Navi Mumbai: In a major boost to coastal conservation efforts, over 1,250 kg of waste was removed from the mangrove ecosystem at Sarsole Jetty, Nerul, during a large-scale clean-up drive organised on World Wetlands Day 2026 as part of CSR Project HARMONY – Henkel and Rotary for Mother Nature and You, in collaboration with Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai Joy of Giving (RCNM JOG) and Navi Mumbai Shapers.

The mangrove clean-up drive, held between 8 am and 10.30 am on Monday, witnessed the participation of over 120 volunteers, including 80 students from Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil (KBP) College, Vashi, along with representatives from NMMC, the Forest Department, Henkel employees, Beach Please India, Rotarians, and local environmental volunteers. The collected waste was systematically handled with the support of the NMMC Solid Waste Management Team.

The initiative highlighted the growing concern over waste accumulation in mangrove belts, which play a crucial role in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate impacts in urban regions like Navi Mumbai.

Alongside the clean-up, an awareness programme on wetlands and ecosystems was conducted at Jewels of Navi Mumbai, Nerul, engaging over 320 students and teachers from various schools. The session featured talks by noted environmentalist Stalin D and marine biologist Kshitija from the Mangrove Foundation, emphasising the importance of wetlands in climate resilience and sustainable urban development.

Adding a powerful cultural dimension to the programme, 20 children from the tribal belt of Tansa performed a street play titled “Saviours of Life”, presented by the Vanashakti Living Theatrical Group, drawing attention to environmental degradation and the urgent need for conservation.

The event was supported by key knowledge and on-ground partners including Vanashakti Foundation, Mangrove Foundation, and NMMC, and was graced by senior officials such as Dr Ajay Jaishree Siddheswar Gadade, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Dnyaneshwar Rakshe, ACF Mangrove Division, and Sanjay Sandanshiv, Scientist Grade II-cum-Under Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra.

Speaking on the occasion, Rtn Rekha Sankhala, President, Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai Joy of Giving, said wetlands are among the most vulnerable ecosystems despite their immense ecological value. “Through this Rotary–Henkel CSR initiative, we aim to create awareness and inspire collective action to protect wetlands that are vital for our cities and future generations,” she said.

The World Wetlands Day programme reaffirmed the role of citizen participation, youth engagement, and corporate–NGO collaboration in safeguarding Navi Mumbai’s fragile mangrove and wetland ecosystems.

Mumbai: Three members of a family were injured after a speeding Mercedes, allegedly being driven by a 17-year-old boy, rammed into a car inside the Coastal Road tunnel in South Mumbai, police said.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

The D B Marg police have registered a case against a businessman from the Agripada area, the Mercedes owner, his 18-year-old granddaughter and the latter’s 17-year-old male friend, who was driving the luxury car, an official said on Monday.

The accident took place inside the tunnel on the road when the speeding Mercedes, going towards South Mumbai, rammed into another vehicle from behind. The high-end four-wheeler then hit another car going ahead, he said.

Three members of a family, including a senior citizen woman, suffered injuries when the Mercedes hit the second car, the official said.

During the probe, it came to light that the Mercedes was being driven by a 17-year-old boy. He lost control of the vehicle inside the tunnel, leading to the accident, the official stated.

Mumbai: In view of the upcoming observance of Shab-e-Barat, the Western Railway has announced the operation of special suburban EMU services between Churchgate and Virar to facilitate smoother travel for commuters.

The announcement was made through an official post on X (formerly Twitter), informing passengers that two special Suburban EMU services will be operated on the night of Tuesday, February 3 and the early hours of Wednesday, February 4.

According to the post, the special trains will operate on the Churchgate–Virar and Virar–Churchgate routes and will run strictly as per the notified schedule. The services are being introduced to cater to the increased movement expected during the occasion, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours. Commuters have been advised to take note of the special arrangements and plan their journeys accordingly.

Shab-e-Barat, one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims across South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East. The term ‘Shab-e-Barat’ is derived from two Persian words: Shab, which means night, and Barat, meaning salvation or deliverance.

The night holds deep spiritual importance, as it is widely believed that on Shab-e-Barat, Allah determines the fate and destiny of people for the coming year. Devotees mark the occasion through prayers, repentance, and acts of charity, seeking forgiveness for past sins and blessings for the future.

Mosques across the city witness special prayers, while many believers spend the night in worship, reflection and remembrance. It is also customary for families to pray for departed souls, seeking mercy and peace for their loved ones.

Religious scholars describe Shab-e-Barat as a night of divine mercy, compassion and forgiveness, during which sincere prayers are believed to be especially accepted. Acts of kindness and good deeds are encouraged, reinforcing the message of spiritual renewal and accountability.

With the special train services in place, Western Railway aims to ensure that devotees can travel safely and comfortably while observing the sacred night, reaffirming its commitment to facilitating public movement during important religious occasions.