shot-button
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Articles

Read Mumbai News

Mid-Day Premium Special | Maharashtra assembly elections: Who’s the real NCP in Mumbra-Kalwa?

A fascinating political battle is unfolding in Thane’s Mumbra-Kalwa Assembly constituency, which is represented by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Jitendra Awhad. The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar has fielded Najeeb Mulla, a former corporator from Rabodi, as its candidate for the Vidhan Sabha election. Interestingly, Mulla was once close to Awhad, a trusted aide of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. The former’s strategy appears to be focused on gaining popularity among minorities, particularly Muslims, who constitute more than 50 per cent of the Mumbra-Kalwa electorate. By emphasising his Muslim identity, Mulla is trying to appeal to the community’s desire for representation. He is also stressing his links to the local community, having been a former municipal councillor. Three-time Mumbra-Kalwa MLA Jitendra Awhad and Bigg Boss winner Munawar Faruqui Around 10 corporators, including two from Congress and an independent corporator from Mumbra who were earlier supporting Awhad and NCP (SP) have switched over to Ajit’s faction. Reaching out Awhad, a three-time MLA, has been reaching out to the masses as the election draws near. When he celebrated his birthday on August 5 in Mumbra, locals showered him with petals while banners were put up across the city. A few months ago, he organised an event featuring Bigg Boss winner Munawar Faruqui. Prior to this, Mulla organised a cricket tournament where fast bowler Mohammed Shami was the chief guest.   Mulla Speak Asked whether he was interested in contesting the Mumbra-Kalwa seat, Mulla said, “If the party gives me a chance, why not? Mumbra is one seat where 50 per cent of the population belongs to a minority community and we demand rights for it. If leaders are picked based on vote banks, why shouldn’t ours get a leader of its own.” Cricketer Mohammed Shami with former corporator and aspiring legislator Najeeb Mulla Mulla, who has been holding numerous events from Iftar parties to hotel openings, had recently opened an NCP office in Mumbra. “I have been active in Mumbra since 2002. I have fought for a school and cemetery and also raised many local issues in the Thane Municipal Corporation. I have been in touch with the masses,” he added. Asked about his thoughts on Awhad, he said, “He is just trying to gain sympathy. We just want a minority candidate from Mumbra-Kalwa. Ajitdada had assured us of this. In the past, Awhad played the Hindu-Muslim card and kept the people divided to rule the city. This time, the public will not succumb to his tactics and will choose a better candidate,” said Mulla, stating not only Muslims in Mumbra but also Hindus in Kalwa were supporting him. Political calculus During the Lok Sabha election, around 1.22 lakh votes were polled from Mumbra itself out of which 1.02 lakh votes were for the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi candidate. Hence, being a BJP ally could work against Mulla. Also, defeating Awhad will not prove an easy task for the Ajit faction as the MLA takes a keen interest in public issues and keeps in touch with the masses. The NCP (SP) MLA didn’t respond to mid-day’s calls and messages by press time.

28 October,2024 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Faisal Tandel
Uddhav Thackeray chats with Nana Patole and Sharad Pawar at the MVA conclave on Friday

Mid-Day Premium Maharashtra assembly elections: Want unity, not CM post, says Uddhav Thackeray

