Articles by Jeet Mashru
Residents, school kids demand reopening of Delisle bridge before Ganeshotsav
We have written to CM, and we have met the Additional commissioner (projects) from BMC and other BMC officials as well but the bridge continues to remain shut. There have been so many extensions. Last they said it will open on August 31, but look, it continues to remain shut
Published on Sep 14, 2023 12:28 AM IST
Rani Baug Govindas celebrate 100 years of breaking Dahi Handis
Residents of Sankalp Siddhi Tower in Mumbai broke 100 Dahi Handis to celebrate 100 years of the festive tradition. The families have been participating in the Dahi Handi festival for generations, with children starting on top of the pyramid and growing to become the base. The celebration focuses on community building and cultural significance rather than competition. Some residents who have moved away still return for the event, and although they miss the days of celebrating in the chawl, they hope the tradition continues for many more years.
Updated on Sep 08, 2023 12:37 AM IST
BMC razes 28 structures obstructing Gokhale bridge construction
The BMC had hit a roadblock because 13 of the 32 structures were residential. The officials had said that the residents could not be evicted during monsoons as per court orders. Four of the 13 houses were eligible and were rehabilitated under Project Affected People (PAP) Act.
Updated on Sep 07, 2023 12:21 AM IST
SC orders status quo on eviction notices sent by BMC to safai karmacharis
Talking about the Supreme Court order, Govindbhai Parmar, all-India president of the Akhil Bhartiya Safai Mazdoor Congress (ABSMC) said, “The BMC, in order to benefit builders, does not want to give permanent houses to conservancy workers in accordance with the law
Updated on Sep 06, 2023 01:05 AM IST
Madh residents cheer as BMC restores water supply after 15 days
Residents of the Shivaji Nagar area in Mumbai celebrated the restoration of consistent water supply after two weeks of no water. The water was restored by the BMC following a report by HT.
Updated on Sep 05, 2023 12:36 AM IST
Gokhale bridge deadline pushed from Diwali to Dec
An official from the BMC’s K east ward said, “The bridges department had initially requested for 9mts clearance, and we had given them 12mts clearance. Then on August 25, they requested that they want 15mts now. Hence the structures will have to be fully razed
Updated on Sep 05, 2023 12:27 AM IST
Kala Nagar residents face water crisis; allege diversion of supply by BMC
Residents of Kala Nagar in Bandra East, Mumbai, are facing a water shortage, forcing them to rely on water tankers. Despite complaints to the BMC, the crisis continues. The residents suspect that water is being diverted to other areas. The issue has been exacerbated by the redevelopment of buildings in Kala Nagar, which has caused a decrease in water pressure. The BMC has acknowledged the issue and said it will be resolved in the next few days.
Updated on Sep 03, 2023 12:25 AM IST
Andheri, Borivali RTOs launch helpline against share auto/taxi menace
Two Regional Transport Offices in Mumbai have launched a helpline for citizens to complain against erring autorickshaws and taxis in their region. This comes after a campaign by the Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union and the publication of articles highlighting the issue of unauthorised shared autorickshaw stands. The RTO has also started sending surprise flying squads to various auto rickshaw stands to take action against erring drivers. The RTO helpline numbers have been posted on autos and citizens can also send complaints via WhatsApp.
