If you are looking for some respite from the hustle and bustle of Amchi Mumbai in the lap of nature, the day is not far away when you can enjoy a forest walkway right inside Mumbai. Inspired by Singapore’s forest walkways, this 705-meter-long elevated forest walkway offers a ton of features for walkers and nature enthusiasts. What all is there to explore? Here’s Mid-day’s Katyayani Kapoor taking you through this journey.
12 December,2024 07:00 PM IST
Every year the 2nd of December is observed as National Pollution Control Day. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about pollution and its harmful effects on health and the environment. It serves as a reminder of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of India’s worst industrial disasters, which occurred on December 2-3, 1984. As we celebrate National Pollution Control Day 2024, let's take a look at how currently Mumbai is grappling with air pollution increase and what are the major factors contributing to it. Mumbai – India's financial capital which is known for its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and beautiful coastal views. However, the city is currently facing a serious deterioration in its air quality. In recent years, the pollution levels in Mumbai have been on the rise. As of late November 2024, Mumbai ranked 159th among the most polluted cities in the world. The city's Air Quality Index reached 154, which falls into the "poor" category. The AQI in Mumbai is now 1.14 times higher than the average for Maharashtra, marking a concerning decline in air quality. Though this number fluctuates, it has remained consistently unhealthy for the city. But why is this happening? What’s causing Mumbai's pollution to rise so rapidly? Watch video.
01 December,2024 05:05 PM IST
A massive fire broke out in a residential building in South Mumbai's Dongri area on Wednesday afternoon. The fire erupted on the 14th floor of Ansari Heights, a 15-storey building in Nishanpada, near Sandhurst Road station. Initial reports suggest the blaze was triggered by multiple cylinder blasts. The fire quickly spread to several floors, causing significant damage. Mumbai Fire Brigade declared the incident a Level-1 fire, with multiple fire engines rushing to the scene. However, rescue operations were hindered due to the narrow, congested lanes in the area. Fortunately, the fire department confirmed no injuries, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Due to the intensity of the blaze, the fire was later upgraded to a Level-3 incident. Firefighters are working to control the flames and prevent further damage.
27 November,2024 03:59 PM IST
A thick layer of smog has settled over Marine Drive, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a concerning 208, categorizing it as 'Poor.' Each year, the aftermath of Diwali fireworks draws attention to the city's deteriorating air quality. Residents are increasingly alarmed, as firecrackers contribute significantly to pollution levels. One Mumbai resident pointed out, "So many people are bursting firecrackers, and a lot of construction is going on, which is why the pollution is increasing." The combination of festive celebrations and ongoing construction exacerbates the already precarious air quality, prompting calls for greater awareness and action to mitigate the impact of such activities on health and the environment.
03 November,2024 11:05 AM IST
Raksha Bandhan 2024 is here to seal the bond of love between brothers and sisters. But do you know which Indian community helps shape this festival like no other? India’s Patwa community is known for their intricate thread work and it is the same art that has resulted in Rakhi making for generations. For the rakhi makers of the Patwa community, Rakhi making is their identity. While for others the festival of Raksha Bandhan is a one-day festive affair, for these artisans from the Patwa community, Rakhi making is their bread and butter which keeps them engaged 365 days a year. Mid-day’s Katyayani Kapoor met a few rakhi makers from the Patwa community at Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar. Take a look.
17 August,2024 11:38 AM IST
Mumbai rains is infamous for its torrential downpours, but beyond the picturesque scenes of rain-soaked streets, the impact on the city’s street vendors and hawkers is profound. For these resilient entrepreneurs, the rain brings both challenges and opportunities. From soggy stalls to reduced foot traffic, the monsoon can disrupt their daily earnings and daily lives. However, some find creative ways to adapt and even thrive despite the weather. In this vox pop, we delve into the real experiences of Mumbai’s street vendors and hawkers during the rains. We’ll hear their stories, uncover the hurdles they face, and explore how they navigate the storm to keep their businesses afloat. Stay tuned to understand the monsoon's true impact on their lives. Watch video
30 July,2024 06:10 PM IST
Did you know, that the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba is even older than the Gateway of India? Have you ever wondered, why is the Elephanta Caves called so? This World Heritage Day 2024, get ready to explore Mumbai’s heritage like never before. The Colaba area of Mumbai holds a treasure of history with remarkable monuments and structures that narrate the tale of Mumbai’s glorious past. Among them, Mumbai’s Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel stand as majestic landmarks bridging Mumbai’s modern present to its hair-raising history. In this series of Mid-day Xplore, Mid-day's journalist Katyayani Kapoor explores Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel with the founder of Mumbai Heritage Tours - Pranav Damle who gives a peek into the untold and rare history of South Mumbai's remarkable heritage honouring the heritage of Mumbai this World Heritage Day.
17 April,2024 09:00 PM IST
Ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the Congress party saw some high-profile exits in recent months and one of the biggest setbacks came from Ex-Congress loyalist Milind Deora. One of the youngest members of the 15th Lok Sabha, with notable achievements as a former Union Minister, who was always seen as the credible Congress face from South Mumbai, resigned from Congress in January 2024, ending his 55-year-old relationship with the Congress party that he inherited from his father - veteran politician Murli Deora. What led Milind Deora to quit the Congress party and join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena? How does the Congress party undermine its legacy? From spilling beans on CAA to getting candid about this favorite places to dine and relax, watch Milind Deora’s exclusive Straight Talk with Katyayani Kapoor.
09 April,2024 12:12 PM IST
Maha Shivratri 2024 is here and this brings us to one of the biggest festivals in India devoted to Lord Shiva. There are many Jyotirlingas in India that are considered different manifestations of Shiva. While none of the Jyotirlingas happens to be in Mumbai, two ancient temples within the Mumbai city carry tales of miracles, faith and Shiva’s grace. During Shivratri, Shiva devotees flock to these temples just to catch a glimpse of their beloved Lord Shiva. The Babulnath temple in Mumbai located in Mumbai near Girgaon Chowpatty situated at a little hill is one of those temples. Just a few km away from the Babulnath temple, lies the legendary Walkeshwar temple. The story of the Walkeshwar temple is as endearing as that of the beautiful Banganga Tank next to it. What is the story behind these legendary temples and what’s inside? On the occasion of the Mahashivratri, as you do your Shivratri puja vidhi to worship Lord Shiva, don’t you miss out on visiting these Shiva temples in Mumbai.
06 March,2024 08:38 PM IST
It’s time for Christmas 2023! People around the world wait for this time of the year when their beloved Santa Claus showers them with gifts and joy. Willy Black of Khotachiwadi has played Santa for years in Mumbai’s beloved tourist hotspot Khotachiwadi! But since the last few years, his spirit has been dampened and Khotachiwadi doesn't see his Santa spirit anymore. The reason? One of Mumbai’s most famous tourist hotspots - Khotachiwadi is paying the price for being a heritage marvel. Tourists have been trespassing on residents' households and incidents of theft and accidents have pretty common in once-a-quiet village. Once Willy’s songs attracted crowds from far and wide and he welcomed guests with open arms to a display of his cherished belongings! But today, Willy keeps his doors shut for all that he has got in return is damage to his property! The greatest Christmas present for this Santa of Khotachiwadi would be to see his Khotachiwadi as peaceful, safe and serene as it used to be!
25 December,2023 11:14 AM ISTADVERTISEMENT
