears in their records,” an officer said. Insights from CCTV footage The police suspect the accused avoided using a mobile phone, as no suspicious activity was found in the tower dump data analysed. CCTV footage from Saif’s building staircase shows the suspect entering at 1.37 am with his face covered and leaving at 2.33 am with his face uncovered. This footage remains the most significant clue the police have so far. Sources revealed that the accused was spotted by a CCTV camera near Link Road in Bandra on the morning of the attack. “Human intelligence has been activated, and we are following up on leads based on the suspect’s appearance in CCTV footage. Several people are being questioned, but the accused seems to be a professional who managed to avoid being captured clearly by most cameras,” an officer said.
18 January,2025 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan | Samiullah KhanAutorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana turned out to be a saviour for Saif Ali Khan, rushing him to the hospital when no other driver was available. “I was passing by the building when I suddenly heard someone calling for an auto. A woman walked out of the gate in panic and asked for help. A few minutes later, Saif Ali Khan, along with a few others, came out and sat in my auto. He was wearing a white kurta and was covered in blood,” Rana told mid-day. “He was in pain and asked me to take him to Lilavati Hospital. Two other people, who I think were his sons, sat with him in the auto. Initially, they discussed going to Holy Family Hospital but decided on Lilavati. I took Hill Road and reached the hospital quickly. The hospital staff came out with a stretcher and took him inside,” he added. Rana further shared, “Within minutes, I rushed him to the emergency ward. I didn’t even take money from him. There was bleeding from his neck, hand, and back. After he got down, I cleaned the auto.” Almost two days after the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, the Bandra police and the Mumbai Crime Branch were yet to apprehend the accused. Officials believe the suspect appears to be a professional thief, judging by his entry and escape from the actor’s Bandra West building, Satguru Sharan. Despite having photographs and CCTV footage, the police have not been able to identify or locate the accused. We have checked our records, but no one matching the suspect’s appearance has been found,” a senior Mumbai Police officer said. With digital evidence yielding no breakthroughs, the police are relying on human intelligence. Multiple dedicated teams are analysing CCTV footage to track the suspect’s route. The cops have learnt that he changed his clothes to evade the police. The police had received information about a person in South Mumbai resembling the accused and the individual was brought to the Bandra police station for questioning. “While the person bore a 99 per cent resemblance to the suspect, a thorough interrogation and review of records revealed he was not the same person, as he was elsewhere at the time of the incident. The person was later released,” a source said. Forensic clues The forensic team that examined Saif’s house recovered multiple fingerprints belonging to the accused. These were checked against police records, but no matches were found. “The manhunt is in full swing. Around 40 teams from the Crime Branch and Bandra police are working on the case. We are also sharing the fingerprints with other state police departments to check if the individual appears in their records,” an officer said. Insights from CCTV footage The police suspect the accused avoided using a mobile phone, as no suspicious activity was found in the tower dump data analysed. CCTV footage from Saif’s building staircase shows the suspect entering at 1.37 am with his face covered and leaving at 2.33 am with his face uncovered. This footage remains the most significant clue the police have so far. Sources revealed that the accused was spotted by a CCTV camera near Link Road in Bandra on the morning of the attack. “Human intelligence has been activated, and we are following up on leads based on the suspect’s appearance in CCTV footage. Several people are being questioned, but the accused seems to be a professional who managed to avoid being captured clearly by most cameras,” an officer said.
