Mumbai: The Municipal Corporation is providing regular water supply to the citizens and the Municipal Corporation administration is appealing to all water connection holders to pay the pending water bills before March 31, 2026. It has also been warned that if the pending water bill is not paid within the stipulated time, the water connection will be disconnected. The Water Engineering Department of the Municipal Corporation has launched a comprehensive campaign for the recovery of outstanding water bills. Keeping this in mind, facilities have been provided at the civic amenities center at the nearest department office. In addition, water bills can be paid on the Municipal Corporation website https://aquaptax.mcgm.gov.in. By visiting this website, citizens can view their water bill information and make payments by logging in to the water department. Apart from this, the facility of paying water bills through digital channels like NEFT, online payment, mobile app is also available. If the pending water bill is not paid within the stipulated time i.e. before 31st March 2026, then action can be taken to disconnect the concerned water connection under Section 279 (1) (a) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. Water connection holders who have not received their water bills should contact their administrative department office (ward office). The Municipal Corporation is also providing information that citizens can obtain a copy of the water bill from the Municipal Corporation’s Aqua website or from the office of the concerned Assistant Engineer (Water Works).

Palghar, Maharashtra: Amid rumours circulating in some areas about a possible shortage of domestic LPG due to the prevailing war-like situation at the global level, the district administration has clarified that the supply of household cooking gas in Palghar district remains smooth and there is no shortage.

District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar said that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders across the district is continuing without disruption and citizens should not believe in rumours being spread about a shortage.

The district administration has appealed to residents not to panic or rush to stockpile LPG cylinders unnecessarily. It has also warned that domestic LPG cylinders are meant strictly for household use, and any commercial or unauthorised use of such cylinders will invite strict action against the concerned individuals or establishments.

According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, and the rules of oil marketing companies such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, a minimum gap of 25 days between two cylinder bookings has been made mandatory to prevent hoarding and black marketing. As per the rules, the next cylinder can be booked only after 25 days from the delivery of the previous one.

Meanwhile, all LPG distributors in the district have been instructed to ensure that cylinders are delivered to consumers as early as possible after booking, in accordance with the prescribed norms. Citizens have been advised to contact their respective gas agencies in case of booking-related issues or any technical difficulties.

For grievance redressal, the district administration has also provided two contact numbers — 02525-297474 and 8983456347 (WhatsApp) — where citizens can report their problems through calls or messages.

The administration further stated that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to essential services such as ashram schools, hospitals, and the mid-day meal scheme will continue without interruption. Action will be taken against distributors if any disruption occurs in supplying gas to these institutions.

Reiterating that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the district, Dr. Jakhar urged citizens to remain calm, use LPG in a regular manner, and cooperate with the administration.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Agriculture Department has warned that several parts of the state may experience thunderstorms accompanied by rain and gusty winds between March 17 and 20.

According to the preliminary forecast, cloudy conditions are likely to develop mainly in the afternoon during this period, leading to thunderstorms and rainfall in parts of Vidarbha region, Marathwada region, Khandesh region and areas of Central Maharashtra.

The department said lightning, strong winds and rainfall are likely during this period, while the possibility of hailstorms in some areas cannot be ruled out. As per the current forecast, the intensity of these weather conditions may increase between March 18 and 20.

Farmers have been advised to closely monitor updated weather forecasts over the next few days and plan agricultural activities accordingly. As harvesting of rabi crops is currently underway in many parts of the state, farmers should store harvested produce in safe places or ensure it is properly covered.

The Agriculture Department has also urged farmers to take necessary precautions to protect crops from possible damage caused by strong winds, rain and potential hailstorms during the forecast period.