Mumbai: The much-anticipated third phase of Mumbai’s Metro-3 Aqua Line, connecting Worli to Cuffe Parade, is set to miss its scheduled Independence Day inauguration, with officials now targeting a launch by the end of August.

Reason Behind Missing August 15 Deadline

The 9.1-km underground stretch was initially slated to open on August 15. However, a Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) official confirmed that construction at two crucial Kalbadevi stations is still underway. Work in the densely populated area has faced delays due to congested layouts and logistical challenges. “We are targeting an inauguration by the end of August.

The Metro-3 Aqua Line is expected to majorly ease north-south travel in the city once operational. The first two phases have already improved connectivity between Aarey and Worli, while the final leg will link commuters directly to Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai.

Meanwhile, on the eve of Independence Day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will preside over the inauguration of several other infrastructure projects across Mumbai. These include a 2.75-km flyover between Mumbai University and Vile Parle to ease the Santacruz bottleneck, a new bridge connecting Kalanagar and Dharavi for better east-west access and a Metro motormen training centre at Mandale to reduce dependence on outstation facilities.

Fadnavis will also inaugurate MMRDA staff quarters at Malvani and symbolically hand over keys to 556 tenants from the redeveloped BDD chawls in Worli, marking the completion of the project’s first phase. In addition, the International Experience Centre at Dabbewala Bhavan in Bandra West will be opened to celebrate Mumbai’s famed lunchbox delivery network.

While the city will benefit from the slew of new transport and housing initiatives, the delay in Metro-3’s completion means daily commuters will have to wait a little longer for seamless underground connectivity from Worli to South Mumbai.

Mumbai: The Kalachowki police have booked a Jain spiritual leader and unidentified members of a housing society for allegedly inciting hatred, threatening a resident and vandalising his vehicles, resulting in damages estimated at Rs 2 lakh.

About The Case

According to the FIR, Nirmal Kumar Ajayraj Sothani, 62, a businessman in the crusher machine industry, resides in Magnum Tower in Chivda Galli, Lalbaug, along with his wife and son. He alleged that Jain spiritual leader Nileshchandra even filed a false police complaint. Sothani alleged that after purchasing the flat six years ago, the society’s chairman, members and some residents continued to harass him and his son over parking disputes.

He added that he had repeatedly submitted written requests to the managing committee, seeking additional parking space. However, the committee allegedly targeted and antagonised him. The police complaint further said that religious programmes organised by the Jain community were being held on the building’s ground floor throughout the year, often involving the unauthorised use of gas cylinders and stoves for cooking. Sothani said that he had filed a complaint with the BMC, after which the civic officials conducted a raid on August 1 and confiscated the stoves and cylinders.

The action led to resentment among the residents, said the businessman, adding that they allegedly misinformed Nileshchandra about his involvement. In response, the latter is accused of delivering an inflammatory speech, urging residents to boycott Sothani and his son, and threatening to prevent them from entering the building. The businessman claimed that Nileshchandra also filed a false police complaint against him and his son.

On the same day following the BMC raid, some residents allegedly vandalised three of Sothani’s vehicles – an Ertiga, a Fortuner and a Suzuki Invicto – and smashed their windows. The move jeopardised their safety, he underlined. The Kalachowki police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 324(5) [whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of one lakh rupees or upwards] and 351(2) [criminal intimidation].

Mumbai: Days after protesters tore down the tarpaulin covering at Dadar Kabutarkhana, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday reinstalled the cover by erecting tarpaulin sheets over bamboo sticks. Mumbai Police also set up barricades around the premises to prevent citizens from feeding pigeons.

A senior civic official said that the covering was done as per Bombay High Court (HC) directions, which prohibit pigeon feeding at the site. “The structure will remain covered until the court decides the next course of action, The cover was reportedly put up early on Monday to avoid clashes and that the BMC has asked Mumbai Police to maintain a presence in the area.

Riot Control Police Deployed At Kabutarkhana

On Sunday, an unusual scene unfolded at the Kabutarkhana as Riot Control Police were deployed to prevent violence. This came after Saturday’s incident when a man, identified as Mahendra D. Sanklecha (55) of Gazdar Street, Chirabazar, drove up with a food grain tray mounted on his car roof to feed pigeons.

Local residents stopped him, leading to heated arguments. Sanklecha reportedly claimed that 12 more cars with similar grain trays were on their way. Following a complaint by Sandesh Vikram Matkar (57), a junior supervisor from BMC’s G-North ward, Shivaji Park Police registered an FIR against Sanklecha.

Kabutarkhanas are open public spaces traditionally used for feeding pigeons, a practice deeply rooted in local culture and religious sentiment. The Dadar Kabutarkhana, built in 1933 and managed by a local trust, has long been a hub for bird enthusiasts and religious communities.

BMC Action After Bombay HC Directive

The BMC’s action follows the Bombay High Court’s July 30 order directing authorities to curb illegal and defiant pigeon feeding in public areas, particularly in Dadar West, due to health hazards such as fungal infections and respiratory problems. The HC also instructed the formation of an expert committee to assess the issue and, if in agreement with the BMC, suggest alternative arrangements for the pigeons. Civic officials have hinted that controlled, staggered feeding may be allowed depending on the committee’s recommendations.

The High Court will hear the Advocate General for Maharashtra and other parties on the committee formation on August 13. Meanwhile, the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti has called for a major protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana on the same day, demanding strict enforcement of the feeding ban and closure of kabutarkhanas.