Amidst talks that he harboured aspirations to return to Mantralaya’s top office, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has said he was not in the race for the position he held for over two years. He said he would support any candidate announced by the Congress and NCP (SP) as the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s chief ministerial face. Thackeray added that the pre-poll announcement would stop a battle within the alliance for winning more numbers than each other to stake claim to the CMO. Thackeray was speaking at the MVA’s conclave in Mumbai on Friday. Along with Sena (UBT) president, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, state Congress president Nana Patole and a host of leaders from MVA parties encouraged some 3,000 office-bearers to take home a resolution to defeat the Mahayuti government in the Assembly elections that, according to the Election Commission, are likely to be held in November instead of October 2024. MVA leaders at the alliance conclave advised party workers stay united “I ask you to announce the CM candidate now. I will support your choice,” he told Pawar and Congress leaders. “I’m not fighting for the CM’s post, but for Maharashtra’s pride and honour. I say that we will bury those who are looting Maharashtra,” he added. He reasoned that alliance partners don’t work for each other when the arrangement is such that the ally that wins the most seats gets the CM’s post. “This leads to pada padi [ensuring the defeat of the ally’s candidates]. What’s the use of the alliance, then?” he asked, while recalling undivided Sena’s bitter alliance with the BJP. According to Thackeray, the MVA’s priority should be to work for each other and not fight over seats. “Let's first decide [the CM face] and then go ahead. I have opened the batting, let’s see what others do. The opening batsman either makes good runs or sits [in the dressing room] watching others bat,” he said, while clarifying why he spoke before other chieftains held the mike. Allies’ agenda While Pawar did not commit, Patole said senior leaders would decide on the CM. All speakers set an agenda for the poll campaign that was weaved around the allegations of corruption in the present government and bad governance, the Mahayuti government formation and the past work of the MVA government. The pep talks were based on the MVA’s good show in the Lok Sabha elections and a conducive atmosphere for a repeat. The leaders advised the rank and file to maintain the unity that they had shown in the general elections. ‘Thackeray brought to terms’ City BJP president Ashish Shelar said that Thackeray's statement demonstrated that his desire for the CM's position during his alliance with the BJP was absolutely fake. “The UBT group that was boasting about their candidate becoming the CM and invited all to the oathtaking ceremony was brought to terms during the MVA gathering on Friday,” he added. He said Thackeray had gone lobbying with Congress and others in Delhi, “But it appears that his request was ignored. He also held meetings at Silver Oak [Pawar's Mumbai residence], but he was disappointed. Currently, he is fretting and eventually might become resentful,” added Shelar, while alleging wrongdoings and corruption during Thackeray’s tenure as the CM.

28 October,2024 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra Jore
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (right) Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Mid-Day Premium Maharashtra assembly elections likely only after Diwali

The Maharashtra Assembly polls are expected to be held after Diwali in November this year, instead of October, giving the Mahayuti government at least a month more in office before it takes on the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). On Friday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) parted with the practice of holding Maharashtra elections together with Haryana’s. The ECI said on Friday, while announcing the schedule for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, that it needed more time to get ready in monsoon-hit Maharashtra. J&K will go to the polls in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1. Haryana’s voting is scheduled for October 1. Results of both elections will be declared on October 4. As compared to the 2019 programme, Haryana's schedule has been advanced by 20 days. Both Haryana and Maharashtra held polling on October 21 five years ago. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu during the press conference. Pic/PTI More time means the Shinde government will get more time to woo voters with sops, grants and infra projects, some of which are likely to get inaugurated before the elections. When the Model Code of Conduct is in force, the ECI does not allow policy decisions through which the voters get influenced during the election process which is held over 30-45 days. The festivals such as Ganeshotsav, Navratri and Diwali to be held between September and November will offer the ruling and opposite parties an opportunity to connect with the masses, though the model code, if in force then, will bar them from public campaigning. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said in New Delhi that four elections were due this year and by early next year, and since J&K was not in the picture last time (2019-20), the commission decided to group two Assembly elections together. Besides J&K and Haryana, elections are due in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Delhi. According to Kumar, the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, which were held together with Haryana in 2019, would be announced later due to security requirements for J&K. Kumar said the next set of elections would be announced after the completion of the polls in J&K and Haryana. He added that the commission needed some time for preparation in Maharashtra because a lot of groundwork was delayed due to the monsoon. He also said that there were several festivals such as Ganeshotsav, Navratri and Diwali between September and October this year. So, the schedule for a large state like Maharashtra would have to be worked accordingly. According to senior state officers, the next Maharashtra Legislative Assembly must be formed and convened on or before November 26, 2024. Generally, the Model Code of Conduct becomes effective at least 45 days before the new Legislative Assembly is formed. The festival of Diwali will end on November 3. Voting may take place in the second week of November, leaving enough days for the formation of the house. With inputs from agencies

