Maharashtra

Mumbai: BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani Reviews ₹13-Cr JJ Flyover Beautification Amid Traffic Police NOC Denial; Activists Slam Project

Published

4 months ago

February 14, 2025

Mumbai: The BMC’s Rs 13 crore beautification below JJ flyover has hit a road block with the traffic police confirming on Thursday that it has not given NOC. The project on a 2.1 km stretch below the flyover is embroiled in a major controversy with activists alleging that the it will only add to the acute congestion in the area. On Thursday, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani visited the site below JJ flyover to review the situation.

Pradnya Jedge, deputy commissioner of police (traffic) confirmed to the media that the traffic department has not given its NOC for the project. “The BMC is carrying out the work without the mandatory NOC from us,” Jedge said on Thursday.

In a letter dated December 15, 2023, the then Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Pravin Padwal had written to BMC’s additional commissioner (projects) requesting him to obtain an NOC from his department.

“We would like to bring to your attention the necessity of obtaining NOC from the traffic control branch for such beautification projects. Ensuring proper traffic flow and safety of pedestrians is of utmost importance and obtaining a traffic NOC will help coordinate efforts to minimize any potential impact on vehicles and pedestrian movements,” the letter said.

Local activist Kamlakar Shenoy slammed the project calling it a waste of public money and risking citizens’ safety. “The corporation is violating its own order passed in 1999 prohibiting any new structures below a flyover. Thus the structures, including the dummy double-decker BEST bus below the flyover are totally illegal.”

Kamlakar also questioned the high-handedness of the BMC in carrying out the beautification work without traffic NOC. “The structures obstruct pedestrian movement and cause inconvenience to motorists. Installing new structures is not beautification,” he said.

Meanwhile, local MLA Congress’ Amin Patel has demanded an inquiry from the Economic Offence Wing of the police against the public funds spent on the so-called beautification. “I had proposed for beautification like landscaping below the flyover costing Rs 2 to 3 crore. However, BMC came up with a project, appointed a consultant and Rs 10 crore was given to the contractor to carry out the beautification. The contractor now claims that 80% of the work is completed, however, the work is not visible. It is nothing but minting money.”

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Mumbai Police arrests 38 wanted accused

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Mumbai: Mumbai Police has intensified its action against criminal elements. Between June 11 and June 20, the police claimed to have arrested 38 most wanted accused during a special operation in Zone 4 of Mumbai. These accused had several serious crimes registered against them, including 34 assault and harassment, 13 property and 9 other crimes.

This operation was conducted under the leadership of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti. DCP Ragasudha said that the police were looking for many accused and the police had started searching for them. Under this, this operation was conducted and the police has also prepared a list of criminals who are wanted in many cases.

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Maharashtra

Massive Fire Breaks Out In Mumbai’s Marine Lines Area; Visuals Surface

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June 23, 2025

Mumbai Press

Mumbai: A large blaze occurred in a residential building at Marine Lines in Mumbai. Reports indicate that a significant fire was caused by a short circuit on the fourth floor of a residential building named Neelkanth. The firefighters arrived at the location. No specifics regarding injuries or fatalities have been confirmed. Visuals of this fire are being shared on social media. Further information is awaited

Post Views: 37,023

Maharashtra

Mumbai launched a campaign against drug abuse, organised a cyclothon with the resolution of ‘Drug Free India’

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Mumbai Press

Mumbai: A unique sight was seen on the streets of Mumbai on Sunday morning when hundreds of people rode bicycles and united against drug abuse. Organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai and Greater Mumbai Police, the cyclothon gave the message of spreading awareness against drugs.

The “Drugs Free India” campaign started from Bandra Reclamation Bus Station and ended at Juhu Beach.

Big personalities gathered to flag off the cyclothon at 7 am. Naval Bajaj (ADG, ATS), Sharda Nikam (IG, ANTF), Amit Ghavate (Additional Director, NCB Mumbai), Navnath Dhawale (DCP, ANC) and Dr. Deepshikha Birla (Senior Superintendent of India Post) flagged off in the presence of Mumbai North Division and personnel from Narcotics Control Bureau, Mumbai Unit and Anti Narcotics Cell, Mumbai Police.

People of all ages participated in this cyclothon organized by Loha Foundation. From youth to the elderly, everyone raised their voice against drug abuse by riding bicycles. The route was specially chosen keeping in mind traffic and safety, so that the participants do not face any inconvenience.

The walk from Bandra to Juhu was not only good for health but also gave a social message.

The event concluded at Juhu Beach, where common citizens and officials shared their views. Participants said that such events remind us that drug addiction not only ruins the life of one person, but also the entire society. We all have to come together to stop it.

This effort of NCB highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and promoted a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Officials said that this cyclothon is just a beginning; there will be more such events in the future, which will help in freeing the society from the clutches of drugs.

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