Maharashtra
Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over BMC’s Iconic Structures Policy, Call For Heritage Safeguards And Clear Guidelines
Mumbai: Around 15 stakeholders—including architects, urban planners, civic groups, developers, and citizens—voiced concerns over BMC’s proposed policy on developing ‘iconic structures’ to enhance Mumbai’s skyline and boost tourism. At a public meeting held on Thursday at the BMC headquarters, participants criticised the vague definition of ‘iconic,’ questioned the selection committee’s scope, and raised concerns about the potential impact of such projects on the character of surrounding neighbourhoods.
The BMC has proposed adding Regulation 33(27) to the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), 2034 to govern ‘iconic’ structures, with objections and suggestions to be sent to the state urban development department.
Public Consultations, Heritage Assessments Urged for Mumbai’s Iconic Structures
Anish Gawande, spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), said, “Our existing iconic buildings need care, and this policy should include them too. It must also ensure that the character of heritage precincts is not distorted.” He submitted a letter signed by over 2,000 architects, designers, and urban planners, highlighting concerns about the policy’s impact on existing heritage precincts. Gawande also called for a stricter scrutiny committee, similar to the heritage conservation panel, to ensure only up to five truly deserving projects are approved annually. He urged cost controls to keep the 40% public-access requirement affordable.
Shirish Sukhatme, an architect and representative of the Practicing Engineers Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA) called for a broader definition to include cultural and educational buildings. He recommended increasing minimum access width from 18 to 27 metres, selecting projects via a national design competition, removing the 1 million sq ft builder eligibility criterion, and demanding justification for the additional premium FSI granted to developers. His view was supported by Fort Heritage Conservation Association, Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI), and NGO NAGAR, who stressed that such structures should be defined by urban contribution, cultural context, sustainability, and public value—not just form or scale.
Public Consultation Needed for Mumbai’s Iconic Structures
Some participants at the meeting stressed the need for precise guidelines on built-to-unbuilt area ratios and green/open spaces, along with social and heritage impact assessments and mandatory public consultations. Sunil Rathod, chief engineer of the development plan department, clarified that iconic buildings will remain subject to heritage regulations and the existing 32-metre height restriction. Consequently, despite the additional FSI incentives offered by the policy, opportunities for development in these areas will be limited due to space and height constraints.
Maharashtra
Abu Asim Azmi Foundation organizes grand “Career Guidance and Counseling Session 2026” in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, along with education, skills are also the key to success : Abu Asim

Mumbai: With an aim to create educational awareness and promote a bright future for the youth, Abu Asim Azmi Foundation today organised a grand “Career Guidance and Counselling Session 2026” at Geeta Vikas Hall in Mankhurdshivaji Nagar. Hundreds of students of class 10th and 12th from the area and their parents participated enthusiastically in the event. During the session, career guidance experts from various fields provided detailed guidance to the students.
They explained the new and emerging career options available today beyond traditional degrees. The experts also cleared the doubts of the students regarding competitive exams, technical education and professional courses. Addressing the students on the occasion, Abu Asim Azmi, Chairman of the Foundation and MLA, stressed on the importance of skills along with education. He said, “In today’s world, just getting a degree is not enough.
Children should learn different skills. If you have skills, then in the future, doors of great opportunities will open for you not only in the country but also abroad. Skill development is the key that will make you financially independent and empowered.” At the end of the program, the students directly interacted with experts and received valuable advice to plan their future. Local residents and parents praised the initiative of Abu Asim Azmi Foundation, saying that such events help children from poor and middle-class families choose the right path. The program was directed by Principal Zeba Malik and Shabana Khan. The large number of students made the program a success.
Maharashtra
Those spreading lockdown rumours will be in trouble After a meeting with the Prime Minister, strict action has been ordered: Devendra Fadnavis

Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai; Those spreading rumors about the lockdown in the country are no longer safe. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned of strict action against those spreading rumors after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that the situation is improving in the meeting held by the Prime Minister of the country with the Chief Ministers. Despite the crisis, there is no shortage of gas and other fuels in the country. Therefore, people should not spread rumors. If anyone spreads rumors, strict action will be taken against them. So that the prices of crude oil do not increase, the government has reduced the excise duty rate and this concession has given relief to the people. Commenting on the rumors related to the lockdown, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also instructed the state ministers to take strict action against those spreading rumors in the country, after which today the Chief Minister has claimed that there is no shortage of gas and other fuels in the state. Therefore, artificial shortages should not be created. He said that in neighboring countries, the time has come for lockdown due to oil and other sources. A weekly work schedule has been fixed here, but the situation is fine here.
Therefore, rumors should not be spread if someone spreads rumors on social media. If anyone spreads misinformation, action will be taken against him, which is why the Chief Minister has appealed to the public not to spread misinformation.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Case Registered in Navi Mumbai Against NCB’s Amit Ghoute and Two Others on Complaint by Construction Company Owner’s Wife, Alleging Abetment to Suicide.

Mumbai NCB Zonal Director Amir Ghaute has been booked in Navi Mumbai Police against two officers for abetting suicide on the complaint of the wife of construction company owner Gurunath Chachalkar. The accused have been accused of forcing Chachalkar to commit suicide by his wife Kiran Chachalkar. In April, Chachalkar committed suicide by shooting himself in his house, after which the wife declared it not suicide but murder and requested that a case be registered against NCB officers. On this, on March 25, a case was registered against NCP Zonal Director Amit Ghaute, Akash Malik, Sandeep Negre under other sections including abetting suicide, extortion, humiliation. Chichalkar committed suicide by shooting himself with his revolver on April 25, 2025.
His wife alleged that on February 2, the NCB team had searched the house and seized documents and a watch worth Rs 2 lakh. After that, they had threatened him several times and demanded Rs 10 to 15 crores and threatened to implicate him in the case otherwise. When NCB Zonal Director Amit Ghaute was questioned in this matter, he termed all the allegations baseless and said that the accused whom NCB has arrested so far in the drug syndicate case have not been granted bail. Along with this, allegations have also been made against the NCB’s investigation method, which is based on malice. He said that the investigation conducted by NCB in the drug case was in the right direction and due to this, progress has been made in the investigation in this case. Properties worth crores of rupees have also been seized in this case.
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