Mumbai: The Municipal Corporation administration should implement comprehensive and effective measures to effectively control the problem of waterlogging in Mumbai during the monsoon season. In particular, to complete the desilting work in various drains, bridges and drainage systems in Zone 5 more quickly, additional manpower and machinery should be deployed as a special case, as directed by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. Mayor Tawde also directed that after reviewing the low-lying areas where rainwater is likely to accumulate, the pumping pumps should be operated at full capacity so that the citizens do not face any problem during the monsoon.
Mayor Ritu Tawde inspected the desilting work from drains at various locations. This included Soumya Drain in Jayambe Nagar in Ghatkopar (East), Subhash Nagar Drain on Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road in Govind, Vashi Naka Drain near Eastern Freeway in Chembur, RC Drain near Jejamata Nagar culvert, Chembur, Nallah near Mansingh Society, and Vidhuja Nallah. The places visited were on the morning of (June 1, 2026) and inspected the sludge removal works. Necessary instructions were also given.
Local Corporator Mahadev Shivgan, Local Corporator Pragya Sadapole, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 5) Scindia Nandikar, Assistant Commissioner M-West Zone Shankar Bhosale, Deputy Chief Engineer (Waterways) Sanjay Angle and other concerned officers were present on the visit.
While inspecting the Washi Naka drain, the Mayor also got to know how the plants used to intercept floating waste, including trash booms and conveyor belts, are being handled effectively.
Speaking to the media during the inspection, Mayor Ritu Tawde said that the work of desilting major and minor drains, including the Mithi river, in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is progressing at a fast pace. Every year, 80 per cent of the annual target is cleared before the monsoon. This year, the average target of desilting major and minor drains before the monsoon has been achieved. The work of desilting will continue during and after the monsoon. The work of cleaning drains in Zone 5 was progressing slowly due to difficulties in appointing a contractor. Since the initially appointed contractor did not complete the work at the expected pace, a new contractor had to be appointed in his place. As a result, time was lost. However, during the inspection, it was found that the work of removing silt from drains has now accelerated. Since the arrival of rains is expected after the scheduled time this year, the work of removing silt and floating waste from drains should continue in the first week of June as well. Mayor Tawde gave clear instructions that if the process of removing silt needs to be accelerated in Zone 5, additional manpower and machinery should be specially deployed. Mayor Tawde further said that wherever necessary, protective walls should be erected to protect the drains and a long-term solution should be decided. Underground drains and bridges should be cleaned regularly, and wherever necessary, robotic systems should be used to facilitate the process of transporting sewage. All the concerned agencies should work cooperatively and responsibly to keep the drainage system efficient. Submersible pumps should be installed in low-lying areas where rainwater accumulates. Mayor Tawde also clarified that corporators and public representatives should also be provided with information about the work of removing silt from drains. Mayor Tawde also humbly appealed to the citizens not to throw garbage and noisemakers into the drains and cooperate in the efforts of the Municipal Corporation.

Mumbai: After BJP came to power, the position is being targeted and Muslims are their target. If a Muslim or Yadav commits a crime, he would be encountered. If the same crime is committed by a non-Muslim or upper caste Hindu, he would not be encountered. After the murder incident in UP, MLA Abu Asim Azmi expressed concern over the encounter and said that if there is an accused, the court has the power to punish him, but the court proceedings are being affected by the encounter bulldozer action. If punishment is given in this way, then what is the need for a court in the country? Azmi said that the future of 22 lakh students in the NET has become dark but the Education Minister did not resign while it is his moral responsibility to resign over his failure but here the issue is that the government is not ready to admit its mistake. When Lal Bahadur Shastri was the Railway Minister, the railway suffered an accident and he accepted moral responsibility and resigned while he was not at fault. Here, such Chief Ministers are elected who have five to four murder cases registered against them. Azmi said that an attempt is being made to spoil the environment by targeting one religion. He said that during Ganpati and Kannur Yatra, the roads are blocked but the government showers flowers on them but if a Muslim offers prayers outside the mosque due to shortage of space, action is taken against him. Why this unilateral action? He said that justice demands that there should be equal justice for all, but today the situation is that the situation in West Bengal has gone from bad to worse. After the BJP came to power in West Bengal, problems have been created from sacrifice to prayers on the streets. On the removal of Abhishek Banerjee’s security, Azmi said that the BJP practices revenge politics in power. It uses agencies including ED, CBI, Income Tax to attack the opposition and they are targeted. The attack on Abhishek Banerjee is wrong and shameful.

Mumbai: The residents of Nepeansea Road organized a grand Hindu Sammelan at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Chowpatty, on Sunday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., witnessing enthusiastic participation from over 500 attendees from across the locality.

Despite being a leisurely Sunday morning, the event drew an impressive gathering of young volunteers, professionals, business leaders, families, and senior citizens, reflecting a growing interest in community engagement, cultural values, and social harmony.

The Sammelan featured inspiring addresses by distinguished speakers. Shri Gunwant Ji Kothari, Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), shared his thoughts on social cohesion, national development, and the importance of strengthening community bonds.

A special highlight of the event was the address by Supreme Court Advocate and noted social reformer Shri Ashwini Upadhyay, who travelled from New Delhi specifically to attend the Sammelan. Widely known as the “PIL Man of India,” he energized the audience with a thought-provoking speech on constitutional awareness, social reforms, and civic responsibility.

MLA Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha led the welcome of Acharya Naya Padma Sagar Swami Maharaj Ji, whose presence and blessings were among the major highlights of the Sammelan. The revered spiritual leader blessed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of the organizers in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds on a common platform dedicated to social harmony and cultural values. His address marked the culmination of the programme, during which he emphasized the need for positive societal transformation through values-based leadership, character building, family values, and collective community efforts.

The gathering was notable for its diverse participation and witnessed the presence of several prominent members of the Jain community, reinforcing the spirit of unity and shared cultural heritage.

The Sammelan was led by Adhyaksh Shri Girishbhai Shah, Upadhyaksh Shri Vikram Trivedi, and Mrs. Uma Pachisia, along with a dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Shri Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group, and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal sent special video messages conveying their happiness and best wishes for this first-of-its-kind community gathering in the Nepeansea Road area.

The programme was ably compered by Shri Ajay Mantri.

Many attendees expressed their desire for more such gatherings in the future. Organizers described the Sammelan as a unique platform that brought together people from different age groups and backgrounds with a common commitment towards preserving cultural values, fostering social harmony, and contributing positively to society.

The overwhelming response to the Nepeansea Road Hindu Sammelan demonstrates the growing desire among citizens to come together through constructive dialogue, community participation, and shared civilizational values.