28 October,2024 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra Jore
Sanjay Raut. File Pic

Mid-Day Premium Raut defends Uddhav's push for decision on CM's face from MVA allies

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday defended party chief Uddhav Thackeray's push for decision on CM's face from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections , reported the PTI. Uddhav Thackeray has demonstrated largeness of heart by offering support to any leader from the Congress and NCP (SP) for the chief minister's post, party MP Sanjay Raut said, as per the PTI. Sanjay Raut refuted claims of pressure politics behind Thackeray's call for the MVA allies to declare their chief ministerial candidate ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. He stressed that Uddhav Thackeray, as a former chief minister, is widely acceptable and that his stance benefits Maharashtra. Talking to reporters, Sanjay Raut asked the ruling Mahayuti, comprising Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP, and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar, to declare their CM face. "Uddhav Thackeray showed largeness of heart (by extending support to anyone the MVA dims fit for the CM's post). It was not pressure politics. This stand benefits Maharashtra," the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP said, as per the PTI. Uddhav Thackeray, addressing a meeting of Maha Vikas Aghadi on Friday, insisted the opposition alliance decide its chief ministerial face first rather than going by the logic of which party wins most seats, asserting he would back any candidate announced by the Congress and NCP (SP). Despite Uddhav Thackeray's appeal, the Nationalist Congess Party (NCP SP) president Sharad Pawar refrained from speaking on the issue. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole stated the decision on CM's post lies with INDIA bloc leaders. "What is wrong with Uddhav Thackeray's demand? Thackeray is a former chief minister. His face is acceptable to everyone. He didn't speak about himself. If anyone has the courage, they should declare its CM face," Sanjay Raut said, according to the news agency. Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are likely in October or November. Uddhav Thackeray shared his experience with former ally BJP on the 'maximum seats-CM candidate' logic. "First, decide (the CM's face) and then go ahead but do not go by this policy (those having the most seats will get the CM's post). Uddhav Thackeray will back any candidate announced by Congress and NCP (SP) as the CM face of MVA. I don't feel that I am fighting for myself but it is for the rights of Maharashtra," Uddhav Thackeray said. (with PTI inputs)

28 October,2024 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BMC headquarters. File Pic

Long queues at voting centres as first ever hawkers polls in city begin

The first-ever election to choose hawkers' representatives in the Town Vending Committee (TVC) elections was going on smoothly on Thursday across 67 voting booths in Mumbai, officials said. In the TVC polls, around 32,415 licensed hawkers will cast their votes by 5 pm on Thursday, they said, adding that the results will be declared only after the Supreme Court's permission. The TVC polls are important as it is responsible for the allotment of licenses to hawkers, pitches, and overall regulation in the city, the officials said. The structure of the TVC consists of one central town vending committee and seven zonal committees. Each committee comprises 20 members, with 12 being nominated and eight being representatives of hawkers. These hawker representatives will be elected by the hawkers through the election process. Long queues for hawkers' elections at D.N. Nagar School in Andheri West #Andheri #MumbaiNews #Election2024 #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/Wni7UEzSfx — Mid Day (@mid_day) August 29, 2024 There was only one nomination for each of the 17 seats, hence these 17 candidates are elected unopposed, an official said. "The voters were to select around 13 to 15 names from more than 65 candidates, and that is taking time to vote," said an official appointed to oversee the elections. A total of 237 candidates are in the running. Of these, 190 are male and 47 are female. The election result were scheduled to be declared on the same day after the counting of votes but in a petition filed by Maharashtra Ekta Hawkers Union that the election in Supreme Court on Wednesday stated that the scheduled elections shall be held on August 29, however the result of the election shall not be declared after the order of the the apex court. Zone wise voters numbers 7,686 - zone 1  5,303 - zone 2  4,668 - zone 3  7,501 - zone 4  2,160 - zone 5  3,033 - zone 6  2,064 - zone 7  ………………. Total: 32 415

