Articles by Sabah Virani
Residents assured on Elphinstone Bridge reconstruction
Meeting addresses rehabilitation for Elphinstone Bridge residents; cluster redevelopment details pending, and no relocation to Kurla promised.
Published on May 06, 2025 09:04 AM IST
Sabah Virani, Mumbai:
BMC to move SC on Kanjurmarg dumping ground order
Although the plot occupied by the landfill was originally classified as a “protected forest”, the high court had in April 2006 allowed the BMC to use it as a dumping ground following an assurance that no mangroves would be destroyed in the process
Published on May 06, 2025 06:58 AM IST
BMC to install 14 more trash booms to stop garbage from flowing into Arabian Sea, Thane Creek
Once in place, the new installations will expand Mumbai’s trash boom network to 23. The existing nine units, which were introduced three years ago, have shown promising results in capturing floating waste before it can pollute the city’s fragile marine ecosystems
Published on May 03, 2025 07:14 AM IST
Surprise inspection exposes poor workmanship on Khar Road; BMC slaps ₹75L fine
Other violations included the use of coarse aggregates of 60mm instead of the required 20mm, and uneven surfaces far beyond the permissible 2–5mm range. Critically, the mandatory Field Dry Density (FDD) test—which checks for proper compaction—had not been done, compromising the road’s strength and lifespan
Published on May 02, 2025 08:36 AM IST
Fire-fighting system was not working: Fire brigade
Chief fire officer, Ravi Ambulgekar said that the fire-fighting system wasn’t working, including the sprinklers. The fire brigade has launched an inquiry into the cause of the blaze and the irregularities in the building’s fire-fighting system
Published on May 01, 2025 08:12 AM IST
After years of delay, SCLR-WEH extension may open in May
The Santacruz Chembur Link Road extension is 95% complete, with hopes for a May opening, easing traffic from eastern to western suburbs in Mumbai.
Published on May 01, 2025 08:04 AM IST
550 responses to draft SWM byelaws, most against user fee levied on citizens
The responses object to the introduction of an SWM user fee, starting from ₹100 for homes with a built-up area of up to 50 square metres
Published on Apr 30, 2025 08:22 AM IST
Marathi film celebrates BMC employees who bettered their stock with education
A Marathi film, 'Aata Thambaycha Nai', highlights the inspiring journey of 23 BMC workers who, with mentorship, overcame challenges to pass their SSC exams.
Published on Apr 30, 2025 07:56 AM IST
Elphinstone bridge row: Govt announces cluster redevelopment for 19 affected bldgs
Under the plan, residents of Haji Noorani and Laxmi Niwas will be moved to transit accommodation in Kurla. However, residents have rejected even a temporary shift. “We refuse to go to Kurla. Our work, our children’s schools, our lives are here
Published on Apr 29, 2025 08:38 AM IST
After 10 yrs in making, Vidyavihar bridge to be ready in mid-2026
Though the ROB was first proposed in the 1991 Development Plan, it stayed on paper for over a decade before the plan was drawn up in 2016
Published on Apr 24, 2025 08:30 AM IST
Bellasis Bridge to beat deadline by 6 months?
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is confident that it complete the reconstruction of the over-a-century-old bridge not just by its June 2026 deadline, but six months before it
Published on Apr 17, 2025 09:24 AM IST
Bandra residents say ‘no’ to guard rails on footpaths
As Mumbai’s walkability debate heats up, residents rally against the BMC’s plan to erect guard rails along Perry Road – but the municipality is adamant
Published on Apr 06, 2025 08:22 AM IST
MMRDA planning to improve multi-modal connectivity of Mumbai Metro
The multi-modal integration (MMI) plan hopes to fix these issues. One important proposal is the construction of foot overbridges (FOBs) connecting metro stations to nearby areas for safe and convenient access
Published on Apr 06, 2025 05:00 AM IST
City’s walking ecosystem falls short: Gagrani
Mumbai's walking infrastructure is inadequate, with experts urging improvements for safety and accessibility, despite BMC's efforts and funding.
