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 correspondentThe 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. Mumbai weather update: Traffic updates Earlier this morning, slow traffic was reported at Mankhurd Railway Bridge due to a bus breakdown. Otherwise, traffic is running smoothly. Updates from both Central Railway and Western Railway indicate that trains on all corridors are operating without issues. Mumbai lakes supplying 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.
11 September,2024 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday participated in the Ganesh idol immersion programme at Masuda Pond in Thane. The CM's son and Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde also joined and accompanied him. Earlier on Saturday, Shinde offered 'Aarti' along with his family members on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and wished for the happiness and prosperity of countrymen at his residence in Thane. The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities kicked off on Saturday with great excitement and joy across the country. Devotees, including those in big cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Delhi, are celebrating the auspicious occasion with devotion and happiness. Devotees across Maharashtra have been celebrating by bringing idols home and visiting pandals. Homes and public pandals have been adorned with elaborate decorations, and the air has been filled with prayers, music, and festive chants. The streets have come alive with vibrant processions and traditional rituals as people prepare delicious offerings and visit the beautifully decorated pandals. Among the festivities, a unique celebration in Mumbai caught a lot of attention. An idol of Lord Ganesh has been placed on the replica of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet at a residence in Mumbai, showing a creative fusion of tradition and India's modern achievements. This year's festivities have garnered significant attention, with numerous celebrities, including Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, visiting the pandal to offer their prayers and join the celebrations. Meanwhile, the first look of Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Thursday evening, days ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The history of the Lalbaugcha Raja has been quite famous as it is the popular Ganesh Idol of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a worship place founded in 1934. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol has been taken care of by the Kambli family for over eight decades. In Nagpur's Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began with traditional morning prayers and 'aarti'. This temple, reportedly 250 years old, is known for its self-existent deity, whose shrine is said to grow over time. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 September,2024 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIThousands of devotees bid an emotional farewell to Lord Ganesh on Sunday by immersing the idols of the elephant-headed deity across Mumbai. More than 62,000 Ganesh idols have been immersed in the city till 12 am during Ganesh Visarjan 2024, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Upto 12 am, a total of 62,569 idols had been immersed across various locations in the city. Among the 62,569 idols those were immersed on Sunday till 12 am include 348 sarvjanik (public) idols, 62,197 Gharguti (household) idols and 24 Hartalika Idols. Out of these, 30,177 idols were immersed into artificial lakes, ensuring an environmentally-friendly option, the officials said. The idols taken out for immersion on Sunday afternoon after one and a half days were from households. Chants of "Ganpati Bappa morya, mangal murti morya, pudchya varshi lavkar ya," urging the Lord to return early next year filled the air as devotees took their idols to beaches and artificial water bodies for immersion during Ganesh Visarjan 2024. The 10-day Ganesh festival began in the city with pomp and gaiety on September 7, with families and 'savajanik mandals' (public groups) installing the idols of their beloved god at homes and community pandals. As many as 12,000 personnel have been deployed to help citizens with the idol immersion off the beaches and in 204 artificial ponds across the city and suburbs. As many as 71 control rooms have been set up, civic officials said earlier. They said that 761 lifeguards and 48 motor boats have been pressed into service at the beaches. BMC has also made facilities to collect the 'nirmalya' (flowers and other offerings) brought with the idols. "Lord Ganesha is the one who brings a lot of prosperity and removes obstacles from our way," Bhushan Gagrani, commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), told reporters. Like in the past, the government, BMC and police have made necessary arrangements for the smooth immersion of idols this year as well, he said. "For the first 'visarjan' (immersion) of today (one and a half days), followed by the fifth day, Gouri visarjan (seventh day) and last day (Anant Chaturdashi visarjan), we have made traffic diversions. Arrangements have been made with enough deployment of traffic police here," he said. BMC and police have ensured that there are arrangements for separate parking, mobile toilets, flood lights, bodyguards, prayer mandaps (platforms) for devotees and VIP pandals, he said. "We ensure a rich, seamless and incident-free Ganpati experience here for all devotees," he said.
11 September,2024 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWater levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which provide the city with drinking water, have reached 98.15 per cent, as reported by the BMC on Tuesday. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the collective water stock in Mumbai lakes is currently at 14,20,579 million litres, which is 98.15 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 99.18 per cent. At Modak-Sagar, 99.99 per cent of water stock is available. In Middle Vaitarna 97.74 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 98.51 per cent, Bhatsa 97.51 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 Tuesday, as per the latest Mumbai weather update. 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 27 degrees Celsius. A high tide of about 3.30 metres is expected to hit Mumbai at 3.23 pm today, stated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body also said a low tide of about 1.31 metres is expected at 9.34 pm today.