28 October,2024 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta Kasale
Sharad Pawar. File Pic

People want change, says Sharad Pawar ahead of Maharashtra Assembly elections

Referring to the reaction of the people over the Badlapur incident, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) supremo Sharad Pawar said that there is "uneasiness" among the people for a political change in Maharashtra, reported news agency ANI. The voting for 288 assembly constituencies will be held later this year. Speaking at a press conference at the party's regional office in Mumbai, Sharad Pawar said, "Maharashtra Assembly elections are ahead. Meetings are being held. People of Maharashtra want change," reported ANI. Pawar's comments come in the wake of a protest in Badlapur, Thane district, following an alleged sexual assault on two minor girls, which he cited as a clear indicator of the current political situation. "How strong is the reaction of the people when a serious incident happens? An example of this was seen yesterday in Badlapur. This means that there is a lot of uneasiness among the people," Pawar outlined, reported ANI. "I saw an example yesterday of how people react strongly. People want change, and we want to change the state," he said, reported ANI. The sexual assault incident has created massive outrage among the people in Badlapur. On August 17, police arrested a school attendant for alleged assault. On August 16, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule of elections in Haryana and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir that will be held from September 18 to October 1 while the schedule for Maharashtra Assembly elections is yet to be announced. During the press conference, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said that the high demand for security forces in Jammu and Kashmir is the primary reason for not holding Maharashtra Assembly elections. Earlier, the Central government accorded 'Z+' category Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) armed security cover to Sharad Pawar. Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the order to the CRPF considering a recent threat analysis report shared with the ministry by the intelligence bureau. The CRPF personnel will soon provide its elite 'Z+' VIP security cover to the 83-year-old politician round the clock at his residence and during his travel across India. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar has sided with the candidates agitating in Pune demanding postponement of the MPSC prelims exam, scheduled for August 25, warning that he would join the protest if the government doesn't clarify its stand, reported PTI. Many job-seekers, preparing for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) preliminary exam, have been protesting since Tuesday night demanding a different date as it clashes with a banking exam on the same day. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)

28 October,2024 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Only Mahayuti will burst crackers after Diwali, says Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said only the Mahayuti alliance will burst crackers after Diwali, signalling the certainty of winning the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, reported news agency PTI. Addressing a gathering at home turf Thane on Sunday late night, Eknath Shinde also paid rich tributes to his mentor, Anand Dighe, and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, emphasising that Sena led by him continues to uphold their teachings and principles. "Do you want all the schemes and programs started by the Mahayuti government to continue?" Shinde asked the audience which responded with affirmation, reported PTI. The ruling 'Mahayuti' or grand alliance comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP headed by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar faces stiff opposition from Maha Vikas Aghadi of Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Congress in the Maharashtra assembly elections, due in October-November. Referring to political opponents, Shinde said, "Let them go to gallis (alleys) or Delhi, don't give them any importance. We will continue our work," reported PTI. He also mentioned his decision to field Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske for the Thane Lok Sabha constituency in recent elections, a move that some had opposed. Mhaske won the seat. Taking a jibe at his detractors, Shinde claimed his opponents focus on him incessantly. "Just like the way Santaji and Dhanaji (acknowledged for their pivotal role in combating the Mughal forces during the reign of Rajaram I) were seen everywhere in water by their enemies, they see Eknath Shinde everywhere," he said, adding that he remains unbothered by the criticism as long as the people support him, reported PTI. Shinde outlined the various schemes his government has launched to ensure every family in Maharashtra is happy. "Maharashtra is the first state to offer apprenticeships to educated youth and financial assistance for higher education," the chief minister added, reported PTI. He also shared a poignant moment where he intervened to help a family. "I learned at midnight about a girl who had committed suicide because her parents couldn't afford her education fees. By 2 am, I decided to exempt all fees for girls pursuing higher education," Shinde added, reported PTI. Referring to the "Ladki Bahin" cash transfer scheme for women, Shinde said the monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 will not stop and rather it will be raised if "you increase the strength of this government", reported PTI. "The benefits will be proportionate to the strength you provide; the same thing applies for men also," he added, reported PTI. Shinde inaugurated the second phase of Gaimukh Chowpatty in Thane and announced a memorial for Shivaji Maharaj and Kanhoji Angre. (With inputs from PTI)

28 October,2024 04:01 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic

Dislodging corrupt Mahayuti govt is priority, CM candidate talks can wait: Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said talks on the chief ministerial candidate of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections can be held later as its first task is to dislodge the "corrupt" Mahayuti-led dispensation in the state, reported news agency PTI. His remarks come a day after NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar said there was no need for the MVA to announce a chief ministerial face and the decision can be made based on the numbers after the Maharashtra assembly elections results. "Pawar saheb is 100 per cent right. This is a three-party government, but the MVA is getting majority in Maharashtra. Our first task is to dislodge the current government. We can talk about the CM's post any time later," Raut said, reported PTI. His remarks indicate that his party has mellowed down its stance over who will helm the next government in the state. Last month, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray asked allies - Congress and NCP (SP) to decide the chief ministerial face, and vowed his support for the candidate for the top post in the state. On Wednesday, Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who was in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in central Maharashtra, maintained there was no tussle among the MVA allies over the CM post, reported PTI. Talking to reporters in Kolhapur earlier, Pawar said the decision on who will be the chief minister can be made after the poll results are out. He said the MVA's chief ministerial candidate will be decided on the basis of which party wins the most number of assembly seats, reported PTI. Maharashtra assembly elections are likely to be held in November. Sanjay Raut appears before Special PMLA court in money-laundering case Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut appeared before the Special PMLA court in connection with the alleged money-laundering case related to Goregaon's Patra Chawl on Thursday, reported ANI. It was a regular hearing, and he appeared before court as per the bail condition given to him. The next date of hearing is 21st October in this case, reported ANI. Earlier, Swapna Patkar, a witness in the money-laundering case, had written a letter to Additional Director (Western Region), Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging rape and life threats to her "for changing the statements given during the investigation of the case," reported ANI. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

28 October,2024 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Naseem Khan, former MLA of Congress

Of six former MLAs in race, only two still with original parties

Six former MLAs, including two former ministers from Mumbai, are in the Assembly election race. Two of them will contest the poll as members of a new party while two will seek to be elected under a new boss. Naseem Khan of Congress, one of the former ministers, said, “Party workers want me to contest from Chandivli. I have already started preparing. The party will decide soon.” In 2019, the leader lost the election by 400 votes. Atul Shah, ex-legislator BJP, Ashok Patil, former MLA of Bhandup West, Mangesh Sangle, former Vikholi MLA, Tukaram Kate, Shiv Sena leader BJP leader Atul Shah was elected in 1999 from the Khetwadi Assembly constituency, which is no longer in existence. In 2014, he contested the poll from the Mumbadevi constituency but lost. Later, the party asked him to contest the civic election and in 2017, he won by one vote against Shiv Sena's Surendra Bagalkar. “I’m always ready. If the party asks me to contest the election, I will do so,” Shah said. New affiliations Kripashankar Singh, former minister and two-time Congress MLA could contest the Assembly election from Kalina. The leader, who joined BJP in 2021, unsuccessfully fought the recent Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh. “I’m not willing to contest the Assembly election. But if ordered to do so, I will contest,” said Singh. Mangesh Sangle, a former MLA of Vikholi, won the Assembly election in 2009 on an MNS ticket. However, he lost in 2014 to Shiv Sena’s Sunil Raut. Later, he joined the BJP. “I’m ready to contest the election, but the party will take a decision on this,” Sangle said. Kripashankar Singh, BJP leader Ashok Patil, former MLA of Bhandup West, is now with the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He is ready to contest the election from the same constituency. He was a three-time corporator and became a legislator in 2014. In the 2019 election, the party gave a ticket to Ramesh Korgaoankar. “Yes, I have started preparations for the election. The party had given me the green signal,” Patil said. Tukaram Kate, another former MLA of the Shiv Sena, won the Assembly election from Anushakti Nagar in 2014. He then lost in 2019 against NCP former minister Nawab Malik. “The party has already asked me to contest the election from Chembur. I'm ready to contest the election,” Kate said.