18 January,2025 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanForty-eight hours after the brutal attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, numerous unanswered questions have surfaced regarding his building’s security system and the law and order situation in the city. Social media is abuzz with questions about how the attacker managed to infiltrate the high-profile residential building and why such a severe lapse in security had gone unnoticed. Mumbai police officers remain tight-lipped on the matter, with no substantial updates being shared, as the attacker is yet to be arrested. Actor Saif Ali Khan This silence is only fuelling further speculation and frustration among the public, who are eager for clarity on how the attack occurred and what measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Question 1 How did the attacker manage to sneak into the residential building Satguru Sharan, where actor Saif Ali Khan lives with his family? Were potential major security lapses not addressed by the housing society? If the building is supposed to have stringent security protocols, including access control systems, guards and surveillance cameras, a question arises as to how the attacker managed to bypass these measures without being noticed. The failure to prevent the attacker from entering the premises points to potential flaws in the building’s security arrangements. Were the security personnel negligent or improperly trained? Were the security systems—such as CCTV cameras or intercoms—malfunctioning or poorly monitored? In high-profile residential complexes, it is the responsibility of the housing society to ensure the safety of its residents, particularly those who may be at greater risk due to their public status. Media persons throng Bandra police station after the detention of a suspect in the case on Friday. Pic/Satej Shinde Question 2 Why did it take the members of Saif Ali Khan’s staff a long time to deal with the threat? It is concerning that those present at the scene were unable to act swiftly enough to prevent the situation from escalating. There could be several factors at play, such as a lack of proper training in handling emergencies, the element of surprise or perhaps confusion during the initial moments of the attack. Additionally, the absence of immediate security backup—whether from building guards or external police support—could have contributed to the delay. The attacker was given ample time to carry out his assault, which further questions the adequacy of security measures in place and the preparedness of those present in the building. This delay in action highlights a significant gap in the security protocols and response strategies, not just within the building but also in terms of how quickly help can be summoned during such emergencies. It’s crucial that both private and public security systems undergo thorough evaluations to ensure that such incidents are prevented or minimised in the future. Crime Branch officials at Satguru Sharan in the wake of the attack. Pic/Anurag Ahire Question 3 What were night patrolling teams of Mumbai Police doing when the attacker was attempting to enter Satguru Sharan? Patrolling teams are supposed to act as a deterrent to crime and be vigilant in monitoring areas with potential risks. The fact that the attacker was able to attempt entry into the building unmolested suggests a lapse in security and oversight. This brings into focus whether the patrolling teams were adequately covering the area or if there were issues with response times, coordination or the overall efficiency of law enforcement. Question 4 Mumbai police claim every corner of the city is closely monitored by an extensive network of CCTV cameras. However, after the attacker left Satguru Sharan, the absence of CCTV footage brings into question the efficacy of the city’s digital surveillance system. Is Mumbai really being monitored as closely as claimed, or is there a gap in the system that allowed such attacks to unfold without proper evidence being captured? Question 5 The detention of a person who resembled the accused in the attack on Saif Ali Khan raises concerns about the investigation process. It appears that the police may have acted hastily, perhaps in an attempt to quickly make progress in the case, by detaining someone based solely on a physical resemblance. This could reflect a rush to produce results rather than a more methodical, evidence-based approach. Detaining an innocent individual based on looks alone could lead to complications in the investigation and damage the credibility of the police. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when under pressure to solve high-profile cases quickly. Instead of relying on visual similarities, investigations must be driven by concrete evidence and proper procedures to ensure the right person is apprehended and justice is served. Why did the cops detain a lookalike? Asked these questions, a senior IPS officer said, “More than 20 teams are working on this case to arrest the accused. This case is our top priority at present to solve it.” Citizens want to know... 1 How did the attacker manage to sneak into the high-profile Satguru Sharan building? 2 Why did it take the members of Saif Ali Khan’s staff such a long time to deal with the threat? 3 What were the Mumbai police’s night patrolling teams doing when the attacker was attempting to enter the building? 4 Is Mumbai really being monitored as closely, as claimed, by CCTV cameras? 5 Why did the cops detain a lookalike in the case?
