Mumbai: During the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, there was a heated debate on the proposed Manori desalination project (a project to make seawater drinkable) to address Mumbai’s water shortage. Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi raised several important public questions in the House. Regarding the project, which is being built at an estimated cost of ₹ 4,077 crore, Abu Asim Azmi asked the government when the actual work on the project would begin and whether it would be completed within the stipulated time (48 months). He also sought clarification on the operation and maintenance costs of the project and its impact on the water bills of Mumbai residents. Industries Minister Uday Samant, while answering these important questions in the House, provided information about the current status of the project.

Mumbai: Today, in the Maharashtra Assembly, MLA Abu Asim Azmi raised the issue of law and order and public safety in the state with great seriousness during the session. While participating in the proceedings of the House, MLA Abu Asim Azmi prominently raised the issue of the growing illegal drug trade and the resulting increase in serious crimes in his constituency. He informed the House that drug addiction is not only destroying the younger generation but it has also led to an unprecedented increase in theft, snatching and other crimes, which is creating an atmosphere of insecurity among the local residents.

Terming public safety as the most important, the MLA drew the government’s attention to the imbalance between the existing police system and the population of the area. He said that the population of the region has increased rapidly in recent years, but the police force and resources have not increased in proportion. He urged the government to take immediate action to strengthen the security and safety of lives and property. He demanded that additional police contingents be deployed in the area to deal with the current challenges and increase patrols. He also demanded that new police stations be established keeping in mind the population density and geographical spread, so that the police can respond quickly in emergencies.

Speaking in the House, the MLA clearly stated that he had seriously raised the issue of drug use and the resulting increase in crime in the Assembly today. He further demanded that the government increase the police force keeping in mind the safety of the people and establish new police stations as per the population.

Other members of the House also agreed on this sensitive issue. Considering the seriousness of the issue, the government assured that strict steps are being taken to dismantle the drug network and police stations will be reviewed on the basis of the new population scale to strengthen law and order.

Mumbai: After the death of pedestrian Aslam Sheikh after falling into a manhole on Khairani Road in Sakinaka, Mumbai, the Mumbai Police has registered a case of negligence and carelessness against the contractor. Earlier, the BMC had taken action in this matter and suspended Assistant Municipal Commissioner L. Ward Dhanji Harlekar and three BMC officers Abhijeet Chogle, Deepak Chogle and Uttam Patil. This inquiry has been handed over to the Additional Municipal Commissioner Suburban headed by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. The inquiry report will be submitted in 7 days. Earlier, the BMC has blacklisted the above-mentioned contractor. The repair work of a water drain was underway on Khairani Road within the limits of Sakinaka. A passerby, Aslam Ishaq Sheikh, 55, a resident of Yadav Nagar, Sakinaka, died after falling into an open manhole. In this regard, based on a complaint filed by a BMC officer of L ward, a case has been registered at Sakinaka police station against the contractor and the workers assigned to the repair work. The investigation is underway and no arrest has been made in the case so far, informed DCP Dutta Nalawade here. In this case, it has been found that no safety arrangements were made near the manhole, which is why this tragedy occurred.