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Mumbai: BMC chief Iqbal Singh Chahal hits back at Aaditya Thackeray over corruption charges

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BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has refuted all allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray over “irregularities in BMC tenders and projects”. Chahal clarified that all projects are “implemented as per rules and regulations, without any misconduct or irregularities in the bidding process”.

‘No contractor has stopped work due to shortage of material’

Over shortage of gravel and monopoly of one contractor, Chahal said, “The allegations are baseless. No contractor responsible for cement concrete work has stopped work due to a shortage of material. No issue regarding hiked gravel prices has been raised by any contractor.”

‘Appropriate responses have been provided on the allegations’

The BMC chief said that the corporators’ term ended March 7, 2022, and the state government appointed him as the administrator of the civic body. He said he has diligently fulfilled the responsibilities bestowed upon him. “Appropriate responses have been provided on the allegations through various channels, legal forums, correspondence, media and social platforms. All allegations of financial misconduct, mismanagement, irregularities and contractor favouritism stand completely unsubstantiated and baseless,” he said.

Chahal makes his point very clear

Chahal further clarified that the contract to concretise the 400km road network was given to firms that met the eligibility criteria. “The rates had been increased because no contractor was ready to work within the BMC’s 2018 scheduled rates,” he said, emphasising that stringent conditions were included in the tenders to monitor and maintain quality.

He said even the street furniture tender process was implemented under the online SAP system as per the prevailing terms and conditions to achieve uniformity in 19 BMC departments.

‘Pedestrian First Policy’

The estimated cost for the road furniture project was nearly Rs263 crore but the first lowest tenderer had quoted Rs276.5 crore, which was 4.96% more than the estimated cost. Negotiations were conducted and the tender price was fixed with 0.01% less than the estimated cost. He said all works were supervised and executed by the deputy chief engineer (traffic) who is well versed with the ‘Pedestrian First Policy’ which has a defect liability period of nearly 10 years.

Addressing the sanitary pad vending and incinerator machine, he said, “Considering that many public toilets are located in slum areas, sanitary pad vending and incinerator machines have been set up there. As per a survey conducted by the Solid Waste Management Department, it was determined that the vending and incinerator machines will be installed in 5,000 out of the 8,173 public toilets. The responsibility of operating, maintaining, and refilling these machines for the next three years has been given to contractors. The BMC invited tenders and the lowest bidder was given the work.”

Maharashtra

Govandi is changing: Successful Talent of Govandi Festival filled with children’s artistic talents

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Govandi: With the aim of changing the negative image of Govandi, notorious for drug addiction and crime, and providing a bright future for the children here, the Abu Asim Azmi Foundation, led by local MLA Abu Asim Azmi, has taken a big step. The foundation recently successfully organized the “Talent of Govandi Festival”, which was going on for the past one month.

The festival organized various competitions related to education, sports, skills and talents. Thousands of children from Govandi, Mankhurd, and Shivaji Nagar enthusiastically participated in more than 17 competitions, including singing, dancing, drawing, speech, mehndi, recitation, naat, handicrafts, rangoli, carom, boxing, cricket, volleyball, badminton, karate and poetry. The children performed brilliantly by showcasing their talents and hard work. The new and hidden talents of Govandi were introduced not only locally but also internationally. On this occasion, those IAS officers who added to the glory of Govandi were also honored. MLA Abu Asim Azmi, motivational speakers Sir Awadh Ojha and Sana Khan, and social media influencer Faizo among other dignitaries were present at the event. All of them encouraged the children and gave them prizes. The main objective of the festival was to encourage children to stay away from drugs and choose a better life and make their future bright, through which the talents of the children of Govindi were introduced to the whole world.

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Accused wanted in Madhya Pradesh murder arrested after 7 years from Dhoni

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Mumbai: Paidhoni Police Station has traced the accused who was absconding for 7 years in a murder case in Madhya Pradesh and handed him over to the Madhya Pradesh Police. 6 November
‎From Katni district of Madhya Pradesh, Police Sub-Inspector Rishabh Singh Baghel, Dilip Kaul of Barhi Police Station informed Paidhoni Police that a case has been registered under sections 302, 294, 323, 324, 506, 147, 148 of the Indian Penal Code at Barhi Police Station, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh. The accused in this case is wanted for the last 7 years and is still hiding in the limits of Paidhoni Police Station in Mumbai, help has been sought from the police to trace him. This was informed to Hon. After which the higher officers were informed about this and the above wanted accused was searched and he was detained from the footpath near Balgi Hotel, P.D. Melo Road, Masjid Bunder East, Mumbai. Later he was brought to the Paidhoni Police Station and interrogated regarding the crime. Since there was evidence of his involvement in the crime, the said accused was handed over to the police team at the above police station, district. Katni and they took him to the Barhi Police Station. Where further investigation is underway. The accused has been identified as Raja Ram Ramadhar Tiwari, 35 years old. With the cooperation of the Mumbai Police, the Madhya Pradesh Police solved the case and the wanted accused has been arrested on charges of murder.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Weather Update: City Wakes Up To Clear Skies, Mild Breeze; Overall AQI Stays In Moderate Range At 78

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Mumbai: After weeks of unsettled weather and intermittent showers, the city finally woke up to clear skies and crisp air on Thursday, marking what appears to be the end of the monsoon season. For the past two days, no rainfall was recorded across Mumbai, signalling that the retreating monsoon clouds have made way for the onset of post-monsoon conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies through the day, with only a minimal chance of isolated light showers or thunderstorms in select pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum will settle near 23°C, conditions described as pleasant and comfortable for early November.

The recent spell of short but intense showers had not only brought temporary relief from humidity but also helped wash out accumulated pollutants, leading to an overall improvement in air quality. Prior to this, the withdrawal of monsoon winds had caused a spike in pollution levels due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions, resulting in a hazy skyline and reduced visibility.

Fresh data released by AQI.in on Thursday morning reflected this improvement. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 78, placing it in the moderate category. While the figure marks a slight dip from the good air quality recorded earlier in the week, it still represents a substantial improvement compared to the smog-filled conditions observed after monsoon withdrawal.

Residents across various parts of the city reported clearer skylines and visibly better air. Among the city’s monitoring stations, Wadala Truck Terminal recorded the highest AQI reading at 92, followed by Parel-Bhoiwada (90) and Mulund West (88). Santacruz East and Bhandup West both registered an AQI of 87, keeping them within the moderate range.

Cleaner air was observed in several western suburbs, where Kandivali East recorded an AQI of 45, falling in the good category. Malad West (59), Powai (62), Jogeshwari (65), and Borivali East (67) were all categorised as moderate, suggesting a consistent improvement across the city’s landscape.

As per AQI.in’s classification, an index between 0–50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and anything above 200 is deemed “Severe” or “Hazardous.”

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