Mumbai: Municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Kalyan-Dombivli, Nagpur, Nashik, Malegaon, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, have ordered the closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15. These closures are part of a broader restriction that encompasses certain Hindu and Jain festivals. In Kalyan, heightened security has been implemented in response to potential protests from political parties and butcher associations against these local orders.

Reports and detail that officials are on alert due to warnings of agitation, including the possibility of setting up meat stalls and organizing gatherings near the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). Deputy Commissioner of Police, Atul Zende, mentioned that those engaging in such activities will be served notices, with prohibitory orders possibly issued to maintain public order.

The KDMC’s directive mandates all licensed slaughterhouses and butchers to remain closed from midnight on August 14 to midnight on August 15, under threat of legal action per the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949. In response to criticisms, KDMC Commissioner Abhinav Goel noted that such restrictions are not new, having been in place annually since 1988, and apply to other significant days, including Gandhi Jayanti and Mahavir Jayanti, based on recommendations by health officials.

Political responses have varied, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, expressing disagreement with the closures. The BJP, part of the ruling coalition, has supported the directives referencing a 1988 state government resolution that empowers local bodies to enforce these restrictions. Questions have emerged regarding the historical context, as the initial implementation of the policy dates back to when NCP leader Sharad Pawar was chief minister.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that the government is not concerned with regulating dietary choices, labeling the controversy unnecessary. Conversely, Pawar deemed the bans inappropriate and highlighted that such restrictions typically arise from religious sensitivities. Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray argued for the commissioner’s suspension, advocating against dietary regulations imposed by local authorities.

Opposition parties have criticized the Mahayuti government for creating distractions with “nonsensical” issues while neglecting more pressing matters. Allegations have surfaced that the BJP incites caste and communal tensions as a political strategy.

NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad announced he would host a mutton party on August 15 to showcase personal dietary freedoms. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has contended that the municipal orders are unconstitutional, questioning the connection between meat consumption and Independence Day observances.

Mumbai: Mumbai motorists are set to experience a major change at fuel pumps as E20 petrol, a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, is now available across the city, well ahead of India’s original 2030 target. The move is part of the central government’s aggressive strategy to cut crude oil imports and curb carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from vehicles.

Benefits Of E20 Petrol

India, which had moved from E5 in 2003 to E10 by 2022, has now fast-tracked the E20 rollout by five years. Ethanol, typically made from sugarcane, corn or surplus grain, is considered a low-carbon fuel because the plants used in its production absorb the CO2 emitted when it is burned. This makes it cleaner than conventional petrol while reducing the country’s dependency on fossil fuels.

For Mumbai, a city where vehicular emissions contribute heavily to deteriorating air quality, the shift could help marginally improve pollution levels over time. The city has lakhs of registered vehicles, with traffic congestion ensuring that tailpipe emissions are a persistent environmental challenge. Cleaner-burning E20 could reduce this burden, though the impact will be gradual as older vehicles remain in circulation.

However, not all motorists will benefit equally. Owners of newer, E20-compatible vehicles may find the transition smooth, with some even experiencing marginal performance gains. But those driving older models could face reduced fuel efficiency, higher maintenance costs, and faster wear and tear on certain engine components. Mechanics in Mumbai have already reported queries from customers about potential retrofitting or adjustments needed to handle the new fuel.

Why Is India Pushing Towards E20?

Economically, the E20 push is aimed at cutting India’s massive oil import bill, which exceeds USD 130 billion (over Rs 1.1 lakh crore) annually, The move is aimed to boost the rural economy through increased ethanol demand. Maharashtra, with its extensive sugarcane belt, stands to gain from higher ethanol production, potentially benefiting farmers in western and central districts.

Fuel retailers in Mumbai, such as BPCL and IOCL, are reportedly ready for the shift, with most pumps already dispensing E20 alongside regular petrol. While prices are expected to remain close to current petrol rates, motorists could see varying mileage figures, especially during the early adaptation phase.

In the long run, policymakers hope that widespread adoption of E20 will make Mumbai’s roads greener and the nation’s energy security stronger, even if some drivers will have to adjust their budgets to accommodate the change.

Mumbai: As the city suffers from below-average rainfall this year, water levels are threatening the survival of even more thriving ‘maximum city’. Residents fear frequent water and electricity cuts along with expectation for further delay in the infrastructure development around the city. This year, the rainfall has been below the average levels seen in the August-June-July months, a trifecta known to have the highest amounts of rainfall in the city as well as the state of Maharashtra.

The data provided by the official handle of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), since late July, water stocks have been dangling around 89% recording 89.09% on August 3, then reaching 89.27% then dropping down to 89.02% on August 10, while the India Meteorological Department advised light-moderate rains in the city. The highest water level recorded this month is on August 14, summing up to 89.38%.

Mumbai has been facing heavy drop in rainwater levels compared to past. Mumbai’s water stock, as of August 14, 2025, reached 89.38%, showing improvement, but it is still below some previous years. Reservoir levels are mixed; Modak Sagar and Tansa are nearly full, while Bhatsa, a major contributor, is in the mid-80s. Compared to the last five years, 2025’s stock is better than 2021 and 2023 but lower than 2020 and significantly less than 2022’s peaks.

How 2025 stacks up to the past five yearsA mid-August look back shows 2025 is healthy but not exceptional for Mumbai’s reservoirs. In mid-August 2025, Mumbai’s reservoirs are at 89.38%, marking a healthy but not exceptional year compared to previous years, especially 2022’s peak at 96.91%.

Check Out Water Level Percentage Of Past 5 Years:

2020: 92.38%

2021: 86.86%

2022: 96.91%

2023: 83.01%

2024: 80.45% but in early August, rising to 94.87% by late August (Aug 27)

2025: 89.38%

In general, both Santacruz and Colaba show significant differences in rainfall, illustrating the influence of the monsoon on these areas. Nonetheless, the precise amounts of rainfall in Colaba are not provided, hindering thorough comparisons with typical rainfall norms.

Residents are anxious about potential water shut-offs and supply problems due to the low water levels in the city. While the water levels suffice for the city’s needs, worries cannot be ignored due to closeness, particularly in a rapidly expanding city like Mumbai where numerous mega projects and developments are occurring simultaneously.