Updated on Aug 30, 2023 12:53 AM IST
Gokhale bridge work hits log jam as BMC needs more space to enable crane movement
Officials said the bridges department had initially requested 10meters clearance from the ward which was complete. However, the contractor now needs more space to maneuver the crane and the structures that were partially demolished will have to go completely
Updated on Aug 29, 2023 12:39 AM IST
Rented commercial properties in Mira Bhayandar to be taxed more
MBMC officials said that according to the 15th Finance Commission, if the tax revenue is not increased by 20% from last year, the corporation will not receive the grants from the commission. Hence, they have to find ways to generate more revenue
Updated on Aug 28, 2023 12:35 AM IST
Madh residents suffer water crisis for 2 weeks
Angry residents noted that water supply is sporadic and there are days when they do not receive any water at all. They blamed local leaders for the lapse and added this has been the situation for the last year-and-a-half
Updated on Aug 26, 2023 12:43 AM IST
State human rights commission orders fact finding inquiry into Ambujwadi slum demolition
The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has ordered a fact-finding inquiry into the demolition of a slum in Mumbai and eviction of 250 families. Social activist Medha Patkar filed a complaint, demanding a stay on the demolition and an investigation into human rights violations. The respondents have been directed to file an affidavit by October 30.
Updated on Aug 25, 2023 01:06 AM IST
After hunger strike by Chandivali residents, BMC floats ₹28-cr tender to build 90ft road
HT was the first to report on residents’ demand for the road on January 29. Once built, the road is expected to prove to be a big relief for Chandivali residents, who have to grapple daily with terrible traffic situations and spend nearly 30 to 45 minutes reaching JVLR. The 90-feet road will drastically reduce this time.
Updated on Aug 22, 2023 12:13 AM IST
WR and BMC pass the buck on garbage at Prabhadevi station
Despite multiple complaints over the past two years, Western Railway (WR) has failed to maintain cleanliness at the exit of Prabhadevi railway station, contending that the responsibility lies with the BMC
Updated on Aug 20, 2023 12:49 AM IST
BMC turns open spaces in Borivali and Saki Naka into graveyards for khataras
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is using these open spaces to dump khataras as well as construction debris, adding to the misery of residents of Palazzio CHS, in Saki Naka’s Safed Pul area who have complained to the civic body through various means for the last 5 years, but to no avail
Updated on Aug 18, 2023 12:45 AM IST
Dog loses eye, suffers severe burns after woman throws acid on him for chasing cats
A first information report (FIR) has been registered against the woman, identified as Sabista Ansari, at Malvani police station based on a complaint filed by the chairman of the housing society. The incident has been captured by the CCTV in the housing society
Updated on Aug 18, 2023 12:43 AM IST
BMC to overhaul citizen services, 9-member committee formed
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai plans to overhaul its citizen services and license processes to improve ease of doing business. The BMC aims to make all ward level permissions/licenses available online, similar to passport applications and ITR filing. A nine-member committee has been formed to gather suggestions from citizens, and the new process is expected to be operational within three months. The BMC also plans to introduce comprehensive document submission and transparency in the application process.
Updated on Aug 16, 2023 12:25 AM IST
Garbage dumping by BMC at Juhu Koliwada is creating a health hazard: Citizens
The citizen group Juhu Buzz, in a detailed email to the senior BMC officials, wrote, “We are deeply troubled by the ongoing practice of transferring trash from Juhu Beach to Juhu Koliwada Beach. Over time, this practice has resulted in heaps of garbage piling up on the once pristine sands of Juhu Koliwada Beach
Updated on Aug 14, 2023 11:49 PM IST
As BMC, BEST bicker over payment for bus service, children miss school
The GV Scheme school, which is run by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), provides school buses in coordination with BEST. However, buses have not been provided this academic year as the BMC has not paid BEST for their services and the file concerned is stuck in bureaucracy, according to activists.
Updated on Aug 14, 2023 12:42 AM IST
‘Regularising share auto stands is the way ahead’
Amid complaints of share autos and taxis resorting to rash driving and ferrying extra passengers, Shashank Rao, president of Mumbai Autorickshaw Taximen’s Union, said the only solution to this menace is regularisation of the share auto stands
Updated on Aug 13, 2023 12:20 AM IST
Amid brickbats, here is one share auto stand that is a hit
When residents in various parts of the city and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have complaints against the share auto and taxi menace, commuters who take share auto from Vikhroli east railway station feel differently
Updated on Aug 12, 2023 12:43 AM IST
Shared autos, a bigger menace in MMR
Shared auto rickshaws in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are causing havoc for residents. Drivers charge flat fares, often double the metered fare, and refuse to go by meter. Overloading, rash driving, and little accountability are also issues. Residents are calling for both shared and metered rickshaws to operate so they have a choice. Some are using app-based rickshaws to avoid shared rickshaws.
