Mumbai: A shocking incident has come to light in the Vasai-Virar region, where abandoned quarries are once again proving to be fatal.

The body of a 12-year-old girl, Ruksar Habiullah Khan, who had been missing for two days from the Bapane area in Naigaon East, was found floating in the water of an abandoned quarry near Chinchoti. Preliminary investigations have indicated that the minor died due to drowning.

The report states that the girl had stepped out of her house on April 28 to play with her friends. However, when she did not return home, her family began searching for her in the surrounding areas.

On Thursday, local residents noticed a body floating in the quarry water and immediately alerted the police. After the body was retrieved, it was identified as that of the missing girl. Acting swiftly, a team from Naigaon police station reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Police officials said that further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently underway.

Meanwhile, the incident has once again raised concerns over the safety hazards posed by abandoned quarries in the region. Residents have demanded that authorities implement adequate protective measures to prevent such tragedies. Parents have also been urged to keep a close watch on their children.

A 15-year-old girl fell nearly 70 feet into the water below from the Naigaon flyover in Vasai after reportedly losing her balance while sitting on the bridge’s parapet. The incident took place around 11.30 pm on Saturday when the girl was chatting with a friend near Udanpur in Naigaon.

According to information shared by media on Instagram, the teenager was seated on the edge of the flyover when she suddenly slipped and plunged into the water below, triggering panic among locals present in the vicinity.

In a swift and courageous response, Harekishan Mitna, who was fishing nearby at the time, immediately jumped into the water and managed to rescue the girl, preventing what could have turned into a fatal accident.

The girl was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention and is reported to be safe.

Mumbai: Pre-monsoon works are in full swing in Mumbai (Mumbai city and suburbs). However, until these works are completed properly and on time, we will continue to inspect concreting of roads, removal of silt from drains and other works, said Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. At the same time, Mayor Tawde has directed the administration to work very diligently in relation to roads, drains and water. Along with the roads of Chembur, Mayor Ritu Tawde inspected the silt removal works in the drain and Mithi river this morning (May 2, 2026). M-West Ward Committee President Asha Marathe, L-Ward Committee President Vijayendra Shinde, F-South and F-North Ward Committee President Mansi Satmkar, Corporator Mrs.

Sakshi Kanojia, Corporator Kshish Phulwaria, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 5) Mrs. Scindia Nanded, Assistant Commissioner West, B-West Commissioner Scindia Shankar, Sakshi Kanojia. (L Division) Dhanji Harlekar, Chief Engineer (Roads) Mantaya Swamy, Deputy Chief Engineer (Storm Water Channels) Sunil Russell, Sunil Karjatkar and concerned officers were present.

Mayor Ritu Tawde initially inspected the works. The Mayor inspected Road No. 21 and 11 in Babasaheb Ambedkar Udyan area. The quality of road work, condition of various utility channels, trees along the road and water drainage system were inspected very closely. Besides, to check the quality of footpath construction, he has arranged a basic test to check the cement, concreting, iron used in it, nets etc.

Talking to the media during the visit, Mayor Tawde said that the Municipal Corporation has implemented the cement concreting project of roads in Mumbai as a long-term initiative. The road work is going on at a fast pace. The administration has been instructed to complete these works before the monsoon.

However, there should be no delay in the construction and maintenance of the quality of roads while increasing the pace of work. The completed roads and their water drainage pipes should be cleaned thoroughly. So that water does not get mixed in the cement and the pipes do not get blocked. Water should not be allowed to accumulate on the roadside. Along with this, Tawde directed that care should be taken that no tree is affected by cement concrete.

Meanwhile, while inspecting the roads in Chembur, the Mayor also interacted with the local citizens. The citizens expressed satisfaction with the road work and thanked the Mayor, public representatives and the administration.

After inspecting the roads, Mayor Tawde inspected the sludge removal works at three places – Mahol Nallah in ‘L’ section, JK Chemical Nallah in ‘F North’ section and Methi Nadi. Regarding the cleaning of drains, Mayor Tawde said that the target is to remove 8.28 lakh metric tonnes of sludge from drains before the monsoon this year. Out of this, about 45% or 3.76 lakh metric tonnes of sludge has been removed by May 1, 2026. The garbage removal work should be expedited and it should be ensured that all drains are free from sludge before the monsoon. Where necessary, protective walls should be constructed along the drains. CCTV monitoring facilities should be provided so that the administration and local public representatives can also see the actual status of the drain cleaning work. It should be ensured that the wheels of vehicles carrying silt are washed before plying on the roads. Tawde also gave instructions so that the roads do not become unsafe due to mud.

Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis praised the nationwide mobile emergency test alert message sent to citizens as part of disaster preparedness and dissemination systems, calling it a ‘major technological leap.’ A nationwide mobile emergency test alert system message that beeped on citizens’ mobile phones across the country today.

While speaking to reporters, the CM added that the alert system was developed indigenously in India, calling it a ‘commendable ‘ system.’ He added, “I believe this marks yet another technological leap forward for the nation.”

The ‘Extremely Severe Alerts’ message read: “India launches Cell Broadcast using indigenous technology, for instant disaster alerting service for its citizens. Alert citizens, safe nation. No action is required by the public upon receipt of this message. This is a test message. Government of India.”

When the emergency alert message was received, it made the phone ring rather loudly with a sharp alarm tone and a flashing message. The alerts were delivered by the indigenous Integrated Alert System (SACHET), which was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).

The system aims to deliver disaster and emergency-related alerts in situations such as tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning strikes, and man-made emergencies like gas leaks or chemical hazards via SMS to mobile users within the targeted areas. The test message was sent to check speed and reach of alerts, performance, compatibility, and delivery in English and regional languages.

Meanwhile, this initiative brings India closer to global standards followed in countries like the US, Japan, and across Europe, where such alert systems play a crucial role in saving lives.