Mumbai: A video has surfaced online from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ongoing pre-monsoon desilting drive, showing civic workers pulling out the debris of an entire rickshaw from a sewage drain, once again highlighting the scale of waste clogging Mumbai’s drainage infrastructure ahead of the monsoon season.

the debris of a heavily damaged rickshaw was recovered during desilting operations being undertaken by the BMC. Visuals from the video show the upper portion of the rickshaw completely destroyed, while the lower frame remains partially intact, holding the vehicle structure together as it is lifted out of the sewage system.

The caption accompanying the viral video further claimed that the rickshaw was not the only unusual object found during the desilting exercise. It stated that civic workers have also recovered a complete set of sofas and luggage bags from major sewage channels during the ongoing drive.

The visuals have once again brought attention to the kind of waste accumulating inside the city’s drainage network and the larger issue of civic responsibility. Large debris dumped into drainage systems can significantly obstruct water flow, increase pressure on sewage infrastructure, and contribute to waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

Mumbai witnesses recurring flooding concerns every monsoon season, with clogged drains often emerging as one of the key factors affecting stormwater discharge across several areas of the city. Civic authorities undertake large-scale desilting exercises annually before the onset of monsoon in an effort to improve drainage capacity and reduce flooding risks.

As per data shared on the official BMC social media handle, as of May 20, 2026, major sewage desilting works across the city have recorded an overall progress of 80.39 per cent. Meanwhile, desilting work along the Mithi River has achieved an overall progress of 53.13 per cent.

The resurfacing of videos like these also raises broader concerns regarding waste disposal practices and public civic sense, particularly as Mumbai prepares for the arrival of monsoon, a period during which efficient drainage systems become critical for preventing flooding and maintaining urban resilience.

Virar: On Monday, a large number of citizens took to the streets to protest against the demolition drive conducted by the Revenue Department against unauthorized constructions in the Arnala area. Under the leadership of the Lal Bawta (Red Flag) party, a protest march (Morcha) was organized heading toward the residence of MLA Rajan Naik. However, to prevent any law and order issues, the police intercepted the march near the Nala Macchi Market area. Angered by this, the protestors staged a Dharna (sit-in protest) right on the road.

The Revenue Department had recently taken action against houses built on government land in the western part of Virar Arnala. During this drive, several huts and structures were razed to the ground, leaving numerous families homeless. Coming right on the threshold of the monsoon season, this action has sparked intense anger among the local citizens. Allegations have also surfaced that this drive selectively targeted only certain houses under political pressure.

According to Sheru Wagh, a leader of the Lal Bawta party, MLA Rajan Naik had raised this issue during the legislative assembly’s monsoon session, prompting the Revenue Department to act. However, instead of executing uniform action against all unauthorized constructions, only specific families were allegedly targeted.

The march had commenced on Monday morning from the Nirmal-Wagholi area, seeing participation from hundreds of tribal citizens and local residents. The protestors intended to confront MLA Rajan Naik at his residence. However, the police deployed heavy security in the Nala Macchi Market area and blocked the march from advancing further.

Once blocked by the police, the protestors sat down on the road to continue their agitation. They shouted slogans, expressing deep resentment against the administration and public representatives.

Protest leader Sheru Wagh alleged that tribal citizens are being held hostage through illegal demolition practices. He demanded that since the monsoon is just a few days away, the displaced families must be rehabilitated immediately. Furthermore, he insisted on an official inquiry into the demolition drive and strict action against those found guilty.

Rome, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a light-hearted and unique gift — a “Melody” toffee packet– to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, bringing back the widely popular “#Melodi” moment that has often gone viral on social media.

The informal exchange, marked by laughter between the two leaders, was later shared by the Italian PM on Instagram, where she also spoke about the gesture and the gift received from the Indian Prime Minister.

Sharing the video of the moment, Meloni said, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift — a very, very good toffee — Melody,” as both leaders were seen sharing a laugh during the interaction.

She further added in her caption, “Thank you for the gift.”

The “Melodi” phenomenon — a portmanteau combining the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni — has become a recurring viral trend online, reflecting the visible personal rapport and friendly exchanges between the two leaders during various international engagements.

The term has frequently been used by social media users to highlight their light-hearted interactions at global platforms, often turning into viral moments that generate memes, discussions and widespread online engagement, while also symbolising a perceived strengthening of India-Italy relations.

Earlier in the day, visuals and pictures from a special dinner hosted near the iconic Colosseum in Rome also attracted significant attention online. The two leaders were seen sharing a casual moment, including a smiling selfie and a relaxed interaction that quickly spread across social media platforms.

They were also seen standing on a balcony enjoying the sunset over the historic city of Rome, adding to the series of informal and friendly exchanges that have characterised their public appearances.

The viral ‘Melodi’ trend originally gained momentum after Meloni posted a selfie on X during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where she captioned it, “Good friends at COP28, #Melodi”. Till then, Melodi was just a meme hashtag used by Internet users.

Since then, the duo has frequently drawn attention for their warm greetings, handshakes and cordial interactions at multiple international events, including their widely shared selfie at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi.