Thane, December 9: After Mumbai witnessed a 15 percent water cut earlier this week, residents of Thane are set to face an even steeper reduction in supply. The Thane Municipal Corporation has announced a 30 percent water cut across the city with effect from Tuesday, placing lakhs of citizens under severe water stress.

The major disruption follows a breakdown in the 1000 mm diameter water pipeline that supplies water to Thane from Pise Dam to the Temghar Water Treatment Plant. The pipeline reportedly burst at Kalyan Phata on the morning of Saturday, December 6, during ongoing work being carried out by Mahanagar Gas.

Officials from the water supply department said that repair work has been underway on a war footing for the last two days. However, restoring full supply is expected to take at least three more days as the damaged pipeline is old and made of pre stressed concrete.

Due to the scale of the damage, water supply to Thane has already been significantly reduced. Civic officials stated that the fragile condition of the pipeline has further complicated the repair process.

To ensure that the available water is distributed as evenly as possible, the civic body will now supply water on a zoning basis till December 11. As a result, residents in many areas will experience intermittent water supply and low pressure at different times of the day.

The municipal corporation has advised citizens to store sufficient water for essential use over the next few days and to use water sparingly to avoid further hardship.

The sudden and sharp reduction in water supply is expected to impact daily activities across households, residential societies, eateries and commercial establishments. From cooking and cleaning to drinking water needs, citizens are likely to face significant inconvenience.

Meanwhile, parts of Mumbai also faced an eight hour water cut on Sunday following major pipeline repairs. A 15 percent cut has been implemented there since December 8, affecting supply in 14 sections of the city. However, officials acknowledged that the situation in Thane is more critical due to the higher percentage of reduction across the entire city.

New Delhi, Dec 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, invoked the enduring spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’ while initiating a day-long discussion in the Lok Sabha to mark the 150 years of the national song.

He described it as a hymn that stood “like a rock” against British oppression and continued to inspire unity across generations.

Tracing the song’s journey from its composition by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 to its role in the freedom struggle, PM Modi said ‘Vande Mataram’ became a current of emotion that bound the nation together.

“Even when crises like the coronavirus pandemic struck, the spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’ continued to connect the country. Today, as we march towards an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Developed India), this hymn remains a source of strength,” he noted.

The Prime Minister quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who had described ‘Vande Mataram’ as a song that united the nation.

“Pujya Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) said ‘Vande Mataram’ connects us. It is the dream of today’s generation to build a prosperous India, and this song continues to inspire that vision,” PM Modi said.

He emphasised that the hymn was more than just words — it was a mantra of sacrifice, resilience, and unity.

From the days of colonial bans, when people were punished for speaking or printing the words, to the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who embraced martyrdom with ‘Vande Mataram’ on their lips, the song has remained a symbol of defiance and hope.

PM Modi urged the Parliament to ensure that the legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’ is preserved and passed on to future generations.

“This is not just a tribute to history but a reaffirmation of our democratic spirit. The lessons of the past must continue to guide our future,” he said, adding that the 150th anniversary was an opportunity to restore pride in a hymn that has been the heartbeat of Bharat.

Initiating a day-long discussion on 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi noted that ‘Vande Mataram’ stood like a rock and inspired unity despite British oppression.

“When ‘Vande Mataram’ completed 100 years, the nation was chained by the Emergency. At that time, the Constitution was throttled and those who lived and died for patriotism were pushed behind bars,” he said.

“The Emergency was a dark chapter in our history. Now we have the opportunity to restore the greatness of ‘Vande Mataram’. And I believe this opportunity should not be allowed to pass,” PM Modi added.

Mumbai: Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh has been threatened by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang not to join Bigg Boss and not to work with Salman Khan, after which Pawan Singh has filed a complaint with the Anti-Money Laundering Squad of the Mumbai Crime Branch here. The police have also started an investigation into Pawan Singh’s case. The Bhojpuri actor received a phone call in which he was threatened with bad consequences including not joining Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss and not working with him. At the same time, the addressee has said that he belongs to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The police have started an investigation in this matter and it is being found out who is the threatening caller and whether he really belongs to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang or is he trying to scare the film industry in the name of Lawrence Bishnoi. Earlier, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang also threatened actor Kapil Sharma not to do a film with Salman Khan and not to invite him to host their program, after which the Mumbai police have arrested Kapil Sharma. Security had also been increased. Now again, Lawrence Bishnoi gang has threatened the Bhojpuri actor with dire consequences. Despite the threat, the Bhojpuri actor has decided to participate in Bigg Boss with Salman Khan, after which his security has been increased. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the matter to see if Lawrence Bishnoi himself gave this threat or not. Efforts have also been made to trace the threat along with its recording.