Ups and downs in Mumbai
What's the story
Mumbai residents need to dig out their warm clothes as the city has gotten colder than usual. In another new, the BMC is cracking down on eateries and other establishments that are encroaching on open space and blocking pedestrian movement. Unexpectedly, taxis and cabs may become even more expensive if demand of unions goes through. To read more on this, tap in!
Bandra West
BMC demolishes eatery in Bandra
BMC demolished a restaurant in Bandra West called Royal China yesterday. The demolition was carried out as the restaurant was encroaching upon an open-space. BMC explained that razing the structure was necessary as open spaces around buildings are compulsory because they provide access to water-tankers, fire brigades in cases of fire. Several eateries have also been razed for encroaching footpaths and blocking pedestrian movement.
BMC Polls
Battle between Shiv Sena and BJP for BMC polls
A battle between Shiv Sena and BJP appears likely in upcoming BMC polls. Relations between the two allies have been tense and there have yet to be any meetings over a possible alliance. BJP's grassroot workers believe BJP should go it alone for BMC polls to expand its presence in Mumbai. Currently, BJP has 33 corporators whereas Shiv Sena has 75 members.
Sion
Security guard hugs girl; gets arrested
A 40-year old security guard at Pratiksha Nagar, Sion was arrested for hugging a 16-year old girl who lived in the building where he worked. Before hugging her, the guard told her that he found her 'pretty' and dreamt of her. The stunned girl ran home to tell her mother. Mother and daughter filed an FIR: the guard was arrested and remanded to custody.
Weather
Mumbai is getting colder
Min temperatures in Mumbai have been already been below normal this season, however even maximum temperatures fell by 3 degrees on Friday. Max temperature at Colaba yesterday was 27.8 degrees as compared to 31.5 degrees on Thursday. Over the past few days, min temperatures have been close to 14. Weather officials indicated that min and max temperatures will remain below normal over the weekend.
Education
Parents file FIR against Kandivali school
A 5-year-old girl studying at Thakur International School in Kandivali lost a portion of her finger as it got jammed in a classroom door. Parents filed an FIR against the school alleging negligence and have written to the education department. The police have registered a case against an unknown teacher: the injured child will identify the concerned teacher when she's released from hospital.
Transport
Taxi unions demand fare hike
Taxi and autorickshaw unions have been consistently losing business to app-based taxis but have again demanded fare hikes, surprising authorities. Unions demanding hikes have cited reasons such as increase in living expenses and increased insurance premiums. Leader of Swabhiman Taxi Rickshaw Union said earnings of autos and taxis had already fallen and another fare hike, could adversely impact drivers.
Traffic
Massive increase in accidents
In 2015, nearly 550 people lost their lives and left over 2,250 injured in accidents which occurred on internal Mumbai roads. Compared to 2014, there is an increase of a whooping 36% in accidents. Experts and investigators reveal that most fatal accidents occur due to violation of traffic rules. Traffic awareness programmes and stringent enforcement are the only way to reduce accidents.
Kurla
Fire in Kapadia bazaar
There was a fire in Kurla's Kapadia Bazar early today morning. Water tankers and four fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot. According to reports, the fire was promptly brought under control and no casualties were reported. However, a saree, scrap and timber godown were damaged in the fire. The cause of the fire was an electrical short-circuit.