18 January,2025 02:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaWith the Mumbai Marathon just a day away, concerns over air pollution along the route have prompted immediate action from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Following alarming findings by the Awaaz Foundation on Friday, which reported unsafe levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) along the marathon route, MPCB has deployed mobile air quality monitoring vans to assess the situation firsthand. On Saturday morning, a monitoring van stationed at Worli Naka recorded PM2.5 levels that were deemed "alarming" and "unhealthy." The first reading at 11:00 AM registered 111.9 µg/m³, nearly double the Indian safety limit of 60 µg/m³ and over seven times the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 15 µg/m³. A subsequent reading an hour later showed PM2.5 levels at 106 µg/m³, reinforcing concerns raised by the NGO. “Following yesterday’s air pollution readings by Awaaz Foundation, MPCB has joined us to conduct air pollution mapping along the Mumbai Marathon route for the first time. Monitoring vans are currently stationed at Worli Naka, with more arriving at other key locations,” said Sumaira Abdulali, Convenor of Awaaz Foundation. To bolster monitoring efforts, six additional vans have been deployed, bringing the total to eight. These vans are positioned at critical points along the marathon route, including Mahim, Shivaji Park, Worli, Jaslok Hospital, Wankhede Stadium, Hotel Trident, CST, and Lilavati Hospital. "This initiative not only strengthens our understanding of air quality but also sets a precedent for collective action toward healthier cities," Abdulali added. The heightened scrutiny follows a citizen-led air quality monitoring effort on Friday, January 17, led by Awaaz Foundation. Using sensor-based monitors, the NGO recorded PM2.5 levels at eight locations along the marathon route. Disturbingly, all locations exceeded the WHO’s safe level of 15 µg/m³. The lowest recorded level, at Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road, ranged from 95 to 105 µg/m³, while Mahim Retibunder emerged as the most polluted site, with PM2.5 levels between 125 and 154 µg/m³ during the early hours of the day. “Our goal is to highlight the health impact of air pollution on marathon participants, especially those with pre existing health conditions,” said Abdulali. The findings have sparked concerns over the safety of athletes and participants in the upcoming marathon, organized by Tata and Procam Life International. The MPCB’s collaboration with Awaaz Foundation is seen as a significant step toward understanding and mitigating air pollution's impact on public events Abdulali said.
18 January,2025 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghA political storm has erupted in Maharashtra following the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence. The incident has triggered criticism from opposition leaders who are accusing the state government of failing to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Reacting to the situation, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that the state government is actively working to maintain law and order across the state. "Our efforts are to ensure law and order remains intact in every corner of the state," said Pawar, adding that a thorough investigation is underway to determine whether the assailant's intention was theft or something else. He also referred to the ongoing checks of CCTV footage to gather more clarity on the motive behind the attack. Speaking to the media, Pawar further mentioned, "While we have been asked about the attack on Saif Ali Khan, some of you have reported different stories without full information. We are examining the situation thoroughly, including CCTV footage, and are investigating whether the accused had planned a theft or had other motives." He also emphasized that both he and Devendra Fadnavis are committed to ensuring the safety of every part of the state. On Friday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Member of Parliament Supriya Sule condemned the attack, describing it as "extremely worrying." Sule stated that the rise in crime in Maharashtra is a concerning trend, highlighting that the actor’s family is traumatised by the incident. "The family is terrified, and Saif Ali Khan has received stitches. He is stable, and I spoke with the Mumbai Commissioner. He assured that the entire police force is on the job and the attacker will be apprehended soon," she added. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel expressed concerns about the safety of Mumbai, pointing out that the attacker managed to reach the 11th floor of a residential building. "If an attacker can make it to the 11th floor of a high-rise to assault a well-known actor, it signifies that Mumbai is no longer a safe place for anyone," Baghel remarked. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also criticised the BJP-led state government for the attack, questioning how safe the general public is when even celebrities like Saif Ali Khan are targeted. Raut linked the attack to the growing concerns about law and order in the state, particularly in slum areas, suggesting that such incidents go unnoticed unless they involve a celebrity. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch has launched a massive manhunt for the assailant, forming 20 teams to track down the culprit. To aid in the investigation, the police have begun questioning people found loitering around the city at night. The authorities are also interrogating individuals already known to the police. In a bid to make swift progress, the police are showing CCTV footage of the suspected attacker during these inquiries. Over 15 people have already been questioned in connection with the case. As per ANI reports, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan's wife, recorded her statement with the Bandra Police on Friday evening, regarding the attack on her husband. More than 30 statements have been recorded so far, including those of staff members who were initially summoned but later released. CCTV footage from the Bandra area has been seized, and three persons of interest are currently being questioned, although no arrests have been made so far. The attack took place on Thursday morning when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor’s maid at his Bandra flat. Saif intervened, which led to a violent confrontation, and the actor suffered multiple stab wounds. Saif underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital to remove a knife lodged in his spine. Doctors confirmed that the injury to his thoracic spinal cord was significant, but Saif’s condition is reported to be stable. He is currently being monitored closely as he recovers. (With inputs from ANI)
18 January,2025 01:04 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