10 September,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate spells of rainfall in Mumbai on Tuesday, as per the latest Mumbai weather update. 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 27 degrees Celsius. A high tide of about 3.30 metres is expected to hit Mumbai at 3.23 pm today, stated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body also said a low tide of about 1.31 metres is expected at 9.34 pm today. Mumbai lakes supplying drinking water reach 98.15 per cent capacity Water levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which provide the city with drinking water, have reached 98.15 per cent, as reported by the BMC on Tuesday. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the collective water stock in Mumbai lakes is currently at 14,20,579 million litres, which is 98.15 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 99.18 per cent. At Modak-Sagar, 99.99 per cent of water stock is available. In Middle Vaitarna 97.74 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 98.51 per cent, Bhatsa 97.51 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.
10 September,2024 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA group of students from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has voiced strong opposition to the institution’s recent collaboration with Bar-Ilan University in Israel, following the announcement of a webinar on funded research opportunities in chemistry for Masters, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates. The students who are part of the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), a students collective at IIT-B, have openly condemned the administration’s decision to engage in academic partnerships with Israeli universities, citing the ongoing violence against Palestinians. In an official communication sent by IIT Bombay’s General Secretary of Academic Affairs (PG), the students were invited to attend a free webinar hosted by Bar-Ilan University-Israel, to explore research prospects. However, this move has drawn criticism from student activists in the campus who argue that the collaboration is inconsistent with the institution’s values of human rights and justice. Expressing their disappointment at the collaboration, APPSC stated, “Despite the ongoing genocide of Palestinians by Israel, it's concerning to see the IIT Bombay administration continuing collaborations with Israeli universities. We must stand against injustice and ensure that our partnerships align with our values of human rights for all.” The students are calling on the administration to reconsider its partnerships and to align itself with global movements that oppose oppression and violence. They argue that by collaborating with Israeli educational institutions, IIT Bombay is indirectly endorsing the actions of the Israeli government, which they believe contradicts the principles of human rights. The controversy comes at a time when international academic institutions are being scrutinized for their global partnerships, particularly with countries engaged in ongoing conflicts. IIT Bombay, known for its academic excellence, is now facing growing pressure from its student body to evaluate the ethical implications of its international collaborations. The group has written to the General Secretary of Academic Affairs at IIT B, they have urged the administration to adopt a stance of solidarity with oppressed communities and to ensure that future partnerships reflect the institute’s commitment to social justice and human rights. "Students are calling for the reconsideration and divestment from any collaborations or exchanges with Israeli universities, especially in light of the International Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) and the International Court of Justice (@CIJ_ICJ) deeming Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank as illegal and genocidal war crimes," the group has posted on social media platform X. The IIT Bombay administration has yet to issue an official response regarding the students' demands, but the situation has sparked a broader conversation in the campus on the role of academic institutions in addressing global conflicts and human rights issues.
10 September,2024 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA day after meeting the state BJP leaders, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is learnt to have assured the Mahayuti partners of a fair deal in seat-sharing for the Legislative Assembly elections. Amit Shah interacted with the party’s state core committee members Sunday night. On Monday, he visited Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’s residence, along with the Lalbagh and Bandra pandals for Ganesh darshan. Before leaving, he met Mahayuti leaders, CM Shinde, Dy CMs Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, NCP’s Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare and BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, at the Mumbai airport. Sunil Tatkare Tatkare confirmed that they talked about sharing seats. “Amit-bhai assured that all constituents will get a respectable share. He also discussed strengthening the alliance by way of better coordination and unity. He was very positive,” Tatkare told reporters, adding that the meeting lasted about 45 minutes. According to Tatkare, Shah had told them that he would give his time for further talks that were likely to be finalised in New Delhi. “We keep talking at the state level. We met in Nagpur recently,” the NCP’s state president and Lok Sabha member said, adding that the NCP was not uncomfortable in the NDA, because joining it with a majority was a conscious decision.