Published on Apr 05, 2025 08:12 AM IST
Commuters doubt BMC’s November deadline for Mrinal Tai Gore Flyover extension
Originally planned to open along with the main flyover in 2016, the extension suffered setbacks due to fears the design would increase traffic on SV Road
Published on Apr 03, 2025 08:18 AM IST
How legal water connections impacts lives in slums
A survey of 202 citizens across seven informal settlements showed remarkable improvements in their lives, such as the time spent to fetch water, the costs to acquire the basic necessity, impact on health and psychological benefits
Published on Apr 03, 2025 07:46 AM IST
Five hectares of hope: A forest reborn in SGNP
‘Moth Lady’ V Shubhalaxmi and her team took just 3 years to reforest five hectares of barren land in nat’l park
Published on Apr 01, 2025 06:50 AM IST
New pan-Sobo residents group discusses pollution issues with govt reps
MUMBAI: The South Mumbai Residents Association met to discuss pollution issues, highlighting construction and vehicular pollution as major concerns.
Published on Mar 31, 2025 07:26 AM IST
Coastal Road exit plan at Nepean Sea Road declined
MSRDC shoots down BMC’s proposal to use its land parcel for the exit, saying it is meant for other uses
Published on Mar 29, 2025 06:34 AM IST
Sabah Virani, Mumbai
BMC holds meeting with warring Bhuleshwar residents and goldsmiths
The residents have long claimed to be troubled by the pollution emitted by the gold- and silver-processing units while the goldsmiths have spoken up in support of their centuries-old trade
Published on Mar 28, 2025 06:44 AM IST
Final countdown: Gokhale Bridge to open by May 15
In a city increasingly defined by traffic gridlock, bridges are rising – sleek, soaring and reshaping the way Mumbai moves. The BMC has more than 20 bridges in the pipeline. In this series, HT examines these bridges, their costs, their impact and how they will transform commuting in Maximum City
Published on Mar 27, 2025 08:20 AM IST
Citizens fear uncertain fate of reclaimed land
Breach Candy residents, who have a clear view of the Coastal Road’s reclaimed land from their homes, are wary of what will become of the reclaimed land bank
Published on Mar 27, 2025 07:52 AM IST
BMC and police evacuate residents from Dsouza Mansion
A week after their electricity and water connections were cut off, the BMC and police evacuated the residents of Dsouza Mansion in Santacruz East, to prepare for the building’s demolition.
Published on Mar 26, 2025 10:14 AM IST
BMC awaiting papers to establish illegalities at Habitat studio
BMC is investigating illegalities at Unicontinental Hotel and Habitat Studio after Kunal Kamra's controversial song, awaiting necessary documents for action.
Updated on Mar 26, 2025 06:09 AM IST
Plucky security guard dies in Vidyavihar building fire
Mumbai: Uday Gangan, a security guard, died in a fire at Takshashila building, while trying to extinguish flames. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Published on Mar 25, 2025 08:26 AM IST
Cultures of play: A new book looks at how children play in the city
MUMBAI: A new book, "Cult of Play," explores how Mumbai's play culture has shifted from communal spaces to gated communities, impacting children's play experiences.
Published on Mar 24, 2025 08:10 AM IST
Planned coastal road interchange at Charkop worries residents
Residents of Charkop Sector 8 are alarmed as the Coastal Road project threatens their trees, mangroves, and community infrastructure, seeking urgent BMC intervention.
Published on Mar 21, 2025 07:42 AM IST
Nahur bridge: Phase 1 almost complete
The existing bridge has acquired two ‘arms’ – each one flanking the current structure, and each one carrying traffic in opposite directions
Published on Mar 20, 2025 07:58 AM IST
Residents of Santacruz gaothan building up for demolition allege injustice
On March 11, the BMC served the residents a notice to evacuate, as their building had been categorised as C-1 or dilapidated and to be demolished
Published on Mar 19, 2025 09:02 AM IST
Sabah Virani, Mumbai
1992 Bombay riots: The pictures show consequences of a vicious atmosphere: Justice Srikrishna
The allegations of fabrication then set the police after him, with Crasto hiding out in the dark room, as the newspaper prepared to publish a rebuttal with photographs from his film reel depicting the sequences of events of the day
Published on Mar 16, 2025 07:50 AM IST