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Maharashtra

Toxic pollution in Bhiwandi and immediate closure of ‘SMS’ company in Mankhurd; MLA Abu Asim Azmi makes aggressive demand in the Assembly

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Mumbai: Senior Samajwadi Party leader and MLA Abu Asim Azmi today took a strong stand in the Assembly on the recession of the powerloom industry in Bhiwandi and the increasing dangerous toxic pollution, as well as the major threat to the health of the local people due to the ‘SMS’ waste processing project and cement plant in Mankhurd Shivaji. He took the government to task, pointing out the collusion between the Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the concerned authorities in both the areas. Speaking in the Assembly, MLA Azmi raised the following important issues and demands. The textile industry in Bhiwandi is in crisis. Paperwork is being taken against companies burning plastic and toxic waste instead of coal. Bhiwandi is a major hub of the textile business in the country, but at present this business is very slow. The pollution level in Bhiwandi is getting dangerous day by day. Due to the increase in coal prices, some sizing and dyeing companies here are burning plastic pieces, wires and biochemical waste in the open instead of coal. This is spreading highly toxic smoke in the area and has created a serious health problem for the citizens. With the connivance of the Pollution Control Board officers, no real action is being taken against these companies. It has been reported that action has been taken against 430 companies, closure orders and show cause notices have been issued to 107 companies. But in reality, these companies are still running in a chaotic state. Demand for government subsidy for green fuel (PNG/CNG/LPG) for small industries.

The minister has directed the companies to use expensive fuels like PNG, CNG or LPG to curb pollution. However, power loom industries in Bhiwandi are small and medium sized and cannot afford this expensive fuel. Therefore, Azmi directly asked the government whether the government will provide any special subsidy or financial assistance to these small industries so that these industries can survive and pollution can be stopped. He also demanded strict action against the officers who mislead by giving wrong information. When will the ‘SMS’ company and cement plant in Mankhod Shivaji Nagar be closed? The government should clarify. MLA Azmi drew the attention of the House to the extremely bad situation in Mankhod Shivaji Nagar constituency. All the garbage of Mumbai is dumped in this area due to which insects are reaching the houses of people and even the kitchens. There are 4 cement (RMC) plants and marriage halls in the constituency close to each other. Thousands of people come there and the dust from this cement has made it impossible for people to live. Earlier, the then minister had promised to completely shut down this ‘SMS’ company (biomedical waste plant) by December 2022 and a board was also installed there. However, despite the change of governments, this company has not been closed yet. MLA Azmi, while presenting live pictures of this pollution in the House, asked the government, “When will this SMS company actually close and when will the local people get relief from this problem? The government should give a clear and concrete answer to this.” MLA Abu Asim Azmi has strongly demanded that the health of the people of both the areas has become a matter of life and death and the government should not just make paper promises on this but should take strict action on the ground and immediately impose a ban on the polluting elements.

Maharashtra

FDA conducts major raid on cosmetics store in Jogeshwari, seizes unlabeled toilet soap

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Mumbai, July 16: A team of Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Greater Mumbai Division conducted a major raid at M/s JK Soap Bazaar, 10/11, Qadir Ismail Estate, Near Momin Colony, Patel Estate Road, Jogeshwari (West), Mumbai – 400102. During the operation conducted on July 14, 2026, it was observed that unlabeled toilet soap was being stored and offered for sale in the establishment. The seized soap lacked statutory information like batch/lot number, date of manufacture, ‘first use’ date, manufacturing license number, and name and address of the manufacturer. Selling cosmetics without such mandatory labelling is a violation of the law. During this operation, toilet soap worth about Rs 10,93,692 was seized, and two samples were collected for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation. The accused in this case is Nabiullah and necessary legal action is being initiated against him. “The Food and Drug Administration gives top priority to the protection of the health of citizens. Making any cosmetic product available for sale in the market without labelling as per the law is a very serious matter. It becomes difficult to verify the source, quality and safety of such products. Therefore, strict legal action will be taken against the violating manufacturers, distributors and sellers.” This warning was given by Takaram Mandhe, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra State.

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Maharashtra

AIMIM Govindi corporator’s husband Atiq Khan banished from city for a year, makes emotional appeal to public on social media and apologizes

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Mumbai: Maharashtra AIMIM leader and husband of a corporator from Govindpura, Atiq Khan, has been banned from the city for one year by the Mumbai Police. In an emotional message on social media, Atiq Khan said that he has been banned from Mumbai city and suburbs for one year, so he will be unable to do pending work or visit the area. If the public or students face educational difficulties due to his absence in the area for one year, he apologizes for it. The police had registered a case against Atiq Khan for violence and rioting, and accordingly, he has been banned, so a complete ban has been imposed on his entry into the area for one year. The ban on this ban will come into effect today. Therefore, Atiq Khan has made a very emotional video and apologized to the public on social media and has also expressed his passion for public service and said that he will continue to serve the public.

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Maharashtra

Major hurdle in completion of expansion project in Mumbai railway network, several projects are facing delays due to encroachment on railway lands, RTI reveals

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Mumbai: Encroachments on railway land are a major reason for delays in railway projects in Mumbai city. Due to delay in its acquisition, projects have been delayed and their estimates have also increased, this has been revealed in an RTI information filed by RTI activist Anil Gilgali. RTI has revealed that 1,574 encroachments have been identified for two major MRVC rail projects, occupying about 17,000 square meters of land. Information sought by RTI activist Anil Gilgali under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 has revealed that a total of 1,574 encroachments were identified during the acquisition of land for two major rail projects of the Mumbai Rail Development Corporation (MRDC). Out of these, 998 encroachments have been removed so far, while encroachments were found on about 17,068 square meters of land. According to information provided by MRVC to RTI activist Anil Gilgali on July 14, 2026, this information relates to the Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd and 4th rail line projects and the Airoli-Kola elevated corridor project.

Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd and 4th rail line project
According to MRVC, 706 encroachments were identified during the acquisition of land for the 3rd and 4th railway lines of the Central Railway between Kalyan and Badlapur. These include hutments and other structures located on railway land and newly acquired land. Out of these, 620 encroachments have been removed, while encroachments were found on about 9668 square meters of land. MRVC also said that each encroachment occurred in different years, hence it is not possible to identify a specific year. The encroachments identified for the project are located between Kalyan and Badlapur railway stations.
Airoli – Kalwa Elevated Corridor Project.

During land acquisition for the Airoli – Kalwa Elevated Corridor Project, 868 encroachments were identified. These included constructions on railway land and newly acquired land. So far, 378 encroachments have been removed while about 7400 sq m of land was found to be occupied. These encroachments are located between Digha village and Kalwa station. The MRVC also clarified that all the encroachments occurred in different years.

Information on re-encroachments not available
The RTI application also asked in how many areas encroachments were re-established after the encroachments were removed. The MRVC replied that the relevant information was not available.
Anil Gilgali raised important questions.

RTI activist Anil Gilgali said that encroachments have become a serious challenge in railway projects in Mumbai. Encroachments are a major reason for project delays, cost overruns and additional burden on public funds, he said. Mere removal of encroachments is not enough. Railways and MRVC should ensure that no encroachments are created again in the removed areas. Regular monitoring, safeguards and accountability are essential to achieve this.

Gilgali also demanded that information on land acquisition, encroachments, rehabilitation and progress in removal of encroachments for all rail projects be made available on a public portal from time to time, to enhance transparency and provide real-time information to citizens.

He said that availability of land is very important for Mumbai’s rapidly developing rail network. If encroachments are not effectively controlled, many public transport projects in the future may be affected. Therefore, the government, railways and local administration should come together to find a permanent solution.

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