10 September,2024 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreMore than half of the children who are diagnosed with cancer in India are undernourished, a condition which affects the recovery. According to a report released Thursday, which examines the impact of poor nutrition on paediatric cancer patients, approximately 76,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually in India. Of these, 57 to 61 per cent are undernourished. Incidentally, September also marks childhood cancer awareness month. The report, titled 'Food Heals: Exploring Nutritional Aspects of Childhood Cancer in India', was prepared by the city-based NGO Cuddles Foundation. The report was released at the NGO’s office situated at Lower Parel. It reveals that the majority of children diagnosed with cancer have hematological cancers (60 per cent), while 40 per cent have solid tumors. The data has remained consistent over the past three years. “High levels of undernutrition contribute to low cure rates among children in the country. Many children drop out of treatment due to pre-existing undernutrition combined with the side effects of therapy,” said Purnota Dutta Bahl, founder and CEO of the Cuddles Foundation. To make matters worse, the report further highlights that cancer in children increases the need for additional food intake. Research shows that children with cancer require 20 to 90 per cent more calories than healthy children. However, 65 per cent of them are consuming less than half of their nutritional requirements, according to the report. Moreover, the report underscores a critical shortage of nutritionists at hospitals to assist families in navigating these complex needs. The data reveals that there is only one nutritionist for every 407 pediatric patients in non-accredited cancer hospitals, while accredited hospitals have one nutritionist for every 54 patients.The Cuddles Foundation has been working with seven hospitals, including Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and Wadia Hospital, to bridge the gap between treatment and nutritional needs. In the past year alone, the foundation has catered to 18,000 children. While doctors from TMH, where the foundation has deployed four nutritionists, remained unavailable for a comment, the head of the haematology-oncology department at BJ Wadia Hospital Dr Sangeeta Mudaliar said, “When a child arrives malnourished, we are deeply concerned about potential complications.” She noted that the NGO had provided three nutritionists who accompany doctors on rounds to discuss each patient's nutritional needs. “In many cases, direct food intake is not possible due to the side effects of chemotherapy. In such instances, we either place children on a liquid diet or enteral feeding, and in severe cases, we administer IV fluids,” she said. 76,000Approx No. of children diagnosed with cancer annually in India
10 September,2024 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshan KalyanikarA 76-year-old Senior Scientist, Vinayak Kolvankar, of the Baba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been missing since Thursday. The Nirmal Nagar police have registered a missing person report and conducted a search operation for him. Kolvankar resides in Aaradhna New MIG Colony, behind the PF office in Bandra East. Kolvankar has been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past four years. On Thursday night, he went out to purchase flowers but did not return home. Kolvankar worked at BARC for 40 years before retiring in 2008. He specialised in seismology, the study of earthquakes. His research helped countries predict earthquake locations before they occurred, including patterns involving the sun, moon, and specific places. His work has been translated into 125 languages worldwide. Senior Scientist Vinayak Kolvankar; the missing person notice He was honoured with the Presidential Award by the late President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. In a statement to mid-day, his son Amit Kolvankar, who resides in London, said, “My father was a great scientist who dedicated his entire life to national service. He has been suffering from Alzheimer's for the past four years and lives with my mother, Vaishali Kolvankar, in Bandra East. Since Thursday night, he has been missing. Although we had a caretaker at home, he left alone on Thursday and did not return.” “He was captured on CCTV cameras at Bandra station but later went missing in the Bandra West area. We previously lived in Bandra West but have since moved to Bandra East. We are deeply concerned as he has been missing for four days,” Amit Kolvankar added.
10 September,2024 07:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe number of Ganesh idol Immersions in artificial ponds increased slightly this year. The number of sarvajanik idol immersions after one and a half days also rose by 20 per cent, despite the number of permissions given for the same being reduced this year. Meanwhile, the overall immersion figures slid a bit, which could be because many have been opting for immersions at home and metal idols. Started in 2008, the number of artificial ponds grew from merely two to 204 in the last 17 years. As the availability of ponds and awareness increased with time, the response to environmentally friendly immersions also got better. This year, more than 45 per cent of the total immersions took place in BMC-made artificial ponds across the city. Out of 66,339 Ganesh immersions after one and a half days, 30,241 idols were immersed in man-made ponds. Last year, out of 67,177 idols that were immersed after one and a half days, 27,736 (41.3 per cent) were taken to artificial ponds. But in total, only 37 per cent of idols were immersed in artificial ponds in 10 days. Naresh Dahibaonkar of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, said, “There are many sarvajanik idols in housing societies. As there is limited manpower compared to sarvajanik mandals, devotees tend to give farewell to Bappa after two days of celebration.” This year, the BMC has also come up with a new type of artificial pond which does not require digging. Earlier, the water bodies were created by digging mud and placing tarpaulins in the depression. It required carrying mud to another location and then placing it back. This year, ponds are being created with aluminium sheets and then made waterproof using plastic sheets. The cost has gone down to a third of the previous figure. Generally, Ganesh idols of sarvajanik mandals are taken for immersion on the tenth day or Anant Chaturdashi. However, this year saw a 20 per cent increase in sarvajanik idols being immersed after one and half days, with 420 idols being immersed, as compared to 350 last year. Of the 420 immersions, 251 took place at artificial ponds. This is despite the number of sarvajanik pandals being reduced this year. This year, only 2,635 sarvajanik mandals received permission for pandals, as compared to 2,729 last year. Speaking about the overall immersion figures sliding, Dahibaonkar said, “Nowadays, many people opt to immerse clay idols at home or in drums turned into ponds inside housing society premises as there aren’t enough artificial ponds provided by the BMC. So these don’t get counted among the idols coming for immersions at BMC spots.” The decline could also be due to many people opting for metal idols. 30,241No. of idols immersed in artificial ponds
10 September,2024 07:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleADVERTISEMENT
