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Maharashtra

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: New 60-Ft Tall Statue To Be Built In Sindhudurg By Firm That Constructed Statue Of Unity

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Mumbai: The state government of Maharashtra has awarded a new contract to Ram Sutar Art Creations for the construction of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Sindhudurg, replacing the one that collapsed on August 26. The company, led by Anil Ram Sutar, is renowned for its work on the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, a monumental tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, ‘India’s Iron Man.’

The new statue will stand 60 feet tall, significantly surpassing the height of the previous statue, which was 33 feet. After the earlier statue collapsed just nine months after being unveiled, the government is taking extra precautions this time. The contract stipulates that the statue should last for at least 100 years, with the builder responsible for maintaining it for the first decade.

About Earlier Statue Collapse Mishap

The earlier statue, which had been unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, on the eve of Navy Day, collapsed in August 2024, leading to widespread embarrassment for both the state and central governments. The state ordered an investigation, which revealed that the statue’s downfall was due to corrosion, a weak frame, and poor welding. The findings prompted swift action to restore the statue and ensure a more durable structure.

Manisha Mhaiskar, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), confirmed to HT that Ram Sutar Art Creations was selected for the project. The tender for the new statue was published in late September, and the state government has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the project.

Two Committes Set Up For Statue Work

In response to the collapse of the original statue, two committees were set up: one to investigate the cause of the failure and another, led by Mhaiskar, to oversee the construction of the new and larger statue. The new project is seen as a way to restore the honour associated with the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, one of Maharashtra’s most revered historical figures.

With heightened scrutiny on the project, the state government aims to ensure that the new statue stands the test of time, serving as a lasting tribute to Shivaji Maharaj and reflecting the state’s pride in its cultural and historical legacy.

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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Maharashtra

Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC arrests drug dealer Akbar Khao in major operation

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Mumbai: Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC Ghatkopar has claimed to have arrested drug dealer Mohammad Shafi Sheikh alias Akbar Khao on charges of drug trafficking. MCOCA was applied to him in the police station for drug trafficking and he was released on bail. Despite this, he used to supply drugs. ANC had arrested an accused in a drug case. During his investigation, it was revealed that Akbar Khao was a fugitive in this case. His details were known and clues were found. He is hiding in Odisha, after which the police arrested him from Raj Gangapur Sundergarh. A total of 15 cases have been registered against Akbar Khao, including NDPS Act and various crimes. Two NDPS Act cases are registered in VB Nagar. ANC has 2 NDPS drug trafficking cases, a total of 18 cases have been registered. The ANC has arrested two accused in this case and also seized drugs worth Rs 12 crore. This operation was carried out by ANC DCP Nunath Dhole on the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.

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Maharashtra

State ready for Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat Mahayuti elections: Chief Minister Fadnavis

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In the Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat elections in Mumbai state, Mahayuti will contest the election as a united front and even where there is no electoral consensus in Mahayuti, there will be a friendly contest and it is hoped that the people of the state will trust Mahayuti in these elections. This claim has been made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. No formula for the distribution of seats in Mahayuti has been decided so far for the local body elections. However, where the alliance party and the BJP are strong, a formula for a solo contest has been decided, just like the talk of Eknath Shinde in Thana and BJP’s solo contest in Pune is common.

Fadnavis criticized Uddhav Thackeray and said that it is his job to insult him. If he is visiting the state, it is a good thing, but the people know everything and they will restore faith in Mahayuti in the elections. He said that the Election Commission has announced the elections. Uddhav Thackeray and the opposition want to postpone the elections, so they are alleging irregularities and rigging in the voting list. However, the Supreme Court has issued instructions to hold the elections soon, so it is not possible to postpone or delay the elections. Fadnavis expressed confidence that he has faith in the people. This time too, the people will agree with Mahayuti. Therefore, the opposition wants to postpone and postpone the elections, while Mahayuti is ready for the elections.

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