Updated on Aug 11, 2023 01:07 AM IST
BMC engineers to go on strike from August 23 over proposed amendment to IPC sections
BMC workers and engineers in Mumbai have threatened to go on strike if the government does not reverse its decision to amend certain sections of the Indian Penal Code and stop "harassing" them in investigations into pandemic irregularities. The workers are concerned that the amendments will reduce their protection as public servants. They also voiced their concerns about the harassment faced by engineers during investigations. The workers argue that their work during the pandemic was praised by the government and the Supreme Court, but they are now facing unnecessary scrutiny.
Updated on Aug 11, 2023 12:57 AM IST
Jeet Mashru, Mumbai
Suburbs or SoBo, no one is spared from share taxi/auto menace
Residents in Mumbai are complaining about the nuisance caused by share taxis in the city. They claim that drivers double park their taxis, refuse to pick up individuals in favor of share taxi passengers, and carry extra passengers in the vehicles. Complaints have been made to the traffic police, but residents believe that there is a lack of enforcement and that the authorities are not taking sufficient action. This issue is not limited to the city center, as commuters in the suburbs have also reported similar problems.
Updated on Aug 10, 2023 12:51 AM IST
Authorities know about menace of share autos but don’t act: Students, office-goers
Both groups have said that the authorities know everything about the flouting of rules by share auto drivers but do not want to act. Helpless due to insufficient BEST buses from Kurla West, the commuters are forced to stand in long queues and are at the mercy of share auto drivers
Updated on Aug 08, 2023 12:42 AM IST
Citizen forums demand end to share taxi menace in Wadala, say RTO not acting
Residents near Wadala railway station in Mumbai are raising concerns about the reckless driving of shared taxi operators in the area. Despite efforts to address the issue, the problem persists, with reports of accidents involving these taxis. Authorities have been urged to take action against the drivers who are endangering lives.
Updated on Aug 05, 2023 12:27 AM IST
Shoddy repair of pothole-riddled roads frustrates residents of Bandra, Khar
Residents of Khar and Bandra West in Mumbai are frustrated with pothole-riddled roads. Former corporator Asif Zakaria called for the BMC to fix the roads instead of levying fines on contractors. The BMC has claimed helplessness but has now swung into action. Residents have complained of poor patchwork and lack of repairs. The BMC commissioner has promised to fix all BMC roads on a war footing. The BMC has instructed ward officers to fill potholes during the dry spell. The use of Rapid Hardening Concrete (RHC) technology to fill potholes has led to uneven roads, according to former leader of opposition Ravi Raja.
Updated on Aug 04, 2023 12:15 AM IST
Illegal truck parking on Chandivali Farm Road irks residents
Around 130 residents of Shapoorji Pallonji Vicinia have written a letter to the joint commissioner of police (traffic) requesting action on heavy vehicles parked illegally on the Chandivali Farm Road
Updated on Aug 02, 2023 12:44 AM IST
Woman falls to her death off cruise liner
She was on a holiday with her husband in Singapore; MEA gets into action after sons’ social media posts seeking help go viral
Updated on Aug 02, 2023 12:39 AM IST
BMC issues ₹36-crore tenders to fix potholes
BMC has introduced Reactive Asphalt technology, but it’s pretty costly. Hence, it cannot be used everywhere. The cost allocated for Reactive Asphalt is ₹9 crore,” said Chahal. “BMC opted for Rapid hardening concrete (RHC), which was tried last year. It requires a dry spell of a minimum of six hours
Updated on Jul 31, 2023 05:33 PM IST