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Maharashtra

Swachh Bharat Mission drives toilet cleaner usage in India by 53pc in 2024

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New Delhi, Dec 16 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Clean India Mission has driven toilet cleaner usage in Indian households by 53 per cent in 2024, according to a report.

The report by Kantar, a market research firm, showed that the country has seen a dramatic rise in the use of toilet cleaners and floor cleaners. From 19 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively of households using these in 2014, it more than doubled to 53 per cent using toilet cleaners and 22 per cent buying floor cleaners in 2024.

Launched by the government on October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission is a country-wide campaign initiated to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management and to create Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages.

The report attributed the growth of toilet cleaner usage in households to the mission’s success, coupled with marketing efforts. It said the mission significantly improved hygiene awareness and product penetration, particularly in rural areas.

As per the report, over 128 million new households have been added in the toilet cleaners, and 52 million homes in the floor cleaners segment.

The report said the surface cleaner market is about Rs 4,200 crore, with toilet cleaners accounting for half the segment at Rs 2,000 crore.

Kantar said the category was largely urban-centric a decade ago — that’s changed drastically.

A decade ago, 82 per cent of households that bought toilet cleaners were in urban areas, it was 90 per cent for floor cleaners.

“Urban is no longer the dominant source of the category with rural contributing to 52 per cent,” said K Ramakrishnan, managing director, South Asia, world panel division at Kantar. “Clearly, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drove the importance of cleanliness to the Indian households, and simultaneously helped manufacturers to drive penetration of household hygiene categories as well.”

Since its inception in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has led to over 500,000 villages achieving ODF (Open Defecation-Free) plus status with rural sanitation rising from 39 per cent to 100 per cent.

Maharashtra

Mumbai: Fire incidents increase in summer, citizens urged not to burn garbage and other waste in public places during summer

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Mumbai: The rising temperatures in the summer months are likely to lead to an increase in fire incidents due to short circuits, overloading and other reasons like stress on the electrical system in homes, offices and commercial establishments. Therefore, the Mumbai Fire Department of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation has appealed to the people of Mumbai to follow the rules and take precautionary measures. Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Additional Municipal Corporation Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi have directed the Mumbai Fire Department to be alert and equipped for fire prevention measures.

The temperature is rising in Mumbai city. The heat is being felt intensely. Fans, air coolers, air conditioners, refrigerators and other electrical appliances are being used in large quantities in homes, offices and commercial complexes. Due to which there is a possibility of an increase in fire incidents. Apart from this, factors like hot and dry environment, improper storage of flammable materials, burning of garbage and gas emission can also increase the risk of fire. Keeping this in mind, the Mumbai Fire Department has appealed to the citizens to be vigilant and take necessary precautions. Citizens should regularly check the electrical wires, switchboards and plug points in the house and building and ensure their connections. It is also important to avoid overloading by connecting multiple appliances to a single plug point. Safe and standard electrical connections should be used while using appliances like air conditioners, coolers, etc. Do not burn garbage, dry leaves of trees, vines or other flammable objects in the house or surroundings. LPG gas cylinders and gas pipes should be inspected regularly by the concerned experts. The Mumbai Fire Department has appealed to ensure that the fire extinguishing systems in every building, house and residential/non-residential premises are in good condition. Stairs and emergency exits of buildings and commercial complexes should be kept clean. So that citizens can safely exit in case of any incident. Along with this, their vehicles should be parked in the designated places. In case of an unfortunate incident of fire, sufficient space should be kept free for the free and smooth movement of fire brigade vehicles. In case of any fire, do not panic and immediately contact the Mumbai Fire Department on 101 or 022-23001390, 022-23001393, Chief Fire Officer Shri. Ravindra Ambolgekar has appealed.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Four members of the same family died due to delayed treatment after eating watermelon, FDA report on watermelon poisoning

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Mumbai: A sensational conclusion has been reached after the mysterious death of a couple and their two daughters due to eating watermelon in Mumbai’s Dhoni. After their health deteriorated, there was a delay and hesitation in their treatment at JJ Hospital, due to which their condition worsened further. Due to lack of timely treatment, four members of the same family died. After the deaths due to eating watermelon, now the sale of watermelon in Mumbai has decreased, along with this, watermelon has completely disappeared from many feasts. JJ Hospital had also started a data entry in this case. All four were admitted to the hospital after complaining of stomach pain. All four were complaining of vomiting and diarrhea. It is said that they were admitted to the hospital late after their condition deteriorated. The forensic investigation also suspects poisoning. The police have formally registered a case of accidental death in this case. On April 25, the family ate biryani and then died due to eating watermelon, but the initial investigation did not clarify this. The FDA’s investigation has made it clear that the watermelon was not contaminated with any toxic substance. Apart from this, the FDA and other agencies are now investigating from the angle of food safety.

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Crime

BMC Employee Booked For 1997 Job Fraud Using Forged Documents; 29-Year Service Under Scanner, FIR Filed

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Mumbai: The Azad Maidan police have booked Vinay Jadhav for allegedly submitting forged documents to obtain a job in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under the compassionate policy (preferential treatment) in 1997. He worked with the BMC for 29 years, and his employment came under scrutiny in January 2026.

As per the FIR, Jadhav’s father, Madhukar Jadhav, died in June 1986; Jadhav’s elder brother, Harshraj Jadhav, had already secured a clerk’s job in the BMC under the compassionate policy in December 1986. As per the rules, only one eligible family member can be appointed on compassionate grounds after the death of a parent.

However, in August 1995, Vinay Jadhav allegedly submitted an application to the BMC under the same policy. Police said he submitted forged documents and, in October 1997, fraudulently obtained a job in the civic body.

According to the FIR, Jadhav worked in the BMC’s Licence Department (C Division) as a licence inspector and allegedly cheated the civic body for 29 years.

The matter came to light when Rajeshree Patil, 57, an administrative officer in the BMC’s Licensing Department, initiated an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the hiring, promotion and transfer of employees. The inquiry revealed that officials at the time had failed to properly scrutinise the documents, allowing Jadhav to take undue advantage.

The BMC administration stated in the FIR that Jadhav drew a salary and other benefits over the years, causing financial losses amounting to lakhs of rupees to the civic body. Following the complaint filed by Patil, the Azad Maidan police registered an FIR against Jadhav on April 28 under Sections 318(4) (cheating) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

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