28 October,2024 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
Chhagan Bhujbal. File Pic

Ajit Pawar our 'captain', will contest from Baramati: Bhujbal

Maharashtra cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday called the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar as the "captain" of the party and emphasised he would contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 from Baramati, his home turf in Pune district in Maharashtra, reported the PTI. Chhagan Bhujbal's assertion came a day after Ajit Pawar suggested Baramati should get a new MLA so that the constituency's voters realise his importance. The NCP president is the sitting MLA from Baramati, which is part of the Lok Sabha seat of the same name which is represented by his cousin Supriya Sule of the NCP (SP) faction led by veteran politician Sharad Pawar. Speaking at a gathering in Baramati on Sunday, Ajit Pawar remarked that despite undertaking extensive development works in the constituency, voters did not support him during the recent Lok Sabha elections, where his wife Sunetra was pitted against Sule, who won for the fourth consecutive times, as per the PTI. Sunetra Pawar lost the elections to Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, by more than 1.50 lakh votes. Ajit Pawar said once there is a new representative, the people of the Baramati assembly constituency will realise his importance. Asked about the possibility of the NCP president not seeking re-election from Baramati, his party colleague and minister Bhujbal asserted, "Ajit Pawar is our captain. He can not put down weapons like this. He will contest from the Baramati assembly constituency and win with a huge margin." Assembly polls in Maharashtra are likely to be held in November. The NCP is part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which also consists of the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Nationalist Congress Party chief has been MLA of Baramati since 1991, with his victory in the 2019 assembly polls, over the BJP's Gopichand Padalkar, coming with a record margin of 1.65 lakh votes. Speaking at an event in his assembly constituency, he said, "We have done all round development in Baramati. Most funds in Maharashtra are sanctioned for Baramati. I am now 65 years old and I am satisfied. Baramatikars once should get someone other than me as an MLA. They can then make comparison between me and the new MLA," according to the PTI. (with PTI inputs)

28 October,2024 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image

Mumbai lakes providing drinking water reach 98.02 per cent capacity

Water levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which provide the city with drinking water, have reached 98.02 per cent, as reported by the BMC on Monday. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the collective water stock in Mumbai lakes is currently at 14,18,776 million litres, which is 98.02 per cent of capacity. Mumbai draws water from Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna. As per the data shared by the civic body on the Mumbai lakes, the water level in Tansa is at 98.24 per cent. At Modak-Sagar, 100 per cent of water stock is available. In Middle Vaitarna 97.54 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 98.30 per cent, Bhatsa 97.63 per cent, Vihar 100 per cent and Tulsi 100 per cent of useful water level is available. In the wake of heavy rains, one more lake supplying water to Mumbai, Middle Vaitarna Lake, started overflowing on July 4. Lakes Vihar and Modak Sagar started to flood on July 25 as a result of persistently high rains. Around 4 pm on July 24, Tansa Lake began to overflow, increasing the amount of water stored in all seven reservoirs by 17 days in a single day. Approximately 400 million gallons of water are supplied to Mumbai by Tansa Lake, which is situated in the Shahpur region of Thane. On July 26, 2024, it overflowed. One of the two lakes that directly feed water to the BMC, Tulsi Lake, started to overflow on July 20 at around 8:30 am, mimicking the event that occurred on the same day last year at 1:28 pm, according to the civic body. Mumbai rains: IMD forecasts moderate rainfall for the city The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate spells of rainfall in Mumbai on Monday, as per the latest Mumbai weather update. On Monday, the IMD issued a yellow alert for Thane and Palghar districts. The weather department, in its latest Mumbai weather update, has predicted a "partly cloudy sky with possibility of occasional moderate spells of rain in the city and its suburbs" over the next 24 hours. The maximum temperature in the city is likely to settle at 31 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature will be recorded at 26 degrees Celsius. A high tide of about 3.54 metres is expected to hit Mumbai at 2.55 pm today, stated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body also said a low tide of about 1.11 metres is expected at 8.54 pm today.

11 September,2024 08:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK