Amid pre-monsoon conditions and the looming onset of the rainy season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued an urgent appeal earlier this week, urging slum dwellers in landslide-prone areas such as Vikhroli and Ghatkopar to move to safer locations. This directive comes after repeated warnings from civic officials and follows a pattern of landslide-related incidents recorded in recent years. With monsoon-related disasters, including landslides and house collapses, historically impacting hillside settlements, BMC's renewed focus highlights the growing risks and the need for preventive relocation in identified high-risk zones across the city.Read more
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated an aquifer mapping project along the Mithi river basin to enhance groundwater management. The initiative, launched earlier this week, will be carried out over 18 months with assistance from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The project aims to assess groundwater availability, quality, and recharge potential using satellite data, soil testing, and geophysical studies. As part of the city's larger water sustainability plan, this effort will inform future decisions on water resource conservation and urban flood mitigation.Read more
Central Railway (CR) has dismantled the last British-era overhead line (OHE) portal near Vidyavihar, signalling a major step in Mumbai's railway modernisation. Installed nearly a century ago during the early electrification phase, the steel portal stood as a reminder of the region's 1,500 V DC railway system. The structure was removed during a night block as part of CR's ongoing upgrade to 25 kV AC electrification. The shift reflects a broader push to modernise suburban railway infrastructure, improving safety, efficiency, and compatibility with current systems.Read more
Nexus Seawoods Mall in Navi Mumbai recently launched its Denim & Sneaker Fest, running from earlier this week through mid-June. This festival celebrates two of fashion's most enduring favourites denims and sneakers bringing together an extensive range of products from leading international and domestic brands. Shoppers have the opportunity to update their wardrobes with the latest styles from top labels such as Levi's, Nike, Puma, and many others, making it ideal for vacation preparations and back-to-campus shopping. The event also includes engaging Shop & Win contests, special offers, and giveaways, adding an extra layer of excitement for visitors of all ages.Read more
In a citizen-friendly move, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) initiated home delivery of property tax bills for the financial year 2025-26, appointing women from registered self-help groups as temporary municipal representatives. Starting earlier this week, these women began distributing bills and collecting updated contact details from property owners and tenants for digitisation purposes. The Corporation is pushing for seamless tax-related communication through digital channels. Residents are urged to treat the women with courtesy and provide accurate data such as names, mobile numbers, and email IDs. This step aligns with NMMC's broader digital governance agenda.Read more
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to establish a second Metro station in Dharavi as part of the Metro 11 corridor extension, connecting Wadala to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). This strategic addition is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and support redevelopment efforts in Dharavi, turning it into a key interchange hub between Metro Lines 3 and 11. With the realignment, the corridor will serve as a critical north-south link, easing congestion and offering better access to major transit points including the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Navi Mumbai, and the airport.Read more
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has taken control of the long-delayed redevelopment of the Parvati Building in South Mumbai. Approved back in 2013, the project remained incomplete due to failed developer appointments and non-payment of rent to displaced tenants. Earlier this week, MHADA informed the Supreme Court of its decision to proceed under Section 91-A of the MHADA (Amendment) Act, 2020. The agency will now manage the redevelopment directly and ensure interim housing or rental compensation for affected residents, potentially setting a precedent for other stalled projects across the city.Read more
GS1 India is set to host the GS1 General Assembly 2025 in Mumbai, scheduled for the coming week. The three-day event will bring together over 250 global leaders, including representatives from the GS1 Management Board and Chairpersons and CEOs from 118 member organisations. With the theme 'Building Bridges for a Better Tomorrow,' the assembly will focus on the launch of GS1 Vision 2030, which outlines the strategic direction for global supply chains to become more digital, resilient, and sustainable. Attendees will discuss the impact of emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain and the transition to next-generation barcodes under the Ambition 2027 initiative.Read more
Bollywood veteran Mithun Chakraborty has been served a show-cause notice by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) concerning alleged unauthorized constructions at his Malad property near Erangal beach. The notice, issued under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, cites two ground-floor structures with mezzanine levels and three temporary units constructed without proper permissions. Chakraborty has refuted these allegations, asserting that every part of his property is legally constructed. This incident is part of BMC's broader crackdown on illegal structures in the area, with over 100 identified for demolition.Read more
A longstanding land ownership conflict in South Mumbai's Agripada area escalated earlier this week, leading to a violent standoff between security teams representing a real estate firm and a pharmaceutical company. The confrontation, marked by stone pelting, pepper spray, and gunfire, resulted in the arrest of 41 guards from the pharma firm's security agency. Police intervened swiftly, registering an FIR and placing the arrested individuals under custody. The incident reflects growing tensions surrounding high-value land in the city amidst ongoing legal disputes.Read more
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has secured a INR 1,500 crore loan from Bank of Maharashtra to kickstart the redevelopment of Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar in Ghatkopar. This marks the first financial closure under MMRDA's INR 8,498 crore Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project and its first direct involvement in slum redevelopment at this scale. Backed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the project aims to transform dense informal settlements into dignified residential zones. With a funding mix of institutional loans and internal revenues, MMRDA plans to deliver inclusive, sustainable redevelopment and set a model for future urban renewal efforts.Read more
After six years of petitions, protests, and delays, the long-neglected Lokhandwala Lake in Andheri West is finally set for a clean-up. The semi-wild waterbody, once home to over 150 species of birds and a diverse aquatic ecosystem, has been damaged by invasive species, algae, and illegal dumping. Now, thanks to sustained efforts by local residents and activists, a No Objection Certificate has been issued, a contractor appointed, and machines are ready to begin the desilting work. Environmentalists hope this marks the beginning of serious efforts to restore the lake's biodiversity and prevent further damage from encroachments and neglect.Read more
The Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing detained Radius Sumer Developers promoters Ramesh Shah and his son Rahul Shah earlier this week on suspicion of defrauding 78 investors out of about INR 35.7 crore. The investors had committed funds to the 'Harbor Heights' residential project in Mazgaon, South Mumbai, which was stalled at the plinth level for years. Despite repeated assurances of timely possession and promising lucrative returns, the project remained incomplete, and refund cheques issued to buyers were dishonoured. This case has spotlighted the persistent risks buyers face in incomplete projects and the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement in the real estate sector.Read more
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched its annual property tax billing process for the financial year 2025-26 with several citizen-centric reforms. For the first time, a 10% early bird discount is being offered to those who pay their property tax by the end of June. Bills are now available online via the NMMC website and mobile app, and the payment process has been streamlined through the Bharat Bill Payment System. The corporation has also roped in women from self-help groups to distribute physical bills. Additionally, citizens are being urged to link their mobile numbers with their properties for digital updates.Read more
Mumbai Metro was recently accused by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) of charging exorbitant and monopolistic rents for mobile network access. COAI asserted that under the new Telecommunication Act and Right of Way (RoW) rules, a public authority cannot deny RoW to telecom operators in public spaces. Despite telecom service providers proposing a common network to minimise disruptions, Mumbai Metro allegedly ignored the offer and insisted on using a third-party vendor for connectivity, creating a monopoly. The industry body further highlighted that TSPs had offered to provide connectivity free of cost until commercial terms were finalised, but Mumbai Metro allegedly disregarded the proposal.Read more