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Maharashtra

Thousands hit streets for Dharavi’s development, demand early resolution of their demands

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Mumbai, Feb 15: Thousands of residents from Dharavi took to the streets on Saturday, staging demonstrations and protests over the unhygienic and pitiable situation in the city’s densely populated slum.

The protesters voiced their concerns over scarcity of clean water, poor sanitation and the unhygienic conditions in Asia’s largest slum and also engaged in sloganeering against the local public representative Varsha Eknath Gaikwad.

They blamed Congress leader Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, representing Mumbai North-Central constituency, for poor living conditions in the area and demanded that the administration addresses their problems urgently.

The locals protested for hours, expressing anger over ignorance of their region and warned of intensifying the stir if their demand goes unheard. They also raised slogans like “Varsha Gaikwad… Hai Tauba”.

The residents of Dharavi, long plagued by issues such as overflowing toilets, filthy streets, and contaminated water stood united in their demands for change. The demonstration saw more than 5,000 residents hitting the streets.

The protesters made it clear that they are not aligned with any political party and their stir is centred around a single cause — securing basic development and a better quality of life for the people of Dharavi.

One protester said, “We challenge Varsha Gaikwad or any of her family members to spend a month in Dharavi’s slums. If they oppose development after that, we will accept their stance. But if they continue to allow us to live in these horrible conditions while they enjoy luxury, we will take to the streets again.”

Another woman added, “The situation here is so bad that I can’t even let my children out after 8 pm. If development happens, our children will be safer.”

A third protester called for a thorough investigation into the ongoing surveys in the area, saying, “If anyone tries to stop the survey, the police should act immediately and send them to jail.”

Social activist Sujit Gupta, who was also present at the rally, stated, “Today, more than 5,000 voices are united, demanding that the survey be completed quickly and that development work begins without further delay. If there is any opposition, the entire Dharavi will stand against it.”

Nilofer, another resident voiced similar concerns and said, “Only politicians are opposing development. They protest because they stand to benefit from it. If they want to protest, they should come and live with us in these filthy conditions.”

A resident also pointed to Adani and said, “The development can be done in the slums only by Adani, no other entity has the guts to take this task.”

With the Dharavi slum-dwellers coming together to raise their voice unitedly, this is expected to give strength to their demands.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Weather Update: City Wakes Up To Clear Skies, Mild Breeze; Overall AQI Stays In Moderate Range At 78

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Mumbai: After weeks of unsettled weather and intermittent showers, the city finally woke up to clear skies and crisp air on Thursday, marking what appears to be the end of the monsoon season. For the past two days, no rainfall was recorded across Mumbai, signalling that the retreating monsoon clouds have made way for the onset of post-monsoon conditions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city is expected to experience clear skies through the day, with only a minimal chance of isolated light showers or thunderstorms in select pockets. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum will settle near 23°C, conditions described as pleasant and comfortable for early November.

The recent spell of short but intense showers had not only brought temporary relief from humidity but also helped wash out accumulated pollutants, leading to an overall improvement in air quality. Prior to this, the withdrawal of monsoon winds had caused a spike in pollution levels due to stagnant air and increased vehicular emissions, resulting in a hazy skyline and reduced visibility.

Fresh data released by AQI.in on Thursday morning reflected this improvement. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 78, placing it in the moderate category. While the figure marks a slight dip from the good air quality recorded earlier in the week, it still represents a substantial improvement compared to the smog-filled conditions observed after monsoon withdrawal.

Residents across various parts of the city reported clearer skylines and visibly better air. Among the city’s monitoring stations, Wadala Truck Terminal recorded the highest AQI reading at 92, followed by Parel-Bhoiwada (90) and Mulund West (88). Santacruz East and Bhandup West both registered an AQI of 87, keeping them within the moderate range.

Cleaner air was observed in several western suburbs, where Kandivali East recorded an AQI of 45, falling in the good category. Malad West (59), Powai (62), Jogeshwari (65), and Borivali East (67) were all categorised as moderate, suggesting a consistent improvement across the city’s landscape.

As per AQI.in’s classification, an index between 0–50 is considered “Good,” 51–100 “Moderate,” 101–150 “Poor,” 151–200 “Unhealthy,” and anything above 200 is deemed “Severe” or “Hazardous.”

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Maharashtra

Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC arrests drug dealer Akbar Khao in major operation

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Mumbai: Anti-Narcotics Cell ANC Ghatkopar has claimed to have arrested drug dealer Mohammad Shafi Sheikh alias Akbar Khao on charges of drug trafficking. MCOCA was applied to him in the police station for drug trafficking and he was released on bail. Despite this, he used to supply drugs. ANC had arrested an accused in a drug case. During his investigation, it was revealed that Akbar Khao was a fugitive in this case. His details were known and clues were found. He is hiding in Odisha, after which the police arrested him from Raj Gangapur Sundergarh. A total of 15 cases have been registered against Akbar Khao, including NDPS Act and various crimes. Two NDPS Act cases are registered in VB Nagar. ANC has 2 NDPS drug trafficking cases, a total of 18 cases have been registered. The ANC has arrested two accused in this case and also seized drugs worth Rs 12 crore. This operation was carried out by ANC DCP Nunath Dhole on the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.

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Maharashtra

State ready for Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat Mahayuti elections: Chief Minister Fadnavis

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In the Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat elections in Mumbai state, Mahayuti will contest the election as a united front and even where there is no electoral consensus in Mahayuti, there will be a friendly contest and it is hoped that the people of the state will trust Mahayuti in these elections. This claim has been made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. No formula for the distribution of seats in Mahayuti has been decided so far for the local body elections. However, where the alliance party and the BJP are strong, a formula for a solo contest has been decided, just like the talk of Eknath Shinde in Thana and BJP’s solo contest in Pune is common.

Fadnavis criticized Uddhav Thackeray and said that it is his job to insult him. If he is visiting the state, it is a good thing, but the people know everything and they will restore faith in Mahayuti in the elections. He said that the Election Commission has announced the elections. Uddhav Thackeray and the opposition want to postpone the elections, so they are alleging irregularities and rigging in the voting list. However, the Supreme Court has issued instructions to hold the elections soon, so it is not possible to postpone or delay the elections. Fadnavis expressed confidence that he has faith in the people. This time too, the people will agree with Mahayuti. Therefore, the opposition wants to postpone and postpone the elections, while Mahayuti is ready for the elections.

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