City: Mumbai

Every Saturday, there are neatly lined up boxes of plastics, bottles, electronic waste and more at the gates of many societies in and around Thane. A truck picks it all up, and takes it to Kopri, where it is segregated and sent for recycling. This practice has been in place for a couple for years now, and the response has only multiplied. Women workers, who segregate garbage for a living, and housekeeping staff of residential societies are the main links in efficient solid waste management. Workers, whose livelihoods depend on collection, segregation and selling of dry waste to scrap dealers,…

From Meetha River to a polluted nullah, Mithi River's identity changed a long time ago. A tourist or a newcomer in the city may not even recognise the river due to the waste and sewage deposited over decades. Now, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a new project - rejuvenation of the Mithi River, by way of filtration of 80 lakh litres of water. What is the new project all about?  Under the 'Mithi River Development and Pollution Control Project', the 'Mithi River Water Quality Improvement' initiative has started since January 2023. As part of that, a sewerage treatment…

With admissions going on in full swing, students all over the country are facing a massive ‘career conundrum’- what choice to make after Class12? It is no longer like the old times when engineering, medicine or law were the only choices. From filmmaking to data science, students have a wide array of choices. However, these very choices create a lot of confusion and pressure for young adults.  Parents pushing their child towards a more traditional path comes with its own pressures, and so does choosing a non conventional path. Consequently, many students battle stress and other mental health issues. On…

BMC to change location of public toilet from Marine Drive after residents protest The residents' demand to change the location of the public toilet, which was planned at Marine Drive was accepted by the BMC. Residents claimed the earlier location could destroy the aesthetics of Marine Drive. They suggested an alternative spot near Rajni Patel Marg but it is yet to be confirmed by the civic body. Ashok Gupta from Marine Drive Citizen’s Association (MDCA) was quoted as saying, “While the toilet was being built until Tuesday, the DMC and Harshita Narvekar assured us on Wednesday that the toilet would…

Every morning, Tony Aranha, a resident of Malad West, wakes up to find a pile of garbage right in front of his housing society. The situation is so dire that he avoids stepping out even for bare minimum errands to the nearest market. "It is difficult to walk due to the stench of garbage. The area is extremely unclean, and I feel that the machinery put up by the BMC is ineffective. Instead of going from society to society, the BMC should designate a centre for segregation at Malad," says Tony. Malad (P/N Ward) is one of the most populated…

Home to several prominent hospitals, malls, office complexes, restaurants and residential areas, Parel is a busy, bustling ward in central Mumbai. With more public spaces, the responsibility of waste management and effective ways to manage it rests largely with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). And the civic body has done well. Parel, or the F/S Ward of Mumbai, has the best performance in solid waste management, according to recently released report on civic issues by Praja Foundation. The report goes into the details and statistics of solid waste management (SWM), sewage treatment, and pollution among other civic issues. The report…

Even as Class 10 results are declared and class 12 students continue to appear for various entrance tests and colleges gear up for implementation of NEP, young adults are trying to figure out the “best possible path.” Gone are the days when students chose medical, engineering, law and management as professional courses for successful careers. From social media marketing to cinematography to data science, students have an array of choices. However, this wide range of options for higher education and potentially a long-lasting successful career, creates confusion and immense pressure on young adults, in the age group of 16-19. Students…

It is that time of the year again when students of grade 10 are scrambling to secure admissions in junior colleges. The application process is in full swing, and they're eager to move onto the 11th grade. There is a large number of students, who are not at all bothered to apply to junior colleges. Instead, they are trying to secure a place in the top coaching institutes for JEE and NEET training. This is what is widely known as the 'integrated coaching' structure. In a practice that has been going on for years, students who want to appear for…

Every year the new academic year begins June and July for most colleges. However, this year, it's not the usual reopening of institutes. Students, parents as well as educators are busy understanding the possible implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in Mumbai. Much of this uncertainty and confusion is expected to clear up in the coming weeks. As per the NEP 2020, schools must implement 5+3+3+4 years of education system. However, the Maharashtra State Board, announced that the 10th and 12th standard board exams i.e. the (10+2) system will continue till the academic year 2024-2025. This rules out any…

Dharavi fire breakout, minors also affected On June 11, a massive fire broke out at Dharavi's residential complex on 90 feet road. The fire that engulfed the seven storey building, injured 32 people including 13 minors. It was declared as a level 1 fire by the civic officials. The youngest minor was one-month-old Rewan Sheikh. Based on preliminary reports from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the fire was confined to the electrical wiring and ducting on all floors, a CCTV camera installed on the ground floor, as well as scrap material stored between the fifth and seventh floors. Source: Indian…