Highest number of Ganpati pandals since 2018
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are back to pre-pandemic fervour this year, with more than 2700 mandals getting a green signal to set up their pandals. The highest since 2018, the civic body has been busy preparing for the festival and is gearing up for immersions now.
The BMC approved 72% of the total 3767 applications. The final number of pandals could be even higher, said Naresh Dahibhavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS).
The single-window system has been a success. Ramakant Biradar, deputy municipal commissioner, said, “Organisers are no longer required to run around different civic departments seeking permission. This has boosted enthusiasm, resulting in a higher number of applications.”
Source: The Indian Express
Immersions begin, BMC cautions about jellyfish sting
Even as the city celebrates Ganpati festival, immersions have begun. On the second day, a total of 65684 immersions of Ganpati idol were recorded. Out of these, 65,351 were individual immersions and 333 were public. More than 27000 immersions were done at the artificial ponds created by BMC.
The BMC has asked citizens to watch out for the Blue Button Jelly Fish and Stingrays during idol immersions on the coast.
These marine organisms have tentacles with stinging ends, which cause irritation when it comes in contact with the human skin. The civic body has put out a list of Do’s and Don’ts such as using gumboots. The bite of a jellyfish or stingray causes itchiness. If citizens have any burning sensation, they should immediately seek medical support.
Source: The Indian Express
Govt schools in the state allowed to be adopted by corporates
The state government has roped in individuals, corporates and NGOs to adopt state-run schools, to improve school infrastructure. A total of 50 lakh students are provided with education in the 62000 government schools across Maharashtra.
This adoption scheme allows corporates and others to provide facilities (no cash donations) for a period of five or 10 years as a part of their social outreach. The GR also states that these government schools can also be named after their respective benefactors during that time.
The decision is strongly opposed by the teachers’ union. “Corporatisation and privatisation are part of the government’s economic policy. There is a plan to destroy the government education system in the state. We will not allow the government to hand over constitutionally mandated education to corporate hands,” said Jalindar Sarode, chief officiating officer of Shikshak Bharati, a teachers’ union.
Source: The Hindustan Times
Read more: Want to start a school in Mumbai? Here’s what you need to know…
Free infertility treatment at Sion hospital
Sion hospital has started offering treatment for infertility. Seven couples have already undergone treatment at Sion hospital. The hospital has kept a private consultant to manage their IVF centre.
Other municipal hospitals are expected to provide the same facilities in the coming months. The BMC has plans to spread out its IVF clinics at Nair hospital and Cooper hospital as well. Ongoing work for the same IVF centre at KEM hospital is at final stage.
Source: The Times of India
Lake levels in seven reservoirs at 98.27%
The collective water stock in the seven lakes, that provide water to Mumbai, has crossed 98%. These seven lakes are Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna. The current available water stock in seven lakes as per the BMC data shows Tansa at 99.26%, Modak-Sagar at 100%, Middle Vaitarna 97.17%, Upper Vaitarna 97.03%, Bhatsa 98.35%, Vihar 100% and Tulsi 100%.
Once the reservoirs overflow, the water supply for the city is assured for the rest of year, till next June. The city has been seeing light to moderate rain lately.
Source: Mid day
(Compiled by Stephin Thomas)